"Mystery seed" packages from China

On January 15, 2026, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued a warning about a sharp spike in unsolicited "mystery seed" packages arriving in the mail, primarily from China. The TDA reported collecting 126 packets in the first 15 days of 2026 alone, with a dramatic surge in reports since an earlier alert on January 5.

This is part of an ongoing issue that began resurfacing in early 2025 (with the first notable case in Clute, Texas, involving unidentified seeds and sometimes an unknown liquid). Since February 2025, the TDA has collected over 1,100 packets total from more than 100 locations across the state.These packages are unsolicited, often labeled with Chinese characters, and may be linked to "brushing scams" (where sellers send unwanted items to fake positive reviews using harvested addresses). The bigger concern is biosecurity: the seeds could contain invasive species, pests, or pathogens that might harm Texas agriculture, ranches, natural resources, or food supply—even one harmful introduction could be devastating.What to do if you receive one (per TDA guidance):

• Do not open the package.
• Do not plant the seeds.
• Do not throw them away (e.g., in trash or toilet), as that risks spreading potential issues.
• Keep it sealed in its original packaging.
• Contact the Texas Department of Agriculture immediately at 1-800-TELL-TDA (835-5832)—they'll arrange safe collection and handling.

Similar reports have appeared in other states recently, but Texas has seen a particularly high volume in this latest wave. Officials emphasize vigilance, as these may look harmless but carry real risks.For the official details, check the TDA website (texasagriculture.gov) or their recent news releases from January 5 and 15, 2026.

Is my car assembled in the USA?

For Toyota vehicles, a VIN beginning with J indicates it was manufactured by Toyota in Japan (as opposed to starting with 1, 4, or 5 for U.S.-built Toyotas, 2 for Canada, or 3 for Mexico).

The 10th character is S, which corresponds to the model year 2025 (using the standard VIN year encoding where S = 2025). 

• JTMRWRFV4SJ087654

For the most precise details (exact model, trim, engine, and plant confirmation), you can enter the full VIN into the official NHTSA VIN decoder at 

https://vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov/decoder/, 

which pulls manufacturer-reported data including the exact build plant and country.

VIN 7MUFBABG9TV102599 is a 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid XSE (AWD).
This model (and all 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross variants, including hybrids) is assembled in the United States at the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) USA plant in Huntsville, Alabama.

• The VIN starts with 7MU, which corresponds to Toyota multipurpose passenger vehicles (SUVs) built at this joint-venture facility in Alabama.
• North American-market Corolla Cross production began at this plant in 2021 (starting with the 2022 model year), and it remains the exclusive assembly location for U.S.-spec models.

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VIN 4T3RWRFV4SU203792 belongs to a 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE AWD.

• Where assembled: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) in Georgetown, Kentucky, USA.
  The WMI "4T3" indicates Toyota assembled in the United States (first digit "4" = USA). Recent/current generation RAV4 Hybrids (including 2025 models) are produced at this plant, Toyota's largest global facility, which has built RAV4 Hybrids since around 2020 and continues to do so for North American market hybrids.
• When assembled: Exact day/month isn't publicly encoded in the VIN or available from free decoders without manufacturer-specific build sheet access (e.g., via Toyota or dealer Monroney sticker/window sticker for this unit).
  Position 10 = S = model year 2025.
  As a 2025 model year vehicle currently listed as new/for sale in early 2026 (listings show it in transit or available around Jan 2026), it was most likely assembled in late 2025 (typical for MY2025 vehicles to start production mid-to-late prior calendar year, ramping up through fall/winter for early next-year sales). For precise build date (month/day), check the certification label/door jamb sticker on the vehicle itself (often shows manufacture month/year) or request the build sheet from a Toyota dealer using the VIN.

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 2 =  Canada

Which Toyota Models Are Built in the U.S.?

Here’s a quick look at some of the Toyota models currently built by American hands:

• Camry / Camry Hybrid: Kentucky
• RAV4 Hybrid: Kentucky
• Highlander / Highlander Hybrid: Indiana
• Sienna (Hybrid): Indiana
• Tacoma: Texas
• Tundra: Texas
• Sequoia: Texas
• Corolla (Hybrid Only): Mississippi

• Georgetown, Kentucky: The location of Toyota’s largest plant on the globe. They build the Camry, Camry Hybrid, and RAV4 Hybrid. This is a great example of precision assembly lines and American talent and dedication.
• Princeton, Indiana: This is where we are producing the Toyota Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, and Sienna cars. Did you know the Sienna is now a hybrid vehicle only? Indiana workers are doing it at scale.
• San Antonio, Texas: This location is all about trucks. The Toyota Tundra and Tacoma are produced here so that American toughness meets Toyota durability. If you have a pickup in your driveway, it likely rolled off the San Antonio assembly line.
• Huntsville, Alabama: Are engines your thing? Alabama has you covered. This plant produces millions of powertrains for Toyota vehicles each year, at a level of quality that is recognized around the world.