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A year ago, a gripping ITV drama triggered outrage over the Post Office scandal. Lead campaigner Sir Alan Bates hoped a new Government would at last deliver compensation. Sadly, he was wrong... By KATHRYN KNIGHT Published: 23:39, 27 December 2024 | Updated: 23:39, 27 December 2024 e-mail View comments The letters tumbling on to the mat come from across the world – France , Australia, the US and many more – some just addressed to 'Alan Bates, North Wales.' 'They always seem to find me,' says Alan Bates (now Sir Alan) with a smile. 'I've kept some of the envelopes as it's quite amusing.' But then 70-year-old Bates is something of a worldwide name, much to his surprise. It's all courtesy of his David-versus-Goliath fight for justice for victims of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal – and the ITV drama, Mr Bates vs the Post Office – that brought the story to the world, the first episode of which was broadcast a year ago, on New Year's Day. Against the expectations of the producers, who worried it would not stand up to more obviously bankable programmes, it became the biggest drama of the year. It got 14 million viewers, provoked widespread outrage and made a hero of the unassuming but dogged ex-subpostmaster Bates. And it's been quite the year since: knighted by Princess Anne at a ceremony at Windsor Castle in September, he also married long-term partner Suzanne Sercombe on Sir Richard Branson 's Necker Island. The Virgin tycoon even officiated. Throughout it all there's been the Post Office inquiry, which ended last week after nearly three years and 300 witnesses. It included the extraordinary spectacle of shamed ex-Post Office boss Paula Vennells sobbing in the packed inquiry room. Sir Alan Bates with his wife Suzanne after he was knighted at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle in September Sir Richard Branson officiates at their wedding on Necker Island, which took place a month before Alan's knighthood ceremony Alan and Suzanne, speaking exclusively to the Mail from their cottage in Colwyn Bay, Denbighshire, were not exactly moved by this. 'We caught sight of a headline that said Vennells thinks the media were not fair to her. And I just thought "diddums",' says Suzanne, 69. 'She always stuck to the same line – she didn't know anything because she wasn't told anything.' 'It's like saying, "I wasn't in charge really", isn't it?' says Bates, his eyebrows raised. Make no mistake, while the couple have much to celebrate after this busy year, both are still feel a burning injustice, at the 'corporate amnesia' of post office mandarins and the marathon struggle for financial redress. 'That's still my number one role, and I will not settle until that happens,' says Bates. 'But the Government refuses to have deadlines, and they've changed the rules along the way. It's disgusting and it's continuing the injury. It's also wasting a huge amount of money: there's about £700million that has been spent on lawyers' fees so far.' 'I don't think anyone realised it would take so long,' adds Suzanne. Clearly, the pair have an extraordinary stamina – particularly Suzanne, now by Alan's side for 34 years. A steadfast presence in his life, a role she admits has not always been easy – 'you do feel a bit left out sometimes,' she confides – their long-standing relationship took a unexpected turn when, in June, Alan was knighted. He'd turned down an OBE earlier in the year, on principle. 'Paula Vennells got her CBE for services to the Post Office,' he says. 'What service was that, other than ruin a national institution? It's absolutely diabolical, so it would have been an insult to everyone involved. I couldn't take it.' In February, however, Vennells had her CBE stripped for 'bringing the honours system into disrepute'. So in June, Alan felt able to accept a knighthood for services to justice in King Charles' birthday honours. 'It's quite funny actually, as the day I got offered the knighthood was Paula Vennells's first day at the tribunal,' recalls Alan. Toby Jones as Alan in ITV’s hit drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office - that brought the story to the world, the first episode of which was broadcast a year ago, on New Year's Day What the couple – more specifically Suzanne – hadn't anticipated was that, despite being together for over three decades, the fact they were unmarried would come with its own issues when Alan was knighted. 'I had been warned before that if it should happen, I wouldn't be entitled to call myself Lady,' Suzanne recalls. 'I thought, 'I'm just going to have to live with that'. 'But it was actually quite difficult as it made things very awkward. Some people were a bit cruel about it, and kept pointing it out, which I thought was very unnecessary. 