SUMMARY: After 33 days of searching following deadly flooding, rescue crews in Unoy County recovered the last missing body, identified as 29-year-old Rosa Andrad, an employee of Impact Plastics. Rosa was among six workers who were lost in the incident. She was last heard from on September 27 while at work. Her body was found near I-26 during debris cleanup operations. The recovery brings relief to her family and colleagues, although the investigation into the flooding and its causes continues. Authorities and Impact Plastics are collaborating on this investigation and have not yet released detailed findings.

Rosa was the last missing person in Unicoi County after flooding from Helene swept several employees away in September. She leaves behind a husband and two children.

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SUMMARY: Recent data from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicates a decline in military suicides to an average of 17 daily. This crisis was highlighted by the tragic story of Timothy Brandon Lay, a Marine from East Tennessee who died by suicide 1,417 days ago. Despite excelling in military service, Lay battled psychological demons post-deployment, dedicating himself to helping other veterans. His struggles went unnoticed until it was too late, raising questions about systemic failures to support veterans. His father, Keith Lay, advocates for mental health awareness, encouraging veterans to seek help and not face isolation, urging others to utilize resources like the Veterans Suicide Hotline at 988.

“Seek help. Don’t be embarrassed. Don’t be ashamed.” — The plea to military veterans and families from the father of an East Tennessee Marine who took his own life.

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SUMMARY: Tennessee ranks eighth in the Tax Foundation’s 2025 State Tax Competitiveness report but will likely remain there until it eliminates two business taxes. Its high sales tax rate of 7% is the second highest in the U.S., and the state holds a low rank of 48th in corporate taxes due to a capital stock tax. Despite some recent tax reforms, Tennessee’s reliance on sales taxes instead of income taxes is seen as economically beneficial. The top states for tax competitiveness include Wyoming and Florida, while New Jersey ranks among the least favorable due to high rates and complex tax structures.

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