
Châtillon, France, December 11 th , 2024 DBV Confirms Alignment with U.S. FDA on Accelerated Approval Pathway for the Viaskin® Peanut Patch in Toddlers 1 – 3 Years-Old DBV and FDA aligned on key study design elements for the COMFORT Toddlers study in 1 – 3 year-olds, including study size and wear time collection methodology and analysis COMFORT Toddlers study on-track to initiate in 2Q 2025 Viaskin Peanut patch BLA submission for the Toddlers indication anticipated for 2H 2026 FDA confirmed criteria for post-marketing confirmatory study in toddlers 1 – 3 years-old Company to host investor webcast today at 5:00pm ET DBV Technologies (Euronext: DBV – ISIN: FR0010417345 – Nasdaq Stock Market: DBVT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced the successful outcome of recent written and oral communication with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that provides a clear and well-defined regulatory pathway for the Viaskin Peanut patch program in toddlers 1 – 3-years-old. The FDA has formalized guidance on an Accelerated Approval for the Viaskin Peanut patch in toddlers 1 – 3-years-old. DBV and FDA have agreed on the key design elements for a post-marketing confirmatory study. “DBV is pleased to have received, what we believe to be, a clear and reasonable pathway towards an Accelerated Approval for the Viaskin Peanut patch in toddlers 1 – 3-years-old. This comes on the heels of our October 22 nd press release announcing details in support of our separate Viaskin Peanut programs in 4 – 7 year-olds and in 1 – 7 year-olds in Europe,” said Daniel Tassé, Chief Executive Officer, DBV Technologies. “We believe we have decreased the regulatory pathway risk of our programs. DBV can now fully focus on executing the remaining studies that will support two distinct BLAs across age groups and an MAA in Europe. We are grateful to the Agency for its attentive collaboration as we continue to work towards introducing this novel therapy to caregivers and patients as expeditiously as possible.” Accelerated Approval Pathway The FDA recently issued written communication confirming an Accelerated Approval pathway for the Viaskin Peanut patch in toddlers 1 – 3-years-old. As a reminder, current FDA guidance for Accelerated Approval includes three qualifying criteria: That the product candidate treats a serious condition That the product candidate generally provides a meaningful advantage over available therapies That the product candidate demonstrates an effect or an intermediate clinical endpoint that is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit As DBV previously announced , FDA confirmed via written communication that the Viaskin Peanut patch already met criteria one and two. FDA and DBV have been engaged in ongoing dialogue throughout Q4 of this year regarding the intermediate clinical endpoint necessary to meet the third criterion. In the recent written communication, the FDA confirmed the efficacy data from the Company’s Phase 3 EPITOPE study can serve as an intermediate clinical endpoint. The FDA has agreed that the endpoint is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit and will therefore fulfill the requirement for Accelerated Approval. In preparation for commercialization, DBV made slight modifications to the Viaskin Peanut patch used in EPITOPE to increase the simplicity of application for the caregiver and provide product identification on each patch. No changes, including patch shape or size, were made to the device components that are in contact with the patient’s skin. Further, to increase the volume of patch production for future commercialization, changes needed to be made to the manufacturing process and location. Although the intended commercial Viaskin Peanut patch is currently being used (N=304) in the ongoing 3-year Open Label Extension to EPITOPE, the collective changes to the commercial Viaskin Peanut patch were viewed by the FDA as constituting a different product relative to the clinical patch used in the EPITOPE study. The Company intends to use the commercial Viaskin Peanut patch in both the COMFORT Toddlers study and the post-marketing confirmatory study. Post-Marketing Confirmatory Study In the recent written communication, FDA confirmed criteria for a post-marketing confirmatory study in toddlers 1 – 3-years-old. DBV and FDA agreed that the confirmatory study will assess the effectiveness of the intended commercial Viaskin Peanut patch and will need to be initiated at the time that the BLA is submitted. To date, the commercial patch has been used in 304 subjects with over 234,695 patient-days of therapy in the placebo crossover and the EPITOPE Open Label Extension, with no clinically relevant differences in efficacy or safety vs. the clinical patch used in the EPITOPE Phase 3 trial. The confirmatory study will include a double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) and will use the same statistical criteria for success (i.e., lower bound of the 95% CI > 15%) as used in the EPITOPE Phase 3 efficacy study. Adhesion data for the post-marketing confirmatory study will be collected in a similar manner relative to the COMFORT Toddlers study. The Company expects these data will further support the importance of average daily wear time in the use of the Viaskin Peanut patch as it relates to efficacy and labeling. “When it comes to food allergy management, what works for one family, might not work for another. That is why having varied treatment options available is so incredibly important to our community,” said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education). “I’m pleased to learn that DBV’s constructive dialogue with the FDA has resulted in this Accelerated Approval guidance outlining remaining developmental steps for the Viaskin Peanut patch in toddlers with a peanut allergy. At FARE, we look forward to the possibility that one day, if approved, caregivers and families will have this exciting new treatment as an option to consider.” COMFORT Toddlers Supplemental Safety Study COMFORT Toddlers is a Phase 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled (DBPC) study designed to generate additional safety (primary endpoint) and adhesion data of the Viaskin Peanut patch in peanut allergic toddlers 1 – 3-years old. DBV is pleased to announce that Dr. Julie Wang, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, the Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, will act as the Global Principal Investigator for the COMFORT Toddlers study. “I am thrilled to assume the role of Global Principal Investigator of the COMFORT Toddlers study,” stated Dr. Julie Wang, Professor of Pediatrics, Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. “Viaskin Peanut, if approved, would offer a much-needed alternative treatment option for patients and caregivers. I look forward to working with the DBV team to advance this important clinical trial.” The Company anticipates that COMFORT Toddlers will enroll approximately 480 subjects randomized 3:1 (active: placebo) at approximately 80 – 90 