'I began to have a bit of an uncomfortable time, and Alan picked up on that. So I think that's what gave it a little bit of a kick as well.' 'It' being the surprise wedding, a month before the knighthood ceremony, on the Caribbean island of Necker – organised behind Suzanne's back with Sir Richard Branson as officiant. The business magnate offered the couple a holiday there after reading they'd not had a proper break in decades. Today, Bates has nothing but praise for Branson. 'We spent quite a bit of time with Richard and he put us very much at ease,' he says. He was also able to give him a useful insight ahead of Bates's big day at Windsor. 'Because he'd been knighted, he knew the ropes and he said when you go, it's a bit strange, because you don't get offered a cup of tea or anything. And it's true. It's very in and out.' Today, Suzanne confides she's more than happy to be Lady Bates. 'I think it's very useful, you're in an awkward situation, and you can exert or give a little impression of power,' she says with a wry smile. 'So yes. I'm very happy to use it.' Titles aside though, the Bates's priorities haven't changed and they remain determined to fight for those whose lives have been ruined. The backdrop to their battle barely needs retelling, so well cemented is it in the public mind as one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in modern British history. From the mid-1990s, the Post Office rolled out faulty software, Horizon, provided by the Japanese firm Fujitsu, which led them to wrongly conclude that hundreds of postmasters were stealing money. Many were taken to court, convicted of fraud and imprisoned. Others took their own lives due to financial pressures and shame. 'People have died since the fight began without clearing their names, says Bates. 'There are people being backed into settlements because of age and illness. I know someone in their 80s who has been at this for 20 odd years, and they just accepted an offer as they cannot go on further.' The shamed ex-Post Office boss Paula Vennells. In February, she had her CBE stripped for 'bringing the honours system into disrepute' Despite the length of Alan and Suzanne's battle, it wasn't until last January that interest peaked when the ITV drama introduced millions of viewers to the injustice done to subpostmasters and mistresses It says much that Bates thinks of himself as one of the 'lucky' ones –despite a fight that has consumed over two decades. With Suzanne, then a special needs teacher, in May 1998 Alan Bates took over The Wool Post, a post office and haberdashery in Craig-y-Don, Llandudno, North Wales, investing £65,000. Five years later – after repeated attempts to raise concerns over the accounting system – his contract was terminated and while he was not prosecuted, his £65,000 investment wasn't returned. Convinced corporate chicanery was at play, Bates sought out other subpostmasters in the same position and went on to found the Justice For Subpostmasters Alliance, comprising 555 subpostmasters who went on to successfully take the Post Office to court. It was a debilitating fight. While following two favourable judgments the group accepted a settlement of £57.75 million, the 555 claimants were left with little money after legal fees were paid. So the fight went on. An independent inquiry was set up in September 2020, becoming a statutory inquiry six months later. This gave the chair powers to call witnesses – including Vennells and other senior figures who seemed unable to recall key decisions. The Metropolitan Police are now investigating whether criminality is involved. 'If they hadn't, we as a group would have been looking at going after private prosecutions. But it's great that the Met are involved. 'I certainly wouldn't be surprised if custodial sentences come out of it,' Bates says. Despite the length of their battle – and support from the Mail and others – it wasn't until last January that interest peaked when the ITV drama introduced millions of viewers to the injustice done to subpostmasters and mistresses. 'I remember the producer saying that on the day it was aired there was lots of other stuff on – don't expect too much. then it took everyone by surprise,' Bates says. Played by actor Toby Jones, Bates admits seeing himself brought to life on screen discombobulating. 'There were a few odd things,' he smiles. 