Latest news with #Duffy
Chicago Tribune
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Heidi Stevens: Shutting down hotline services for LGBTQ+ youth is malice by Trump administration
There's cost-cutting, and then there's cruelty. President Donald Trump's administration appears determined to blur that line to the point of indistinction, using the former, over and over, to justify the latter. The decision to abruptly shut down the LGBTQ+ portion of a youth suicide and crisis hotline — a service that has no doubt saved countless lives — is the latest example. The Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth, received a stop work order, effective July 17, for the crisis services it provides to the national 988 suicide and crisis hotline. Since 2022, the group has provided crisis services to LGBTQ+ youth who contact the 988 Lifeline by offering them the option of being connected to counselors trained specifically in mental health for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. After July 17, the 988 Lifeline will remain in place, but will no longer provide specialized LGBTQ+ crisis counseling. A White House spokesman told the New York Times that the specialized portion of the hotline had 'run out of congressionally directed funding,' and continuing to fund it would jeopardize the entire operation. 'This is devastating, to say the least,' the Trevor Project wrote in a statement. 'Suicide prevention is about people, not politics. The administration's decision to remove a bipartisan, evidence-based service that has effectively supported a high-risk group of young people through their darkest moments is incomprehensible.' Trevor Project counselors helped about 500,000 people in 2024, 231,000 of whom came through the 988 line, Zach Eisenstein, a spokesman for the organization, told The New York Times. Trevor Project is encouraging people to visit to help fight the decision, which Congress could, in theory, reverse. It's unconscionable that it's come to this. It's unconscionable that the physical, mental and emotional health of young people is on the chopping block because of who they are and who they love. It's unconscionable that our leaders, elected to serve and protect us, are instead finding new ways, daily, to degrade our humanity. I called my friend and former podcast partner John Duffy, a clinical therapist who specializes in adolescent mental health, to get his take on the hotline shutdown. I wanted to hear from someone whose funding isn't being cut, but who is nonetheless on the front lines of suicide prevention. I trust Duffy like no other on this topic — for his wise and enormous heart, for his evidence-based approach to helping young people and because he lost his own brother to suicide in 2001. He is, in a word, heartbroken. 'By the time a kid feels inclined to call a hotline,' Duffy said, 'they are hopeless and they don't feel understood. If you are in the LGBTQ community and you feel hopeless and misunderstood, you don't have the luxury of shopping around. You need someone on that line who understands you now.' LGBTQ+ youth often face family rejection, cultural rejection, discrimination, fear of personal violence, losing their civil rights — issues that call for an intentional, specified approach to care, Duffy said. 'Their mental health is a very delicate space,' he said. 'They need and deserve people who can handle that space with care. And to take that away when they're in a crisis state? It's lethal.' Duffy said he began hearing from his clients as soon as the order made headlines. 'It feels to them like things are just going to get worse,' he said. 'They feel like they're being targeted directly. They feel like they're not going to have the support they need. They feel hated by massive groups of people just by virtue of who they are.' Often, he said, his LGBTQ+ clients are struggling to accept themselves even as they're struggling for acceptance from the people they know and love. 'Many of them aren't comfortable with the idea of being L, G, B, T or Q,' he said. 'It's confusing and perplexing to them, even as they're trying to make other people comfortable with it. And the chance that they reach out in crisis and they hang up feeling unheard and misunderstood? The chance that their suicidal ideation remains, or they make a move to take their lives? That all just increased exponentially.' There is zero defense for this. Zero. Straight kids are impacted by the decision as well, Duffy said. They worry about their LGBTQ+ friends. They wonder what kind of world they're graduating into, growing into, and maybe, one day, bringing their own kids into. Hope feels hard for them to come by, he said. 'It's another indication of the depletion of the humanity of our systems,' he said. And for what? For cost-cutting? I don't buy it. The cruelty is the point. And it's costing us dearly.
