Podcasts about National Congress

Tribal officials are among those pushing back against President Donald Trump's plan to cut off some $500 million dollars in federal funds used for tribal housing, business development and infrastructure projects. The National Congress of American Indians calls the action by Trump related to the federal government shutdown “a critical threat to our communities' economic future.” Trump's intended elimination of the Treasury Department's Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund is the latest blow from the government shutdown that could have series consequences for Native Nations. GUESTS Larry Wright Jr. (Ponca), executive director of the National Congress of American Indians and former chairman of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Sherry Rupert (Paiute and Washoe), CEO of the American Indigenous Tourism Association Kim Pate (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Mississippi Band of Choctaw), NDN Fund Managing Director Dave Tovey (Cayuse/Joseph Band Nez Perce), Executive Director of Nixyáawii Community Financial Services (NCFS)

Tribal officials are among those pushing back against President Donald Trump's plan to cut off some $500 million dollars in federal funds used for tribal housing, business development and infrastructure projects. The National Congress of American Indians calls the action by Trump related to the federal government shutdown “a critical threat to our communities' economic future.” Trump's intended elimination of the Treasury Department's Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund is the latest blow from the government shutdown that could have series consequences for Native Nations.

Two years ago, Taiwan bartender Danny Hsu brought his 12 years of mixology experience from Taichung, a city in China's Taiwan region, and opened Stirred Bar in the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, a historical architectural complex in downtown Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian province.两年前，中国台湾地区台中市的调酒师许丹尼（Danny Hsu）带着12年的调酒经验，在福建省会福州市中心的历史建筑群三坊七巷开设了“Stirred Bar”酒吧。Hsu enjoys experimentally incorporating fresh fruits, tea, coffee and even unexpected ingredients like vinegar and chili into his cocktails, conveying unique tastes and his understanding of life.许丹尼喜欢在调酒中尝试加入新鲜水果、茶、咖啡，甚至醋、辣椒等非常规原料，以此传递独特的口感和他对生活的理解。His latest creation is a cocktail symbolizing the fusion of cultures across the Taiwan Strait, blending full-bodied Kaoliang liquor, a specialty from Taiwan, with the gentle aroma of Fuzhou's jasmine tea.他最新创作的一款鸡尾酒象征着两岸文化融合，将台湾特产的醇厚高粱酒与福州茉莉花茶的淡雅香气相融合。"The fiery spirit meets the sweet jasmine flowers, just like the ongoing cross-Strait integration," he said.他表示：“浓烈的酒香邂逅清甜的茉莉，就像正在推进的两岸融合发展一样。”Oct 25 marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's retrocession. Since its return to the motherland in 1945, cross-Strait relations have experienced twists and turns, but integrated development has always been the main historical trend.10月25日是台湾光复80周年纪念日。自1945年回归祖国以来，两岸关系虽历经波折，但融合发展始终是历史主流。Fujian and Taiwan are connected by a single body of water, and share the same ancestry, culture and customs, with about 80 percent of Taiwan's population tracing its ancestry back to Fujian. Such closeness gives the coastal province an irreplaceable role in promoting peaceful cross-Strait development and reunification.福建与台湾隔海相望、同根同源、文化相通、习俗相近，约80%的台湾民众祖籍在福建。这种特殊的亲缘联系，让福建在推动两岸和平发展、促进祖国统一进程中具有不可替代的作用。Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, President Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has made three field trips to Fujian, consistently emphasizing cross-Strait integrated development.自2012年中国共产党第十八次全国代表大会以来，中共中央总书记、国家主席、中央军委主席习近平已三次赴福建考察，始终强调推动两岸融合发展。In his latest tour to the province last year, Xi reiterated the call for Fujian to make greater progress in exploring the new path for cross-Strait integrated development.在去年最新一次福建考察中，习近平总书记再次强调，要推动福建在探索两岸融合发展新路上迈出更大步伐。Statistics showed that Fujian has become a top choice for a growing number of Taiwan businesspeople and young entrepreneurs, thanks to innovative integration policies.数据显示，得益于创新性的融合发展政策，福建已成为越来越多台商和台湾青年创业者的首选地之一。From January to August, Fujian saw 1,653 new enterprises funded by Taiwan investment, with $660 million in utilized capital from Taiwan, the highest among all mainland provinces, according to data from the provincial Taiwan affairs authority.福建省台办数据显示，今年1月至8月，福建新增台资企业1653家，实际使用台资6.6亿美元，两项数据均居大陆各省份首位。In the first eight months of this year, passenger traffic between Fujian and Taiwan surged 36.4 percent to 1.73 million trips, compared with the same period last year, while cross-Strait events saw 28,000 Taiwan participants, a 40 percent increase, data showed.数据还显示，今年前8个月，闽台旅客往来量达173万人次，同比增长36.4%；两岸各类交流活动中，台湾参与人数达2.8万人次，同比增长40%。Chen Lishuang, a deputy researcher at the Fujian Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of Modern Taiwan Studies, said the province has achieved notable results in economic cooperation and social integration with Taiwan through pilot policies.福建省社会科学院现代台湾研究所副研究员陈丽霜（音译）表示，福建通过一系列试点政策，在两岸经济合作与社会融合方面取得了显著成效。While working in Fujian for about 17 years, from 1985 to 2002, Xi attached great importance to Taiwan-related work, tirelessly promoting cooperation and cultivating affection between people on both sides of the Strait, Chen said.