WASHINGTON – Last night, the END FENTANYL ACT was signed into law. This bill, introduced by Senator Mike Braun, Senator Rick Scott, and Senators Jacky Rosen, Mark Kelly, and Maggie Hassan, will require the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to update its policies at least once every three years to ensure operational field manuals, including their drug interdiction guidance, are up to date.

This legislation builds off the 2019 GAO report, “Land Ports of Entry: CBP Should Update Policies and Enhance Analysis of Inspections,” that found drug interdiction guidance has not been updated in 20years.

“Our communities are under attack from deadly fentanyl. The END FENTANYL Act makes sure Customs and Border Protection policies are up to date to best stop fentanyl from entering our country and killing Americans.” – Senator Mike Braun

“For nearly two years, I have been fighting to make my bipartisan END FENTANYL Act law. I am proud that Congress finally passed, and the president signed into law, this important legislation to better combat America’s lethal opioid epidemic. President Biden must do more to secure the border and stop the deadly fentanyl that continues to flow illegally into the U.S. over the southern border and kills tens of thousands of our citizens. I look forward to seeing the Biden administration immediately implement this law and give America’s brave CBP agents the tools needed to keep these dangerous drugs out of our communities. While nothing can heal the crushing heartbreak felt by the hundreds of thousands of families torn apart by fentanyl and who have lost loved ones, the END FENTANYL Act will make a difference in our fight to end the suffering. I am grateful for the strong support of Senators Jacky Rosen, Mike Braun, Maggie Hassan and Mark Kelly, and Representatives Michael Guest and David Trone in getting this done.” – Senator Rick Scott

The END FENTANYL Act:

Requires the Commissioner of CBP to review and update the Office of Field Operations’ policies and handbooks, as necessary and at least once every three years in order to respond to illegal activity, such as the trafficking of drugs and humans, along the border.

Requires the Commissioner of CBP to submit a report to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives that summarizes the policy and manual changes every three years.

INDIANAPOLIS-Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced he appointed Deputy Director Joseph M. Habig as the acting budget director of the State Budget Agency. Habig will replace Budget Director Zac Jackson who will step down from his role on April 5.

“Joe has proven his dedication, financial expertise and leadership qualities during some of the most unpredictable times in recent history,” Gov. Holcomb said. “He is a steward of fiscal leadership who cares deeply about the future of Indiana which is why he is the perfect candidate to provide the continuity during the remainder of my administration.”

Habig will continue to serve in his current role as deputy director of the State Budget Agency while taking on the duties of budget director. As acting director, he will work with agencies to prepare the next biennial budget.

Habig has served more than eight years in Indiana’s Army National Guard and is currently an infantry officer in the 1^st Battalion 151^st Infantry Regiment of the 76^th Infantry Brigade.

He earned an undergraduate degree from Indiana University and a master’s degree from Indiana University’s Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Small-scale dog park will be free and open to community

ANNOUNCEMENT – March 20, 2024: The Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District (EID) announces the start of construction on the Earthborn Holistic Pet Nutrition Dog Park in Downtown Evansville. The small-scale dog park will be located at Ingle and Third Streets.

The park will be free to use and will include small agility items, benches, and a dog waste station. The EID will be responsible for maintenance and upkeep.

Earthborn Holistic Pet Nutrition is the naming sponsor in recognition for their generous donation. Earthborn Holistic Pet Nutrition is proudly produced by Midwestern Pet Foods in Evansville. The EID is continuing to fundraise for the project. A final list of sponsors will be shared at the ribbon cutting, tentatively scheduled for May 2024.

The land is owned by the Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) and is leased by the EID. EWSU continues its efforts to improve storm water systems, and currently plans to use the park’s underground area for a large water holding tank by approximately 2037.

“The space is within feet of hundreds of pet-loving Downtown households, and hundreds of hotel rooms. We are thrilled to bring this quality of place amenity to Downtown, and thank our sponsors for their support,” said Adam Trinkel, EID Executive Director.

media reports Feb 25-March 2, 2024