⚠️ Ok Jackson, A Statewide Warning Has Been Issued! ⚠️

Cheers To A Beautiful Sunday In The Hub City!

So to be honest, we debated back and forth on whether we wanted to address this issue or not. But since we are building a community here, we thought it was important for you to know!

In Today’s “HubCity Newsletter”:

• Who Are They? 🕵️‍♂️

• Which Cities Are They In? 🗺️

• Impact On Tennessee, West Tennessee & Jackson? 🚨 

• Weekly Events For The Kids 🛝

• Weekly Events For The Whole Family 🎡 

Read Time: 3 - 5 Minutes

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, The Department of Homeland Security & Governor Bill Lee are all sounding the alarm on this one!

West Tennesseeans are no stranger to the ups and downs that come with being a city within proximity to Memphis, but the emergence of Tren de Aragua, a violent Venezuelan gang, is raising alarms across the state. Here’s what you need to know about this criminal organization and its potential impact on our region.

🕵️‍♂️ Who Are They? 🕵️‍♂️

Tren de Aragua, often compared to MS-13 in terms of violence and organization, is Venezuela’s largest criminal gang. Originating in the country’s prison system, the gang grew into a transnational network involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, torture and other violent crimes. 

Known for their willingness to challenge even cartels and openly attacking law enforcement, Tren de Aragua’s members are highly trained and equipped, making them a significant threat wherever they establish operations.

TBI Director David Rausch recently described the gang as “a very violent group of individuals” who are unafraid to attack law enforcement and take on other criminal organizations. Their aggressive approach has earned them a reputation as one of the most dangerous gangs currently operating in the U.S.

🗺️ Which Cities Are They In? 🗺️

According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Tren de Aragua has established a presence in Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Memphis—the state’s four largest cities.

These urban hubs provide fertile ground for their activities, including drug trafficking and territorial control. Memphis, already grappling with high crime rates, is seen as particularly vulnerable due to its location near major transportation routes.

While the TBI emphasizes that Tennessee isn’t alone in facing this issue, the gang’s activity in the state underscores a growing trend.

Reports indicate that Tren de Aragua has infiltrated over 100 U.S. cities, often blending in with recent Venezuelan immigrants, which complicates law enforcement efforts. A few of the most notable takeovers are the apartments in:

1. Colorado 

2. Texas

   neighborhoods in

3. Chicago 

4. New York

5. Nashville

   to name a few.

The concern is that since they are organizing and spreading to more cities, smaller cities who are not prepared will get spillover as the criminals look for new territories!

🚨 Impact on Tennessee, West Tennessee, & Jackson? 🚨

For Jackson and other areas of West Tennessee, the presence of Tren de Aragua in Memphis could have far-reaching consequences. Historically, crime trends in Memphis have spilled over into neighboring cities, and Jackson’s proximity places it at risk of experiencing similar effects.

State leaders, including TBI Director Rausch and Governor Bill Lee, are addressing the issue head-on. Law enforcement agencies across Tennessee are being briefed on identifying and combating Tren de Aragua, with resources dedicated to preparing officers for potential encounters.

The TBI has emphasized the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in mitigating the gang’s impact.

While the situation is concerning, it’s also an opportunity for Jackson to rally as a community. Increased awareness and collaboration with law enforcement can help prevent Tren de Aragua from gaining a foothold here.

For residents, staying informed and supporting local safety initiatives will be key to ensuring that Jackson remains a safe and thriving city.

By spotlighting this issue, we aim to keep families and residents across West Tennessee informed about the challenges facing our region. We will end this by saying that, this is not just an issue Jackson, West Tennessee, or Tennessee is facing. This is an issue that we as a nation are facing and we need to face this issue together!

Sorry to dump this heavy subject on you this Sunday but we want to keep our beautiful growing community informed as much as possible. And while we do our best to stay away from specifically reporting crime and talking politics, we felt this was a need to know topic!

Well that’s all from us this week! "We want to hear from you! 👇"
Take a quick moment to share your thoughts on this important topic.

Please be sure to check out all of the amazing curated events happening in and around The Hub City!

