Women’s representation in the tech sector is improving across the country, even amid other drops in diversity. That’s according to a Wednesday report from the Vancouver-based Tech and People Network (TAP), which found that women’s representation in Canada’s tech sector made some progress over the last year, increasing from 36.9 per cent to 38.6 per cent among 149 employers surveyed. Nevertheless, the management-level gender pay gap still remains at 17 per cent, with all B.C. employers with over 50 employees required to report gender pay discrepancies by 2026, said the release. Women were represented most in tech companies’ human resources departments (84 per cent), while representation lacked in technology, design and support (27 per cent). Entry-level jobs for (45 per cent) had the highest representation, while women made up a meagre 5.8 per cent of jobs at the specialist level (5.8 per cent). Representation in those categories remain the same as last year, according to TAP’s 2024 Diversity in Tech Dashboard. But broader diversity in the tech sector has taken a considerable blow since 2023, with representation of persons of colour dropping by 4.4 percentage points to 33.1 per cent. The report found that the most significant proportion of people who self-identify as a person of colour were in the manufacturing sector (54 per cent), with the lowest being in the executive/corporate level (19 per cent) – those figures remain unchanged since 2023. Entry-level jobs (46 per cent) had the highest representation of this group, with the lowest being the specialist level (16 per cent). TAP Network CEO Stephanie Hollingshead said in Wednesday’s release that declining representation of people of colour and/or Black people is cause for concern, urging organizations to review recruitment/retention strategies. Underrepresented groups like persons with disabilities slightly increased by one percentage point from 4.2 per cent compared with 2023, with the largest numbers coming from those working in human resources. Representation of 2SLGBTQIA+ also increased annually by one percentage point to 9.9 per cent. However, representation for Indigenous persons was the lowest (0.8 per cent) and even saw a decrease of 0.1 percentage points in the last year. The tech sector experienced a mixed bag of improvements and declines over the last year – this was also the case for equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB) policy building in the workplace. Just over half (57 per cent) of the 181 organizations who provided information stated they ask employees for their accessibility needs, with close to half providing EDIB training and analyzing pay gaps. However, only 18 per cent of senior leadership in these companies has set accountability to match these goals. While companies made progress in developing inclusive policies, significant steps forward in diversity and pay equity remain painfully slow, said Hollingshead. “Our 2024 findings serve as an urgent wake-up call for Canada's tech sector. We need decisive, bold action in 2025 to close these persistent representation and gender pay gaps in our sector." The data for TAP Network’s 2024 Diversity in Tech Dashboard was compiled from their tech salary and total rewards survey, which includes data from 27,000 participants at 202 Canadian tech companies.
Academy Sports to Buy Back Up to $700M in StockBIZENGRI ® is the first and only therapy approved by the FDA specifically for pancreatic adenocarcinoma and NSCLC that harbor NRG1 gene fusions and are advanced unresectable or metastatic 1 Merus and Partner Therapeutics announced a license agreement for U.S. commercialization UTRECHT, The Netherlands and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Merus N.V. (Nasdaq: MRUS) [Merus, the Company, we, or our], a clinical-stage oncology company developing innovative, full-length, multispecific antibodies (Biclonics ® and Triclonics ® ), announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved BIZENGRI ® (zenocutuzumab-zbco), the first and only treatment indicated for adults with pancreatic adenocarcinoma or non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that are advanced unresectable or metastatic and harbor a neuregulin 1 ( NRG1 ) gene fusion who have disease progression on or after prior systemic therapy. These indications are approved under accelerated approval based on overall response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR). Continued approval for these indications may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial(s). BIZENGRI ® has a Boxed WARNING for Embryo-Fetal Toxicity and warnings for infusion-related reactions (IRRs), hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions, interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis, and left ventricular dysfunction. 