NOVATO, Calif. , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hennessy Advisors, Inc. (Nasdaq: HNNA ) today reported results for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024 . "So far in 2024, the U.S. stock market and economy have thrived on a wave of optimism," said Neil Hennessy , Chairman and CEO. "With the presidential election and initial Federal Reserve rate cuts now behind us, investors can return their focus to core fundamentals of the U.S. economy, which appear solid." "Over the course of more than four decades in this business, I have witnessed the economic resilience of the United States through periods of high inflation, rising interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty. Today, I believe many economic fundamentals are strong. Unemployment is low and stable, corporate earnings and cash flows are robust, and our banking system is both healthy and viable. With positive consumer sentiment, I see spending driving corporate profits, and I believe this will spur the stock market's continued growth through the end of the year and beyond. As always, our focus remains on navigating any economic environment to deliver long-term value for our shareholders," he continued. "In the one-year period ended September 30, 2024 , the Dow Jones Industrial Average returned 28.85% and the S&P 500 ® Index returned 36.35% (on a total return basis). Over the same period, all 17 Hennessy Funds posted positive returns. Over the longer term, 15 of the Hennessy Funds posted positive returns for the three-year period ended September 30, 2024 , and all 16 Hennessy Funds with at least 10 years of operating history posted positive returns for both the 5-year and 10-year periods ended September 30, 2024 ," stated Neil Hennessy . "In 2024, we successfully executed on all three fronts of our long-standing business strategy," said Teresa Nilsen , President and COO. "Over the twelve months ended September 30, 2024 , we purchased assets related to the management of $72 million in mutual funds, we welcomed $549 million in net new assets under management, and we benefited from nearly $1 billion in market appreciation." "The effective execution of our business model drove a 23% increase in our average assets under management over the prior year, creating a strong start to fiscal year 2025 with total assets under management up more than 50% since September 30, 2023 ," she continued. "Our fiscal year results reflect both the strength of our consistent strategy and the dedication of our talented team, whose focused efforts have driven the success of Hennessy Advisors for over 35 years. I am immensely proud of what we've accomplished and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead." Summary Highlights for the Fiscal Year (compared to fiscal year 2023): Total revenue of $29.6 million , an increase of 23%. Net income of $7.1 million , an increase of 49%. Fully diluted earnings per share of $0.92 , an increase of 46%. Average assets under management, upon which revenue is earned, of $3.7 billion , an increase of 23%. Total assets under management at fiscal year end of $4.6 billion , an increase of 53%. Cash and cash equivalents, net of gross debt, of $23.7 million , an increase of 17%. About Hennessy Advisors, Inc. Hennessy Advisors, Inc. is a publicly traded investment manager offering a broad range of domestic equity, multi-asset, and sector and specialty funds. Hennessy Advisors, Inc. is committed to providing superior service to shareholders and employing a consistent and disciplined approach to investing based on a buy‐and‐hold philosophy that rejects the idea of market timing. Supplemental Information Nothing in this press release shall be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security to any person in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation, purchase, or sale would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" for which Hennessy Advisors, Inc. claims the protection of the safe harbor contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward‐looking statements relate to expectations and projections about future events based on currently available information. Forward‐looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results and are not necessarily accurate indications of the times at which, or means by which, such performance or results may be achieved. Forward‐looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, including those described in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the reports that Hennessy Advisors, Inc. files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Unforeseen developments could cause actual performance or results to differ substantially from those expressed in, or suggested by, the forward‐looking statements. Hennessy Advisors, Inc. management does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the forward-looking statements and undertakes no responsibility to update any such statement after the date of this press release to conform to actual results or to changes in expectations. SOURCE Hennessy Advisors, Inc.