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The Department of Education is inviting applications for the Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP) for fiscal year 2025. This initiative aims to fund projects that improve career and technical education for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, consistent with the goals of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Alaska Native entities. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a notice of intent by February 6, 2025, with the final application due by March 10, 2025.

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) has introduced proposed rules requiring certain registered public accounting firms to report firm- and engagement-level metrics on their audit practices. These metrics will provide stakeholders like investors and audit committees with valuable insights into audit processes, helping them make informed decisions. The metrics cover areas such as partner and manager involvement, workload, training, and retention of audit personnel. The PCAOB believes this initiative will enhance investor protection and foster transparency by offering more consistent and comparable information about audits and auditors.

The Department of Education is inviting applications for the Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) program for the fiscal year 2021, under the Assistance Listing Number 84.215J. This program supports schools that provide a range of services, including educational, social, and health services, particularly in high-poverty areas. Interested entities, such as local educational agencies and community organizations, must submit applications by March 1, 2021, and are required to match funds as part of their budget. The program emphasizes collaboration among partners to effectively deliver services to children and families.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is updating an existing system of records managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and renamed it to "NIH Loan Repayment Records." This update also includes proposed exemptions for some records from certain requirements of the Privacy Act, intended to protect the identity of those who provide information in confidence. The system is used to manage and evaluate educational Loan Repayment Programs, which help repay loans for individuals conducting biomedical and behavioral research. Public comments on these changes can be submitted until March 15, 2021, and the new system will be effective after any feedback is addressed.

The Department of Education is inviting applications for grants under the Demonstration Grants for Indian Children and Youth Program. This program aims to support community-driven projects that create innovative services to improve the educational opportunities for Indian students. The Department is offering an estimated $20 million for this competition, with awards ranging from $400,000 to $500,000 each. These projects should focus on preparing Native youth for college and careers and may gain additional points if they include partnerships with local businesses or focus on early learning initiatives.

The Federal Communications Commission has issued a new rule that changes several unbundling and resale requirements for telecommunications services. The rule eliminates certain obligations that require incumbent local exchange carriers (LECs) to offer unbundled access to their network elements, such as loop and transport facilities, where there is sufficient evidence of competition. The rule also ends the Avoided-Cost Resale requirements, which previously allowed competitive carriers to resell services at discounted rates, except for 911/E911 databases and operations support systems used for remaining obligations. The decision aims to encourage the transition to next-generation networks and services by removing outdated regulations where competition now exists.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has adopted a final rule under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to improve transparency in the extraction industry. This rule requires companies involved in the extraction of oil, natural gas, or minerals to report payments made to foreign governments or the U.S. federal government for resource development. Companies must include details about the type and amount of payments, and this information must be presented publicly in a specific electronic format. The rule aims to deter corruption and promote accountability, although some exemptions and delayed reporting options are available to reduce the compliance burden on smaller companies.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has finalized rules regarding salamanders to protect U.S. ecosystems from the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). These rules affirm the 2016 interim rule that listed 20 genera of salamanders as injurious and add 16 more genera to the list. The regulation prohibits the import and transport of these genera among certain U.S. jurisdictions, with exceptions for purposes like scientific research. This action aims to prevent the introduction and spread of Bsal, which can have devastating effects on native salamander populations.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a final rule revising the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS). This rule mandates that state Title IV-E agencies collect and report more detailed data related to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) for children in foster care. The aim is to better understand the experiences and outcomes for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and to improve culturally responsive care. States are given a three-year timeframe to implement these changes, which will take effect on October 1, 2028.

The Department of State has updated the Exchange Visitors Skills List, which identifies countries that need people with certain specialized skills. This list is used to see if someone in the U.S. on a "J" nonimmigrant exchange visa must spend two years in their home country before applying for other U.S. visas. This updated list replaces the previous version from 2009 and incorporates factors like a country’s GDP and migration rates to decide which skills are necessary. This list helps with U.S. foreign policy and doesn't require the usual public comment process due to its relation to foreign affairs.