Monday, November 18th

Story Time 📖
Date: Monday, November 18th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location:Main Library
Price: Free

Tuesday, November 19th

Exoplanets: Discovering New Worlds 🔭
Date: Tuesday, November 19th
Time: 5:30PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Tween & Teen Sewing 🧶
Date: Tuesday, November 19th
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Age: 11 - 18 (Parent Must Be Present For 12 & Under)
Additional Details: All Skill Levels Are Welcomed, We Will Be Making Ornaments Or Stockings.

Wednesday, November 20th

Teen Anime Club
Date: Wednesday, November 20th
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 13 - 18 Years Old
Additional Details: This Is Your Teens' Opportunity To Hang Out With Other Lovers Of Anime & Manga.  There Will Be Games, Crafts & So Much More!

Thursday, November 21st

JMCL Family Game Night 🎲
Date: Thursday, November 21st
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: This Is A Game Night For The Whole Family!  Come Play Chess, Checkers, Monopoly, Uno, Catan & So Many Other Fun Games We Have.

Friday, November 22nd

Toddler Open Time 🤸
Date: Friday, November 22nd
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Arrow Athletics
Price: $10
Ages: 5 & Under
Additional Details: Start Your Morning At The Gym With Friends While Your Toddler Plays To Get Some Energy Out As Well!

The Grinch Takes Over Pyro’s 🍕
Date: Friday, November 22nd
Time: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Location: PYRO'S
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: Be Sure To Spread The Word, Until Everyone Has Heard!  The Grinch Will Be A Pyro’s Pizza!  The Location Will Be Transformed Into The Magical Land Of Whoville! So Get Ready To Experience The Sights, Sounds, & Tastes Of Whoville!

Saturday, November 23rd

Two Small Pieces of Glass 🔭
Date: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Santa, Snow, & Cocoa 🧑‍🎄
Date: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: There Will Be Free Cocoa For The Kids & Food Trucks On Site! Be Ready To Capture Your Magical Moments With Santa!

Pokemon Trading Club
Date: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Additional Details: Meetup With Other Pokemon Enthusiasts To Talk, Make New Friends, Trade Pokemon Cards & Have Fun.

Monday, November 18th

Bingo & Brownies 🟫
Date: Monday, November 18th
Time: 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: Entry for Bingo (Free) Brownies & Drink $3

Story Time 📖
Date: Monday, November 18th
Time: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Location:Main Library
Price: Free

Tuesday, November 19th

Exoplanets: Discovering New Worlds 🔭
Date: Tuesday, November 19th
Time: 5:30PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Lambuth Pop Ensemble Fall 2024 Concert 🎶
Date: Tuesday, November 19th
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: The Hamilton Performing Arts Center
Price: Free
Additional Details: Come On Out & Support Local Artists Right Here In Jackson At This Year’s Pop Ensemble!

American Sign Language Class 👌
Date: Tuesday, November 19th
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: All Ages Welcome

Tween & Teen Sewing 🧶
Date: Tuesday, November 19th
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Age: 11 - 18 (Parent Must Be Present For 12 & Under)
Additional Details: All Skill Levels Are Welcomed, We Will Be Making Ornaments Or Stockings.

Wednesday, November 20th

Teen Anime Club
Date: Wednesday, November 20th
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Price: Free
Ages: 13 - 18 Years Old
Additional Details: This Is Your Teens' Opportunity To Hang Out With Other Lovers Of Anime & Manga.  There Will Be Games, Crafts & So Much More!

Thursday, November 21st

Foster Care Q&A Panel 👪
Date: Thursday, November 21st
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Youth Villages
Price: Free
Additional Details: This Event Is Designed To Equip Those Who Are Considering Taking The Foster Care Journey! There Will Be A Q&A Panel WIth Social Workers & Foster Parents To Help Give Answers and Insight On This Journey. Dinner Will Be Provided!

JMCL Family Game Night 🎲
Date: Thursday, November 21st
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Main Library
Price: Free
Additional Details: This Is A Game Night For The Whole Family!  Come Play Chess, Checkers, Monopoly, Uno, Catan & So Many Other Fun Games We Have.