study centers across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe. COMFORT Toddlers will be a six-month study followed by an optional 18-month open-label treatment phase, to provide 24 or 18 months of treatment with the Viaskin Peanut patch for participants randomized to the active or placebo groups, respectively. Thus, the COMFORT Toddlers study will increase the total subjects exposed to the Viaskin Peanut patch for at least six-months in a controlled study to 600, as required by FDA. In total, there will be approximately 240 subjects with the clinical patch in EPITOPE and 360 with the commercial patch in COMFORT Toddlers. As previously disclosed , DBV and FDA have aligned on a patch wear time collection methodology, analysis and study objective hierarchy in the COMFORT Toddlers study. The agreed-upon adhesion data collection methodology provides a practical approach for subjects, families, and investigators. The methodology is intended to generate sufficient data to support a BLA submission under the Accelerated Approval pathway (i.e., collecting patch adhesion data with a focus on daily wear time at relevant time points). We believe there are three positive outcomes coming out of the productive discussions with FDA: FDA agreed that adhesion would not be a co-objective of a safety study and would be an exploratory endpoint. Next, adhesion should be assessed in the overall totality of benefit to risk (i.e., in the context of efficacy and safety). The third success is that we have aligned on what DBV believes is a very feasible approach to collecting adhesion data. DBV has initiated study start-up activities and plans to screen the first subject in the second quarter of 2025. Biologic License Application Submission in 1 – 3 Year-Olds There will be two Phase 3 studies in 1 – 3-year-olds using the Viaskin Peanut patch. The data generated from the studies will be used to inform a BLA submission: Twelve months of DBPC efficacy and safety data from the previously completed Phase 3 EPITOPE study (published in the New England Journal of Medicine i n May 2023), and 36 months of open-label extension data. Six months of DBPC data generated in COMFORT Toddlers supplemental safety study. DBV anticipates that the BLA for the Viaskin Peanut patch in toddlers 1 – 3 years-old under the Accelerated Approval program will be submitted in 2H 2026. Investor Conference Call and Webcast DBV management will host an investor conference call and webcast today, Wednesday, December 11 th , at 5:00pm EST, to discuss these regulatory updates. This call is accessible via the below teleconferencing numbers and requesting the DBV Technologies call. United States: +1-877-346-6112 International: +1-848-280-6350 A live webcast of the call will be available on the Investors & Media section of the Company’s website: https://www.dbv-technologies.com/investor-relations/ . A replay of the presentation will also be available on DBV’s website after the event. About DBV Technologies DBV Technologies is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing treatment options for food allergies and other immunologic conditions with significant unmet medical need. DBV is currently focused on investigating the use of its proprietary Viaskin® patch technology to address food allergies, which are caused by a hypersensitive immune reaction and characterized by a range of symptoms varying in severity from mild to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Millions of people live with food allergies, including young children. Through epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPITTM), the Viaskin® patch is designed to introduce microgram amounts of a biologically active compound to the immune system through intact skin. EPIT is a new class of non-invasive treatment that seeks to modify an individual’s underlying allergy by re-educating the immune system to become desensitized to allergen by leveraging the skin’s immune tolerizing properties. DBV is committed to transforming the care of food allergic people. The Company’s food allergy programs include ongoing clinical trials of Viaskin Peanut in peanut allergic toddlers (1 through 3 years of age) and children (4 through 7 years of age). DBV Technologies is headquartered in Châtillon, France, with North American operations in Warren, NJ. The Company’s ordinary shares are traded on segment B of Euronext Paris (Ticker: DBV, ISIN code: FR0010417345) and the Company’s ADSs (each representing five ordinary shares) are traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market (Ticker: DBVT; CUSIP: 23306J309). For more information, please visit www.dbv-technologies.com and engage with us on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn . Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements and estimates, including statements regarding the therapeutic potential of Viaskin® Peanut patch and EPITTM, designs of DBV’s anticipated clinical trials, DBV’s planned regulatory and clinical efforts including timing and results of communications with regulatory agencies, plans and expectations regarding initiation of the confirmatory study, plans and expectations with respect to COMFORT Toddlers and COMFORT Children, plans and expectations with respect to the submission of BLAs to FDA, anticipated support for the BLA submission, DBV’s expectations with respect to the Accelerated Approval pathway and any other actionable regulatory pathway, and the ability of any of DBV’s product candidates, if approved, to improve the lives of patients with food allergies. These forward-looking statements and estimates are not promises or guarantees and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. At this stage, DBV’s product candidates have not been authorized for sale in any country. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or projected herein include uncertainties associated generally with research and development, clinical trials and related regulatory reviews and approvals, and DBV’s ability to successfully execute on its budget discipline measures. A further list and description of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements in this press release can be found in DBV’s regulatory filings with the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers (“AMF”), DBV’s filings and reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including in DBV’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 7, 2024, and future filings and reports made with the AMF and SEC by DBV. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and estimates, which speak only as of the date hereof. Other than as required by applicable law, DBV Technologies undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this Press Release. Viaskin is a registered trademark and EPIT is a trademark of DBV Technologies. Investor Contact Katie Matthews DBV Technologies katie.matthews@dbv-technologies.com Media Contact Angela Marcucci DBV Technologies angela.marcucci@dbv-technologies.com Attachment PDF VersionWorld reaches $300 bn climate finance deal at COP29