1 See Important Safety Information below. We believe this approval fills an important need for patients with NRG1 + cancer who have not previously had treatment options approved to specifically target this driver. BIZENGRI ® (zenocutuzumab-zbco) 20 mg/mL Injection for Intravenous Use is expected to be available to patients in the coming weeks. “The FDA approval of BIZENGRI ® marks an important milestone for patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma or NSCLC that is advanced unresectable or metastatic and harbors the NRG1 gene fusion. I have seen firsthand how treatment with BIZENGRI ® can deliver clinically meaningful outcomes for patients,” said Alison Schram, MD, an attending medical oncologist in the Early Drug Development Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and a principal investigator for the ongoing eNRGy trial. “I am extraordinarily grateful for the patients and families who participated in the trial.” “BIZENGRI ® is Merus’s first approved medicine based on our highly innovative and proprietary Biclonics ® technology platform and offers significant promise for patients with NRG1 + pancreatic adenocarcinoma and NRG1 + NSCLC,” said Shannon Campbell, Chief Commercial Officer of Merus. “This approval is a testament to both our technology and strong execution as we continue to develop our multispecific platforms and pipeline, including our lead asset petosemtamab.” The approval of BIZENGRI ® is based on data from the eNRGy trial, a multicenter, open-label clinical trial that enrolled patients with NRG1 + pancreatic adenocarcinoma or NRG1 + NSCLC that is advanced unresectable or metastatic and had disease progression on or after prior systemic therapy. In patients with NRG1 + pancreatic adenocarcinoma (n=30), BIZENGRI ® demonstrated an ORR of 40% (95% CI, 23%-59%). DOR in NRG1 + pancreatic adenocarcinoma ranged from 3.7 months to 16.6 months. In the same trial, patients with NRG1 + NSCLC (n=64) who were treated with BIZENGRI ® demonstrated an ORR of 33% (95% CI, 22%-46%). The median DOR in NRG1 + NSCLC was 7.4 months (95% CI, 4.0-16.6). Response rates were measured using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR). In the pooled safety population (N=175), the most common (≥10%) adverse reactions were diarrhea, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, nausea, infusion-related reactions (IRR), dyspnea, rash, constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, and edema. The most common Grade 3 or 4 laboratory abnormalities (≥2%) were increased gamma-glutamyltransferase, decreased hemoglobin, decreased sodium, decreased platelets, increased aspartate aminotransferase, increased alanine aminotransferase, increased alkaline phosphatase, decreased magnesium, decreased phosphate, increased activated partial thromboplastin time, and increased bilirubin. “The Personalized Medicine Coalition applauds the approval of BIZENGRI ® , a new targeted therapy for NRG1 + pancreatic adenocarcinoma and NRG1 + NSCLC that are advanced unresectable or metastatic,” said Edward Abrahams, President of the Washington-based education and advocacy organization. “In keeping with the growing number of personalized medicines on the market today, BIZENGRI ® offers the only approved NRG1 + therapy for patients with these difficult-to-treat cancers.” The company plans to help appropriate patients gain access to BIZENGRI ® by providing resources and support based on each patient's needs and situation. PTx AssistTM is available to help guide patients through treatment, from providing educational information to helping to understand insurance coverage and identifying potential financial assistance options. For more information, patients and providers can call 1-844-637-8777, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING, at www.BIZENGRI.com/pi . About BIZENGRI ® BIZENGRI ® is a bispecific antibody that binds to the extracellular domains of HER2 and HER3 expressed on the surface of cells, including tumor cells, inhibiting HER2:HER3 dimerization and preventing NRG1 binding to HER3 . BIZENGRI ® decreased cell proliferation and signaling through the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT-mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. In addition, BIZENGRI ® mediates antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. BIZENGRI ® showed antitumor activity in mouse models of NRG1 + lung and pancreatic cancers. 1 About the eNRGy Trial The eNRGy trial (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02912949) is a multicenter, open-label clinical trial that includes patients with advanced unresectable or metastatic NRG1 + pancreatic adenocarcinoma or NRG1 + NSCLC who have disease progression on or after prior systemic therapy. There were 30 patients in the NRG1 + pancreatic adenocarcinoma group and 64 patients in the NRG1 + NSCLC group. The main outcome measures were ORR and DOR, as determined by BICR according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1. 1 In the NRG1+ pancreatic adenocarcinoma group, the median age was 49 years (range, 21-72 years); 43% were female; 87% were White, 7% were Asian, and 3.3% were Black or African American. All patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1, and all patients had metastatic disease. Patients received a median of 2 prior systemic therapies (range, 0-5); 97% had prior systemic therapy with prior chemotherapy. 1 In the NRG1+ NSCLC group, the median age was 64 years (range, 32-86 years); 64% were female, 33% were White, 56% were Asian, and 3.4% were Black or African American. ECOG performance status was 0 or 1 in 97% of patients or 2 in 3% of patients, and 98% of patients had metastatic disease. Patients received a median of 2 prior systemic therapies (range, 1-6). 