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Kirk LaPointe: Alberta's 'get things done' edge leaves B.C. behind in investment race From permits to profits, neighbouring province's model proves hard to beat Kirk LaPointe Nov 27, 2024 12:00 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Alberta's proactive investment strategy, led by Invest Alberta, is attracting businesses with swift regulatory changes, lower costs, and a "get things done" approach, positioning the province as a more attractive destination than British Columbia. Photo via benedek/E+/Getty Images Listen to this article 00:05:18 Dow wanted to expand its Path2Zero zero-emission project from outside Fort Saskatchewan with a significant investment, but didn’t think the province’s depreciation rates were suitable. No problem: the rates were changed by the province – in seven days. The international pulp and paper behemoth, Mondi, wanted to promptly get environmental permits to move into the province. No problem: the permits came from the province in a speedy 90 days. The problem was: the province was Alberta, not British Columbia. And a bigger problem looms: Alberta is more aggressively big-game-hunting for investment now in Vancouver. It has opened an office here of the prodigious Crown corporation, Invest Alberta, and hired what it calls an “investment attraction advisor” – Brock Lalla, a former economist with PwC’s Canadian economic and policy practice. Based on its history of less than a half-decade, it would not be surprising to see some serious migration and expansion of B.C. businesses into our neighbouring province. In four years, Invest Alberta has attracted $24.9 billion in investment from around the world, counting for 33,481 jobs. Its CEO is himself a Vancouver expat appointed in 2021, Rick Christiaanse, and in keeping with the red-tape-averse culture, he reports directly to Premier Danielle Smith and not into the province’s bureaucracy. It is old news now that Alberta can put to shame most anything British Columbia might try to make for a better business and worker climate. Corporate taxes and housing prices are lower, salaries are higher, regulations are changed faster, construction permits are swifter. Little wonder an Angus Reid Institute poll earlier this year indicated more one-third of British Columbians – and half of all young people – were seriously considering leaving because of housing unaffordability. But housing costs are simply a symptom of a wider ailment, some of it tangible and some of it attitudinal. “Alberta’s claim to fame is that it can get things done,” Christiaanse told me. “We were in the wilderness for 10 years. We got desperate enough here that we had to figure out how to do this.” What it does is court investment, offering a concierge-like tailored suite of services to smooth the entry into the market – navigational assistance to streamline setup, marketing intelligence, networking leads, after-care services – in using its 17 offices worldwide to scout and secure significant investment. What it doesn’t do, though, might surprise you: It won’t write any cheques when business comes calling. It refuses to engage in the race to the bottom that many American cities and states will. “Our cheque-writing capacity is zero,” he says. “If you’re looking for a subsidy, that’s not our province.” Christiaanse, whose career includes stints as chief operating officer of the Skidmore Group and senior director of sales and marketing for Telus International, has been campaigning of late to demonstrate Alberta is not simply an oil and gas province. The province leads Canada in renewable energy growth. Amazon is building its first Canadian wind farm in southern Alberta; it already owns a solar project in the province, one of the largest in North America. Edmonton alone has four $1-billion-plus hydrogen energy plants under construction. Japanese firms Sumitomo and Itochu have extensive climate-change mitigation projects there. It is Alberta’s access to abundant energy, though, that often clinches the deal. “B.C. can’t build any more dams,” he notes. Mainly, he says though, business is saying: “I want stability.” The BC NDP government has its hands full at the moment, with a large and expanding deficit, declining per capita GDP, expensive health-care challenges, a CleanBC plan that will be costly across the province’s economy and relatively little business savvy at the helm. Even former NDP premier Glen Clark chided the Eby government to focus more on wealth creation than wealth redistribution. Christiaanse defines the challenge little differently than Clark: “We see the role as building prosperity.” What the world is saying when it takes its investment elsewhere are three things, he notes: “Bring me food security. Bring me energy security. And lately, bring me cybersecurity.” He plays down any B.C.