MBARI’s Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) enables scientists and resource managers to monitor the health of remote aquatic environments. Equipped with advanced biological sensors and a wireless data connection, this “lab in a can” transmits real-time data about the health of rivers, lakes, and marine habitats and preserves samples for further study. With its ESP, MBARI is revolutionizing monitoring of the ocean and our nation’s waterways. The ESP autonomously conducts analyses without constant human oversight, making it an efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional sampling. This cutting-edge instrument helps scientists detect harmful organisms and toxins and assess water quality. The ESP can also collect environmental DNA (eDNA), the genetic material left behind by aquatic organisms. eDNA is a powerful tool for assessing and monitoring biodiversity. “MBARI is developing new robotic technology to measure and monitor the health of aquatic environments. Our Environmental Sample Processor, or ESP, is a game-changer for how we monitor biodiversity and assess water quality,” said Jim Birch, director of the SURF Center at MBARI. “The ESP allows us to gather critical data from areas where it’s difficult or dangerous for humans, and thus enables the monitoring of more and varied environments. It’s a vital tool for MBARI scientists and our collaborators studying environmental health.” The ESP represents more than two decades of engineering innovation from the MBARI team. Our researchers currently deploy two versions of the ESP. The second-generation (2G) ESP conducts stationary, autonomous sampling, real-time algal toxin detection, and eDNA collection and preservation. The third-generation (3G) ESP incorporates many of the same functions but is a highly portable system that can be carried by autonomous robots, including MBARI’s long-range autonomous underwater vehicle (LRAUV), making it suitable for more complex oceanographic studies. In 2024, MBARI partnered with a wide range of collaborators, from federal resource managers to local communities, to leverage 2G and 3G ESP technology to study and protect freshwater and ocean ecosystem health. The ESP is a versatile and cost-effective tool to provide detailed, real-time information about aquatic ecosystems, transforming how we monitor the health of our ocean, lakes, and rivers. The application of ESP technology in diverse projects—from tracking harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes to aiding salmon conservation efforts in Northern California—demonstrates its vast potential to support ecological research, improve environmental response strategies, and advance biodiversity monitoring. “MBARI engineering innovation has transformed how we study life around Monterey Bay. Our partnerships with NOAA, USGS, and others allow us to share MBARI technology with scientists, resource managers, decision-makers, and communities across the country and overseas,” said Birch. “Collaboration is critical to addressing the threats facing the ocean and other aquatic ecosystems. We’re continuing to find new ways to grow the ESP tech ecosystem and can’t wait to see what is on the horizon.” In June 2024, the White House Office of Science, Technology, and Policy published the National Aquatic eDNA Strategy, part of a larger effort to advance sustainable management of marine and freshwater resources. Members of the MBARI team lent their expertise to help advance and inform this strategy. This plan elevates eDNA as an important tool for mapping and monitoring biodiversity and calls for increased collaboration among public and private agencies to improve and advance eDNA research and operations. Expanding eDNA technology for monitoring and protecting aquatic ecosystems is critical to this strategy. The strategy aims to standardize eDNA practices, improve data sharing, and set performance metrics for reliable, consistent agency use. Through collaborative research and national standards, this strategy supports U.S. conservation goals by offering a science-driven, cost-effective approach to managing and safeguarding aquatic resources. In November, MBARI teamed up with our education and conservation partner, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, to host an experiment for our peers in the eDNA technology field to test and validate autonomous eDNA sampling technologies. The Aquarium’s Animal Care team keeps a detailed record of the fishes, invertebrates, and algae that live in their Kelp Forest exhibit, making it an ideal model to assess instruments’ ability to detect genetic markers from a diverse community of marine life. The experiment gathered data from MBARI’s 2G ESP, 3G ESP, and FIDO instruments, Cawthron Institute’s TorpeDNA passive sampler being tested through the Synchro research collaboration hosted at MBARI, and instruments commercially available from Aquatic Labs, Dartmouth Oceans Technologies, Inc., McLane Research Laboratories, Inc., Ocean Diagnostics, and Smith-Root. The nine devices processed water samples from the Kelp Forest exhibit while researchers manually collected and tested water samples for comparison. Findings from this experiment will help the eDNA research community create standardized performance benchmarks that ensure data collected across a range of technologies are consistent. This will improve the scientific community’s ability to share data from biodiversity assessments and enhance decision-making for aquatic environments. The ESP is a versatile and cost-effective tool to provide detailed, real-time information about aquatic ecosystems, transforming how we monitor the health of our ocean, lakes, and rivers. The application of ESP technology in diverse projects—from tracking harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes to aiding salmon conservation efforts in Northern California—demonstrates its vast potential to support ecological research, improve environmental response strategies, and advance biodiversity monitoring. “MBARI engineering innovation has transformed how we study life around Monterey Bay. Our partnerships with NOAA, USGS, and others allow us to share MBARI technology with scientists, resource managers, decision-makers, and communities across the country and overseas,” said Birch. “Collaboration is critical to addressing the threats facing the ocean and other aquatic ecosystems. We’re continuing to find new ways to grow the ESP tech ecosystem and can’t wait to see what is on the horizon.” For more information on other technology topics go to Astrobiology, Oceanography,University of Phoenix Supports Arizona Diamondbacks® Annual Winter Classic Celebration
Two Americans combined to deal the final blow to Manchester City in Turin on Wednesday. Weston McKennie gave Juventus a 2-0 lead via an assist from Tim Weah to put the game out of reach late in the second half. McKennie had missed time for Juventus with a foot injury and had to settle for coming off the bench for Thiago Motta's side, as did Weah, but once they entered in the 69th minute, McKennie and Weah ensured that his presence was felt and then some in the clash. The pair combined to score in the 75th minute and what a goal it was. After Juventus won the ball back, McKennie released Weah down the left and the winger got two chances to cross it in and his second fell perfectly to McKennie who had steamed forward in support to hit the ball on the half-volley to double Juventus' lead after Dusan Vlahovic scored in the first half of play. It's the first time ever that an American has assisted another American in Champions League play. Take a look at the goal: Scored in Torino, made in America! 🇮🇹🤝🇺🇸 Juve's #USMNT duo combine for a goal to remember as Tim Weah sets up Weston McKennie 🪄 pic.twitter.com/ZaZsL3u7jY "It was a big moment for the team with the situation that we've been in. I think we talked about it yesterday before the game and we wanted to come out here and give it the best that we could," McKennie said following the match. "We knew it was going to be a difficult game because Manchester City is a team that's all about possession and can punish you with one action. So we knew what type of game it was going to be and with the situation that we're in, we wanted to win this game to boost our confidence to keep going forward in the league." McKennie's goal and this victory came at a critical time as Juventus had drawn four consecutive games in all competitions prior to this match, but it also deepens Manchester City's spiral. Under Pep Guardiola, City has now failed to win nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions and could find themselves in a fight to even make it out of the league phase as they currently sit 22nd on eight points. Facing Paris Saint-Germain next, that could be a match where the loser fails to make the knockout stage of the tournament while Juventus will like their standing after they rose to 13th with the result. McKennie is enjoying another strong season with Juventus as this was now his second Champions League goal to go alongside a goal and two assists in Serie A play but it's also a season that almost didn't happen. Heading into the season, McKennie was out of manager Thiago Motta's plans before not only forcing Motta's hand but also extending his contract at Juventus for another season . Getting to move from playing as a wing back back into the center of the park where he's more comfortable has had a large role on McKennie's performances under Motta. It feels like the beginning of each season starts with McKennie possibly being on the outs at Juventus before he plays his way back into the XI and shows why he's one of the most important players in midfield at the club. At 26, he's beginning to enter his prime, and speaking to CBS Sports, the American midfielder opened up on what it feels like to be doubted and how it impacts his play. "Being an American, being over here, [being doubted] is something that you deal with," McKennie said. "But I like it, I like it when people doubt me. I think I play my best football when people doubt me and you know, I've proven again and again. So as long as I've got people that doubt me I see good football, hopefully so it's fine with me." AN INTERVIEW WITH EVERYTHING 🗣️ @WMckennie reacts to Juve win over Man City, reveals his favorite pundit, opens up about the adversity he has faced as an American abroad, gives @clint_dempsey his flowers and rates @MicahRichards trim 😂🇺🇸🙌 pic.twitter.com/4ouWMWkhR6 The perception of Americans in Europe has been a common theme but it's something that they're all working on changing this year with Americans scoring eight goals in the UCL this season. Christian Pulisic and Malik Tillman lead the way with three goals apiece before McKennie's two and Ricardo Pepi added another. Even when coming off the bench, Americans are getting the job done. "There's definitely a bias and it's just something that you get used to," McKennie said in the Pulisic documentary currently streaming on Paramount+. "I go through it most of the time. Whenever I'm at Juventus, every year somehow I'm on the out and I'm ready to be discarded and then every summer, I'm like a new player coming in, having to make a name for myself and it's like, when are you guys just going to finally just see that I can play at this level and I'm good enough for this level and I've done it enough times? But it's why Americans are the way we are because we always have this chip on our shoulder when we come to Europe." That chip shows in McKennie's game as he's able to contribute no matter what role he is in and it's also important to have as many Americans in top form as possible ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil. Expectations are rising now that Mauricio Pochettino is the head coach of the United States men's national team and having players like McKennie in top form will be critical to meet those expectations.
Bengaluru: A cybercrook hacked the login ID of the Tours and Travels division of Mysore Sales International Limited (MSIL) for SpiceJet airlines and booked 17 air tickets fraudulently. The staff concerned found that the 17 bookings were made within 10 minutes, causing MSIL a loss of Rs 2.9 lakh. According to the complaint filed by Ravi Kumar K, 50, working in the MSIL head office on Cunningham Road, the miscreant hacked the MSIL website and login ID of SpiceJet on Dec 17 and booked the tickets fraudulently between 7.30pm and 7.40pm. Kumar told police the hacker used a mobile number — 7465910880 — and email ID — gariyavikki80@gmail.com — to hack and log into the SpiceJet login ID BLRMS22266. The hacker also managed to crack the password. By the time the incident came to Kumar's notice on Dec 19, about 14 people had travelled using the tickets booked by the hacker. A police officer said according to Kumar, 11 people travelled to Dubai from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, while three travelled from Dubai to Mumbai. Soon after the fraud came to Kumar's notice, he informed his seniors in the office and cancelled three tickets booked from Delhi to Dubai. "We have asked Kumar to provide details about all 17 air passengers for whom the hacker had booked the tickets, including those who were about to fly to Dubai from Delhi. We will get in touch with the individuals to ascertain through whom they had booked the flight tickets. Meanwhile, our technical team is working to trace the miscreant who procured the sim card and the Gmail ID used to hack. A case has been registered under the Information Technology Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 318 (cheating). MSIL started the tour and travels 25 years ago, but for the first time they are encountering such an issue," the officer added. The loss mentioned in the complaint is the amount MSIL was to pay to the airlines company. The hacker must have earned more than what MSIL has lost, according to police. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword . Spread love this holiday season with these Christmas wishes , messages , and quotes.