1 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION BOXED WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Exposure to BIZENGRI ® during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Advise patients of this risk and the need for effective contraception. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Infusion-Related Reactions/Hypersensitivity/Anaphylactic Reactions BIZENGRI ® can cause serious and life-threatening infusion-related reactions (IRRs), hypersensitivity and anaphylactic reactions. Signs and symptoms of IRR may include chills, nausea, fever, and cough. In the eNRGy study, 13% of patients experienced IRRs, all were Grade 1 or 2; 91% occurred during the first infusion. Administer BIZENGRI ® in a setting with emergency resuscitation equipment and staff who are trained to monitor for IRRs and to administer emergency medications. Monitor patients closely for signs and symptoms of infusion reactions during infusion and for at least 1 hour following completion of first BIZENGRI ® infusion and as clinically indicated. Interrupt BIZENGRI ® infusion in patients with ≤ Grade 3 IRRs and administer symptomatic treatment as needed. Resume infusion at a reduced rate after resolution of symptoms. Immediately stop the infusion and permanently discontinue BIZENGRI ® for Grade 4 or life-threatening IRR or hypersensitivity/anaphylaxis reactions. Interstitial Lung Disease/Pneumonitis BIZENGRI ® can cause serious and life-threatening interstitial lung disease (ILD)/pneumonitis. In the eNRGy study, ILD/pneumonitis occurred in 2 (1.1%) patients treated with BIZENGRI ® . Grade 2 ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 2) resulting in permanent discontinuation of BIZENGRI ® occurred in 1 (0.6%) patient. Monitor for new or worsening pulmonary symptoms indicative of ILD/pneumonitis (e.g., dyspnea, cough, fever). Immediately withhold BIZENGRI ® in patients with suspected ILD/pneumonitis and administer corticosteroids as clinically indicated. Permanently discontinue BIZENGRI ® if ILD/pneumonitis ≥ Grade 2 is confirmed. Left Ventricular Dysfunction BIZENGRI ® can cause left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease has been observed with anti-HER2 therapies, including BIZENGRI ® . Treatment with BIZENGRI ® has not been studied in patients with a history of clinically significant cardiac disease or LVEF less than 50% prior to initiation of treatment. In the eNRGy study, Grade 2 LVEF decrease (40%-50%; 10 - 19% drop from baseline) occurred in 2% of evaluable patients. Cardiac failure without LVEF decrease occurred in 1.7% of patients, including 1 (0.6%) fatal event. Before initiating BIZENGRI ® , evaluate LVEF and monitor at regular intervals during treatment as clinically indicated. For LVEF of less than 45% or less than 50% with absolute decrease from baseline of 10% or greater which is confirmed, or in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure (CHF), permanently discontinue BIZENGRI ® . Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on its mechanism of action, BIZENGRI ® can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. No animal reproduction studies were conducted with BIZENGRI ® . In postmarketing reports, use of a HER2-directed antibody during pregnancy resulted in cases of oligohydramnios manifesting as fatal pulmonary hypoplasia, skeletal abnormalities, and neonatal death. In animal models, studies have demonstrated that inhibition of HER2 and/or HER3 results in impaired embryo-fetal development, including effects on cardiac, vascular and neuronal development, and embryolethality. Advise patients of the potential risk to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of BIZENGRI ® . Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with BIZENGRI ® and for 2 months after the last dose. ADVERSE REACTIONS NRG1 Gene Fusion Positive Unresectable or Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Serious adverse reactions occurred in 23% of patients with NRG1 Gene Fusion Positive Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma who received BIZENGRI ® . There were 2 fatal adverse reactions, one due to COVID-19 and one due to respiratory failure. In patients with NRG1 Gene Fusion Positive Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma who received BIZENGRI ® the most common (≥20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were increased alanine aminotransferase (51%), diarrhea (36%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (31%), increased bilirubin (31%), decreased phosphate (31%), increased alkaline phosphatase (28%), decreased sodium (28%) musculoskeletal pain (28%), decreased albumin (26%), decreased potassium (26%), decreased platelets (26%), decreased magnesium (24%), increased gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (23%), decreased hemoglobin (23%), vomiting (23%), nausea (23%), decreased leukocytes (21%), and fatigue (21%). NRG1 Gene Fusion Positive Unresectable or Metastatic NSCLC Serious adverse reactions occurred in 25% of patients with NRG1 Gene Fusion Positive NSCLC who received BIZENGRI ® . Serious adverse reactions in ≥ 2% of patients included pneumonia (n=4) dyspnea and fatigue (n=2 each). Fatal adverse reactions occurred in 3 (3%) patients and included respiratory failure (n=2), and cardiac failure (n=1). Permanent discontinuation of BIZENGRI ® due to an adverse reaction occurred in 3% of patients. Adverse reactions resulting in permanent discontinuation of BIZENGRI ® included dyspnea, pneumonitis and sepsis (n=1 each). In patients with NRG1 Gene Fusion Positive NSCLC who received BIZENGRI ® , the most common (>20%) Adverse Reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were decreased hemoglobin (35%), increased alanine aminotransferase (30%), decreased magnesium (28%), increased alkaline phosphatase (27%), decreased phosphate (26%) diarrhea (25%), musculoskeletal pain (23%), increased gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (23%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (22%), and decreased potassium (21%). Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING, at BIZENGRI.com/pi. About Merus N.V. Merus is a clinical stage oncology company developing innovative full-length human bispecific and trispecific antibody therapeutics, referred to as Multiclonics ® . Multiclonics ® are manufactured using industry standard processes and have been observed in preclinical and clinical studies to have several of the same features of conventional human monoclonal antibodies, such as long half-life and low immunogenicity. For additional information, please visit Merus’ website https://merus.nl and LinkedIn . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including without limitation, statements regarding product development and the potential benefits and treatment impact of BIZENGRI ® (zenocutuzumab-zbco); our belief that this approval fills an important need for patients with NRG1 + cancer who have not previously had treatment options approved to specifically target this driver; the expectation of BIZENGRI ® to be available to patients in the coming weeks; the promise BIZENGRI® holds for patients with NRG1 + pancreatic adenocarcinoma and NSCLC; its implication to our technology and execution as we continue to develop our multispecific platforms and pipeline, including our lead asset petosemtamab; and our expectation to provide patients with access to BIZENGRI ® , as well as offering helpful resources and support based on each patient's needs and situation. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Merus. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following: our need for additional funding, which may not be available and which may require us to restrict our operations or require us to relinquish rights to our technologies or antibody candidates; potential issues associated with regulatory approval, which would impact our ability to commercialize our product candidates and affect our ability to generate revenue; the lengthy and expensive process of clinical drug development, which has an uncertain outcome; our reliance on third parties to conduct our clinical trials, and the potential for those third parties to not perform satisfactorily; impacts of the volatility in the global economy, including global instability, including the ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East; we may not identify suitable Biclonics ® or bispecific antibody candidates under our collaborations, or our collaborators may fail to perform adequately under our collaborations; our reliance on third parties to manufacture our product candidates, which may delay, prevent, or impair our development and commercialization efforts; protection of our proprietary technology; our patents may be found invalid, unenforceable, circumvented by competitors, and our patent applications may be found not to comply with the rules and regulations of patentability; we may fail to prevail in potential lawsuits for infringement of third-party intellectual property; and our registered or unregistered trademarks or trade names may be challenged, infringed, circumvented, or declared generic or determined to be infringing on other marks. These and other important factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, on October 31, 2024, and our other reports filed with the SEC, could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management’s estimates as of the date of this press release. While we may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we disclaim any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause our views to change, except as required under applicable law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Multiclonics ® , Biclonics ® , Triclonics ® , and BIZENGRI ® are registered trademarks of Merus N.V. Reference: 1. BIZENGRI. Prescribing information. Merus N.V.; 2024. ©2024 Merus N.V. All rights reserved. MAT-0247 V4 12/24