-Alberta rivalry. “We need to be aligned,” he says. But he also notes that Alberta “had to hit rock bottom” before it initiated the changes it now offers investors as a calling card, without specifically suggesting that’s where B.C. now finds itself. “Vancouver is an incredible place to live,” he says. “But if you’re looking to take your business to a new level . . .” Kirk LaPointe is a Glacier Media columnist with an extensive background in journalism. See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up Related Kirk LaPointe: John Horgan made his mark mixing fiscal competence with social prescription Nov 13, 2024 11:30 AM Opinion: Trump 2.0 will be a test of Canada's resolve Nov 6, 2024 11:00 AM Opinion: Time to tackle the scourge of online anonymity and political intimidation Nov 4, 2024 11:30 AM Opinion: Rebuilding trust in journalism starts with busting misconceptions Oct 30, 2024 4:30 PMTC Energy Co. ( NYSE:TRP – Free Report ) (TSE:TRP) – Stock analysts at National Bank Financial upped their FY2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for TC Energy in a report released on Tuesday, November 19th. National Bank Financial analyst P. Kenny now expects that the pipeline company will post earnings of $2.84 per share for the year, up from their prior forecast of $2.78. The consensus estimate for TC Energy’s current full-year earnings is $2.98 per share. Several other analysts have also recently issued reports on TRP. Morgan Stanley raised shares of TC Energy from an “underweight” rating to an “overweight” rating in a research note on Friday, October 25th. UBS Group raised shares of TC Energy from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating in a research report on Monday, September 30th. Veritas upgraded shares of TC Energy to a “strong sell” rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 8th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of TC Energy in a research note on Monday, November 18th. They issued a “hold” rating on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of TC Energy from a “neutral” rating to an “overweight” rating in a research report on Monday, October 14th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $55.67. TC Energy Stock Down 0.7 % TRP stock opened at $49.86 on Friday. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $47.22 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $43.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 1.31. The stock has a market capitalization of $51.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.81, a PEG ratio of 4.19 and a beta of 0.81. TC Energy has a one year low of $31.83 and a one year high of $50.37. TC Energy ( NYSE:TRP – Get Free Report ) (TSE:TRP) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 7th. The pipeline company reported $0.76 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.70 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $2.99 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.83 billion. TC Energy had a net margin of 31.15% and a return on equity of 12.92%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TRP. Fortitude Family Office LLC bought a new position in shares of TC Energy during the third quarter worth about $28,000. Blue Trust Inc. raised its holdings in shares of TC Energy by 72.0% during the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 638 shares of the pipeline company’s stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 267 shares during the period. EdgeRock Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of TC Energy in the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. grew its position in shares of TC Energy by 138.8% during the 2nd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 738 shares of the pipeline company’s stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 429 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Point72 DIFC Ltd bought a new position in TC Energy in the third quarter worth about $39,000. 83.13% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. TC Energy Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of $0.822 per share. This represents a $3.29 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.59%. This is a positive change from TC Energy’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.70. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 31st. TC Energy’s payout ratio is presently 78.95%. About TC Energy ( Get Free Report ) TC Energy Corporation operates as an energy infrastructure company in North America. It operates through five segments: Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines; U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines; Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines; Liquids Pipelines; and Power and Energy Solutions. The company builds and operates a network of 93,600 kilometers of natural gas pipelines, which transports natural gas from supply basins to local distribution companies, power generation plants, industrial facilities, interconnecting pipelines, LNG export terminals, and other businesses. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for TC Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TC Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .jb777 download 。