( MENAFN - IANS) Melbourne, Dec 25 (IANS) Travis Head has been passed fit to play while fast bowler Scott Boland returned to Australia's playing XI for the Boxing Day Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed Australia would make two changes for the fourth Test in Melbourne, with Sam Konstas to debut and Boland coming in for the injured Josh Hazlewood. Speaking about Head, who had suffered a quad strain during the Brisbane Test, Cummins said the left-hander ticked all the boxes during the stringent fitness test and was ultimately declared fit to play the fourth Test of the five-match series, currently tied at 1-1. "Trav's good to go, he'll play. He just ticked off some final things today and yesterday. But no worries about injury with Trav. He'll go into the game fully fit," Cummins told reporters. "I don't think you'll see too much management of him throughout the game. He just kind of plays as is. Maybe around fielding, if he's a bit uncomfortable, we will (manage him), but he's fully fit." Meanwhile, Konstas will replace Nathan McSweeney, who had been dropped from the squad after a string of low scores. Konstas will be Australia's youngest ever opener, and it is believed his age gap with fellow opener Usman Khawaja is the widest between opening partners in Test history. "There's a level of naivety that you just want to go out and play like you do when you're a kid in the backyard. You just want to take the game on, have fun, and not overthink it. "That's the message to Sam. That's definitely how I felt as an 18-year-old. I was just really excited, and once the game started, you go into game-mode and it's just like any other game," said Cummins. On the other hand, Boland returns in the series after the second Test in Adelaide, where he claimed 5 wickets, will replace the injured Hazlewood, who has been ruled out of the series with a calf injury. "He bowled beautifully in Adelaide. Whenever he gets his chance, he steps in and looks like he's one of the best bowlers in the world," Cummins said of Boland. "I expect him (to do) much the same. He loves bowling here, he's played probably more than anyone else here at the MCG in our team. He's prepared really well. It is pretty awesome that even with an unfortunate injury like Josh has, you can have someone like Scotty to come straight in seamlessly," he added. Australia XI: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland MENAFN24122024000231011071ID1109028643 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
For those hoping to see New York Jets ' rookie quarterback Jordan Travis in action, the outlook is not favorable. Travis, a late fifth-round draft pick, has been on Injured Reserve all season as the former Florida State superstar works his way back from a gruesome leg injury that prematurely ended his 2023 campaign last November. The ACC Player of the Year, who began his Jets' career on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list, likely won't see any game reps in 2024. "I don't know that. Just because there have been some setbacks, I don't see the need to really rush it. We got to really protect this guy because I think he has got a real future," said interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich on Wednesday in Florham Park. It appears to be a true redshirt year for Travis, who is the Jets' lone player holding NFI status. With veteran Tyrod Taylor backing up Aaron Rodgers, New York has UFL MVP Adrian Martínez stashed on the Practice Squad as an emergency option. "He's still working his butt off. Great attitude. I try to make it a point every day to check in with him and see how he is doing," said Ulbrich. While Travis has been working at the team facility daily, he apparently hasn't progressed as quickly as expected. "He's doing good. He's in a good mental space. Physically, I know that it's not gone exactly as they thought it would, so still struggling through a few things here and there, but great attitude, great approach. He is here every day working," said Ulbrich. RELATED: Robert Saleh deems New York Jets' injured rookie QB 'long-term project' Taken at No. 171 overall, Travis has upside as a developmental prospect. The four-year FSU starter accounted for 10,500+ yards of total offense, 65 touchdown passes and 31 rushing touchdowns. In 2023, Travis threw for 20 touchdowns while being intercepted only twice over 11 games prior to the injury. Travis took fifth place in the 2023 Heisman Trophy voting, becoming the highest FSU finisher since Jameis Winston in 2013. Back in late August, former Jets' head coach Robert Saleh reported that "his rehab is going to be a little longer than we anticipated obviously" and he would start the season on the shelf . More New York Jets News: • Former NFL QB Chris Simms encourages Jets to hire 'Bill Parcells Jr.' • Aaron Rodgers may have seen enough of Jets and their organizational disarray • Why releasing Aaron Rodgers now may not be New York Jets' best option • Jets urged to make smart personnel move now with eye on future • Who is New York Jets' interim general manager Phil Savage?WesBanco, Inc. and Premier Financial Corp. Announce Shareholder Approvals of Merger Agreement