'In the drama, Toby used to go down to London in his windcheater and I think every time I went to London I was in a suit. Things like that. Read More EXCLUSIVE Exactly what happened to the Outnumbered cast: Revealed by KATHRYN KNIGHT 'But Toby did a great job, and it must have been awkward for him, because I have certain mannerisms, and I really do nag at people. He was a bit more laidback.' Adds Suzanne: 'The house they put us in in the drama is a beautiful house, but nothing like the one we actually live in. people were thinking, 'What's their problem? They live in a lovely house'.' Four different compensation schemes are currently running to reflect the different experiences of the subpostmasters involved. But while the Post Office has so far paid about £438 million to 3,100 claimants, many still have not been paid, while other families have been offered what Bates calls 'arbitrary' amounts. The scheme he is involved in – the GLO or Group Litigation Order scheme to cover the 555 involved in the original lawsuit –has already had deadlines moved, and Bates has not received a penny, having turned down an offer for around a sixth of the amount he first claimed for. With no end game in sight, he has resorted to writing to Sir Keir Starmer to expedite matters. 'I wrote to the Prime Minister on two occasions recently to ask him to set deadlines to resolve the whole of this for the GLO group, but all I got back was standard civil service letters,' he says. 'I don't know if he actually even read anything. 'Someone asked me whether the change of Government had made any difference? And I said no, because the civil service is still the same, they're the tail that's wagging the dog.' One fact remains: no amount of prosecutions or cash can buy back the years lost for those involved. 'It doesn't matter what money people get because they'll never get back those 20 years of misery,' Bates says. 'All that this money is going to do is hopefully cushion people a little bit for what's left of their lives.' He plans to write a book. 'It'll be about the early years. That's one of the things I get contacted about most – people with other fights on their hands asking how did we manage, what can we do?' 'They tend to think Alan has the answer to everything,' interjects Suzanne with a smile. Not quite everything of course. But it's clear that Sir Alan Bates could certainly teach many people a thing or two. ITV France Richard Branson Share or comment on this article: A year ago, a gripping ITV drama triggered outrage over the Post Office scandal. Lead campaigner Sir Alan Bates hoped a new Government would at last deliver compensation. Sadly, he was wrong... e-mail Add comment
White House national security spokesman John Kirby addressed the sightings of ‘drones’ over New Jersey's skies, denying that any evidence suggests a foreign adversary is responsible. An uptick in alleged drone sightings along the East Coast touched off a flurry of panicked calls for investigation on Friday from residents and state lawmakers, even as public officials stress the aircraft in question are, in fact, being flown lawfully, and a retired port authority aviation expert tells Fox News Digital that fears are overblown. The drone complaints began pouring in last month in New Jersey, where witnesses and residents first began reporting drone sightings off of coastal areas, including off of Cape May, a scenic town located outside of Atlantic City. More recently, lawmakers in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Maryland have reported new alleged drone sightings in their home states, with some witnesses alleging the aircraft in question have been the "size of cars" or seen flying above sensitive infrastructure or in restricted airspace. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, told reporters on Friday he had written to President Biden to share his concerns about the fresh reports of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sightings in New Jersey airspace, and called for more federal resources to investigate the issue. "It has become apparent that more resources are needed to fully understand what is behind this activity," Murphy wrote in the letter. DRONE MYSTERY: NEW JERSEY HOMEOWNERS THREATEN TO TAKE MATTERS INTO THEIR OWN HANDS IF GOVERNMENT DOESN'T ACT New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File) Other lawmakers in the state have gone even further, calling for the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI to join in their investigations into the unmanned aircraft, with one Garden State lawmaker urging the objects be "shot down" if necessary. "We are literally being invaded by drones," Pequannock Mayor Ryan Herbwe told reporters on Wednesday night following a town hall meeting in New Jersey. "We have no idea who is doing [this] and where they're coming from." Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., issued a statement on Friday citing concerns "about the potential for these unmanned aerial vehicles — many of which are as large as a car — to disrupt air traffic and, more alarmingly, to be used maliciously to threaten national security." These remarks have added to a growing collective sense of panic — but a panic that many in the law enforcement community say is both unfounded and unnecessary. White House national security communications adviser John Kirby sought to assuage these fears, stressing during a press briefing Thursday that there is "no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or a public safety threat, or have a foreign nexus." Others in the law enforcement community also echoed this sentiment. Retired Port Authority Police Detective Lt. John Ryan told Fox News Digital in an interview Friday that the uptick in activity is likely due to two things. HOMEOWNERS THREATEN TO TAKE MATTERS INTO THEIR OWN HANDS IF GOVERNMENT DOESN’T ACT Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., is seen next to a photo of reported drones in Connecticut. Blumenthal is among the lawmakers who have pushed for action on the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The first, he said, is that drones are a fast-evolving technology that has seen a boom in both recreational and commercial use in the U.S. in the last 10 years. Federal data on drone registration reflects this sharp uptick in use, most if not all of which is legal. Federal data on drone registration reflects this sharp uptick in use: As of October of this year, there were more than 790,000 drones registered with the Federal Aviation Association (FAA), and nearly 400,000 registered commercial drones. That's "just to give you an idea" of the magnitude of the number of legal drones in the U.S. , said Ryan, whose extensive police career included serving for a decade as the emergency service special operations commander at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, and then later, the chief officer of the Port Authority, whose role includes oversight of all transportation facilities, including Kennedy, LaGuardia and all other airports and ports in the area. SPECIAL COUNSEL JACK SMITH REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TRUMP FINDINGS TO DOJ BEFORE LEAVING. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? A map showing drone sightings around New Jersey. The second mistake, Ryan said, is that the individuals in question are asking the wrong authorities for help. "The mistake I see people making is that they're going to the wrong agencies and asking these questions," he added. The FAA is the federal body tasked with registering drones and other U.S. aircraft. It’s also the one tasked with monitoring recreational and commercial drone use in the U.S. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "In New Jersey, they've been asking the FBI, they've been asking the Department of Homeland Security — they've been asking everybody except the people that they should be asking," said Ryan. The Pentagon also reiterated this view, noting that an initial assessment had shown the drones were not from another country, and were not shot down because they were not deemed a threat to national security. Kirby echoed this sentiment on Thursday. Asked whether the U.S. would consider banning drone use in U.S. airspace, he told reporters, "I don't know that we're at a stage right now where we're considering that" as a policy option. Breanne Deppisch is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital covering the 2024 election and other national news.
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Published 5:05 pm Friday, December 27, 2024 By Daily Herald By Tim Ruzek Dynamite exploded in the night March 1919 on the frozen Cedar River at Austin Mill Pond as police, firefighters and citizens searched for a local businessman. Marcus Evans, 38, who ran the Manhattan Oil Co. in Austin and was active in business groups and the Methodist church, apparently drowned himself in the Cedar. Evans left a note March 11, 1919, at home for his wife, Jean, saying his body would be found at a boat landing upstream from Mill Pond. A family rented boats there (the original YMCA’s future site) on a stretch filled during the 1960s when the city redirected the river. With his overcoat left on a fence, Evans axed a hole through 1 foot of ice. His hat was floating in the hole, and a note pinned to his coat said he chose the spot for its quietness. While the Mower County Transcript-Republican declared March 12 that Evans ended his life, the Austin Daily Herald asked “Is Marcus Evans Dead?,” noting many didn’t believe it. On March 11, Evans had $200 and played checkers much of the afternoon at Abe Usem’s office. That evening, Evans and his wife left their southwest Austin home for a party. The couple had moved in 1913 from Iowa to Austin and often were named in the newspaper for attending or hosting social events, including for 35 people at their home a month before Evans’ disappearance. On their way to the party, Evans said he forgot to shut their furnace draft. Jean waited at a friend’s house but became worried and went home, where she found money and the note. She went with friends to the landing. A search of the Cedar started at 10 p.m. March 11 after a fire alarm drew dozens of people. Dynamite broke ice and was hoped