PITTSBURGH -- After an uncharacteristically quiet start to the season for a premier pest with a little scoring touch, Michael Bunting is back to making his presence felt on most nights. He did it on the score sheet in Sunday’s 3-2 win over the New York Islanders at PPG Paints Arena, helping the Penguins split a weekend back-to-back against the Isles. The Penguins shook off Saturday’s loss to the Islanders on Long Island by grabbing the early lead. Bunting set up Anthony Beauvillier off the rush 3:54 into the game. Bunting pushed Pittsburgh’s lead to 2-0 when he scored on a second-period power play. Sidney Crosby hit Bunting in the slot with a no-look pass, and he beat Marcus Hogberg — a seldom-used Islanders goalie — to extend his scoring streak to three. Bunting buried four goals in the last three games and has seven goals and 14 points in the last 13 to provide Pittsburgh with needed scoring from beyond its first line. Philip Tomasino added a power-play goal in the third period to make it a 3-0 game. Islanders captain Anders Lee beat Alex Nedeljkovic with 7:01 left then added another 3:11 later to make it interesting, but the Penguins held on to take the rematch. Ice chips • Crosby officially surpassed Mario Lemieux for the most assists in Penguins history when he set up Bunting in the second period. That was his 1,034th NHL assist. The lively crowd at PPG Paints Arena gave him a loud ovation when it was announced. • Kris Letang didn’t play against the Islanders due to a lower-body injury. He was in the lineup Saturday on Long Island and logged more than 25 minutes of ice time. • With Letang out, Nathan Clurman made his NHL debut Sunday. He skated on the right side of the third pair. The 26-year-old defenseman signed with the Penguins in the offseason after spending eight years as a member of the Colorado Avalanche organization. He is the fourth Penguins player to make his NHL debut this season. • Nedeljkovic was sharp even though this was just his third start in the month of December. He finished with 28 saves. He was at his best when the Islanders were on the power play late in the second period and pushing hard. He stopped six shots on that penalty, with snazzy glove saves on Anthony Duclair and Mathew Barzal. • Marcus Pettersson sat out another game with a lower-body injury, making it six in a row. However, there is a chance the blue-liner could be cleared to return in the coming days. That should provide a boost for the team’s banged-up defense corps. Coming up The Penguins will not practice Monday after the weekend back-to-back. They next will travel to Detroit, and ring in the New Year against the Red Wings on Tuesday. ©2024 PG Publishing Co. Visit at post-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Buhari, Tinubu never prepared for governance — KukahBanco Popular was recognized as the Best Real Estate Bank in the Dominican Republic by the prestigious financial magazine Euromoney. This recognition highlighted Banco Popular’s leadership in the real estate and construction market and commitment to the sector’s development in the country. The magazine, based in England, has been awarding this prize for 27 years, although this is the first time it has been granted to a bank in the Dominican Republic. In its analysis, the magazine valued Banco Popular’s financial performance in the real estate sector. It noted a market share of 31.2% in mortgage loans and 34.5% in the commercial portfolio dedicated to the construction sector. During the last twelve months, Banco Popular’s mortgage portfolio grew by 13%, reaching RD$62,000 million. This has benefited more than 3,500 clients, with RD$17,229 million disbursed. Similarly, construction loans recorded a 41% increase in approvals, which exceeded RD$12,622 million. Meanwhile, disbursements amounted to RD$17,710 million, benefiting more than 355 clients. Euromoney magazine recognized Popular’s innovative strategies and capacity to promote the growth of the real estate and construction sector through alliances with construction companies and real estate agencies. In the last five years, the institution has facilitated more than RD$41.2 billion in mortgage loans and approved more than RD$22.8 billion in construction loans, positively impacting the national economy. Euromoney highlighted Popular’s technological leadership and the strategy of using its digital channels to facilitate the operations of real estate developers and acquirers, improving the efficiency and experience of its customers. A press release highlights that the magazine cited the bank’s commitment to sustainable development, allocating RD$2.8 billion to compliance with the UN Principles of Responsible Banking, including RD$56 million in loans for homes certified as sustainable. Speaking about the recognition, Popular’s executive president, Christopher Paniagua, highlighted how the award highlights the bank’s efforts to “offer innovative and sustainable solutions that bring value to its clients and to the development of the Dominican Republic.”However, some state workers failed to return to their jobs and a United Nations official said the country’s public sector had come “to a complete and abrupt halt”. Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighbouring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Mr Assad’s brutal rule. There were already signs of the difficulties ahead for the rebel alliance now in control of much of the country. The alliance is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant, who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said they would not tell women how to dress. “It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women’s dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the command said in a statement on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services had shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the UN official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali for the first time. Mr Jalali stayed in Syria when Mr Assad fled and has sought to project normalcy since. “We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth,” he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation had already improved from the day before. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said that judges were ready to resume work quickly. “We want to give everyone their rights,” Mr Haddad said outside the courthouse. “We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods.” But a UN official said some government services had been paralysed as worried state employees stayed at home. The public sector “has just come to a complete and abrupt halt,” said Adam Abdelmoula, UN resident and humanitarian co-ordinator for Syria, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies had been put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. “This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonised by the public media are now in charge in the nation’s capital,” Mr Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. “I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again.” In a video shared on a rebel messaging channel, Mr al-Sharaa said: “You will see there are skills” among the rebels. The Kremlin said Russia has granted political asylum to Mr Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Mr Assad’s specific whereabouts and said Mr Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people were still celebrating. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence though in some areas, small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets.
Sometimes the bye week allows a struggling team to regroup and come out looking refreshed. That's not how it played out for the Giants. New York spent the week after its bye ditching former starting quarterback Daniel Jones, ultimately releasing the sixth-year pro after a humiliating few days that saw him get demoted to No. 4 on the depth chart and play scout team safety in practice . Coach Brian Daboll said he elevated Tommy DeVito to the starting role because the Giants needed a "spark," but there was no spark to be found on Sunday against the Buccaneers, who came out much more prepared after a bye of their own. After the 30-7 loss, Malik Nabers was one of a handful of players who sounded off on the Giants and their lack of preparation. Here's what they had to say. NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule Malik Nabers, teammates rip Giants after loss Nabers called the Giants "soft as f—" after Sunday's loss, complaining about his usage, as well. "First, second quarter, I don't get the ball ... I mean, I can't do nothing," Nabers said, explaining that he didn't start seeing regular targets until New York was trailing 30-0. His first target didn't come until the third quarter. MORE: Will Giants fire Brian Daboll? | Baker Mayfield mocks Tomm DeVito's TD celebration Nabers called out Daboll and the offensive staff, imploring reporters to "talk to Dabes" when asked why he wasn't seeing early-game targets from DeVito. "Obviously, it ain't the quarterback," Nabers said. "Same outcome when we had [Jones] at quarterback. Take a look. It ain't the quarterback." Malik Nabers: “I know I’m tired of losing” Says it’s not the quarterback pic.twitter.com/CA6tH0r87x Pass-rusher Brian Burns had a more succinct take when asked how it felt to trail 30-0, telling reporters, "It's a—." Burns, who was in Carolina for a 2-15 season last year, added that he addressed the team after the game. MORE: Top landing spots for Daniel Jones after release DL Dexter Lawrence echoed some of Nabers' sentiments, telling reporters the Giants were "soft" and calling his frustration level a 10 out of 10. OT Jermaine Eluemunor, meanwhile, said he doesn't think everybody on the team is "giving 100 percent." Dexter Lawrence saying #Giants played “soft.” Malik Nabers with a similar assessment of team being soft. Jermaine Eluemunor saying “I personally don’t think everybody is giving 100%” The 2-9 Giants lost 30-7 to the Bucs. They play again on Thanksgiving against the