NEWS AND OPINION:
“U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) officers at the Pharr International Bridge intercepted $21.2 million in methamphetamine concealed within a shipment manifested as tomatillos,” the OFO advised in a report released Saturday.
A tomatillo — or “Mexican husk tomato” — is a small green fruit which originated in Mexico and often ends up in enchiladas and salsa, among other dishes.
“This massive load of harmful narcotics will not make it to American streets thanks to our vigilant CBP officers who continue to thwart these smuggling attempts,” Port Director Carlos Rodriguez said in a statement released by CPB.
The bridge where the seizure took place crosses the Rio Grande and connects Pharr, Texas, with the city of Reynosa in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas.
“On January 8, CBP officers assigned to the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility encountered a tractor trailer making entry from Mexico. The tractor trailer was selected for inspection, which included utilization of non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment and screening by a (canine team). After physically inspecting the shipment, officers extracted 398 packages of alleged methamphetamine weighing nearly 2,379 pounds (1079 kg) concealed within the trailer,” the CBP said in the news release.
“CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents initiated a criminal investigation,” the release advised.
VANCE HAS A SAY
Vice President-elect J.D. Vance has offered a new observation about President Biden.
“I wish Joe Biden all the best. But the fact is he left us a dumpster fire, not just at the border but also with the economy,” Mr. Vance told “Fox News Sunday” host Shannon Bream, citing the enormous federal debt, inflation, the rising price of U.S. Treasury bonds, oil prices and other serious matters.
”He actually hasn’t left the American people in good economic condition. That’s why they made Donald J. Trump the president-elect of the United States. So we’ve got a lot of work to do,” he continued.
“I will always be an optimist about our country, but I think that that optimism has to start with a bit of realism. And the real truth is that Joe Biden has left us a dumpster fire. Donald Trump is going to have to put it out. But he’s good at doing that,” Mr. Vance advised.
THE ACTORS STEP UP
“As the economic toll of the wildfires ripping through Los Angeles County continues to rise, performers’ union SAG-AFTRA has pledged $1 million to help union members impacted by the disaster,” writes Katie Kilkenny, who covers labor and media issues for the Hollywood Reporter.
The union is donating the funds to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, a nonprofit group that offers emergency financial aid and education services to union members.
For those who may wonder, SAG stands for Screen Actors Guild, AFTRA stands for American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
“I want to thank and recognize our broadcast journalist members who are out every day amid flames, smoke and fiery embers battling to bring this important news to the world. The destruction caused by these blazes, the loss of life and homes, has been gut-wrenching to experience, and of course our hearts go out to all affected,” Fran Drescher, president of the actor’s union, said in a statement released Saturday.
“But we knew we could do more. We hope this pledge helps relieve suffering and assists those impacted in putting their lives back together after this calamity. I have personally been affected by the fires and I feel deeply for others who are experiencing this tragedy. These are particularly stressful times. Stress compromises the immune system so we must be mindful of taking measures to support our health,” Ms. Drescher said.
SO FAR, SO GOOD
“As he prepares for his second term in the White House, most voters think Donald Trump is doing a good job with the presidential transition,” advises Rasmussen Reports.
And the latest findings from the pollster and news organization?
“The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 54% of likely U.S. voters approve of the way President-elect Trump is handling his presidential transition, including 35% who strongly approve. Another 42% disapprove, including 32% who strongly disapprove of how Trump is handling the transition,” the pollster said in a brief analysis of the findings.
The survey of 1,277 likely U.S. voters was conducted by telephone Jan. 5-7.
BAND ON THE MOVE
The Mean Green Marching Machine Band of Mississippi Valley State University is seeking funds to travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in the Inaugural Parade.
The 250-member band has played on many stages, notably the 60th Presidential Inauguration Parade — with hopes of returning to the 61st parade. The band has almost reached its goal of raising $300,000 for the trip. But not quite.
Find their fundraiser on gofundme.com and enter the words “Mean Green” in the search function, which will take you here.
FOR THE LEXICON
“Moody and masculine.”
This phrase comes to us from HGTV, the cable channel focused on the nation’s interest in their homes and gardens. It is one of the network’s “top design prediction for 2025,” according to a new report.
“A welcome break from the all-white-everywhere look, get ready to embrace rich brown, burgundy, deep wine and plum. Mixed with white, these tones create a high-contrast look. When mixed with natural woods, they become earthy. Choose darker woods with a higher sheen for an elegant, elevated vibe,” Elizabeth Gullett — an interior designer based in Memphis, Tennessee — told the network.
POLL DU JOUR
• 27% of U.S. adults say inflation is the nation’s most important issue.
• 12% cite jobs and the economy, 12% health care.
• 10% immigration, 7% cite climate change.
• 5% national security, 5% cite civil rights.
• 4% taxes and government spending, 4% cite abortion; 4% civil liberties.
• 3% cite guns. 3% education.
• 2% cite crime.
• 1% cite foreign policy, 1% cite criminal justice reform.
SOURCE: An Economist/YouGov poll of 1,704 U.S. adults conducted Jan. 5-8.
• Follow Jennifer Harper on X @HarperBulletin, on Facebook @HarperUniverse.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.