Apple may soon bring live, immersive sports to Vision ProAny delays in selecting a new board chairman for the Bank of Thailand is unlikely to impact the central bank's operations and overall banking industry, as the chairman's role primarily focuses on internal operations rather than shaping the bank's policies, according to experts and economists. MORE POLITICAL ISSUES Pipat Luengnaruemitcha, managing director and chief economist at Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP), said the selection and appointment process for the central bank's chairman would not impact the bank's operations, as the post plays a key role in internal matters rather than in shaping the bank's policies. "The delay in the process is more of a political and legal issue than a matter of policy management for the Bank of Thailand, so it will not impact economic and monetary policies," Mr Pipat said. Mr Pipat said disqualifying Kittiratt Na-Ranong from the race to become central bank chairman would alleviate concerns about political connections and interference. Jitipol Puksamatanan, head of investment strategy at Finansia Syrus Securities Plc, said investors concerned about the central bank's independence might feel relieved after the Council of State disqualified Mr Kittiratt from being appointed. "I personally do not pay attention to this issue because most of us know that the board's chairman does not influence the central bank's policies. I have no idea why those behind Mr Kittiratt's appointment pursued this move, which sparked public interest and complaints. Now, it's over," he said. However, Mr Jitipol does not expect the pressure from the political side to ease, especially regarding the central bank's alignment with government demands. "We've heard repeatedly from the Finance Ministry and other government allies about what the Bank of Thailand should do, including how to use the country's international reserves for government purposes. These calls will continue even after Mr Kittiratt's disqualification," he noted. At the same time, he said the central bank should not be "too independent" and must effectively address inflation to support the country's economic performance. Mr Jitipol emphasised that the new candidate for the position of board chairman should have a solid understanding of both fiscal and monetary policies, and should not have a "hidden agenda". Suwat Wattanapornprom, an analyst with Krungsri Securities, said the capital market would closely monitor new candidates for the position. "We hope the person who takes this role can act as a bridge between the central bank and the government, ensuring both sides can perform their duties coherently and flexibly," he said. "The conflicts between the government and the Bank of Thailand benefit no one," said Mr Suwat. "Sometimes, monetary policy is too tight, while government policies pose risks to fiscal stability. Hopefully, the new chairman can help create a balance between monetary and fiscal policies." DELAYS AND CONTROVERSY The selection process for a new board chairman of the central bank has been marked by delays and controversy. Scheduled meetings were postponed amid rising concerns over potential political interference after reports suggested the government intended to propose its own candidate to succeed Porametee Vimolsiri, whose term ends next October. Mr Kittiratt, a former commerce minister, was widely regarded as being a leading contender for the position. He previously served as deputy leader and chief economic strategist for the Pheu Thai Party. He has been critical of the central bank's interest rate policy and its regulatory independence. Mr Kittiratt was previously nominated as an advisor to former premier Srettha Thavisin. The selection committee, chaired by Satit Limpongpan, had to postpone its meetings to choose the new chairman three times, inititially on Oct 8. The process culminated in a final meeting on Nov 11, which ironically concluded without revealing the name of the selected candidate. Although the committee has not officially disclosed the name of the new chair, Mr Kittiratt remains highly likely to be appointed as expected. There were three candidates for the position. The Finance Ministry proposed Mr Kittiratt, while the central bank nominated Kulit Sombatsiri, a former energy permanent secretary, and Surapon Nitikraipot, president of the Thammasat University Council and an independent director of PTT Plc. However, the selection process took another turn yesterday when reports indicated that the Council of State determined Mr Kittiratt is unqualified for the position due to a recent advisory role. Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said yesterday he is personally awaiting an official response letter from the Council of State regarding the interpretation of Mr Kittiratt's qualifications as a candidate for the chairman of the central bank's board of directors. It is expected that the Council of State will send the letter within the next 1-2 days, he said. "Assuming the qualifications are not met, discussions will need to take place, and a new candidate should be proposed promptly. I believe the selection committee is already prepared to proceed. As for whether an alternative candidate needs to be proposed, there are already regulations in place for this," he said. A source from the Finance Ministry who requested anonymity said the Finance Ministry is also waiting for an official response letter from the Council of State regarding the interpretation of Mr Kittiratt's qualifications, to determine whether he meets the requirements for the position of chairman of the central bank's board of directors. The ministry is also awaiting clarification on the nomination committee's approach, which must follow the legal procedures.