陈丽霜指出，1985年至2002年，习近平总书记在福建工作的17年间，高度重视对台工作，不懈推动两岸合作，增进两岸同胞情谊。In 1997, a 102-day tour of Taiwan by a statue of the sea goddess Mazu saw millions pay their respects to the deity across the island, becoming the longest and most influential cross-Strait exchange at the time.1997年，海神妈祖雕像赴台巡游102天，全台数百万民众前往瞻仰，成为当时持续时间最长、影响最广的两岸交流活动。In 2001, limited direct transportation, trade and postal services began between Fujian's coast and the islands of Jinmen and Matsu, administered by Taiwan, and this was warmly received. An exchange agreement signed later that year, by representatives from the two sides, included the one-China principle for the first time, causing a stir.2001年，福建沿海与台湾地区管辖的金门、马祖地区开启局部直接通航、通贸、通邮，受到两岸民众热烈欢迎。同年晚些时候，两岸代表签署的一项交流协议首次纳入一个中国原则，引发广泛关注。"Xi made many statements regarding work related to Taiwan from the historical perspective of achieving the peaceful reunification of the motherland, along with a series of forward-looking and strategic explorations and practices while working in Fujian," Chen said.陈丽霜表示：“在福建工作期间，习近平总书记从实现祖国和平统一的历史高度，就对台工作作出许多重要论述，并开展了一系列具有前瞻性、战略性的探索与实践。”The innovative concepts and practical advancements in Taiwan-related work proposed by Xi during his tenure in Fujian constitute an important source of his later significant discourse on Taiwan affairs, she said.她指出，习近平总书记在福建工作期间提出的对台工作创新理念和实践成果，是其后来关于台湾问题重要论述的重要思想源头。In his speech on the 40th anniversary of the issuance of the Message to Compatriots in Taiwan by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, in January 2019, Xi emphasized the need to deepen integrated development between the two sides to lay a foundation for peaceful reunification.2019年1月，在全国人大常委会《告台湾同胞书》发表40周年纪念会上，习近平总书记强调，要深化两岸融合发展，为实现和平统一奠定坚实基础。"Just as loved ones wish each other well, we Chinese should help each other. We treat our compatriots in Taiwan as equals, and will continue paving the way for them to share first the mainland's development opportunities," Xi said.习近平总书记表示：“亲人之间，没有解不开的心结。两岸同胞是一家人，有困难就要互相帮助。我们始终把台湾同胞当作一家人，愿意继续率先同台湾同胞分享大陆发展机遇。”He called for enhanced connectivity in trade, infrastructure, energy and industry standards, suggesting initial projects such as supplying water, electricity and gas, and constructing sea-crossing bridges from Fujian to Jinmen and Matsu.总书记呼吁，要加强两岸贸易、基础设施、能源、产业标准等领域互联互通，提出从福建向金门、马祖供水供电供气，建设跨海大桥等先期项目。In 2023, the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, China's Cabinet, announced plans to make Fujian a "demonstration zone" for the integrated development across the Strait, offering policies like infrastructure connectivity and incentives for Taiwan residents to create their careers.2023年，中共中央、国务院印发方案，决定支持福建建设海峡两岸融合发展示范区，推出基础设施互联互通、鼓励台湾同胞来闽就业创业等一系列政策举措。"Fujian's supportive policies for Taiwan compatriots have given me a real sense of belonging," said Lin Chun-ying, who operates a tea mountain company in suburban Fuzhou and exports high-mountain oolong tea to countries including the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan.在福州郊区经营茶山企业、向英国、德国、日本等国出口高山乌龙茶的林春英（音译）表示：“福建对台湾同胞的扶持政策，让我真正有了归属感。”"My father often told me when I was a child that we are Chinese, because he was born on the mainland before my grandfather took him to Taiwan," Lin said. "My father said his mission was to bring us back to our motherland."林春英说：“小时候父亲常跟我说，我们是中国人。因为父亲出生在大陆，后来爷爷才带他去了台湾。父亲说，他的心愿就是带我们回到祖国母亲的怀抱。”Back in the 1990s, Lin and her father arrived in the provincial capital to clear a barren mountain to plant tea.上世纪90年代，林春英便和父亲来到福州，开垦荒山种植茶树。"Growing up, making and learning about tea in Fuzhou, I fell in love with Fuzhou's mountains," Lin said. She has now taken over management of the company from her father.“在福州长大，学着种茶、制茶，我早已爱上了这里的山山水水，”林春英说。如今，她已从父亲手中接过公司管理的重任。Wu Yongping, director at the Institute for Taiwan Studies at Tsinghua University, said that Taiwan lacks the economic hinterland for further development, given its limited population and small local market, but the mainland could offer it a much broader space for growth.清华大学台湾研究院院长巫永平表示，台湾人口有限、本地市场规模较小，缺乏进一步发展的经济腹地，而大陆能为其提供更广阔的发展空间。After the launch of reform and opening-up, Taiwan businesses that entered the mainland have contributed to the economy and have been beneficiaries as well, Wu said, adding that economic ties are a fundamental link of cross-Strait relations, so it's important to keep the link strong.巫永平指出，改革开放以来，进入大陆的台商不仅为大陆经济发展作出了贡献，自身也成为受益者。他强调，经济联系是两岸关系的重要基础，必须牢牢巩固这一纽带。Fujian's "demonstration zone" aims to ease the settlement of Taiwan compatriots on the mainland by leading efforts to overcome constraints on specific matters like obtaining phone cards, bank cards and residence permits, he said.他表示，福建建设“海峡两岸融合发展示范区”，旨在率先破解台湾同胞在大陆申领电话卡、银行卡、居住证等具体生活便利化问题，让台湾同胞在大陆生活更便捷。As a veteran Taiwan businesswoman developing on the mainland for decades, Lin has also become a facilitator for cross-Strait youth exchanges, sharing her experiences on employment and entrepreneurship in Fuzhou with young people from Taiwan.作为在大陆发展数十年的资深台商，林春英还成为两岸青年交流的桥梁，经常向台湾青年分享自己在福州就业创业的经验。She met her husband, who is from Harbin, Heilongjiang province, in Shanghai in 2018. They now have two children and live in Fuzhou.2018年，林春英在上海结识了来自黑龙江哈尔滨的丈夫，如今两人已育有两个孩子，在福州定居生活。Taiwan compatriots in Fujiann.在福建的台湾同胞 /ˌtaɪˈwɑːn kəmˈpeɪtriəts ɪn ˈfuːdʒiːn/Taiwan businesspeople (investing in Fujian)n.（在福建投资的）台商/ˌtaɪˈwɑːn ˈbɪznɪsˌpiːpl (ɪnˈvestɪŋ ɪn ˈfuːdʒiːn)/