Clubs from across the football pyramid are “alarmed” by the lack of consultation on legislation which could “fundamentally affect the future of English football”, West Ham vice-chairwoman Karren Brady has said. The Apprentice star also argued that a lack of clarity from the Government on the ownership test is causing “significant uncertainty” for potential investors. This came as the House of Lords continued its scrutiny of the Football Governance Bill, which seeks to establish an independent regulator for the top five tiers of the men’s game. In the upper chamber, Baroness Brady said: “We are creating legislation which will profoundly affect 160 quite unique institutions, from Premier League clubs through to the National League community clubs, but it is important for everyone to understand that the consultation with these affected businesses by the current Government has been remarkably limited, almost unbelievably so. “Just seven Premier League clubs, I was one of them, was granted a brief half-hour meeting with the Secretary of State over the summer. “And following this cursory engagement, significant decisions were made that could fundamentally affect the future of English football, most notably with the inclusion of parachute payments within the backstop mechanism. “This is particularly concerning given that fundamental issues still remained unresolved, we still lack any clarity on Uefa’s position on state interference, for example, this clearly creates profound uncertainty for clubs competing in or aspiring to European competition, as well as our national teams.” “We don’t know what the ownership test will look like, this causes significant uncertainty for potential investors as to whether they are able to own a club,” she added. Lady Brady continued: “I have spoken to many of my colleagues across all of the football pyramid, we are all alarmed about and puzzled by the lack of discussion on the Bill with ministers. “Would the minister agree that we all want to get the detail of this Bill right? And can she see any downsides to providing meaningful opportunities to hear from all clubs across the football pyramid affected by the legislation?” Prior to this, Tory shadow sports minister Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay had tabled an amendment which he said would allow clubs to “make their views known on this legislation” by including specific competitions on the face of the Bill. Labour frontbencher Baroness Twycross told the upper chamber: “I don’t think the leagues are confused either on which leagues this legislation will apply to.” She added: “This power is both reasonable and the result of evidence-based consultation with all key stakeholders in the industry. “This power ensures that the competitions in scope can be amended in a timely manner and ensures the scope of the regime remains relevant.” The peer later said: “Over the past three years there have been countless opportunities for all affected and interested parties to make representations.” Lady Brady also raised concerns about the financial distribution backstop, which she said is “clearly designed as a mechanism to gain direct access to, and apportionate Premier League revenue, and no-one else’s”. “I might add the backstop will allow the IFR (Independent Football Regulator) to do this even if it was against the Premier League clubs’ will, or even without the clubs’ agreement, even if it was to have a detrimental effect on the clubs and the overall competition it removes revenue from,” she added. The backstop would allow the new IFR to intervene in the distribution of Premier League broadcast revenue down the leagues as a last resort. It could be triggered by the Premier League, English Football League (EFL) or National League to mediate the fair financial distribution of this revenue if they are not able to come to an agreement. Conservative peers later raised concerns over the cost implications to clubs of establishing the regulator, although they faced claims of “filibustering” – wasting time by making overlong speeches in a bid to delay progress. Watching opposition benches blatantly filibustering to destroy the Football Governance Bill is nothing short of sporting vandalism.Football is broken. Clubs are struggling. Now those seats have been lost, do they no longer care about likes of Reading or Southend? @FairGameUK — Niall Couper (@NiallCouper) December 4, 2024 Labour peer Lord Watson of Invergowrie questioned why Lord Parkinson was showing “confected outrage” at the Bill when the former culture minister would have been defending a similar proposal had the Tories remained in power. Lord Parkinson, in his reply, said: “We want to see this regulator established, we want to see it doing its work and doing so effectively, but we also see before us a Bill that is different because of the election that was called and the result that happened, and we’re interrogating particularly closely the changes that the Government have made to the Bill – of which there are many. “And we have more concerns on these benches than we did before the election from my colleagues behind me about the way we do it.” The Tory peer pointed to Labour frontbenchers fulfilling their duties to “properly scrutinise” then-government legislation when they were on the opposition benches. Lady Twycross, in an intervention, said: “While I agree that (Lord Parkinson) is correct that I would scrutinise legislation when I was sitting on those (opposition) benches, I have never sought to filibuster a Bill to which my party had committed, which my party had laid before Parliament, and intended to filibuster it to the point of getting us stuck in treacle.” Lord Parkinson replied: “That is not what we’re doing.” Niall Couper, chief executive of the campaign group Fair Game, wrote on social media site X: “Watching opposition benches blatantly filibustering to destroy the Football Governance Bill is nothing short of sporting vandalism.”