The Hill
16 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Judge rejects ‘Duffy Directive' tying DOT grants to ICE cooperation
A federal judge on Thursday rejected Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's attempt to tie state funding to immigration enforcement operations. 'Congress did not authorize or grant authority to the Secretary of Transportation to impose immigration enforcement conditions on federal dollars specifically appropriated for transportation purposes,' US District Judge John McConnell wrote in the preliminary injunction. McConnell, a former President Obama appointee, said the 20 states suing the Trump administration are likely to succeed in blocking Duffy's efforts to restrict federal funding. In late April, the Transportation Secretary said states would lose federal funds for roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects if they block President Trump's immigration enforcement efforts, support diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, or defy other directives from the administration. Democratic state attorneys general in jurisdictions with sanctuary cities filed the lawsuit, alleging that Duffy's restrictions were an overreach of authority. The White House and Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to The Hill's request for comment. The 20 states are also pursuing a separate case in Rhode Island regarding the blocking of federal grants issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Today
Airbus seals VietJet deal as hopes rise at air show for tariff rollback
Airbus struck a deal with budget airline VietJet for up to 150 single-aisle jets at the Paris Airshow, where industry hopes for a return to tariff-free trade were given a boost by US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy. Duffy said he wanted civil aviation to return to a 1979 zero-tariff trade agreement, in one of the clearest signs yet that the Trump administration might favour such a move. However, Duffy added that while the White House was aware that the US is a net exporter in aerospace, it was also dealing with a complex tariff situation. 'Now, again, you look at what free trade has done for aviation. It's been remarkable for them. It's a great space of net exporters,' he said. 'And so the White House understands that, but if you go over there and you see the moving parts of what they're dealing with, it is pretty intense and it's a lot.' US President Donald Trump's sweeping 10% import tariffs are a headache for an industry already battling supply chain challenges and facing fresh turbulence from last week's deadly Air India crash and conflict in the Middle East. In early May, the US Commerce Department launched a 'Section 232' national security investigation into imports of commercial aircraft, jet engines and parts that could form the basis for even higher tariffs on such imports. Airlines, planemakers and several US trading partners have been lobbying Trump to restore the tariff-free regime under the 1979 agreement. On day two of the air show, European planemaker Airbus signed a provisional deal for VietJet to buy 100 A321neo planes, with the option to buy up to 50 more in future. Vietnam's largest private airline operates an all-Airbus fleet, apart from two Chinese-made regional jets. The airline has not to date taken delivery of any of the around 200 MAX planes it has ordered from Boeing. Airbus is the main supplier of jets to Vietnam, accounting for 86% of the planes currently operated by Vietnamese airlines. However, the export-dependent Southeast Asian country is under pressure from Washington to buy more US goods. VietJet Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao said the scale of the airline's orders was backed by plans to develop a major aviation hub in Vietnam, which Airbus says has seen its aviation market grow by 7.5% a year. A deal for 150 A321neos could be worth around $9.4 billion, according to estimated prices provided by Cirium Ascend. The agreement was the latest in a flurry of business announced by Airbus at the world's biggest aviation trade fair. AIRASIA FINALE US rival Boeing was having a subdued show and parking announcements as it focuses on the probe into last week's fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787 and after it racked up huge deals during Trump's recent tour of the Middle East. Attention turned to another big Airbus customer, AirAsia, long associated with buzzy show finales and looking at buying 100 A220s, with Brazil's Embraer seeking to wrest away the deal after losing a key contest in Poland, delegates said. Airbus was also expected to reveal Egyptair as the airline behind a recent unidentified order for six more A350s. But its hopes of using the event as a showcase for its first significant deal with Royal Air Maroc faded after the airline postponed plans to announce a larger Boeing deal, delegates said. None of the companies involved in last-minute air show negotiations agreed to comment. Airlines have been battling the engine industry over long waiting times for repairs on the latest generation of engines in the busiest part of the market for workhorse narrow-body jets. Pratt & Whitney commercial engines head Rick Deurloo said durability was top priority and the number of aircraft out of service while waiting for engine repairs was stabilising. Rolls-Royce CEO Tufan Erginbilgic told reporters it was 'even more true' that the British jet engine maker wanted to re-enter the narrow-body market, preferably via a partnership. On the defence side, analysts are expecting a flurry of deals as European companies tap into a surge in arms spending. Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani said he saw advantages to new entrants joining an Italian-British-Japanese next-generation fighter jet programme, particularly in terms of technology, but added that it would be a decision for the governments involved. He said the addition of Saudi Arabia to the Global Combat Air Programme - something that has long been mooted - would open up a big market with great potential. Startup Riyadh Air has signed a deal with Rolls-Royce for 116 Trent XWB-97 engines that will power its Airbus large wide-body fleet, the Saudi airline said on Tuesday. The company said in a statement that the deal, which was signed at the Paris Airshow, was worth several billion dollars, without providing a specific figure. The engines will power 50 Airbus A350-1000 jets, Riyadh Air said, after the airline signed a deal on Monday to buy 25 of the jets with an option for 25 more. Riyadh Air is set to commence operations later this year and its fleet orders amount to 182 aircraft across three fleet types. Agencies
USA Today
2 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Carnival will overhaul cruise loyalty program: Here's how much you'll earn