to bring the body to the surface. Searchers worked until 3 a.m. March 12, regrouped six hours later and searched all day. Men cut long ice strips while crews dragged the Cedar for days. A week later, river draggers from Waterloo, Iowa, searched for two days as high water removed most ice. Still, there were no traces of Evans. Locals considered draining Mill Pond. Those who believed Evans took his life remained “tireless in their search of the river,” the Herald wrote March 19. “If Evans has played this trick on his family and wife, the greatest indignation will be felt towards him.” Rumors circulated of Evans being seen alive, and many believed his note aimed to misdirect searchers. A railroad conductor, who just returned to Austin, then reported a man used a flashlight March 11 to flag his train a few miles south of Austin near Varco (now a “ghost town” west of U.S. 218). Sweating profusely, the man boarded with two heavy satchels. Giving the name “William Roberts,” he said he was working for a farm when he heard his mother in Nebraska was ill and he needed to get there soon. Later, the conductor found Manhattan Oil Co. tags with the name “Evans” in a restroom. He didn’t think much about it until learning later about Evans missing. On March 21, newspapers reported Evans did not drown. Viewing a photo, trainmen identified Evans as the man who boarded near Varco and paid to travel to Omaha, Neb. A week later, Jean Evans wrote in the Herald about reuniting with her husband at a train station near Omaha. He looked unwell and remorseful about his disappearance stemming financial problems. After hearing the train stories, Jean had phoned her brother near Omaha. He thought he could find Marcus. She headed there by train and was surprised to see Marcus instead of her brother. “(Marcus) expressed the deepest regret for the anxiety and expense he caused the people of Austin as he had no intention of being such a burden to them,” Jean wrote March 29. After friends declined to help, Evans thought his only solution was his parents and repaying them. “He felt that he was in a financial vise that would squeeze the life out of him before he could adjust matters satisfactorily and honestly while the plan he chose would give him a chance to make good without sacrificing everything he had,” she wrote. Jean forgave her husband and asked others to forgive him and be less harsh. Friends thought Evans’ brain was affected by falling in October 1918 from a work wagon that “partially paralyzed” him for some time. Overall, the city spent about $2,500 in today’s dollars searching for Evans. Financial issues surfaced afterward for Evans, including a 1919 lawsuit for owing someone nearly $600 in today’s dollars and a mortgage foreclosure in 1928 for farmland he bought near Austin. In April 1919, Jean and her son moved to her sister’s Iowa home; their Austin house was sold that summer. Evans moved to Illinois, where he later reunited with his family. In Illinois, the Evans welcomed two children – a son in 1923 who died as an infant and a daughter in 1925. Marcus worked for 13 years as a church custodian and died in 1943 from illness at age 62.MANILA, Philippines — Broadcast journalist Atom Araullo won in the civil suit he filed against former anti-insurgency task force spokesperson Lorraine Badoy and confessed ex-communist rebel Jeffrey Celiz after being red-tagged as a member of the communist movement. “Red-tagging is, by itself, a manifestation of bad faith. By engaging in red-tagging, the defendants acted grossly and recklessly without regard for truth,” Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 306 Presiding Judge Dolly Rose Bolante-Prado said in a 27-page order dated Dec. 12, 2024. READ: Atom Araullo sues Badoy, Celiz for P2M over red tagging Pushback against Red-tagging The court ordered Badoy and Celiz to jointly and severally pay a total of P2.07 million for violating several provisions of the Civil Code. The award for damages was based on Articles 19, 20, 21, 26, and 33 of the New Civil Code, which protects an individual’s rights, human relations, and dignity, and a violation could lead to serious damage and injury to a person’s reputation, peace of mind, and personal relations. Araullo complained about defamatory statements by Badoy and Celiz against him and his family on national television and social media platforms. “I am doing this for the safety and well-being of my family, but I also hope it contributes a modest way to protecting press freedom in general,” Atom Araullo said when he filed the complaint. The broadcaster and his mother, Carol P. Araullo, chair emeritus of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), have been the subject of a red-tagging spree by Badoy and Celiz since 2022 in their show Laban Kasama ng Bayan over Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). Araullo was