President-elect Donald Trump will mark the ceremonial start of trading at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Dec. 12 by ringing the opening bell, The Epoch Times has learned. The planned ringing of the opening bell, which had not been officially announced at the time of reporting, will be a high-profile event for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who left the city during his presidency to establish residency in Florida. Trump’s return to New York will likely garner significant attention, as did former President Ronald Reagan’s ringing of the opening bell, which in 1985 marked the first time a sitting U.S. president performed the ceremonial gesture. While Trump’s wife, former and future First Lady Melania Trump, performed the honor during his first term in office to promote her “Be Best” initiative, it will be a first for the president-elect. Plans for the ceremony follow a significant post-election surge in U.S. stock markets, reflecting investor optimism over Trump’s economic policies. On Nov. 5, the benchmark S&P 500 experienced its best day in nearly two years, rallying 2.5 percent, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 1,508 points, or 3.6 percent. The Nasdaq composite also posted impressive gains, contributing to record-breaking highs across all three Wall Street indexes. Market analysts widely attribute the rally to expectations of pro-business policies under the incoming Trump administration, including lower taxes and deregulation. Throughout the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump pledged to curb federal regulations that he said limit the creation of new U.S. jobs. He has vowed to uphold the 2017 tax cuts signed during his first term and proposed additional rounds of tax reductions. Notably, Trump has promised to lower the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 15 percent for companies manufacturing in the United States. In a nod to voters in service industries, he proposed eliminating taxes on tips and overtime wages. Tariffs also play a significant role in Trump’s economic vision. He has floated the idea of a universal 10 percent tariff on all imports and pledged higher tariffs on nations imposing tariffs on U.S. goods. China is a primary target, with plans to phase out Chinese imports of critical goods over four years and restrict Chinese ownership of U.S. infrastructure in the energy and technology sectors.Patient Referral Management Software Market Future Business Opportunities 2024-2031
By James Oliphant WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President-elect Donald Trump’s willingness to choose cabinet members with histories of alleged sexual misconduct threw his transition plans off course this week. Matt Gaetz, Trump’s pick for attorney general, dropped out of consideration on Thursday amid mounting questions over allegations of having sex with an underage girl and illicit drug use. He has denied wrongdoing. His withdrawal underscores the risk of Trump's approach to staffing his second administration. He appears to be emboldened by his political comeback and willing to challenge the Senate Republicans to back some unorthodox picks. Gaetz's departure leaves two other cabinet candidates who also have been accused of sexual misconduct: Pete Hegseth, nominated to run the Pentagon, and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Trump’s choice for Health and Human Services secretary. While allegations of sexual misconduct are not uncommon in politics, including against Trump himself, it is unusual for cabinet nominees to face such accusations. Some Republican senators said Hegseth in particular would now face more scrutiny with Gaetz out of the mix, though they did not think the extra attention would hurt his confirmation prospects. "You guys will look more and more on what happened and will understand it's completely taken out of context, and I think Pete will get confirmed at the end of the day," Senator Markwayne Mullin, a Trump ally, told reporters. Hegseth, a 44-year-old military veteran and former Fox News host, has been accused by a woman who told police he sexually assaulted her at a conference in California in 2017. No charges were filed, and Hegseth and his attorney have said the sexual encounter was consensual. Hegseth met with Republican senators on Capitol Hill on Thursday to rally support for his nomination as news of Gaetz's withdrawal broke. Senator Jack Reed, the outgoing Democratic chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the stumble with Gaetz means the allegation against Hegseth will need to be closely vetted. “From what I’ve seen from news reports, it is very concerning. It has to be looked at," Reed told reporters. REMINDER OF #METOO Asked by Reuters this week whether Trump was reconsidering his choices of Hegseth and Kennedy, the president-elect's transition team issued statements in support of both men. It called Kennedy a respected leader and Hegseth "an incredibly tough and smart candidate." Reuters was not able to contact Hegseth for a comment about this story. A spokesperson for Kennedy did not immediately respond. Trump's transition team did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Friday about the specific allegations against the pair. Kennedy, 70, has emerged as a key adviser to Trump on health policy. His family’s live-in babysitter accused him of groping her in 1999, when she was 23. No charges were filed. Kennedy told his accuser, in