Clippers leading scorer Norman Powell to miss third gameHow NATO's capital cities would be vaporised by Putin's nukes: Chilling nuclear bomb maps show potential impact of Russia's weapons - with a million killed in London alone(The Center Square) – The University System of Georgia’s Board of Regents has recommended a number of new and revised policies for its institutions, such as a commitment to institutional neutrality, the prohibiting of DEI tactics, and a mandatory education in America’s founding documents. The University System of Georgia (USG) is made up of Georgia’s 26 public colleges and universities as well as Georgia Archives and the Georgia Public Library Service. “USG institutions shall remain neutral on social and political issues unless such an issue is directly related to the institution’s core mission,” the board’s proposed revisions read . “Ideological tests, affirmations, and oaths, including diversity statements,” will be banned from admissions processes and decisions, employment processes and decisions, and institution orientation and training for both students and employees. “No applicant for admission shall be asked to or required to affirmatively ascribe to or opine about political beliefs, affiliations, ideals, or principles, as a condition for admission,” the new policy states. Additionally, USG will hire based on a person’s qualifications and ability. “The basis and determining factor” for employment will be “that the individual possesses the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the role, and is believed to have the ability to successfully perform the essential functions, responsibilities, and duties associated with the position for which the individual is being considered.” Beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year, the school’s civic instruction will require students to study founding American documents among other things. USG students will learn from the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights, the Articles of Confederation, the Federalist Papers, the Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail, as well as the Georgia Constitution and Bill of Rights. When reached for comment, the Board of Regents told The Center Square that “these proposed updates strengthen USG’s academic communities.” The recommended policies allow a campus environment “where people have the freedom to share their thoughts and learn from one another through objective scholarship and inquiry,” and “reflect an unyielding obligation to protect freedom, provide quality higher education and promote student success,” the board said. The board told The Center Square that it proposed strengthening “the requirements for civics instruction” with the inclusion of “foundational primary sources” because of higher education’s duty to students. Colleges and universities “must prepare [students] to be contributing members of society and to understand the ideals of freedom and democracy that make America so exceptional,” the board said. As for ditching DEI, the board explained that “equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of USG.” “The proposed revisions among other things would make clear that student admissions and employee hiring should be based on a person’s qualifications, not his or her beliefs,” the board said. The Board of Regents also said it wants to “ensure [its] institutions remain neutral on social and political issues while modeling what it looks like to promote viewpoint diversity, create campus cultures where students and faculty engage in civil discourse, and the open exchange of ideas is the norm.” USG’s Board of Regents recently urged the NCAA to ban transgender-identifying men from participating in women’s sports, in line with the NAIA rules, The Center Square previously reported .
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — The United Nations raised the death toll of a recent massacre in which dozens of older people and Vodou religious leaders were killed by a gang in Haiti, and called on officials to bring the perpetrators to justice. The U.N. Integrated Office in Haiti said in a report published on Monday that between Dec. 6 and 11 more than 207 people were killed by the Wharf Jeremie gang. The gang took people from their homes and from a place of worship, interrogated them and then executed them with bullets and machetes. Earlier this month, human rights groups in Haiti had estimated that more than 100 people were killed in the massacre, but the new U.N. investigation doubles the number of victims. “We cannot pretend that nothing happened” said María Isabel Salvador, the U.N. secretary-general’s special representative in Haiti. “I call on the Haitian justice system to thoroughly investigate these horrific crimes and arrest and punish the perpetrators, as well as those who support them," she said in a statement. Human rights groups in Haiti said the massacre began after the son of Micanor Altès, the leader of the Wharf Jeremie gang, died from an illness. The Cooperative for Peace and Development, a human rights group, said that according to information circulating in the community, Altès accused people in the neighborhood of causing his son’s illness. “He decided to cruelly punish all elderly people and (Vodou) practitioners who, in his imagination, would be capable of casting a bad spell on his son,” the group said in a statement released shortly after news of the massacre emerged. In Monday's report, the United Nations said that people were tracked down in their homes and in a place of worship by Altès’ gang, where they were first interrogated and then taken to an execution site. The United Nations said that the gang tried to erase evidence of the killings by burning bodies, or by dismembering them and throwing them into the sea. The massacre is the latest humanitarian tragedy in Haiti, where gang violence has intensified since the nation’s president was killed in a 2021 coup attempt . Haiti has struggled to organize an election that will fill the power vacuum and restore democratic rule. The Caribbean nation is currently governed by a transitional council that includes representatives from the business community, civil society and political parties, but its government has no control over many areas of the capital city, and gangs are constantly fighting over ports, highways and neighborhoods. According to the United Nations, more than 5,350 people have been killed in Haiti’s gang wars this year. The Haitian government acknowledged the massacre against older people in a statement issued earlier this month, and promised to persecute those responsible for this act of “unspeakable carnage.” Get any of our free daily email newsletters — news headlines, opinion, e-edition, obituaries and more.
Christmas is almost here, and it’s the perfect time to spread joy and festive cheer through WhatsApp status updates. If you’re searching for the ideal Christmas video to set as your status, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a simple guide to help you download and share your favourite Christmas videos using two quick methods: dedicated websites and YouTube downloads. Option 1: Using a Dedicated Website A convenient way to find and download Christmas videos is by visiting websites that offer free content tailored for WhatsApp statuses. These platforms often provide festive-themed videos in high-quality formats. Follow these steps to get started: Search for “Christmas WhatsApp status videos” using your preferred search engine. Explore websites like Pinterest, Pexels, or other festival-focused content hubs. These sites usually have well-organised Christmas-themed sections for easy browsing. Select your favourite Christmas video or photo from the list. Click the download button to save it to your device. Make sure the file is in a WhatsApp-compatible format like MP4 for videos. Option 2: Downloading from YouTube YouTube offers a treasure trove of Christmas-themed videos, from animated greetings to traditional holiday messages. Here’s how to download your favorite video: Open YouTube and search for “Merry Christmas 2024 WhatsApp status video.” Browse the wide variety of options available. Once you find a video you like, click on “Share” and select “Copy Link.” Head to a YouTube downloader site or app, paste the copied link, and choose a format such as MP4 for download. Save the video to your device and upload it to your WhatsApp status to share the holiday spirit with your loved ones. With these two easy methods, you can quickly find and share the perfect Merry Christmas video to brighten your WhatsApp status. Spread love, joy, and warmth this holiday season by connecting with your friends and family through these delightful Christmas updates. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Technology Science and around the world.