The National Congress of American Indians holds a press event as part of the 2025 Tribal Unity Impact Days. The event took place on September 18, 2025, at the Embassy of Tribal Nations in Washington, D.C. Speakers: NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr Native News Online Editor Levi Rickert NCAI President Mark Macarro Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation Chairman Ernie Stevens, Indian Gaming Association Executive Director Jason Giles, Indian Gaming Association

The National Congress of American Indians holds a press event as part of the 2025 Tribal Unity Impact Days. The event took place on September 18, 2025, at the Embassy of Tribal Nations in Washington, D.C. Speakers: NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr Native News Online Editor Levi Rickert NCAI President Mark Macarro Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation Chairman Ernie Stevens, Indian Gaming Association Executive Director Jason Giles, Indian Gaming Association

The National Congress of American Indians holds a press event as part of the 2025 Tribal Unity Impact Days. The event took place on September 18, 2025, at the Embassy of Tribal Nations in Washington, D.C. Speakers: NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr Native News Online Editor Levi Rickert NCAI President Mark Macarro Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation Chairman Ernie Stevens, Indian Gaming Association Executive Director Jason Giles, Indian Gaming Association

The National Congress of American Indians holds a press event as part of the 2025 Tribal Unity Impact Days. The event took place on September 18, 2025, at the Embassy of Tribal Nations in Washington, D.C. Speakers: NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr Native News Online Editor Levi Rickert NCAI President Mark Macarro Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation Chairman Ernie Stevens, Indian Gaming Association Executive Director Jason Giles, Indian Gaming Association

The National Congress of American Indians holds a press event as part of the 2025 Tribal Unity Impact Days. The event took place on September 18, 2025, at the Embassy of Tribal Nations in Washington, D.C. Speakers: NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr Native News Online Editor Levi Rickert NCAI President Mark Macarro Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation Chairman Ernie Stevens, Indian Gaming Association Executive Director Jason Giles, Indian Gaming Association

The National Congress of American Indians pays tribute to the late Ernie Stevens, Jr., the longtime chairman of the Indian Gaming Association. Stevens was a citizen of the Oneida Nation from Wisconsin. He passed away on September 26, 2025. He was 66 years old.  "Ernie was a tireless advocate for tribal nations," NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr., a citizen of the Ponca Tribe, said on September 29, 2025. "He was a bridge builder whose leadership elevated Indian Country and whose generosity lifted up so many of us," Wright said.  "We lost a warrior and diplomat on Friday in Ernie Stevens, Jr.," said NCAI President Mark Macarro, the chairman of the Pechanga Band of Indians. Wright and Macarro spoke at the beginning of a webinar hosted by NCAI to discuss the looming shutdown of the federal government.