Cowboys. Still, Lawrence took the high road and expressed his determination to get the team back on track. "It's a long process ... and I'm here for it," he said. "I'm going to lead." The biggest question surrounding the Giants over the final six weeks of the season might be whether that process will include Daboll. The embattled coach wasn't necessarily expected to lead New York to the playoffs this season, but the year has spiraled out of control faster than most expected. The Giants are tied for the NFL's worst record at 2-9, and comments like Nabers' about the effort level of the team don't reflect well on the coaching staff. Daboll would be the fourth consecutive Giants coach to last three seasons or fewer, but each blowout loss makes it tougher for owner John Mara to justify keeping the team's braintrust intact.CHARLOTTE — Ten yards into a scramble, Patrick Mahomes could have easily slid for a first down or simply ducked out of bounds and moved on to the next play. Instead, the three-time Super Bowl MVP cut back inside and raced another 23 yards up the field, helping to set up Spencer Schrader's 31-yard field goal as time expired as the Chiefs held on to beat the Carolina Panthers 30-27 on Sunday. “At that point, yards are more important than getting out of bounds,” Mahomes said. “With three timeouts, I just tried to just cut through and Justin Watson had a great block and was able to get down the field and get out of bounds.” The game-winning drive was the 21st of Mahomes' career, and the Chiefs won a game decided in the final seconds for the fifth time this season. Eight of the Chiefs' wins have come by one-score margins. “You always want to have some blowouts and be a little calmer in the fourth quarter, but I've always said it could be a good thing when you get to the playoffs later in the season knowing that you have been in those moments before, and knowing how to attack it play by play not making it too big of a moment,” Mahomes said. Then he smiled and said: “But I would say this more than anybody, I would love to win a game not by the very last play.” Mahomes completed 27 of 37 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns in his first game at Bank of America Stadium and ran for 60 yards — including 33 on that last-minute play — as the Chiefs (10-1) scored on six of their eight possessions. Noah Gray caught four passes for 66 yards and scored two touchdowns for the second straight week, and DeAndre Hopkins also found the end zone for the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. Kareem Hunt ran for 68 yards on 16 carries and caught three passes for 19 yards. Bryce Young played well for Carolina (3-8), finishing 21 of 35 for 262 yards and a touchdown while leading the Panthers back from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to tie the game on Chuba Hubbard's 1-yard touchdown run and 2-point conversion with 1:46 remaining. Panthers coach Dave Canales, who benched Young earlier this season for veteran Andy Dalton, said last year's No. 1 overall draft pick “absolutely” will remain the team's starting QB next week. That's a break from Canales' recent pattern of waiting a few days to name a starter. “Bryce is certainly making the most of his opportunities,” Canales said. “And he is making a statement to all of us. Showing us he can make plays in critical areas. He did a great job extending today.” Said Young: “For me, I just want to focus on what I can control. Regardless, I always have the same mindset and preparation, wanting to be better throughout the week. I am definitely grateful for confidence.” Still, there is room for improvement. The Panthers moved the ball well but struggled in the red zone, resulting in field goals of 30, 32, 29 and 33 yards for Eddy Pineiro, the most accurate kicker in NFL history. The Chiefs wasted no time setting the tone as Samaje Perine returned the opening kickoff 56 yards and Mahomes found Gray for a 35-yard touchdown strike on the third play of scrimmage for a 7-0 lead. Gray went nine games without a TD catch before hauling in two last week against Buffalo. His 11-yard score late in the second quarter gave him two more against the Panthers . Chiefs coach Andy Reid praised Mahomes' poise but said he was concerned about his team's nine penalties for 90 yards. Kansas City's Travis Kelce had six catches for 62 yards and moved into third place in career yards receiving by a tight end. He ranks behind only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten. However, Kelce failed to find the end zone for the ninth time in 11 games this season. Running back Jonathan Brooks made his NFL debut for Carolina, but the second-round pick was limited to 7 yards on two carries. Panthers: Rookie TE Ja'Tavion Sanders was taken to a hospital, where he was evaluated for a neck injury and released . He landed awkwardly on his head after making a catch near the end of the second quarter. Chiefs: Host Las Vegas on Friday. Panthers: Host Tampa Bay next Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL