More *LOCAL* news is what we all need! Named 'Best News Anchor' by Associated Press in DC region. Adventurer, hubby & have 4 funny dogs. WATCH @7newsdc 5, 6 &11
Freddie the Customs & Border Protection dog at it again!
This time, he sniffed out multiple bags of Jequirity bean seeds and 170 red tail feathers from the African gray parrot.
They were in the baggage of a traveler coming into Dulles from Nigeria.
BTW, Freddie is the resilient little guy who was kicked by a traveler a year ago & injured but he's back on the job and this was the 200th time last month that he alerted to something for a search.
So what's the deal with those items?
Well, according to @CBP at @Dulles_Airport :
Jequirity bean, or rosary pea, plants are common to tropical regions. These plants create seeds, known as “cat eye seeds,” that contain toxic levels of abrin. In African culture, cat eye seeds are used in prayer beads, percussion drums, and talismans, and users brew Jequirity bean seeds into teas to drink during spiritual rituals. They are alleged to attract good luck and have powerful protective and energy-balancing properties. Jequirity bean plants and seeds are strictly prohibited or regulated in the United States due to the extreme toxicity of its seeds.
African gray parrots are an endangered species and classified among the highest level of international protections by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. African gray parrots are also a highly trafficked species in the illegal wildlife trade because they are known as one of the most intelligent birds globally and closely mimic human speech. Each African gray parrot has 12 red tail feathers. The red tail feathers are known to be used in African spiritual rituals and cultural ceremonies, and on jewelry and masks.
@Dave7News Thank you, Dave! It requires massive amounts of coordination & cooperation between the country's best. They're active every day so this is just one small look at their impressive work!
SNEAK PEEK: If you're trying to figure out where to watch the fireworks from...here's a simulated look at what you'll see from multiple locations around the DMV. 🎆🧨🎇
PUBLIC *NOT* ALLOWED...
Due to 'excessive heat', the public has been told NOT to show up for the 'A Capitol Fourth Concert' rehearsal.
Only essential personnel will be allowed.
This is traditionally a well attended event but the temperatures are expected to be around 100 at the time and the Office of the Attending Physician declared it is unsafe for a massive crowd.
***ALSO*** see the last line below ⬇️ saying we should expect an announcement Friday morning at 10 am about the status of the concert.
@7NewsDC Will keep you updated!
EXCLUSIVE: See what it's like when F-16 fighter jets race up to intercept our plane for flying into restricted airspace. It's a critical training mission that few people ever get to experience...and is crucial to keeping us all safe. @NORADCommand@7NewsDC
NEW INFORMATION:
Heads up! If you are going to celebrate the Fourth of July on the National Mall, clarified rules are here:
–NO backpacks, coolers or folding chairs
-Free water refill stations on site
-President Trump plans to speak for 45 minutes starting at 9:45
–Fireworks scheduled to begin at 10:30
Stay with @7NewsDC for updates and changes—plus a REALLY HOT forecast that day with ‘feels like’ temperatures close to 100 and the potential for thunderstorms
Let's hope not but there *are* very serious concerns by folks in our weather department who worry about how everyone will handle the heat & the need to stay hydrated. Of course, equally important, if there are thunderstorms (and evacuations, which has happened before) people need to plan ahead of time, where they will go.
ICYMI: The Washington Monument will be illuminated again from July 1-July 5!
Back by popular demand, this illumination is one of many @Freedom250 attractions we have at @NationalMallNPS this week to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.