Thanksgiving Themed Trivia Night 🦃
Date: Thursday, November 21st
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Beech Bluff Recreation Center
Price: $5 (Includes Entry, Snacks & Drink)

Friday, November 22nd

Exoplanets: Discovering New Worlds 🔭
Date: Friday, November 22nd
Time: 5:30PM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

2024 FCE Christmas Cottage 🎄
Date: Friday, November 22nd
Time: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: Madison County Agricultural Complex
Price: Free
Additional Details: Get Ready For An Event That Will Have A Bit Of Everything! Unique Christmas Ornaments, Teacher Gifts, Baked Goods, Selfie Picture Booth, Household Items, Dip & Drink Mixes, & More!

Toddler Open Time 🤸
Date: Friday, November 22nd
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Arrow Athletics
Price: $10
Ages: 5 & Under
Additional Details: Start Your Morning At The Gym With Friends While Your Toddler Plays To Get Some Energy Out As Well!

The Grinch Takes Over Pyro’s 🍕
Date: Friday, November 22nd
Time: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Location: PYRO'S
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: Be Sure To Spread The Word, Until Everyone Has Heard!  The Grinch Will Be A Pyro’s Pizza!  The Location Will Be Transformed Into The Magical Land Of Whoville! So Get Ready To Experience The Sights, Sounds, & Tastes Of Whoville!

USJ Annual Holiday Mart 🛍️
Date: Friday, November 22nd
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Carl Perkins Civic Center
Price: $12 General Admission
Additional Details: This Is The Annual Event To Kick Off The Holiday Season, With This Year's Sponsor Being Cadence Bank! Come Out For Some Local Holiday Shopping, Food & More!

Furry Friends Festival 🐇
Date:  Friday, November 22nd
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Jackson Fairgrounds
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: This Is A Unique Indoor Rabbit Show With Judges Coming From Multiple States, With Over 11 Breeds In Attendance. 

Fall Family Night Out 🎉
Date: Friday, November 22nd
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Arrow Athletics
Price: (Check For Pricing)
Additional Details: Here’s To A Night Of Food Trucks, Games, Our Kids Zone & Live Music Concert!

Saturday, November 23rd

USJ Annual Holiday Mart 🛍️
Date: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Carl Perkins Civic Center
Price: $12 General Admission
Additional Details: This Is The Annual Event To Kick Off The Holiday Season, With This Year's Sponsor Being Cadence Bank! Come Out For Some Local Holiday Shopping, Food & More!

The Grinch Takes Over Pyro’s 🍕
Date: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Location: PYRO'S
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: Be Sure To Spread The Word, Until Everyone Has Heard!  The Grinch Will Be A Pyro’s Pizza!  The Location Will Be Transformed Into The Magical Land Of Whoville! So Get Ready To Experience The Sights, Sounds, & Tastes Of Whoville!

2024 FCE Christmas Cottage 🎄
Date: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Madison County Agricultural Complex
Price: Free
Additional Details: Get Ready For An Event That Will Have A Bit Of Everything! Unique Christmas Ornaments, Teacher Gifts, Baked Goods, Selfie Picture Booth, Clothing, Household Items, Dip & Drink Mixes, & More!

Two Small Pieces of Glass 🔭
Date: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: 9:30 AM
Location: M. D. Anderson Planetarium
Price: Free
Additional Details: No Food Or Drinks Allowed. Please 15 Minutes Early & No Entry Once The Show Starts.

Santa, Snow, & Cocoa 🧑‍🎄
Date: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: There Will Be Free Cocoa For The Kids & Food Trucks On Site! Be Ready To Capture Your Magical Moments With Santa!

Pokemon Trading Club
Date: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Downtown Library
Additional Details: Meetup With Other Pokemon Enthusiasts To Talk, Make New Friends, Trade Pokemon Cards & Have Fun.

Sunday, November 24th

USJ Annual Holiday Mart 🛍️
Date: Sunday, November 24th
Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Carl Perkins Civic Center
Price: $12 General Admission
Additional Details: This Is The Annual Event To Kick Off The Holiday Season, With This Year's Sponsor Being Cadence Bank! Come Out For Some Local Holiday Shopping, Food & More!

The Grinch Takes Over Pyro’s 🍕
Date: Sunday, November 24th
Time: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Location: PYRO'S
Price: Free Entry
Additional Details: Be Sure To Spread The Word, Until Everyone Has Heard!  The Grinch Will Be A Pyro’s Pizza!  The Location Will Be Transformed Into The Magical Land Of Whoville! So Get Ready To Experience The Sights, Sounds, & Tastes Of Whoville!