branded as a “spawn” of an active CPP central committee leader. He was also accused as an orchestrator of attacks against the government by stating that the documentaries/content he produced were aligned with the propaganda of the CPP-NPA. The court said engaging in red-tagging is a deliberate act to discredit and inflict harm on the broadcaster. “Their remarks were aimed at damaging the plaintiff’s reputation and credibility, both as a person and as a journalist, by associating him with the CPP-NPA-NDF without proof,” the court said. It added, “These labels and remarks went beyond mere editorial opinion or fair commentary and, worse, incited backlash, threats, and public hatred toward the plaintiff.” While it is true that Atom Araullo is a public figure, being a journalist and TV personality, the court said he is still protected by Article 26 by pointing out that his image and reputation are essential to his career. “Defendants’ wrongful actions have caused damage and injury to his dignity, personality, privacy, and peace of mind,” the court said. Regarding defamation, under Article 33 of the New Civil Code, specifically on malice, the court said Atom Araullo should not be burdened with the duty of proving malice when in the first place, Badoy and Celiz did not present evidence to prove their claims. Meanwhile, Celiz made a statement that called the court’s decision a “miscarriage of justice.” He said the court held them in default due to the one-day delay in submitting their pre-trial brief. “The regional trial court proceeded to have the hearings on this particular civil case without us being given the chance to present our evidence, our testimonies, and witnesses,” he said. .Celiz said this is just a temporary setback in their case against Atom Araullo, and they will file an appeal against the court’s decision.
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Torrid Holdings: Fiscal Q3 Earnings SnapshotThree-Year Term Extension Combined with Simplification and Reduction of Interest Rates Helps Further Strengthen Company's Balance Sheet and Overall Financial Position Builds Upon Other Recent Strategic Financial Activities, including $24.3 Million PIPE Financing Company Continues to Build Strong Foundation for Execution of Growth Strategy; Highlighted by Strengthened Leadership, Improved Financial Position, Enhanced Capabilities, and Expanded Capacity CHASKA, Minn., Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (NASDAQ: LFCR ) ("Lifecore”), a fully integrated contract development and manufacturing organization ("CDMO”), today announced that it has entered in an agreement with BMO, a leading provider of global investment and corporate banking services and one of North America's largest banks, which amends and extends the terms of Lifecore's existing asset-based lending ("ABL”) revolving credit facility entered into between Lifecore and BMO in December 2020. The amendment extends the term of the facility by three years to November 2027, as well as simplifying and reducing the interest rates, and providing flexibility for Lifecore as it relates to certain covenants and reporting requirements. "BMO is a highly regarded global provider of corporate banking services and has been a trusted partner to Lifecore for more than 10 years. The willingness of the BMO team to extend and amend our existing revolving credit facility with advantageous terms demonstrates the bank's confidence in our current business, as well as our ability to execute on our go-forward growth strategy,” said Ryan Lake, chief financial officer of Lifecore. "This ABL amendment is the latest positive strategic financial action executed by Lifecore, following our recent successful raising of $24.3 million in a private placement of Lifecore common stock. Together, these activities have significantly improved our balance sheet and overall financial position, providing a strong foundation for future growth.” In recent months, Lifecore has also successfully executed a variety of operational and new business initiatives designed to reshape the company and best position it for continued growth in the rapidly expanding CDMO market. These have included key management team appointments, including CEO and CFO, expansion of manufacturing capabilities and capacity through the installation and qualification of its high-speed, multi-purpose 5-head isolator filler, and the signing of several new customers, highlighted by its high-profile agreement with Lindy Biosciences. About Lifecore Biomedical Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (Nasdaq: LFCR ) is a fully integrated contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that offers highly differentiated capabilities in the development, fill and finish of sterile injectable pharmaceutical products in syringes, vials, and cartridges, including complex formulations. As a leading