A fair pay deal for care staff will help fix Britain's creaking NHS , Angela Rayner says - adding she's personally "frustrated" that the UK's care system has been allowed to "fragment". The Deputy Prime Minister told the Sunday Mirror proposals for a fair pay deal for care staff were the "jewel in the crown" of the Employment Rights Bill. She spoke to this newspaper during a visit to IKEA in Warrington - the Swedish flat-pack giant has been a trailblazer, committing to a living wage for all employees and championing workers rights. There were a staggering 130,000 vacancies in care in the UK last year - with one in four workers leaving the profession in 2023/24. Labour has proposed a ‘Fair Pay Agreement’ for care workers in the Employment Rights Bill currently passing through Parliament. It would mean a million care workers and unions would be able to come together to negotiate better industry-wide pay, terms and conditions. Ms Rayner said Labour’s plan would help to fill the vacancies - allowing people with complex needs to be cared for in their own homes at a fraction of the cost of hospital stays. "People can work in IKEA for a lot more than they do for giving personal care to people in their own homes,” she said. “That's created a crisis in our NHS because we've got an aging population with more complex care needs, and we don't have the care workers in the community." IKEA is the largest accredited Living Wage Foundation retailer - pledging to pay employees at least the "Real Living Wage" of £13.15 an hour in London and £12 an hour in the rest of the UK. The median hourly rate for adult social care workers in the UK was £11 an hour in December 2023 - just 58p above the minimum wage, which at the time was £10.42 per hour. At the time, 19% of workers were on the "wage floor" of the minimum wage - with 60% paid less than the 2024 increase of the minimum wage to £11.44. She went on: "The frustration for me is that people haven't grasped that. I don't know if that's because it's a predominantly female sector, that was considered manual work before. “But if we just have that leap, to look at where the evidence is and work with the care sector and those that want to provide the care services in the communities, we could deliver a transformation for our elder population that deserve better care - but also save the taxpayers huge sums of money." Ms Rayner said more than 3 million workers are already benefiting from changes to the commission that recommends increases to the national living wage - which will have to take the cost of living into account when setting the rate. “We're in IKEA and places like IKEA will benefit because they've been delivering a real living wage for some time,” she said. “Now people that come into their stores are going to have more money in their pocket.” Ms Rayner took a tour of the furniture megastore, speaking to shop floor staff and meeting with apprentices - before admitting she’d never tried either the chain’s famous meatballs or Daim cake. “All I’ve had is the ginger biscuits, you know, just to keep my ginger up,” she said - but after our chat, a member of staff arrived with a tray of Daim cake for her and her team to try. We spoke at the end of a challenging week for No10 - which on Wednesday was besieged by a Barbour-clad army of angry farmers, furious at Labour’s plan to close inheritance tax loopholes for the richest landowners. “The previous government gave 25 separate tax rises to people in the UK, highest tax burden on record,” she said. “You can't pull that lever [again] and the Chancellor understands that. “Yes, we've made some difficult choices around inheritance tax but protecting most farmers within that. But we've said that to do that we've been able to invest in our public services and it's the right decision to make.” As a former care worker, Ms Rayner said the proposed changes to social care pay and conditions are “very personal to me”. “Adult social care for is always talked about as if it's a burden. A cost pressure,” she said. “But I know it doesn't have to be a cost pressure because I've seen it in action when we've invested in the workforce. “The previous Labour government did that. We had minimum standards in care. all of that as fragmented now.” Some care sector employers have complained it will increase costs for local councils - but Ms Rayner insists the project is a “win-win”. “If we have this fair pay agreement that it's proposed as part of our employment rights bill, alongside the minimum wage, we can deliver complex care packages in people's own homes at a fraction of the cost of what we're paying at the moment for people to be kept in hospital when they don't need to be. “And actually the more that people are in hospital, the more time it takes for them to be rehabilitated and to get well again, especially if you're of the older population. “So it's actually better care for people and it costs the taxpayer so much less and care workers get a pay rise and a career structure. There's there's no losing in this.” She added: “It costs so much more money to keep somebody on a trolley or keep somebody in a bed when they can't get the care at home. “So if we were just to invest in that care sector, we would save huge sums of money in the NHS. and that's why the fair pay agreement under the employment rights bill, to me is the jewel in the crown of that bill. “Because that will deliver a significant amount of the outcomes that we need to deliver proper care services for people in this country” Be the first with news from Mirror Politics US ELECTION WHATSAPP: Join our US Election WhatsApp group here to be first to get all the biggest news and results as America heads to the polls. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . 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The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 14 contest against the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Both teams have released their official injury reports, which are provided below. San Francisco 49ers Out LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles), RB Jordan Mason (ankle), S George Odum (knee), T Trent Williams (ankle) Doubtful DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) Questionable G Aaron Banks (concussion), LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee), S Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) Chicago Bears Out G Ryan Bates (concussion), S Elijah Hicks (ankle), RB Roschon Johnson (concussion) Questionable WR D.J. Moore (quadricep), RB D'Andre Swift (quadricep) Injury Notes Defensive end Nick Bosa and left tackle Trent Williams did not practice this week, leading to their respective game status designations. Bosa has missed the last two games due to oblique and hip injuries, while an ankle injury has sidelined Williams for the past two games. When asked if Bosa was able to do a little bit more this week compared to last week, head coach Kyle Shanahan said, "Yes, he did a little bit more." Left guard Aaron Banks also remained out of practice this week as he recovers from a concussion. Shanahan noted that Banks still has steps to complete before being cleared from the league's concussion protocol. Don't read too much into running back Jordan Mason being listed on the practice participation reports (as a non-participant). The 49ers still plan to place him on injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game, just as they did with Christian McCaffrey. Safety George Odum appeared on the injury report Thursday and missed the final two practices of the week. On a more positive note, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir progressed from being limited on Wednesday to participating fully on Thursday and Friday. Lenoir, who missed the Bills game with a knee injury, shared that he was close to playing on Sunday and was optimistic about his return. It's noteworthy that cornerback Charvarius Ward did not practice on Friday. However, his absence was not injury-related, and the defender was not listed on the game status report, indicating he will play on Sunday. Below are Friday's practice participation reports for both the 49ers and Bears, which were provided by the 49ers Communications staff. San Francisco 49ers Friday Practice Did Not Participate In Practice RB Jordan Mason (ankle), S George Odum (knee), T Trent Williams (ankle), DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique), G Aaron Banks (concussion), CB Charvarius Ward (not injury related - personal matter) Limited Participation in Practice LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles), LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee), S Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) Full Participation in Practice DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), CB Deommodore Lenoir (knee), DT Jordan Elliott (concussion), DE Sam Okuayinonu (wrist), G Dominick Puni (shoulder), QB Brock Purdy (right shoulder) Chicago Bears Friday Practice Did Not Participate In Practice G Ryan Bates (concussion), S Elijah Hicks (ankle), RB Roschon Johnson (concussion) Limited Participation in Practice WR D.J. Moore (quadricep), RB D'Andre Swift (quadricep) Full Participation in Practice WR Keenan Allen (ankle), TE Marcedes Lewis (not injury related - resting player), S Kevin Byard (shoulder), C Coleman Shelton (knee), T Darnell Wright (knee) This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.
