Search Results for keywords:"Native Arts

In a recent decision, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chose not to adopt the rules it proposed in 2015 to reserve a vacant channel in the UHF Television Band for use by white space devices and wireless microphones. The FCC found that these rules were no longer necessary due to changes in the TV spectrum landscape following the Incentive Auction and actions the FCC has taken since 2015 to support these technologies. They believe continuing with existing measures is more effective and avoids burdening broadcasters with additional requirements. Consequently, the FCC has ended the proceeding.

The Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated procedures for submitting Form I-140, which is used for immigrant petitions by alien workers. These changes come after the Department of Labor (DOL) implemented the new Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) system. Now, employers must submit a printed copy of the electronic Final Determination from the new system when filing Form I-140, which USCIS will consider as an original, approved labor certification. This update aligns with DOL's new electronic processing and information-sharing protocol, streamlining how labor certifications and prevailing wage determinations are handled.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing a rule to exempt certain Whole Health well-being services from copayment requirements for Veterans. These services include education and skill-building programs, and complementary and integrative health services like yoga and meditation, provided within the VA Whole Health System of Care. By removing copayments, the aim is to encourage more Veterans to engage in these services, which focus on overall well-being rather than specific medical conditions. The public can submit their comments on this proposal by March 4, 2025.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a final rule to impose import restrictions on certain archaeological and ethnological materials from Morocco. These restrictions are based on an agreement between the U.S. and Moroccan governments, under the Convention on Cultural Property Implementation Act, to help protect Morocco's cultural heritage from illegal pillage. The rule identifies specific categories of artifacts, such as items made from stone, ceramic, metal, and textiles, as well as architectural elements and manuscripts from Islamic cultures that are subject to these restrictions. The regulation is effective as of January 15, 2021, and aims to ensure that these cultural items are legally exported and not in violation of Moroccan laws.

The U.S. Department of State has determined that certain culturally significant objects are being imported for temporary display in the "Neue Sachlichkeit/New Objectivity" exhibition at the Neue Galerie in New York, with potential other venues. These objects are considered important for cultural purposes, and their display in the U.S. is in the national interest. Public notice of these determinations has been ordered for publication in the Federal Register. For more information, interested parties can contact Reed Liriano at the Department of State.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has proposed changes to the regulations implementing the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). These changes aim to clarify exemptions to the registration requirement, define what constitutes "informational materials," and modernize how information is submitted and labeled, especially considering new technology like the internet. The DOJ seeks public comments on the proposed rules by March 3, 2025, which are intended to ensure transparency about those acting as foreign agents in the U.S. while easing the filing process through an online system.

The U.S. Department of Labor is updating the civil monetary penalties it can impose, based on inflation, as part of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. This requires an annual review and adjustment of penalty amounts to ensure they keep pace with inflation. These updates are set to take effect on January 15, 2021, and apply to penalties assessed after this date. Different divisions within the Department, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Mine Safety and Health Administration, are involved in overseeing these changes, which aim to maintain their deterrent effect.

The U.S. Department of Labor issued a final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties for inflation, as required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. This rule, effective January 15, 2025, ensures that penalties keep up with inflation, applying a cost-of-living adjustment multiplier based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. The adjustments apply to penalties assessed after the effective date, maintaining the penalties' deterrent effect. This regulation does not consider public comments due to the non-discretionary nature of the inflation adjustments mandated by the Act.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has introduced a final rule called the Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees. This rule aims to prevent businesses from misleading consumers about the prices of live-event tickets and short-term lodging. It requires businesses to clearly disclose the total price that includes all mandatory fees, to avoid bait-and-switch tactics that hide the real cost. The rule also prohibits businesses from lying about the nature, purpose, amount, or refundability of these fees, ensuring that consumers have a true understanding of the cost before making a purchase.

The State Department has issued a notice regarding the temporary import of culturally significant artworks for an exhibition titled "Soutine/de Kooning: Conversations in Paint" at The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia. These objects are being brought from overseas under agreements with foreign owners and will be displayed in the U.S. because they are deemed culturally important and beneficial to the national interest. The determinations were made under various legal authorities to ensure compliance with international cultural agreements.