A four-year-old boy died in a New York City shelter after a suspected fentanyl exposure. Police responded to the child’s medical episode, administering Narcan after finding him unresponsive and with abdominal bruising. The parents acknowledged the presence of fentanyl, and while they are being questioned, the investigation is ongoing. This tragedy follows a similar incident last year where a toddler died from fentanyl exposure at a daycare, highlighting the ongoing dangers of fentanyl.
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Grei Mendez, owner of a Bronx day care, received a 45-year prison sentence for her role in the fentanyl death of 22-month-old Nicholas Feliz-Dominici. Mendez pleaded guilty to drug charges, including conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death, after police discovered a large quantity of fentanyl hidden in the day care. This sentence mirrors that of her husband, who also pleaded guilty to related charges. Three other children were also exposed to the fentanyl but survived.
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Under the Trump administration, the use of CIA drones for surveillance of Mexican drug cartels is expanding significantly, extending “well into sovereign Mexico.” This escalation follows Trump’s designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, facilitating a more aggressive counter-narcotics strategy. The drones, equipped with advanced sensors and AI, are primarily used to gather intelligence on cartel operations, including fentanyl production, and this information is shared with Mexican authorities. While lethal action is currently prohibited, the increased surveillance aims to disrupt cartel activities and address the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
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Following a meeting at the White House, Canadian premiers reported a “constructive” conversation with senior Trump advisors regarding the threatened US tariffs on Canadian goods. The premiers emphasized the strong economic ties between the two nations and Canada’s role as a secure supplier of essential commodities. While the US cited national security and unfair trade practices as justifications, Canadian officials highlighted the deep integration of their steel and aluminum sectors and Canada’s ongoing efforts to address US border security concerns, including the recent appointment of a new fentanyl czar. The potential impact of the tariffs, particularly the stacking effect on steel and aluminum, remains a significant concern for Canada.
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John Q. Hosedrinker