'Must be held to high standards': Why Resorts World Sentosa's tourism performance was deemed unsatisfactory
NEW YORK, Dec. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that it has filed a lawsuit against Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVLV) and certain of the Company’s current and former senior executives. If you invested in Evolv, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/evolv-technologies-holdings-inc . Investors have until December 31, 2024 to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors in Evolv’s securities. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and is captioned Buchan v. Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc. , No. 1:24-cv-12768. A copy of the lawsuit can be found here: https://www.bfalaw.com/siteFiles/Cases/EvolvFiledComplaint.pdf What is the Lawsuit About? Evolv is a security technology company that utilizes AI-based screening designed to help create safer experiences. The complaint alleges that Evolv’s financial statements prepared for the periods between the second quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2024 contained material misstatements relating to Evolv’s revenue recognition and other reported metrics that are a function of revenue. On October 25, 2024, Evolv announced that the Company’s financial statements issued between the second quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2024 should not be relied upon due to material misstatements impacting revenue recognition and other previously reported metrics that are a function of revenue. The Company revealed that certain sales, including sales to one of its largest channel partners, were subject to extra-contractual terms and conditions not shared with the Company’s accounting personnel and that certain Company personnel engaged in misconduct in connection with those transactions. The Company also announced that it has self-reported these issues to the Division of Enforcement of the Securities and Exchange Commission and was delaying filing its upcoming quarterly report for the third quarter of 2024. On this news, the price of Evolv stock declined roughly 40%, from $4.10 per share on October 24, 2024, to $2.47 per share on October 25, 2024. Then, on October 31, 2024, Evolv announced the termination of the Company’s CEO, Peter George, effective immediately. The Company announced that Michael Ellenbogen, Evolv’s Chief Innovation Officer will serve in an interim role until a successor is appointed. On this news, the price of Evolv stock declined roughly 8%, from $2.34 per share on October 30, 2024, to $2.15 per share on October 31, 2024. Click here for more information: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/evolv-technologies-holdings-inc . What Can You Do? If you invested in Evolv you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm. All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses. Submit your information by visiting: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/evolv-technologies-holdings-inc Or contact: Ross Shikowitz ross@bfalaw.com 212-789-3619 Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP? Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs’ Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.’s Board of Directors (pending court approval), as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd. For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com . https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/evolv-technologies-holdings-inc Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Firefighters will tomorrow demand an inflation-beating pay rise of up to 5%. Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack vowed crews across Britain were determined to “make up lost ground” after 14 years of Tory austerity. He said: “I do not want to go on strike. I do not want to see strikes in the fire service but we have to have that right and we have to be prepared to do so if we can’t resolve things or if we are attacked in some way.” Chancellor Rachel Reeves has repeatedly stated public finances inherited from the Tories are dire. But improving living standards, Wrack’s aim for firefighters, is one of Labour ’s six key targets. Despite final annual deals of 5% and 4% from the Tories, the goal is for a rise above inflation, which stands at 2.2% but is expected to go up this year. Mr Wrack added: “We need to restore pay. We’re not expecting that will necessarily happen in one hit but we do expect our members’ living standards to return. Firefighters are on the front line dealing with storms, saving people’s lives in floodwater, protecting communities. “That’s something they are very proud to do but the truth is, we’re doing it with 12,000 fewer people (after Tory cuts) and that’s effectively doing it with one hand tied behind our back.”