President Xi Jinping called on Tuesday for people from all ethnic groups and all walks of life in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region to pool efforts and strive in solidarity to build a beautiful Xinjiang in the process of achieving Chinese modernization.He made the remarks when meeting with representatives from all ethnic groups and sectors in the region.Xi arrived in Urumqi, the region's capital, earlier in the day to attend activities marking the 70th anniversary of the region's founding, including a grand gathering on Thursday morning.Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has led a central delegation to Xinjiang for the celebrations, marking the first time in the history of the Party and the country that such an arrangement has been made.The visit speaks volumes about the importance that the CPC Central Committee attaches to Xinjiang work, as well as its great care for the officials and people of all ethnic groups in the region.Located in Northwest China, Xinjiang has been the home of various ethnic groups since ancient times and a place for cultural integration.As the plane carrying Xi landed at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport, he was greeted with warm applause and cheers from local people waiting on the tarmac. Thousands of people from different ethnic groups welcomed him with traditional dances accompanied by festive music.Paruzat Zulpikar, a Uygur student in the fifth grade, presented Xi with a bouquet of red roses, peonies and pomegranates."It still feels just like a dream. I was both excited and nervous," she said. "I greeted him with 'Hello, Grandpa Xi', and he gave me a warm feeling."Permeated with a festive atmosphere, Urumqi was decorated with colorful flags on both sides of the main streets from the airport to the hotel. People from all ethnic groups waved flags and cheered to express their welcome and gratitude. Opening the car window, Xi waved back to the crowds along the road.Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, Xinjiang has made solid progress in promoting high-quality development, with its per capita nominal GDP more than doubling — from 33,495 yuan ($4,710) in 2012 to 78,660 yuan in 2024.Over the past years, people's well-being has also witnessed continuous improvement, as more than 70 percent of Xinjiang's general public budget is allocated every year to safeguard and improve people's well-being, in order to ensure that development benefits the people of all ethnic groups in a fair way.Wang Haoyu, a community worker and a member of a dragon dance team, said he has personally experienced the changes in living conditions over the years."Our family first lived in an old, 50-square-meter brick house. When I was about 2 years old, we moved into a walk-up apartment. Then, five or six years ago, we moved into an apartment with an elevator. Life has kept getting better," he said.The 27-year-old said that Xinjiang's development today has not come easily. "We are not only witnesses to history, but also builders of history. I will continue to work hard, do my job well, and help make Xinjiang an even better place," he said.Also on Tuesday, Xi held separate meetings with local officials, leaders of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, cadres who have come to work in Xinjiang from other parts of the country, judicial workers, police officers, and patriotic members of religious circles, among others.Xi also met with military officers ranked colonel and above, along with grassroots role models and civilian personnel accompanying troops stationed in Urumqi. He conveyed cordial greetings to all military personnel in Xinjiang on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission.

From June 7, 2023: On January 1, 2023, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was sworn in as president of Brazil. A week later, insurrectionists in Brazil stormed government buildings, including the president's palace, the Supreme Federal Court, and the National Congress building to violently disrupt the democratic transition of power and challenge the results of the election. Lula, however, remained undeterred and forged ahead. It's been roughly 150 days since those events, and Lawfare Legal Fellow Saraphin Dhanani sat down with Brian Winter, Editor-in-Chief of Americas Quarterly and a journalist with over a decade of experience living and reporting across Latin America, to discuss how Lula has fared in his first 100 days in office, his vision for reviving Brazil's place in the world, and the political forces he's up against. To receive ad-free podcasts, become a Lawfare Material Supporter at www.patreon.com/lawfare. You can also support Lawfare by making a one-time donation at https://givebutter.com/lawfare-institute.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Tuesday, August 5th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson with help from Timothy Reed Home evictions of Christians in Chhattisgarh, India continue Hundreds of Indian Christians have been evicted from their homes and banned from their villages in the district of Chhattisgarh because of their faith in Christ.  International Christian Concern reports that Abishek was brutally attacked and forced out of his home along with his 2-month-old daughter. They did not know where they would sleep that night. Despite his sudden hardship, he will not return to Hinduism. Abishek said, “We are determined to follow Jesus, no matter what.” He has built his own shelter with polythene covers. He still struggles to find regular work, sometimes six miles from home. He added, “Almost every day when I travel, I think of my family back in the village. Wild thoughts haunt me of ‘What if my family is attacked again? What if they are tortured in my absence?' When I pray to God, my heart is peaceful, and I am comforted through the messages I hear during the Sunday worship.” Argentina's Javier Milei standing strong to get deficit paid off Argentinian President Javier Milei is standing firm against any government funding increases.   He has vetoed increased funding for the nation's social security or pension program. Plus, he vetoed another bill passed by the National Congress of Argentina which would have provided pensions for persons with disabilities. Milei insists upon what he calls a “deficit zero.” The goal of zeroing out the deficit is, in his words, “non-negotiable.” Sadly, private charity is not doing well in Argentina. When asked “Have you donated money to charity in the last month?” Gallup discovered that Argentina was 112th on the list for 2024, according to the Buenos Aires Herald. The Scriptures encourage private charity in Deuteronomy 15:11. It says, “For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore, I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land.'” Economies of Germany, Hungary, and Russia are stagnating Europe's largest economy is faltering. Germany's economy is the worst in the world for growth, as the nation faces a third consecutive year of recession. The economy shrunk in 2023 and 2024.  Now, 2025 isn't looking much better   Hungary and Russia are facing stagnant economies as well. But on the positive side, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Rwanda, and Ethiopia are seeing 6-7% growth in Gross National Income per person this fiscal year.  Church of Wales selects lesbian “Archbishop” The utterly apostate Church of Wales has appointed a lesbian named Cherry Vann to head their organization as what they refer to as an “archbishop.” She lives in sexual sin with her lesbian girlfriend named Wendy Diamond. This follows the church's approval of homosexual unions in 2021.  Weekly attendance with this national church has dropped off to 0.8% of the population down from 4% in the 1980s. Other denominations only claim about 0.6% of the population.   Also, the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church of Scotland have adopted homosexual marriage ceremonies. Over in England, King Charles III has yet to appoint another Archbishop of Canterbury, after the previous archbishop resigned in the midst of scandal. Matthew 21:18 relates a similar story: “Now in the morning, as [Jesus] returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, ‘Let no fruit grow on you ever again.' Immediately, the fig tree withered away.”  Trump upset with India for doing business with Russia U.S. President Donald Trump issued a rebuke to India for doing business with Russia, and funding the Russo-Ukrainian War, by purchasing Russian oil. Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on imports from India, beginning this month, and promises more due to India's partnership with Russia. India now purchases 35-40% of its crude oil from Russia, up from 0.2% before the Russo-Ukrainian War, averaging around 1.8 million barrels per day. China and India constitute Russia's strongest trade partners. China, India, and Russia's Gross Domestic Product combined total $25 trillion. Together, these three economies are about equal to the GDP of the United States. Tensions rise between U.S. and Russia President Donald Trump has ordered nuclear submarines to be on standby near Russia as tensions rise between the United States and Russia. The order came following threats of nuclear retaliation from Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council. Trump responded to the threat on his social media platform called Truth Social. He wrote, “Words are very important, and can often lead to unintended consequences, I hope this will not be one of those instances.” Religious groups sue over ICE raids in churches  A number of Christian and religious groups, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church and American Baptist Churches USA, have filed a lawsuit in Massachusetts. They're challenging the Immigration and Customs Enforcement's ability to raid churches and religious facilities. The case is being represented by a legal group called Democracy Forward. Reverend Lisa Dunson of the Alliance of Baptists stated, “Raids on Houses of Worship desecrate sacred spaces, violate religious freedom, and spread fear among those seeking peace and refuge.”  The Department of Homeland Security has said that criminals will no longer be allowed to hide at churches or schools. Fewer Americans receiving COVID-19 boosters And finally, a new poll found that most Americans are wary of receiving a COVID-19 booster shot this fall. Fifty-nine percent of Americans are completely opposed to the shot or unlikely to receive one, compared to just 40% of Americans who are planning to receive a booster. Republicans are demonstrably less likely to get the shot than Democrats. And the elderly plan to receive boosters at a higher rate than younger generations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended its COVID-19 shot recommendation for pregnant women and healthy children earlier this year. Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, August 5th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