The Scottish sporting legend will coach tennis star Novak Djokovic into and through the Australian Open, which is set to take place in January. Announcing the news on social media, Djokovic said: “I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach. READ MORE: Andy Murray donates signed match shirt to Dunblane institution's fundraiser He never liked retirement anyway. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Ga4UlV2kQW He said he was "looking forward to the start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil”. Djokovic joked that Murray (below) “never liked retirement anyway”. The comment is in reference to a tweet posted by Murray when he officially retired from playing the sport in August, when he wrote: “Never even liked tennis anyway.” Never even liked tennis anyway. Murray said: "I'm going to be joining Novak's team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open. I'm really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals." Murray retired from playing tennis after the summer Olympics, when he was defeated in the men's doubles quarter-finals alongside partner Dan Evans against Team USA. READ MORE: Andy Murray pokes fun at Donald Trump over election 'cheating' claims Djokovic beat Murray in the 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016 Australian Open finals while also losing in the French Open final in 2016. (Image: PA) It was his pursuit of toppling Djokovic at the top of the rankings in 2016 which was a precursor to his 2017 hip injury which derailed Murray’s career. Djokovic, who split with coach Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year, hopes that adding Murray to his team will help him get back to the top of the game as he went through a calendar year without winning a grand slam for the first time since 2017.Man City stumble again while Arsenal and Bayern Munich earn dominant wins

German security and intelligence chiefs are due on Monday to face questioning about the car-ramming attack that killed five people and wounded more than 200 at a Christmas market 10 days ago. They will be quizzed about possible missed clues and security failures before the December 20 attack in the eastern city of Magdeburg, where police arrested the 50-year-old Saudi psychiatrist Taleb al-Abdulmohsen at the scene. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, Saxony-Anhalt state officials, and the heads of Germany's domestic and foreign intelligence services are expected to face a closed-door committee hearing in parliament from 1200 GMT. Abdulmohsen is the only suspect in the attack in which a rented BMW sport utility vehicle ploughed through the crowd of revellers at high speed, leaving a trail of bloody carnage. Investigators have yet to declare a suspected motive in the assault that used a motor vehicle as a weapon, which recalled past jihadist attacks, including in Berlin and in the French city of Nice in 2016. Abdulmohsen, by contrast, has voiced strongly anti-Islam views, sympathies with the far right, and anger at Germany for allowing in too many Muslim war refugees and other asylum-seekers. According to unconfirmed media reports citing unnamed German security sources, he has in the past been treated for mental illness and tested positive for drug use on the night of his arrest. The Saudi suspect has been remanded in custody in a top-security facility on five counts of murder and 205 counts of attempted murder, prosecutors said, but not so far on terrorism-related charges. Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who faces elections in February, has declared that Germany needs to "investigate whether this terrible act could have been prevented". "No stone must be left unturned," he told news portal t-online on Friday, echoing similar comments by Faeser. Scholz said that "over the years, there have been repeated clues" about the suspect, adding that "we must examine very carefully whether there were any failings on the part of the authorities in Saxony-Anhalt or at the national level". German media digging through Abdulmohsen's past and his countless social media postings have found expressions of anger and frustration, and threats of violence against German citizens and politicians. Saudi Arabia said it had repeatedly warned Germany about Abdulmohsen, who came to Germany in 2006 and was granted refugee status 10 years later. A source close to the Saudi government told AFP that the kingdom had in the past sought his extradition. Germany has not officially commented on this claim, but would usually deny requests to send people granted asylum back to the country they fled. Abdulmohsen had a history of brushes with the law and court appearances in