manufacturer of premium, injectable-grade hyaluronic acid, Lifecore brings more than 40 years of expertise as a partner for global and emerging biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies across multiple therapeutic categories to bring their innovations to market. For more information about the company, visit Lifecore's website at www.lifecore.com . Important Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are subject to the safe harbor created under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other safe harbors under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Words such as "anticipate”, "estimate”, "expect”, "project”, "plan”, "intend”, "believe”, "may”, "might”, "will”, "should”, "can have”, "likely” and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, all statements regarding our anticipated future operating and financial expectations, customer opportunities and relationships are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially, including such factors among others, as the company's ability to successfully enact its business strategies, including with respect to installation, capacity generation and its ability to attract demand for its services, and its ability expand its relationship with its existing customers or attract new customers; the impact of inflation on Lifecore's business and financial condition; changes in business conditions and general economic conditions both domestically and globally, including rising interest rates and fluctuation in foreign currency exchange rates; Lifecore's ability to access sufficient capital to fund its business strategies; and other risk factors set forth from time to time in Lifecore's SEC filings, including, but not limited to, the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 26, 2024 (the "2024 10-K”). For additional information about factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, please refer to our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risk factors contained in the 2024 10-K. Forward-looking statements represent management's current expectations as of the date hereof and are inherently uncertain. Except as required by law, we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements made by us to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. CONTACT: Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. Contact Information: Vida Strategic Partners Stephanie Diaz (Investors) 415-675-7401 [email protected] Tim Brons (Media) 415-675-7402 [email protected] Ryan D. Lake (CFO) Lifecore Biomedical 952-368-6244 [email protected]On Nov. 23, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney took a jab at the 12-team College Football Playoff and said, "We basically have an SEC-Big Ten Invitational." If Sporting News quarterfinal picks come true, then that will be the case for the final four teams, at least. The Big Ten is guaranteed at least one team in the semifinals. No. 1 Oregon and No. 8 Ohio State meet in the Rose Bowl Game on Jan. 1. That is part of a triple-header that also includes a Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl matchup between No. 4 Arizona State and No. 5 Texas and the Allstate Sugar Bowl between No. 2 Georgia and No. 7 Notre Dame. Will the SEC get a sweep there? The weekend starts with a New Year’s Eve matchup between No. 6 Penn State and No. 3 Boise State at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. The lower seed is favored in three of the four games, and if the favorites win then it will be Big Ten and SEC teams only in the semifinals. Invitation only, right? Here are our picks against the spread for the quarterfinal round of the College Football Playoff picks: College Football Playoff picks, predictions Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State (-11) Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m., ESPN The Nittany Lions are 7-0 S/U in the Rose Bowl, and the defense limited SMU to 253 total yards and forced three turnovers in a 38-10 victory in the first round. Penn State ranks sixth in the FBS in rushing defense at 100.5 yards per game. How does that stack up against Ashton Jeanty, who had 192 yards and three TDs against Oregon on Sept. 7? The Broncos are 3-0 S/U at the Fiesta Bowl all time, and Maddux Madsen has 22 TDs and three interceptions this season. Can Boise State force Penn State out of their comfort zone? Or will the tag team of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen – both backs averaged more than 6.0 yards per carry in the first round – have success against a Boise State defense that allowed 112.5 yards per game? Boise State is 16-2 S/U since Spencer Danielson took over last season, and those two losses were as an underdog to UCLA in the LA Bowl last season and the Ducks in Week 2. The Nittany Lions were 4-4 ATS when favored by double digits this season. Penn