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This week at NSTA: The Bus Stop - Executive Director Curt Macysyn welcomes a new guest Mike LaRocco, Director of School Transportation for the Indiana Department of Education and Chair of the recently held National Congress on Student Transportation (NCST). Mike begins by sharing insight into his background and how he first got involved in the student transportation field. He then covers his responsibilities in the state government of Indiana, as well as his leadership role as chair of NCST. Curt and Mike explore the beginnings of the Congress and how the group and its mission has evolved over time. Mike also explains the delegate selection process and highlights the important role of the NCST Steering Committee. The conversation wraps up with recapping the highlights from the 2025 NCST and a look forward to the next NCST. Become a podcast subscriber and don't miss an episode of NSTA: The Bus Stop - NSTA Vendor Partners should reach out to us to hear about our comprehensive advertising packages that will help you hit your target audience - school transportation professionals!Support the show

Is school bus Wi-Fi letting kids get on TikTok as Sen. Ted Cruz claims, or is it a valuable way to extend the classroom and provide students with educational access? Chris Ellison, director of transportation and fleet services at Reynolds School District in Oregon, shares high-level insights from serving as a delegate to the just-completed 17th National Congress on School Transportation. He discusses the passionate conversations and votes on emerging technology, alternative transportation, safety equipment and more. Read more about NCST. Episode sponsor: Transfinder.

Fresh from covering the 17th National Congress on School Transportation, Taylor joins Ryan and Tony to discuss conversations and takeaways on the school bus safety recommendations that will make it into the National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures Manual. Upcoming STN EXPO West and TSD Conference sessions will discuss tariffs and manufacturing developments, safety in and around the bus, and pertinent updates for transporters of students with disabilities. David Johnson, executive director for the Iowa Pupil Transportation Association, joins us to share his perspectives and some local flavor as well. Read more about NCST. Episode sponsor: Transfinder.

