SUMMARY: North Carolina Transportation officials are on track to reopen one lane in each direction of Interstate 40 by New Year’s Day after Hurricane Helen caused significant damage to the eastbound lanes in the Pigeon River Gorge. Crews are currently stabilizing the westbound lanes using soil nail anchor systems and shotcrete for repair. An emergency $10 million contract is in place to expedite the work. Phase one includes reopening one lane westbound and one eastbound, while phase two will involve a permanent fix with stronger retaining walls. Plans are still in early development, and timelines for further construction remain unclear.

Helene washed away parts of the eastbound lanes into the Pigeon River Gorge and crews are working to stabilize the westbound lanes to open them to traffic.

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SUMMARY: At Serenity Towers in East Memphis, nearly 200 elderly and disabled residents are trapped in their apartments due to broken elevators, with no clear solution in sight. The building’s management, Millennia, has a history of unpaid bills, contributing to the repair delays. Attorneys agree on the need to relocate tenants temporarily, but there are no definitive answers regarding when or who will pay for it. Frustration is mounting as residents, some in wheelchairs, are unable to leave their apartments. Attorneys and HUD are working on finding a resolution, but it remains unclear when help will arrive.

Attorneys on both sides agreed that all of the 200 residents at Memphis’ Serenity Towers should be temporarily relocated.

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SUMMARY: Air Force veteran Rachel Suja found peace and a sense of home in her property along the Nolichucky River, where she created a thriving herbal business. However, after relentless rain caused the river to flood, her yard and home were devastated, with mud and water reaching up to the second floor. Despite the damage, Rachel’s community support and her fiancé, Steve Rutter, helped her recover. A viral TikTok video showcasing the flood’s aftermath brought attention to her situation, leading to a GoFundMe campaign. While the loss was hard, Rachel remains hopeful and focused on rebuilding her vision.

Weeks after Hurricane Helene made landfall in East Tennessee, one veteran is still reeling from the fallout.

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