Germany, media have reported, including for threats of violence. German police have said they had contacted Abdulmohsen in September 2023 and October 2024, and then repeatedly tried but failed to meet him again in December. Police hold such meetings with people deemed a potential threat to make clear they are under close watch and to deter misconduct. Ahead of the German elections, the Christmas market bloodshed has reignited fierce debate about immigration and security, after several deadly knife attacks this year blamed on Islamist extremists. The head of the conservative opposition, Friedrich Merz, wrote that, whether the attacker was a jihadist or an anti-Islam activist, "conflicts are being fought out on German soil... We have to stop this!" bur/fz/bcPercentages: FG .464, FT .733. 3-Point Goals: 4-18, .222 (Baldwin 2-6, Dilione 1-4, Hicks 1-4, Carter 0-1, Dunn 0-1, Johnson 0-2). Team Rebounds: 6. Team Turnovers: 1. Blocked Shots: 5 (Konan Niederhauser 3, Dilione 2). Turnovers: 16 (Baldwin 5, Dilione 4, Konan Niederhauser 3, Dunn 2, Kern, Stewart). Steals: 5 (Baldwin 2, Dilione, Dunn, Kern). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .439, FT .800. 3-Point Goals: 9-19, .474 (C.Hunter 3-6, Zackery 2-2, Jones 2-3, Wiggins 2-4, Lakhin 0-1, Schieffelin 0-1, D.Hunter 0-2). Team Rebounds: 3. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 3 (Schieffelin 2, Lakhin). Turnovers: 13 (Lakhin 5, C.Hunter 2, Schieffelin 2, Wiggins 2, D.Hunter, Zackery). Steals: 7 (Schieffelin 4, Lakhin 2, Wiggins). Technical Fouls: None. .League fines Hawks $100,000 for Young missing NBA Cup game

People who develop multiple sclerosis (MS) as children and grow up in less advantaged neighborhoods may have a larger volume of inflammation and brain tissue loss on imaging than those who grow up in more advantaged neighborhoods, according to a study published in the November 27, 2024, online issue of Neurology . MS rarely develops in children. About 5% of people with MS are diagnosed before age 18. In addition to neighborhood location, worse brain imaging outcomes were also seen among people who self-identified as Black or Latino, those from families where the parents had lower education levels, and those who had public health insurance , which is used as a marker of low household income. "Our findings suggest that social disadvantage in childhood can have lasting effects on MS severity," said study author Kimberly A. O'Neill, MD, of New York University Grossman School of Medicine. "Childhood is a critical time for exposure to environmental factors associated with increased susceptibility to MS, such as passive smoke, pollution and low sunlight exposure. More studies are needed to understand which and how factors in disadvantaged neighborhoods increase the risk for MS severity in young people ." The study involved 138 people with an average age of 20 who were diagnosed with MS before age 18, known as pediatric onset MS. They had been diagnosed with MS for an average of four years. All had brain scans to measure areas of brain inflammation and injury due to MS and brain volume loss. Researchers collected information on social factors that may impact a person's health, including self-reported race and ethnicity, type of health insurance , parents' education level, and the degree of neighborhood advantage or disadvantage. Social factors associated with disadvantage correlated with a greater volume of inflammatory lesions in the white matter of the brain and also with greater black hole volume, which is a sign of irreversible loss of brain tissue. Together, the identified social factors accounted for 26% of the difference in white matter lesion volume and 23% of the difference in black hole volume among participants. Once all factors were taken into account, having public health insurance was the strongest predictor of having greater amounts of inflammation and tissue loss. People with public health insurance had average white matter lesion volume that was larger than people with private insurance. They also had average black hole volumes larger than those with private insurance. The researchers found that the differences were not explained by how soon children were seen by a neurologist, how quickly they were started on medication for MS or how effective their medications were at slowing their disease progress. "This suggests that access to health care does not explain the more severe disease burden shown in the brain scans of people in disadvantaged groups in our study," O'Neill said. "While these are associations and not causes, many of these groups have historically been underrepresented in MS research and our work here is just beginning." A limitation of the study is that researchers used the address of the children at the time of their diagnosis but did not have information on any prior addresses. Additionally, only a few types of social factors were studied. More information: Neurology (2024).