In China's remote northwestern border region, just 47 kilometers from the frontier, there is a small primary school that has a 23-member volunteer teaching team.With an average age of 24, these young educators have dedicated their youth and passion to the rural school in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, where most of the students are from the Kirgiz ethnic group.Wang Yizhi, a graduate of Shanxi Agricultural University, is one of the volunteers and now teaches Chinese to second-graders. After working at the border region school for two years, Wang said that she has witnessed firsthand how volunteer teaching has changed local education and promoted ethnic unity.That was why she recently wrote a heartfelt letter to President Xi Jinping on behalf of her team, detailing their experiences when serving at the primary school in Karajol township in Artux, a city in the Kizilsu Kirgiz autonomous prefecture, while reaffirming their commitment to serving in border areas.The volunteers were overwhelmed when they received a reply from Xi on Saturday — an unprecedented honor that filled them with immense pride and motivation.In the message, Xi noted that more young people have chosen to serve as volunteers in the country's western regions and rural areas over the years, demonstrating their spirit of dedication and sense of responsibility. He also called on China's young people to dedicate themselves to the country's modernization drive by serving where the nation needs them most."We never imagined receiving such a prompt and direct response from the president, due to his busy schedule," Wang recalled, her voice trembling with emotion."I may not be able to do much," she added, "but I'll give it my all" — a promise that embodies the unwavering commitment she has held from the beginning.According to Wang, there are over 290 students at the school, and most are the children of border patrollers, herders or farmers.At the beginning, the children faced significant educational challenges, and many parents undervalued formal schooling, resulting in frequent absences, she said."Some parents even doubted whether we young graduates could really teach," Wang added.Undeterred, she and her colleagues tailored their teaching to local needs and conducted over 2,000 home visits. Their perseverance bore fruit as the students learned how to speak Mandarin, how to do math calculations, and even how to speak English."Seeing their children's progress changed parents' attitudes," Wang said. "They started actively supporting regular attendance and learning."This dedication earned the volunteers extraordinary trust. "Parents told us, 'You treat our children as your own, and we consider you family'," she said.One particularly moving moment came when a group of parents arrived unexpectedly at the school. "I at first feared a student was probably in trouble," Wang recalled. "But the parents presented me with flowers, saying in broken but sincere Mandarin: 'You are a great teacher. Our children are so lucky to have someone like you'."Wang's story is echoed by other volunteers. Huang Shaozhu, 24, a former international trade major, now teaches math at the school. Upon receiving the reply, she was moved to tears."President Xi commended us for not only promoting local education and ethnic unity, but also for contributing to prosperity and stability along the border, which is a powerful recognition of our efforts," she said.Su Weibing, 24, an arts graduate who obtained a primary school Chinese-language teaching qualification during his service, taught students basic skills such as phonics, pen-holding, and writing with diligence and care.Sun's efforts paid off. "We've seen remarkable progress in the Chinese performance of the class," he noted. "The average score has jumped from the 30s, all the way up to the 60s and 70s."‌"I want to help the children here broaden their horizons, discover learning goals, and one day have more career choices," he said. "The nearly two-year volunteer service helps me grow alongside my students. That's my greatest reward."Gao Chao, a 27-year-old English teacher who majored in fine arts in college, drafts detailed lesson plans and carefully designs her teaching approach for every class to ensure she delivers the knowledge clearly and effectively."President Xi's reply has strengthened my resolve to stay here, and I will keep his instructions in mind," Gao said, adding that she was preparing for the civil service exams in order to continue to serve on China's western frontier.Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, Xi has on many occasions encouraged young people to go to the west, to the countryside and the grassroots, and go where the motherland needs them most to volunteer and make selfless contributions.Launched in 2003, the "Go West "program has seen over 500,000 university graduates volunteer in the education, health, agriculture and social management sectors in the country's western region for a period of one to three years.Mi Xiaobing, deputy secretary of the Communist Youth League of China Shanxi Provincial Committee, said that President Xi's reply vividly demonstrates his care for China's young people in the new era.Among the 23 volunteers at the border school, 12 fresh graduates were selected from seven universities in Shanxi, and the province has so far deployed ‌10,518 volunteers under the "Go West" program, he said. the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region 新疆维吾尔自治区the Kirgiz ethnic group吉尔吉斯族the "Go West" program西部计划home visits家访fresh graduates应届毕业生

In the late 1970s, Vietnam was one of the poorest countries in the world. Its economy had been destroyed by war with the USA, a trade embargo, and the communist government's restriction of private enterprise. So, at the Vietnam Communist Party's 6th National Congress in December 1986, radical economic reforms were introduced, known as Doi Moi, meaning ‘renovation'. The reforms transformed the country from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one, unleashing huge economic growth and improving living standards. Ben Henderson speaks to Phạm Chi Lan, an economist who worked at Vietnam's Chamber of Commerce and Industry through the period of reform.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: Street vendor in Hanoi, 1993. Credit: Steve Raymer/Corbis via Getty Images)

The seatbelt debate is reignited after a fatal South Carolina school bus crash. Learn more about safety equipment and procedures being considered by the National Congress on School Transportation and stay tuned for onsite coverage from its 17th meeting as well as the upcoming Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. Amazement Artist™, Hall of Fame speaker and professional magician Jon Petz discusses creating significance in simple moments for a more engaged workforce, which he will expand upon in his upcoming keynote at STN EXPO West and the Transportation Director Summit in Reno this July. Read more about operations. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio.

Breakdowns of the federal Driving Forward Act's impact on school bus driver training, new student transportation topics being covered by the National Congress on School Transportation writing committee, and doing what's best for the children. Monique Jackson, area manager for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, discusses her passion for education access, her children's book “Gus, the Talking Safety Bus,” and teaching students school bus safety. Read more about safety. Episode sponsors: Transfinder, School Radio.

