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: In Kentucky, a man was rescued after being trapped for nearly nine hours at a construction site in Louisville. He fell 10 to 12 feet into a void, becoming buried under gravel and concrete. Rescuers, who had responded to an earlier explosion at a nearby chemical factory that killed two, worked tirelessly by hand to dig him out, shoring up the surrounding debris for safety. The dramatic rescue took place live on local TV, and the man was pulled to safety around 8:30 PM, speaking throughout the ordeal before receiving hospital treatment. Fire Chief praised the rescue as a significant success.

A long and tiring rescue effort in the rubble at a construction site came to an end after nearly nine hours in Kentucky.

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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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