Tonight, BBC audiences were glued to their seats as they watched who would be the last couple to leave before the live final in Strictly Come Dancing : The Results. Couples that remain in the running include Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell, JB Gill and Lauren Oakley, Pete Wicks and Jowitza Przystal, Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec, and Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola. The first two couples announced for the final were Chris and Dianne and Sarah and Vito, while Tasha and Aljaž were told they were have to dance again. Strictly host Claudia Winkleman sat down to interview Sarah and Vito after the news was announced, and things quickly turned emotional. Claudia asked Sarah what she wanted to say to Vito following their success in the competition, which caused her to break down in tears. "You believe in me and I'm so grateful, because I couldn't have got here with anybody else and you put so much work into our routines. "You are so meticulous about everything and you contantly - even when you're not in the rehearsal room - you're thinking about things and you're sending me messages... "I'm so grateful to you," she added tearfully, as Vito interjected: "I said to you in the beginning that my way of teaching is like a mirror. So if I do what I do, I just mirror who I have in front of me, and you deserve all of this." Sarah let out a sob, as a similarly tearful Claudia admitted: "I've gone! I did not expect that." Last night, fans called on BBC bosses to make major changes to the show next year after professional dancer Lauren dazzled once more with her celebrity partner JB. Lauren has been stepping in for Amy Dowden, who had to withdraw from the competition earlier on in the series after sustaining a foot injury. Since then, JB has received accolades from fans for his seamless transition to dancing with Lauren, all while keeping Amy in his thoughts. On social media, many viewers insisted Lauren should be given a permanent spot in the competition last year, with one pleading: "That was a fabulous routine from JB and Lauren. Please please please don't bench Lauren next year. She's brought JB on by leaps and bounds this year." Another fan gushed: "I hope Lauren gets a partner next year. She's brilliant!" While a third viewer emphatically stated: "I don't want to see Lauren without a partner at the start of a series ever again!!" (sic) Strictly Come Dancing: The Final airs next Saturday at 6pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.Former Celtic star spotted partying on top of bus wearing sombrero and knocking back high-strength booze after title win
Football clubs ‘alarmed’ by lack of consultation on regulator – Karren BradyLiverpool boss Arne Slot hailed “special” Mohamed Salah after seeing him fire the Premier League leaders to the brink of victory at Newcastle. The Reds ultimately left St James’ Park with only a point after Fabian Schar snatched a 3-3 draw at the end of a pulsating encounter, but Salah’s double – his 14th and 15th goals of the season – transformed a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead before the Switzerland defender’s late intervention. The 32-year-old Egypt international’s future at Anfield remains a topic of debate with his current contract running down. Asked about Salah’s future, Slot said: “It’s difficult for me to predict the long-term future, but the only thing I can expect or predict is that he is in a very good place at the moment. Two goals and an assist for Mo tonight 👏 pic.twitter.com/tMXidgeA0P — Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 4, 2024 “He plays in a very good team that provides him with good opportunities and then he is able to do special things. “And what makes him for me even more special is that in the first hour or before we scored to make it 1-1, you thought, ‘He’s not playing his best game today’, and to then come up with a half-hour or 45 minutes – I don’t know how long it was – afterwards with an assist, two goals, having a shot on the bar, being a constant threat, that is something not many players can do if they’ve played the first hour like he did. “That is also what makes him special. If you just look at the goals, his finish is so clinical. He’s a special player, but that’s what we all know.” Salah did indeed endure a quiet opening 45 minutes by his standards and it was the Magpies who went in at the break a goal to the good after Alexander Isak’s stunning 35th-minute finish. Slot said: “The shot from Isak, I don’t even know if Caoimh (keeper Caoimhin Kelleher) saw that ball, as hard as it was.” Salah set up Curtis Jones to level five minutes into the second half and after Anthony Gordon has restored the hosts’ lead, levelled himself from substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 68th-minute cross. He looked to have won it with a fine turn and finish – his ninth goal in seven league games – seven minutes from time, only for Schar to pounce from a tight angle in the 90th minute. Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe was delighted with the way his team took the game to the Reds four days after their disappointing 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. Howe, who admitted his surprise that VAR official Stuart Attwell had not taken a dimmer view of a Virgil van Dijk shoulder barge on Gordon, said: “It’s mixed emotions. “Part of me feels we should have won it – a big part of me – but part of me is pleased we didn’t lose either because it was such a late goal for us. “Generally, I’m just pleased with the performance. There was much more attacking output, a much better feel about the team. “There was much better energy, and it was a really good performance against, for me, the best team we’ve played so far this season in the Premier League, so it was a big jump forward for us.”