An hour's drive north of Buenos Aires is Pilar, a municipality that houses the largest industrial park in Argentina, as well as a population of 400,000. Some rich and middle class Argentines live in its many gated communities, but Pilar has a poverty rate of almost 60% - well above the national figure. We speak to residents and businesses about libertarian President Javier Milei's first year in office.If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: businessdaily@bbc.co.ukPresented and produced by Natalio Cosoy(Picture: Argentina's President Javier Milei looks on during the inauguration of the 143rd ordinary session of Congress at the National Congress in Buenos Aires on March 1, 2025. Credit: Getty Images)

House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025 – 9:00 AM Location: Capitol Complex, 2008 RHOB, Washington, DC, 20515, USA Mark Macarro President National Congress of American Indians More on Indianz.Com: https://indianz.com/News/2025/02/24/video-american-indian-and-alaska-native-public-witness-hearing-day-3/

The National Congress of American Indians hosts a panel on tribal law enforcement priorities at its executive council winter session on February 12, 2025. PARTICIPANTS Geoffrey Blackwell, General Counsel and Chief of Staff, NCAI (Moderator) Leonard Forsman, NCAI Northwest Regional VP, President of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, Chairman of the Suquamish Tribe Leonard Fineday, NCAI Acting Recording Secretary, Secretary/Treasurer of the Leech Lake Reservation Business Committee Melanie McFalls, Tribal Chairman, Walker River Paiute Tribe NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hosts a Two Spirit panel at its executive council winter session on February 12, 2025. PARTICIPANTS Mel Willie, International Two Spirit Ambassador Tyson Johnson (Moderator),Tribal Council Member, Quinault Indian Nation Elton Naswood ,Executive Director, Two-Spirit/Native LGBTQ+ (2SLGBTQ+) Center for Equity Sedelta Oosahwee, (Three Affiliated Tribes of the Fort Berthold Reservation), Senior Program/Policy Analyst/Specialist, National Education Association Mattie Jim, (Navajo), Board Member Emeritus, Transgender Resource Center of New Mexico NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hears about the Tiwahe Initiative at its executive council winter session on February 11, 2025. PARTICIPANTS Crystal Keung, Principal for Whānau Tahi USA Rosa Alvarez, Tribal Council Secretary for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hosts a tribal leaders panel at its executive council winter session on February 11, 2025. PARTICIPANTS Leonard Fineday, NCAI Acting Recording Secretary, Secretary/Treasurer of the Leech Lake Reservation Business Committee Jennifer Finley, NCAI Rocky Mountain Regional VP, Tribal Councilwoman at the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Ryman LeBeau, NCAI Great Plains Regional VP, Chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe The panel was moderated by Geoffrey Blackwell, the general counsel and chief of staff at NCAI. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Oversight Hearing to “Examine Native Communities' Priorities for the 119th Congress” Date: February 12, 2025 Time: 2:30 PM Location: Dirksen Room: 628 Witnesses Panel 1 The Honorable Mark Macarro President National Congress of American Indians Washington, DC The Honorable William Smith Chairperson / Alaska Area Representative Valdez Native Tribe / National Indian Health Board Washington DC The Honorable Rodney Butler Board President Native American Financial Officers Association Washington DC Mr. Kerry Bird Board President National Indian Education Association Washington, DC Mr. Kūhiō Lewis Chief Executive Officer Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement Kapolei, Hawaii Committee Notice: https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearings/oversight-hearing-to-examine-native-communities-priorities-for-the-119th-congress/

The National Congress of American Indians hosts a panel on economic development priorities at its executive council winter session on February 12, 2025. PARTICIPANTS Jason Giles-Moderator, Executive Director, Indian Gaming Association Cory Blankenship, Executive Director, NARF Derrick Watchman, President and CEO, NCAIED Aurene Martin, Managing Partner, Spirit Rock Consulting LLC NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Joe Deere and Sue Masten provide an update on international affairs at the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 12, 2025. Deere serves on the Cherokee Nation Council. Masten is a former chair of the Yurok Tribe. Deere and Masten are two of the co-chairs of NCAI's International Committee. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hosts a panel on legal priorities at its executive council winter session on February 12, 2025. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hosts a panel on education priorities at its executive council winter session on February 11, 2025. PARTICIPANTS Julia Wakeford, Policy Director, National Indian Education Association (Moderator) Danelle Springer, Legislative Associate, American Indian Higher Education Consortium Jason Dropik, Executive Director, National Indian Education Association Meagan Beaver, President, National Johnson O'Malley Association Quinton Roman Nose, Executive Director, Tribal Education Departments National Assembly NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Rep. Val Hoyle (D-Oregon) addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 12, 2025. Hoyle delivered remarks via pre-recorded video. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hosts an inter-tribal organizations panel at its executive council winter session on February 12, 2025. PARTICIPANTS Geoffrey Blackwell General Counsel and Chief of Staff, NCAI (Moderator) Kitcki Carroll, General Counsel, United South and Eastern Tribes Bryan BainBridge, CEO, Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council Amber Schulz-Oliver, Executive Director, Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Cole Miller and Kari Jo Lawrence provide a Farm Bill update at the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 12, 2025. Miller serves as Chair of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Lawrence is the Chief Executive Officer of the Intertribal Agriculture Council. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minnesota) addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota) addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. McCollum serves on the House Committee on Appropriations, where she is the ranking Democratic member on the Defense subcommittee. She is also a senior member of the Interior subcommittee. McCollum is also Co-Chair Emeritus of the bipartisan Congressional Native American Caucus. NCAI's executive council winter session took place in Washington, D.C.

