SUMMARY: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued an urgent warning about Venezuelan gangs operating in major cities, involved in serious crimes like sex trafficking and murder. Representative Mark Green expressed outrage over the gang’s presence, particularly the violent group Trend Agra. The TBI noted that these gangs engage in human trafficking, organized retail crime, and drug trafficking, often clashing with law enforcement. The Biden Administration is responding with a $12 million reward for the gang’s leaders. The TBI urges the public to report any suspicions of human trafficking to aid in combating these criminal activities.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s director addressed the gang’s presence in the state in a video Friday.

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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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