State moves on, but the Broncos hang around longer than the Mustangs did into the second half to pull out the cover. Pick: Penn State wins 31-21 and FAILS TO COVER the spread. SN's PLAYOFF HQ: Live CFP scores | Updated CFP bracket | Full CFP schedule Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl: No. 4 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Texas (-14) Wednesday, Jan. 1, 1 p.m., ESPN This is a huge spread for a quarterfinal – and Arizona State can play the disrespect card here. Sam Leavitt had three TD passes or more in five of the Sun Devils' last six games, and Cam Skattebo (1,568 rushing yards, 19 TDs) will test the Longhorns’ defense. Texas holds opposing quarterbacks to a 100.4 passer rating, which is second best in the nation. The Longhorns also rank ninth in the FBS in rush defense (109.5 ypg.). All-Americans Anthony Hill Jr. and Jahdae Barron are game-changers on that side. Arizona State receiver Jorydn Tyson (collarbone) has not ruled out a CFP comeback, but he would be doubtful for this game. Can Arizona State slow down the Longhorns? The Sun Devils allowed 3.8 yards per carry and forced 22 turnovers this season, so the challenge is slowing down Tre Wisner and Jaydon Blue, who combined for 256 yards and four TDs in the first round against Clemson and forcing a few mistakes from Quinn Ewers. Arizona State was 4-2 S/U and 4-2 ATS as an underdog this season, but this is the first spread of more than 10 points. Texas is 5-0 S/U and 2-3 ATS when favored between 10-20 points, and the covers were against Oklahoma and Clemson. Pick: Texas wins 38-21 and COVERS the spread. MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS: College Football Playoff expert bracket picks How to watch every bowl game Picks, predictions for all 41 bowl and CFP games in 2024-25 Rose Bowl: No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State (-2.5) Wednesday, Jan. 1, 5 p.m., ESPN This should be a fantastic rematch. The Ducks beat the Buckeyes 32-31 on Oct. 12 in a game where both teams left points on the board. Ohio State built momentum with a 42-17 victory against Tennessee in the first round. Will Howard was 4 of 5 for 125 yards and two TDs – both to Jeremiah Smith – and an interception on passes of 20 yards or more against Tennessee, according to Pro Football Focus. Howard had just four passing attempts of 20 yards or more in the first matchup against Oregon. Expect Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly to be more aggressive in the rematch, and they can live with the mistakes if the running game follows. Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel was 4 of 4 for 177 yards and two TDs on 20-plus yard passes in the first matchup. That caught the Buckeyes by surprise in the secondary, and if that happens again then the Ducks will win the rematch. Dan Lanning has had time to add wrinkles in the running game with Jordan James, and the defense has four players with at least five sacks that will get after Howard. Rematches are difficult, and Ohio State is 3-0 S/U in postseason matchups against the Ducks. We picked Oregon to win the national championship when the bracket was released. We'll stick with the pick knowing an Ohio State upset is possible. Pick: Oregon wins 31-28 in an UPSET. COLLEGE FOOTBALL AWARDS SN 2024 All-America team Player of the Year: Travis Hunter Coach of the Year: Curt Cignetti Allstate Sugar Bowl: No. 2 Georgia (-1.5) vs. No. 7 Notre Dame Wednesday, Jan. 1, 8:45 p.m., ESPN The Sugar Bowl should be a classic defensive struggle between the Bulldogs and Irish. Georgia beat Notre Dame 20-19 in 2017 and 23-17 in 2019 in a tightly-contested home-and-home series, and we expect this to be the same kind of game. Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton will be the focus. He is starting in place of Carson Beck (elbow), and he's up against the Irish, the only team in the country with a passer efficiency defense rating below 100. That means Stockton must make high-percentage throws against a secondary that features SN All-American Xavier Watts. Will Georgia establish a running game with Trevor Etienne against Notre Dame's interior defense with Notre Dame defensive tackle Rylie Mills (knee) out? Look for Notre Dame to take a cue from Georgia Tech in the running game with Riley Leonard, who has the benefit of three running backs who average more than 6.0 yards per carry in Jeremiyah Love (7.4 ypc.) and Jadarian Price (6.8 ypc.). Aneyas Williams (6.6 ypc.). That should open up the passing game. The Irish are 3-3 S/U and 4-1-1 ATS as an underdog with Marcus Freeman. Georgia was 0-2 S/U when favored by three points or less this season. Despite those trends, we will go with the rested Bulldogs. Pick: Georgia wins 24-17 and COVERS the spread. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >
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