Melody McCoy, an attorney with the Native American Rights Fund, addresses the National Congress of American Indians on February 12, 2025. McCoy provided an update on the Tribal Supreme Court Project, a joint initiative of NARF and NCAI. NCAI's executive council winter session took in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians hosts a panel on healthcare priorities at its executive council winter session on February 12, 2025. PARTICIPANTS A.C Locklear, Interim Chief Executive Officer, National Indian Health Board Francys Crevier, JD, Chief Executive Officer, National Council of Urban Indian Health Meredith Raimondi, Vice President of Policy and Communications, National Council of Urban Indian Health (Moderator) NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum addresses the National Congress of American Indians on February 12, 2025. Burgum leads the Department of the Interior, the federal agency with the most trust and treaty responsibilities. He was confirmed to his post by the U.S. Senate on January 30, 2025. Burgum served eight years as governor of North Dakota prior to being nominated as Secretary by President Donald Trump. Burgum spoke at NCAI's executive council winter session in Washington, D.C.

Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kansas) addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 12, 2025. Davids is a citizen of the Ho-Chunk Nation. She is the only Native woman serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. NCAI's executive council winter session took place in Washington, D.C.

Jennifer Romero addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. Romero serves as Democratic staff director and chief counsel for the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. She works under Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), the vice chair of the legislative panel. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

National Congress of American Indians President Mark Macarro addresses the organization's executive council winter session on February 11, 2025. Macarro serves as Chair of the Pechanga Band of Indians. NCAI's executive council winter session took place in Washington, D.C.

Amber Ebarb addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. Ebarb serves as Republican staff director for the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. She works under Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the chair of the legislative panel. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Pedro Torres, National Tribal Liaison for the Natural Resources Conservation Service, addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. The NRCS is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. NCAI's executive council winter session took place in Washington, D.C.

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-New York) addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. Schumer is the Democratic leader in the U.S. Senate for the 119th Congress. He delivered remarks via pre-recorded video. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

The National Congress of American Indians annual winter conference comes as the federal government is actively dismantling the diversity initiatives that help establish Native representation in the workplace and in the public sphere. The nation's oldest and largest Native advocacy group is shaping its strategy for carrying a unified voice to a fractured government and public on issues that matter most: sovereignty, consultation, environmental sustainability, the Trust Responsibility, and economic development. We'll hear NCAI President Mark Macarro's 2025 State of Indian Nations address and get perspectives on the organization's coming year. You can watch the entire NCAI 2025 State of Indian Nations Address here. GUESTS Tadd Johnson (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa), Regent at the University of Minnesota, professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota Duluth, and attorney

Welcome to the Environmental Leadership Chronicles, brought to you by the California Association of Environmental Professionals. In this episode, we're joined by Cynthia R. Harris, Director of the Institute for Environmental Sovereignty at the National Congress of American Indians. A respected leader in environmental law and tribal sovereignty, Cynthia brings deep expertise in climate adaptation, water conservation, and green infrastructure, all while advocating for tribal self-determination.  Before joining NCAI, she led tribal consultation research in California as Director of Tribal Programs at the Environmental Law Institute. With experience in local government, national policy, and leadership roles at the American Bar Association and the National Academies of Sciences, Cynthia offers a unique perspective on the intersection of tribal sovereignty and environmental policy.  At NCAI, the nation's oldest and largest American Indian and Alaska Native organization, she continues to advance tribal governance and environmental justice. Join us as we explore her insights on Indigenous leadership in environmental stewardship. Thanks for listening, we hope you enjoy! 

The National Congress of American Indians hosts the State of Indian Nations on February 10, 2025. The speech took place at the Washington Westin Hotel in Washington, D.C. It serves as the opening of NCAI's executive council winter session. Agenda: * Opening and Blessing: NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. and Jack Potter of Redding Rancheria * Native Youth Commission: Madison Brown and Angelina Serna * State of Indian Nations: President Mark Macarro * Congressional Response: Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota)

The National Congress of American Indians hosts the State of Indian Nations on February 10, 2025. The speech took place at the Washington Westin Hotel in Washington, D.C. It serves as the opening of NCAI's executive council winter session. Agenda: * Opening and Blessing: NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright Jr. and Jack Potter of Redding Rancheria * Native Youth Commission: Madison Brown and Angelina Serna * State of Indian Nations: President Mark Macarro * Congressional Response: Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minnesota)

Leonard Peltier will spend the remainder of his prison sentence at home after the 11th-hour action by President Joe Biden. Friends, family and supporters expressed surprise and relief as they heard the news Monday. National Congress of American Indians President Mark Macarro said Biden's decision comes after "50 years of unjust imprisonment," and is a powerful act of compassion and an important step toward healing.” In December, Macarro personally asked Biden to take action on Peltier's behalf. Among the many advocates for Peltier's release over the past five decades include South African President Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and the United Nations High Commissioner on Human Rights. We'll hear from Peltier's family and others who have followed his case about what this action means for him and how it will be viewed historically.