Carnival will overhaul cruise loyalty program: Here's how much you'll earn Show Caption Hide Caption How to find the best price, perks when booking a cruise Find the cruise that works for your budget with these tips. Problem Solved Carnival Cruise Line is replacing its VIFP Club loyalty program with Carnival Rewards in June 2026. The new program shifts from a cruise-count based system to one based on spending, awarding "stars" and redeemable points for purchases. Guests will earn stars to achieve status levels (Red, Gold, Platinum, Diamond) and points for onboard amenities and future cruises. Existing VIFP members will transition to comparable levels in the new program, retaining their status for a set period. For loyalty status on Carnival Cruise Line, it'll soon be points that count – not just how many cruises you've been on. Carnival will overhaul its loyalty program next year, measuring status largely based on purchases rather than days sailed – and giving guests new ways to earn and redeem benefits. Carnival Rewards will take the place of the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club, which has been in place since 2012. As demand has grown – along with the cruise line's ships and fleet – the company has outgrown the current program, according to Carnival President Christine Duffy. 'We, over time, have so many guests that have earned status with Carnival based on how frequently they cruise,' she told USA TODAY ahead of Wednesday's announcement. 'But as we continue to add ships and add bigger ships and have five more ships that will be coming, we recognize that it's become very challenging to really give so many people the benefits that come with the way the existing program was structured which is pretty much, if you're at this status, this is what you get.' The number of Diamond VIFP members – its highest level – more than tripled between 2021 and 2024. Platinum members, the second-highest, more than doubled. 'I think the new program allows us to evolve to something that gives our guests a lot more flexibility in how they earn rewards that they can use, and also how they continue to earn status,' said Duffy. Here's what travelers should know. When will Carnival Rewards take effect? The new program will launch on June 1, 2026. Guests will be asked to opt in and their VIFP member number – which will be called their Carnival Guest Number – will be transferred. Members of the program will keep their existing loyalty status, with the exception of Blue members whose level will be combined with the program's Red tier. That status will remain valid for six years for Diamond members – through May 31, 2032 – and two years for all other levels. How will the program work? Guests will earn status-qualifying stars by spending money on the following: Their cruise fare Pre-cruise and onboard purchases Gratuities Transfers Carnival Vacation Protection Points earned in the casino will also count towards passengers' star balance. Unlike VIFP status levels, which don't expire, Carnival Rewards status accrued in a two-year period will be good for the following two years (with the exception of the initial six-year guarantee for existing VIFP Diamond members upon the program's launch). Separately, guests will earn Carnival Rewards points in the same ways they earn stars. 'Points can be redeemed for almost anything Carnival offers, including onboard activities, spa treatments, specialty dining, and even toward a future cruise,' the cruise line said in a news release. Carnival Mastercard cardholders, who can already earn FunPoints through purchases, will be automatically switched to a Carnival Rewards Mastercard. Their FunPoints will be combined with their Carnival Rewards account, with additional details to come. Duffy said the new program is 'more akin to the kind of loyalty programs that consumers have become quite accustomed to from the hotel industry and from the airline industry. And so we think while it's a first for the cruise industry, that it's something people will understand.' You're probably already enrolled: How cruise loyalty programs make travel easier, cheaper How much will I earn through Carnival Rewards? Guests will get three status-qualifying stars and three Carnival Rewards points per dollar on eligible purchases. Members can also get one star and one rewards point for each casino point they have left at the end of their cruise. The four-tier program will include: Red upon sign up: Perks include an e-newsletter and a complimentary bottle of water Gold at 10,000 stars: Perks include Red benefits plus Gold member support and a complimentary drink on cruises 5 days or longer Platinum at 50,000 stars: Perks include most Gold perks plus two complimentary drinks, priority specialty dining reservations, complimentary laundry service, priority embarkation and debarkation and more Diamond at 100,000 stars: Perks include most lower-tier perks along with retail concierge services, invitation to a special event from the captain and more As an example, a guest who sails once per year, takes two shore excursions and orders three drinks per day could earn approximately 5,655 rewards points based on a typical seven-day cruise. The same guest could also earn an estimated 11,310 stars within a two-year period. Travelers can visit Carnival's website to calculate how much they'll earn on their cruise. Duffy noted the cruise line will continue to recognize guest loyalty even beyond the points and stars system, such as when a guest reaches their 25th cruise, for instance. 'So, we want people to know that we continue to very much value our loyal guests.' Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
New legislation to oblige newsagents to hide vapes in same way they do for tobacco
Newsagents will be obliged to hide nicotine inhaling products - vapes - in the same way that they do for tobacco, under legislation being drafted by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. The bill will also introduce an advertising ban in all retail premises where nicotine inhaling products are sold. Minister of State John Cummins told Fine Gael Senator Mark Duffy in the Seanad today that the legislation aims to regulate the product's characteristics to reduce their appeal to young people. Accordingly, it will include restrictions on the use of colours and imagery on devices and their packaging, so that any products on display are not brightly covered and covered in cartoons. It will also include a ban on devices which resemble toys or games for the same reasons. The bill will also significantly restrict the flavours available for sale and ensure that only basic flavour names are used. It will also prohibit the sale of single-use vapes - something which was promised by the last Coalition - on the basis that they're disproportionately used by young people, as well as the negative environmental impacts associated with them. Mr Duffy said he very much welcomed the outline of the legislation, adding the proliferation of vape shops in Ireland has happened very quickly and regulation needs to catch up. He said young people needed to be protected, and that included removing product placements in shops which encouraged sales. He contended that the association of vapes with candy and sweets "is a cynical move to get them hooked." Mr Duffy claimed that younger and vulnerable people were being targetted by vape companies and the variety of different flavours and coloured products was aimed at making them as attractive as possible. Mr Cummins said that the Public Health Act of 2023 brought in a minimum age of sale of 18 for nicotine inhaling products, and will introduce a licensing system for the retail sale of tobacco and nicotine inhaling products. He said currently there is a one-off registration system for tobacco but no registration system for the sale of nicotine inhaling products such as vapes. The minister said this had led to vapes being sold in the likes of sweet shops, butchers, phone repair shots and fast-food takeaways. He said the Government would continue to act, saying the Coalition is committed to achieving a target of less than 5% of the population smoking.