Pep Guardiola’s side avoided the indignity of a sixth successive defeat in all competitions and looked on course for a welcome victory thanks to a double from Erling Haaland – the first from the penalty spot – and a deflected effort from Ilkay Gundogan. Yet Guardiola was left with his head in hands as Feyenoord roared back in the last 15 minutes with goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Sergio Gimenez and David Hancko, two of them after Josko Gvardiol errors. Arsenal delivered the statement Champions League win Mikel Arteta had demanded as they swept aside Sporting Lisbon 5-1. Arteta wanted his team to prove their European credentials, and goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard got their continental campaign back on track in style following the 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan last time out. A memorable victory also ended Sporting’s unbeaten start to the season, a streak of 17 wins and one draw, the vast majority of which prompted Manchester United to prise away head coach Ruben Amorim. Paris St Germain were left in serious of danger of failing to progress in the Champions League as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Kim Min-jae’s header late in the first half was enough to send PSG to a third defeat in the competition this season, leaving them six points off the automatic qualification places for the last 16 with three games to play. Luis Enrique’s side, who had Ousmane Dembele sent off, were deservedly beaten by Bayern who dominated chances and possession. Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid were 6-0 winners away to Sparta Prague, Julian Alvarez and Angel Correa each scoring twice whilst there were also goals from Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann. Barcelona ended tournament debutants Brest’s unbeaten start with a 3-0 victory courtesy of two goals from Robert Lewandowski – one a penalty – and Dani Olmo. Lewandowski’s first was his 100th Champions League goal, only the third man to reach the mark after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. A Castello Lukeba own goal saw Inter Milan go top of the standings with a narrow 1-0 win over RB Leipzig at San Siro, whilst Bayer Leverkusen were emphatic victors against Red Bull Salzburg, Florian Wirtz scoring twice to move Xabi Alonso’s side into the automatic qualification places. Atalanta continued their strong start, albeit whilst conceding a first goal in Europe this season in a 6-1 win away to Young Boys, whilst Tammy Abraham scored the decisive goal as AC Milan beat Slovan Bratislava 3-2.Megan Varner/Getty Mourners honored former 's humble roots while paying their respects after on Sunday, Dec. 29. Photographers captured a makeshift tribute to the 39th president of the United States outside of the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, Georgia, in the hours after Carter's death was announced. Among the traditional flower bouquets, well wishers also placed peanut containers, peanut butter and peaches around the Carter Center sign, . By the evening, a chalkboard sign reading "We love you President Carter" was also added, as seen in a Getty image. Related: The peaches, are, of course, a nod to Georgia's most iconic export. The peanuts and peanut butter honor Carter's personal and family history. Diana Walker/Getty Carter was born into a family of primarily peanut farmers. Much of his youth was spent that his family had cultivated, and Carter used the money he earned to jumpstart his career. Later, he oversaw the farm, himself, after it had before Carter's father's death, according to the Miller Center of Public Affairs. It was not smooth sailing — in fact, it took him many years to turn a decent net profit. Related: Carter, of course, attended the Naval Academy and worked as an engineer before moving into politics, eventually becoming Georgia's governor before his one term as commander in chief. He was the longest-lived president in United States history — a title he held , and a record he broke with each birthday thereafter. Carter was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter, , at 96. Alongside Rosalynn, the former president founded the Carter Center in 1982 as a humanitarian, nongovernmental and nonprofit organization. Read the original article on

76ers center Joel Embiid sidelined due to swelling in his left knee and will miss two games PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers say center Joel Embiid is managing swelling in his left knee and will miss a second consecutive game Sunday. The Sixers issued a statement on the condition of the 2023 NBA MVP at halftime of Friday’s NBA Cup game against the Brooklyn Nets, saying the decision to sideline Embiid was made along with the team’s medical staff. Embiid was ruled out prior to Friday’s game against the Nets due to what the team described as left knee injury maintenance. The Sixers host the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. Giants release quarterback Daniel Jones just days after benching him EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The