NoneWASHINGTON — The House Ethics Committee found “substantial evidence” that former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz solicited prostitutes, used illicit drugs like cocaine and ecstasy and may have violated Florida’s statutory rape law while he was a member of Congress, according to a long-awaited report released Monday . The committee interviewed a witness who said she had sex with Gaetz twice at a party in Florida while she was still 17, and multiple witnesses corroborated the account, according to the report. “The Committee concluded there was substantial evidence that Representative Gaetz violated House Rules, state and federal laws, and other standards of conduct prohibiting prostitution, statutory rape, illicit drug use, acceptance of impermissible gifts, the provision of special favors and privileges, and obstruction of Congress,” the report states. Gaetz, who resigned from Congress last month and from consideration as President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. attorney general, has repeatedly denied the allegations. Earlier Monday, the former congressman filed a lawsuit as a last-ditch effort to block the release of the report, which had already been leaked to several outlets, including CNN and ABC News. “This action challenges the Committee’s unconstitutional and ultra vires attempt to exercise jurisdiction over a private citizen through the threatened release of an investigative report containing potentially defamatory allegations,” the filing stated. Gaetz has long battled allegations of misconduct, including that he had sex with a minor and used illicit drugs. ABC News reported in November that he paid more than $10,000 to two women who were later witnesses in both Justice Department and House probes into his alleged sexual misconduct. Gaetz has not been charged with any crimes, a point he made in a lengthy social media post Wednesday after learning the report would be made public. The House Ethics Committee, like the Justice Department , did not find sufficient evidence that Gaetz violated federal sex trafficking laws. Committee investigators, though, did find evidence that Gaetz regularly paid for sex while a member in the House. “In my single days, I often sent funds to women I dated — even some I never dated but who asked,” Gaetz wrote on social media Wednesday. “I dated several of these women for years. I NEVER had sexual contact with someone under 18. Any claim that I have would be destroyed in court — which is why no such claim was ever made in court. “My 30’s were an era of working very hard — and playing hard too,” said Gaetz, who is now 42. At least two individuals testified before Ethics Committee investigators that they had witnessed Gaetz using cocaine and ecstasy. According to the report, Gaetz also set up a “pseudonymous e-mail account from his House office in the Capitol complex for the purpose of purchasing marijuana.” In addition, the Ethics panel found that he made “tens of thousands of dollars in payments to women that the Committee determined were likely in connection with sexual activity and/or drug use.” Per the report, Gaetz would occasionally pay women using “another person’s PayPal account or through an account tied to a pseudonymous e-mail.” The committee interviewed more than half a dozen “witnesses who attended parties, events, and trips with Representative Gaetz from 2017-2020. Nearly every young woman that the Committee interviewed confirmed that she was paid for sex by, or on behalf of, Representative Gaetz,” the report states, although some of those relationships were described as “a date-for-hire arrangement that may not necessarily implicate state prostitution laws.” Gaetz, according to the report, declined to answer the committee’s questions about the payments he made to the women. One of those payments, in the amount of $400 in cash, was allegedly made to the 17-year-old, identified in the report as Victim A, with whom Gaetz is alleged to have had sex at a July 15, 2017, party at a Florida lobbyist’s home, according to the report. The report states that Victim A “did not inform Representative Gaetz that she was under 18 at the time, nor did he ask her age,” but it also notes that a person charged with statory rape in Florida “may not claim ignorance or misrepresentation of the minor’s age as a defense.” Under Florida law , it is a felony for a person 24 years of age or older to engage in sexual activity with a 16- or 17-year-old. The victim told the committee that she had sex with Gaetz twice during the party, including at least once in the presence of other attendees. “At the time, she had just completed her junior year of high school,” the report states. Under scrutiny It has been a whirlwind nearly two months for Gaetz and the normally secretive Ethics panel, which is made up of five Republicans and five Democrats. Shortly after winning a fifth term representing Florida’s 1st District last month, Gaetz announced his resignation from Congress on Nov. 13, the same day Trump announced him as his choice for attorney general. News of Gaetz’s potential promotion sparked outrage from Democrats and some Republicans, along with demands that the Ethics report be made public, or at least shared with senators who would be tasked with confirming the Florida Republican. Amid the uproar, Gaetz pulled his name from consideration on Nov. 21 , seemingly imperiling the release of the report. The Ethics Committee does not have jurisdiction over former members, and cases end when a member leaves office. The committee has in some cases, however, released reports after a member has resigned. Gaetz, who on Sunday teased a potential Senate run from Florida in 2026, is expected to join the One America News network next month as an anchor. On Dec. 5, the committee met for a second time on the Gaetz report and issued a statement saying members were “continuing to discuss the matter.” The same day, two separate attempts by Democrats to force the committee to release the report were rejected on the House floor. According to the Ethics report, the committee voted to release the