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Power planners have found nuclear energy does not stack up for Australia even after considering new parameters, with large-scale solar and big batteries still the lowest-cost option. or signup to continue reading In the draft generation cost update released on Monday, scientists and energy officials warn taxpayers will need deep pockets and a lead time of at least 15 years to develop nuclear energy generation. For the seventh straight year, renewables were the lowest-cost of any new-build electricity-generating technology. After a global energy crisis and equipment supply crunch several years ago, large-scale solar and lithium battery storage have weathered the inflationary period the best of all technologies. The cost of batteries recorded the largest annual reduction, with capital costs down by one-fifth. Rooftop solar costs are also coming down. The draft GenCost 2024-25 Report comes as the coalition pushes for an end to Australia's nuclear ban and promises to have reactors online in as soon as 10 years if elected in 2025. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, eyeing sites in seven regional centres, has pledged to release the coalition's nuclear costings "this week". But nuclear energy generation would be 1.5 to two times more expensive than large-scale solar, according to the analysis released by the national science agency CSIRO and the Australian Energy Market Operator. A one-gigawatt nuclear plant has a price tag of roughly $9 billion, but the bill would double to $18 billion as the first of its kind. Operators would also need to establish new connection points to safely supply the national electricity grid, experts warn. Advocates have demanded greater recognition of the potential cost advantages of nuclear's long operating life compared to solar panels and wind turbines, but CSIRO chief energy economist and GenCost lead author Paul Graham said he found none. "Similar cost savings can be achieved with shorter-lived technologies including renewables, even when accounting for the need to build them twice," Mr Graham said. Nuclear's capacity factor - referring to how much of a year a reactor could operate at full tilt - remains unaltered at 53-89 per cent based on verifiable data and consideration of Australia's unique electricity generation needs. Nor would the often-touted United Arab Emirates example of a relatively quick 12-year nuclear construction time-frame be achievable here, the report found, because Australians require consultation. An increase in gas generation costs in the update included a premium for hydrogen readiness that was not included in previous data. All new gas turbine projects, including Kurri Kurri in NSW, are expected to include the capability for hydrogen blending and eventual conversion to hydrogen firing when supply becomes more readily available. The draft report is open for feedback until February 11, with a final version due in the second quarter of 2025. Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . AdvertisementStudy unearths concerning link between Americans and exposure to deadly toxinThe speculation over has come to an end. Universal revealed Monday that Nolan will adapt , the epic poem from Homer that follows Odysseus’ journey home after the Trojan war. “ ’s next film ‘The Odyssey’ is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology,” said the studio. “The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.” Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway and Charlize Theron star in the feature. Nolan has delved with period pieces before, including best piture winner , which told the story of the creation of the Atomic Bomb, and , an adaptation of Christopher Priest’s novel centering on two rival magicians amid the backdrop of 1890s London. But is a marked change of pace for the filmmaker. Homer’s epic poem dates back to the 8th century BC and tells of gods, goddesses and monsters — the type of material foreign to Nolan’s work so far. Still, the filmmaker has dealt with plenty of fantastical material, including making Batman believable for post-9/11 audiences, and bringing realism to sci-fi notions such as shared dreams in and intergalactic travel in . Nolan began his year winning his first Oscars in his decades-long career thanks to , which netted him statues for best picture and best director. Nolan ended it with another honor, officially being knighted by King Charles in a ceremony last week. THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day More from The Hollywood Reporter
Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise prices, won't rule out revenge prosecutionsRenewable energy trounces nuclear on generation costs