Daniel Jones era in New York is over. The Giants quarterback was granted his release by the team just days after the franchise said it was benching him in favor of third-stringer Tommy DeVito. New York president John Mara said Jones approached the team about releasing him and the club obliged. Mara added he was “disappointed” at the quick dissolution of a once-promising relationship between Jones and the team. Giants coach Brian Daboll benched Jones in favor of DeVito following a loss to the Panthers in Germany that dropped New York's record to 2-8. Austin Hays, Kyle Finnegan, Brendan Rodgers and Jordan Romano among 62 new free agents NEW YORK (AP) — Outfielder Austin Hays, right-hander Kyle Finnegan and second baseman Brendan Rodgers were among 62 players who became free agents when their teams failed to offer 2025 contracts. Right-hander Jordan Romano, left-hander Patrick Sandoval and outfielders Michael Tauchman and Ramón Laureano also were among the players cut loose, many of whom would have been eligible for salary arbitration. Washington cut right-hander Tanner Rainey, its last remaining player from the 2019 World Series champions. Finnegan and Hays are former All-Stars. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. Russell puts Mercedes on pole at Las Vegas and Verstappen nips Norris in championship battle LAS VEGAS (AP) — George Russell put Mercedes on the pole for the Las Vegas Grand Prix in an upset over teammate Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton was fastest in the first two practice sessions with Russell fastest in Friday night’s third and final session. But come qualifying, Hamilton made two mistakes in the final group and wound up a distant 10th. Carlos Sainz Jr. and Charles Leclerc seemed to sweep the front row until Russell’s late lap pushed Sainz to second. Pierre Gasly slid into third, and Leclerc wound up fourth. Championship leader Max Verstappen of Red Bull qualified fifth for Saturday night's race. Verstappen needs only to score three points more than challenger Lando Norris to win his fourth straight world championship. Week 16 game between Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers flexed to Thursday night spot The Los Angeles Chargers have played their way into another prime time appearance. Justin Herbert and company have had their Dec. 22 game against the Denver Broncos flexed to Thursday night, Dec. 19. Friday’s announcement makes this the first time a game has been flexed to the Thursday night spot. The league amended its policy last season where Thursday night games in Weeks 13 through 17 could be flexed with at least 28 days notice prior to the game. The matchup of AFC West division rivals bumps the game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals to Sunday afternoon. Chase Elliott named NASCAR's most popular driver for 7th straight season CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Chase Elliott has been named NASCAR's most popular driver for the seventh straight year. He was announced Friday at NASCAR's annual season-ending awards ceremony. It's the only major NASCAR award determined solely by the vote of race fans. Elliott beat out Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson and Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney, per results released by the National Motorsports Press Association. Bill Elliott, Chase's father who is nicknamed “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville,” was named NASCAR’s most popular driver a record 16 times before removing his name from the ballot. Either an Elliott or Earnhardt has won NASCAR’s most popular driver award for 34 consecutive years. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” US ski star Shiffrin leads World Cup slalom after 1st run and closes in on career win No. 99 GURGL, Austria (AP) — Mikaela Shiffrin closed in on what would be the American ski star’s career win No. 99 by setting the pace in the opening run of a women’s World Cup slalom. Shiffrin wasn’t clean going into the steep of the Kirchenkar course but gained time on all competitors with a near-flawless finish section. Wendy Holdener was fastest at the first two splits and the Swiss racer trailed Shiffrin by 0.13 seconds at the finish. Shiffrin says she was feeling "a little bit funky on some spots.” A victory would give Shiffrin five chances to compete for win No. 100 during a North American sweep of the World Cup starting next week. Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game for the 49ers with a shoulder injury SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers with a sore throwing shoulder. Purdy injured his right shoulder in last Sunday’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Purdy underwent an MRI that showed no structural damage but the shoulder didn’t improve during the week and Purdy was ruled out for the game. Coach Kyle Shanahan said star defensive end Nick Bosa also will miss the game with injuries to his left hip and oblique. Left tackle Trent Williams is questionable with an ankle injury and will be a game-time decision.