a text message previously seen by Reuters, that he did not recall the incident. The woman showed Reuters the text in July after she made her claims about Kennedy public. When asked to comment on the sexual assault allegation, Kennedy told a podcaster in July: "I have so many skeletons in my closet that if they could all vote, I could run for king of the world." It is not clear how big a role the 1999 alleged incident will play in the Senate confirmation hearings of Kennedy, who is under fire from Democrats for spreading misinformation on vaccines. "This is something that I'm sure will be explored at the hearings," Senator Susan Collins, a moderate Republican, said when asked by reporters if she was concerned about the number of nominees facing sexual misconduct allegations. Trump has his own well-documented history of alleged misconduct, which he denies. Last year, a New York jury found him liable for the sexual abuse of a writer, E. Jean Carroll, and awarded her damages. She was one of more than a dozen women who have accused Trump of sexual assault or harassment. His nominations of Gaetz, Hegseth and Kennedy represent a cultural counter-strike to the country's #MeToo movement, which saw women accuse hundreds of men in entertainment, media, politics and other fields of sexual misconduct, said Juliet Williams, a professor of gender studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. Trump’s picks endorse the idea that “that kind of sexual behavior is the entitlement of male privilege," Williams said in reference to the #MeToo accusations. Bill Dailey, a fellow at the Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture at University of Notre Dame, said Gaetz's withdrawal showed that some of Washington's checks and balances were still working. Even as Trump has threatened to demolish institutional norms by pushing the limits of his presidential authority, there was resistance among some Senate Republicans to confirm him. “That (Gaetz) didn’t even make it to December shows the Senate isn’t simply going to rubber stamp Trump, as one would expect them to do if autocracy were imminent,” Dailey said. As the focus turns to Hegseth, Republican Senator Mike Braun likened the allegations against him to those faced by Brett Kavanaugh, a Trump-appointed justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Kavanaugh was accused during his 2018 Senate confirmation hearing of sexually assaulting a woman while in high school. He was ultimately confirmed after Senate Republicans said that the accuser’s allegations could not be corroborated. Braun predicted a similar fate for Hegseth: “I'm sure that will go through hearings, but I imagine he'll survive it." (Reporting by James Oliphant; Additional reporting by Bo Erickson, Richard Cowan and David Morgan; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Alistair Bell)
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole, arguing that it was senseless and insulted the families of their victims. Biden said converting their punishments to life imprisonment was consistent with the moratorium imposed on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” he wrote on his social media site. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Presidents historically have no involvement in dictating or recommending the punishments that federal prosecutors seek for defendants in criminal cases, though Trump has long sought more direct control over the Justice Department's operations. The president-elect wrote that he would direct the department to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated,” but was vague on what specific actions he may take and said they would be in cases of “violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.” He highlighted the cases of two men who were on federal death row for slaying a woman and a girl, had admitted to killing more and had their sentences commuted by Biden. On the campaign trail, Trump often called for expanding the federal death penalty — including for those who kill police officers, those convicted of drug and human trafficking, and migrants who kill U.S. citizens. “Trump has been fairly consistent in wanting to sort of say that he thinks the death penalty is an important tool and he wants to use it,” said Douglas Berman, an expert on sentencing at Ohio State University’s law school. “But whether practically any of that can happen, either under existing law or other laws, is a heavy lift.” Berman said Trump’s statement at this point seems to be just a response to Biden’s commutation. “I’m inclined to think it’s still in sort of more the rhetoric phase. Just, ‘don’t worry. The new sheriff is coming. I like the death penalty,’” he said. Most Americans have historically supported the death penalty for people convicted of murder, according to decades of annual polling by Gallup, but support has declined over the past few decades. About half of Americans were in favor in an October poll, while roughly 7 in 10 Americans backed capital punishment for murderers in 2007. Before Biden's commutation, there were 40 federal death row inmates compared with more than 2,000 who have been sentenced to death by states. “The reality is all of these crimes are typically handled by the states,” Berman said. A question is whether the Trump administration would try to take over some state murder cases, such as those related to drug trafficking or smuggling. He could also attempt to take cases from states that have abolished the death penalty. Berman said Trump's statement, along with some recent actions by states, may present an effort to get the Supreme Court to reconsider a precedent that considers the death penalty disproportionate punishment for rape. “That would literally take decades to unfold. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight,” Berman said. Before one of Trump's rallies on Aug. 20, his prepared remarks released to the media said he would announce he would ask for the death penalty for child rapists and child traffickers. But Trump never delivered the line. One of the men Trump highlighted on Tuesday was ex-Marine Jorge Avila Torrez, who was sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia and later pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old girl in a suburban Chicago park several years before. The other man, Thomas Steven Sanders, was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and slaying of a 12-year-old girl in Louisiana, days after shooting the girl's mother in a wildlife park in Arizona. Court records show he admitted to both killings. Some families of victims expressed anger with Biden's decision, but the president had faced pressure from advocacy groups urging him to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The ACLU and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were some of the groups that applauded the decision. Biden left three federal inmates to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev ; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. _______ Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Michelle L. Price and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row
Vikings rookie edge rusher Dallas Turner didn’t have a big role on Sunday in Seattle, but defensive coordinator Brian Flores said he took a step in the right direction. It was during Turner’s first defensive snap against the Seahawks, midway through the second quarter, when he lined up at off-ball linebacker next to Blake Cashman and intercepted Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith . Turner, the athletic 17th overall pick out of Alabama, had more coverage snaps (6) than he did pass rushes (5) for the first time this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Coaches have focused on improving Turner’s zone coverage drops, which Vikings defenders of all positions are asked to do under Flores. “There’s been extra work on that in particular,” Flores said Tuesday. “Lo and behold, it shows up. So it’s good for us as a coaching staff to see that. ... He was right there where he was supposed to be and he was able to make a play. Now, I wish he would’ve stayed on his feet, because there was some space there, but we’ll just take it one step at a time.” “Kind of the practice reps showing up in game, and kind of gives him a little bit of — reinforces a lot of things we say,” Flores added. “Hopefully, he continues to kind of grow and learn and practice it a certain way, and then apply it again.” Who’s your most underrated Vikings? Tell us what you think. Flores continues to rely on four veteran edge rushers in Jonathan Greenard , Andrew Van Ginkel , Jihad Ward , and Pat Jones II ahead of Turner, who is often the fifth player in his group to take the field. Coaches preach patience with Turner and most rookies in a defensive scheme that prides itself on complexity and asking defenders to do a little bit of everything. Even defensive tackle Harrison Phillips dropped into coverage for just the fourth time this season, but Smith quickly threw his way toward tight end Noah Fant for a 17-yard gain during Seattle’s go-ahead touchdown drive in the fourth quarter. “Looking back on that one, maybe we do something a little different next time,” Flores said. “But with enough practice reps ... most guys will get to a functional level [in coverage]. Dallas, you know, with his amount of ability he has, athleticism, he can get to a high level. He can get to wherever he wants to get based on his overall talent.” The Vikings officially opened the 21-day practice window for linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. , who has missed the last four games on injured reserve due to a hamstring strain. The team also signed cornerback Ambry Thomas , a 2021 third-round pick by the 49ers, to the practice squad. He started 11 games over three years for San Francisco, but he had spent this season on IR before being released on Dec. 17. McCain helping offense, too Veteran safety Bobby McCain has started 88 games, including a playoff game, but he had played just three defensive snaps all season before Sunday’s win in Seattle . Flores relied on McCain and safety Theo Jackson , who had the game-sealing interception , to replace the injured Harrison Smith . But the 31-year-old McCain’s impact went beyond the defense. He also helped the Vikings offense convert an early fourth down to tight end T.J. Hockenson by sniffing out a weakness in the original play design during practice last week. “We ran that in practice and Bobby took it away,” coach Kevin O’Connell said, “and my immediate dialogue was not, ‘Hey, let’s get the look right.’ It was, ‘Bobby, what’d you think on that? What would help it?’ So, we made some adjustments to it that ended up playing out in the game.” To get exclusive analysis on the Vikings in your inbox every Friday, sign up for the free Access Vikings newsletter . Email your Vikings questions to accessvikings@startribune.com .
St. John's 58, Stony Brook 34Philip Morris International Inc. stock underperforms Monday when compared to competitorsSANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — Persistent high surf and flooding threats along California’s coast had residents on high alert a day after a major storm was blamed for one man’s death and the partial collapse of a pier , which propelled three people into the Pacific Ocean. The National Weather Service on Christmas Eve warned of dangerous, large-breaking waves of up to 35 feet (10.7 meters). Its latest high surf warning will be in effect until 6 p.m. Tuesday. “Large waves can sweep across the beach without warning, pulling people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches,” the weather service said in a Christmas Eve bulletin. In Santa Cruz, where a municipal wharf under construction partially collapsed on Monday, most beaches were cordoned off as they were inundated with high surf and debris. Residents received an alert on their phones Tuesday morning notifying them to “avoid all beaches including coastal overlook areas such as rocks, jetties or cliffs.” It warned powerful waves could sweep entire beaches unexpectedly. Local officials said there could be further damage to the wharf, but no more pieces broke off overnight. The wharf collapsed and fell into the ocean midday Monday, taking three people with it. Two people were rescued by lifeguards and a third swam to safety. No one was seriously injured. Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley said in the weeks and months ahead officials will have to assess long-term solutions for protecting the coastal city from the impacts of climate change . “Hallelujah that no one was hurt in this, which could have been orders of magnitude worse in terms of any injuries to human beings and damage to property onshore and offshore,” he said at a media briefing Tuesday. “But I think we have somewhat of a question mark as we move through time,” he added. “And I don't think we're by ourselves. I think this is what coastal communities around the world are probably dealing with.” The structure was in the middle of a $4 million renovation following destructive storms last winter about 70 miles (112 kilometers) south of San Francisco. “It’s a catastrophe for those down at the end of the wharf,” said David Johnston, who was allowed onto the pier on Monday to check on his business, Venture Quest Kayaking. Tony Elliot, the head of the Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department, estimated that about 150 feet (45 meters) of the end of the wharf fell into the water. It was immediately evacuated and will remain closed indefinitely. Some of the wharf’s pilings are still in the ocean and remain “serious, serious hazards” to boats, the mayor said. Each piling weighs hundreds of pounds and is being pushed by powerful waves. “You are risking your life, and those of the people that would need to try and save you by getting in or too close to the water,” the National Weather Service’s Bay Area office said on the social platform X. Building inspectors were looking at the rest of the pier’s structural integrity. Some California cities ordered beachfront homes and hotels to evacuate early Monday afternoon as forecasters warned that storm swells would continue to increase throughout the day. In Watsonville along the Monterey Bay, first responders were called to Sunset State Beach, a state park, around 11:30 a.m. Monday for a report of a man trapped under debris. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office believes a large wave pinned him there. The man was pronounced dead at a hospital. The storm’s high surf also likely pulled another man into the Pacific Ocean around noon Monday at Marina State Beach, nearly 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of Watsonville, authorities said. Strong currents and high waves forced searchers to abandon their efforts roughly two hours later as conditions worsened. The man remained missing Monday evening. Further south in Carmel Bay, a man remained missing as of Tuesday afternoon after reports that someone was swept off the rocks into the ocean at Pebble Beach on Monday, local emergency responders said. The U.S. Coast Guard will "transition to a recovery search as ocean conditions improve in the coming days,” officials said in a statement. In a post on X, the National Weather Service office in Portland, Oregon, said, “It will likely go down as some of the highest surf this winter.” Dazio reported from Los Angeles. Associated Press writers Sophie Austin in Sacramento and Jaimie Ding in Los Angeles contributed.