report at a subsequent meeting on Dec. 10. Assuming all five Democrats backed the release of the report, at least one Republican would have also had to vote in favor of making the document public, though the exact breakdown remains unclear. House Ethics Chairman Michael Guest, a Mississippi Republican, was among the committee members who objected to the release of the report. “While we do not challenge the Committee’s findings, we take great exception that the majority deviated from the Committee’s well-established standards and voted to release a report on an individual no longer under the Committee’s jurisdiction, an action the Committee has not taken since 2006,” Guest said in a dissenting view attached to the report. Democrats, including Illinois Rep. Sean Casten, who introduced one of the measures that would have forced the release of the report, cheered the news. “The release of the Gaetz Report is welcome news for all who care about integrity, accountability, and transparency in the U.S. House of Representatives,” Casten said in a statement Monday. ©2024 CQ-Roll Call, Inc., All Rights Reserved. Visit cqrollcall.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Nico Iamaleava threw for 209 yards and four touchdowns to lead No. 10 Tennessee to a 56-0 victory over UTEP on Saturday. The Volunteers (9-2) overcame a sluggish start to roll up the impressive win. Both teams were scoreless in the first quarter, but Tennessee found its rhythm. Grad student receiver Bru McCoy, who hadn't caught a touchdown pass this season, had two. Peyton Lewis also ran for two scores. Tennessee's defensive line, which had no sacks in last week's loss to Georgia, had three against the Miners. UTEP (2-9) struggled with two missed field goals and three turnovers. Tennessee's offense came alive with 28 points in the second quarter. In the final four drives of the quarter, Iamaleava completed 11 of 12 passes for 146 yards and touchdowns to Squirrel White, Ethan Davis and McCoy. UTEP was the dominant team in the first quarter. Tennessee managed just 37 offensive yards and, thanks to an interception near the end zone and a missed field goal by the Miners, both teams were scoreless after 15 minutes. POLL IMPLICATIONS Tennessee’s convincing victory, coupled with losses by Mississippi and Indiana, should put the Volunteers in a good position when the next College Football Playoff poll is released. The Vols were ranked No. 11 going into this week’s games. THE TAKEAWAY UTEP: The Miners will head into a very winnable game against New Mexico State having won two of their last five games. First-year coach Scotty Walden will try to build on that success in the offseason to help enhance his roster. Tennessee: Even a lopsided win won’t carry much weight where it means the most — in the College Football Playoff rankings. The Vols will have to rely on a convincing win against Vanderbilt next week, a team that has shown a lot of improvement this season, to help their standing for those coveted spots. UP NEXT UTEP: The Miners will finish their season at New Mexico State Saturday. Tennessee: The Vols will finish their regular season at Vanderbilt next Saturday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
EVCC/SECC, EVCC Overall Solution, SECC Overall SolutionTexas A&M will move to a digital ticket pull approach for students for home football games beginning in 2025, A&M President Mark A. Welsh III announced Friday in a message to the campus community. The move comes a couple weeks after A&M’s in-person ticket pull system for the Texas game brought forth grievances from students about the process, health and safety concerns, and perceived bad actors via social media. A&M has mulled the future of its ticket pull system for weeks, but Welsh made the final decision about its future on Friday. He said the decision was clear after he received feedback from current students, former students, parents and other university stakeholders. “We are the largest school in the SEC and the only one not utilizing a digital ticket pull option,” Welsh wrote in his message to the A&M community. “A recent student survey led by the Student Government Association showed that 63% of Texas A&M Sports Pass holders are in favor of an online ticket pull system. To that end, I have assembled a task force to outline what would be needed to move to a digital approach for ticket pull. This small and nimble group, which met for the first time earlier this week, will work over the next few weeks to develop a policy framework that can guide the teams that need to begin developing a technology solution for this purpose." Welsh said Vicki Dobiyanski, A&M’s associate vice president for student affairs, and Cade Coppinger, A&M’s current student body president, will co-chair the task force. Other task force members include: Amy Janac, the 12th Man Foundation’s assistant director of ticket operations and events; Debbie Lollar, A&M Transportation Services’ associate vice president; Sharon Mainka, chief of staff to A&M’s vice president for IT and chief information officer; Alexandra Rainey, deputy chief of staff in A&M’s president’s office; and Lacey Williams, the 12th Man Foundation’s vice president of ticketing. While Welsh said he loves A&M’s traditions and are a “magnificent part” of what makes A&M special, he shared why he felt it was time to change the tradition of in-person ticket pull. “The tradition of the 12th Man has been very well served by the practice of ticket pull over the years. For many, it became a rite of passage,” Welsh wrote. “However, as we grow and evolve as a university and work hard to preserve our valued traditions, the practices associated with those traditions sometimes also need to evolve. We put students at risk in the ticket pull for the Texas game. I will not risk letting that happen again. I’m confident we can create a digital solution that preserves the most important elements of the current system and allows us to welcome the 2025 football season safely filled with the Aggie Spirit.”Furious Cucurella changes cleats after slipping twice to concede early goals, then helps Chelsea win