Winnipeg Jets |



CALGARY – Paul Stastny scored the eventual game-winner for the Winnipeg Jets in a 3-2 victory Friday over the host Calgary Flames.

Stastny, Blake Wheeler and Kyle Connor each had a goal and an assist for Winnipeg (21-11-2).

The Jets drew even with the Toronto Maple Leafs atop the North Division with 44 points apiece, although the Leafs had a game in hand.

Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck made 25 saves for the win in his league-leading 27th start of the season.

Milan Lucic and Matthew Tkachuk scored in a fourth straight loss for the Flames (15-17-3). Calgary’s Jacob Markstrom stopped 26-of-29 shots in the loss.

Winnipeg has allowed just three goals against over three consecutive victories. The Jets scored two power-play goals for the fourth time in their last eight games.

“Our game’s been right on here for a bit now,” Wheeler said. “You have confidence in that it can give you a chance to win every single night now. There’s going to be nights when it doesn’t go your way.

“That’s where you build confidence, that even though it doesn’t go your way, the next night you can rely on a brand of hockey that can give you some success.”

The Flames have mustered just four goals in their last four games. Calgary is 4-5-0 since Darryl Sutter took over as head coach March 8.

“We had some real dopey players in the first period,” Sutter said. “It cost us the hockey game. We had some dopey players who didn’t wake up until we were down a goal, which is unfortunate.”

Calgary ranked sixth in the North Division and was four points back of the Montreal Canadiens holding down the fourth and final playoff spot.

“Lose another one-goal game and it sucks,” Lucic said. “Running out of time, running out of games, got to start getting in the win column if we have any type of chance.”

Calgary is at home to Winnipeg on Saturday and Monday. The Jets lead the season series 4-1-1.

With Markstrom pulled for an extra attacker, Tkachuk tipped in an Elias Lindholm shot at 18:01 of the third period to draw the hosts within a goal.

Markstrom still on the bench and Stastny serving a tripping penalty on Tkachuk, the Flames couldn’t produce the equalizer 6-on-4 over the final seconds.

“That was a long minute fifty two I was in the box or something like that,” Stastny said. “A game like that, special teams is the difference and it showed at the end.”

While Calgary tried to kill off a Lucic double minor midway through third period, Markstrom’s clearing attempt over the glass gave the Jets a two-man advantage.

Stastny scored Winnipeg’s second power-play goal from the slot on a feed from Wheeler at 14:54.

Lucic was slapped with boarding and roughing penalties while tangling with Winnipeg defenceman Neal Pionk.

“I’m not a huge fan of the roughing call, especially when Pionk engages me and gives me a cross check first, but (it) ends up being costly,” Lucic said.

Mikael Backlund’s sharp-angled shot deflected off both Lucic and Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey for Calgary’s first goal at 6:52 of the third.

The visitors led 2-0 heading into the third. Connor lifted his own rebound over the right pad of Markstrom for his team-leading 17th goal of the season at 5:33 of the second.

Stastny’s redirect of a Connor shot deflected off Wheeler’s skate and by Markstrom for a power-play goal at 9:13 of the first period.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 26, 2021.

Evan Fournier hits game-winner to deliver Magic win over Suns


If Orlando’s victory Wednesday night turns out to be Evan Fournier’s last game for the Magic with the NBA’s trade deadline approaching, the guard will depart with yet another memorable moment.

Fournier scored the last of his 21 points on a difficult driving layup over Phoenix center Deandre Ayton with 6.4 seconds left and the Magic beat the Suns 112-111.

Fournier, an unrestricted free agent at season’s end who has been the subject of recent trade talks, admitted he would be heartbroken if he’s dealt away from the franchise he has spent the past seven seasons playing for.

“I left my home (in France) where I lived with my parents when I was 13 and since then I never stayed in one place for more than two years, so the fact that I’ve been here for seven years says a lot,” said Fournier, who hit four 3-pointers and scored at least 20 points for the 12th time this season. “I had a son here, I got married and it means more than a lot. … If it’s the end, it’s the end, but I obviously love the franchise.”

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Suns star Devin Booker made two free throws with 19.4 seconds left to give Phoenix a one-point lead, but he failed to answer Fournier’s winner when he missed a reverse layup attempt just before the final horn. The loss ended Phoenix’s road winning streak at seven, its longest since 2006-07. Phoenix is 14-6 on the road, tied for the second-most road victories in the NBA.

“We started off the right way, but we never got over that hump,” said Booker, whose Suns lost on the road for the first time since Feb. 3. “We pushed the lead to 10 to 12 a couple of times and messed around with the game. They stuck around and finished it the right way.”

Nikola Vucevic had 27 points and 14 rebounds for Orlando, and rookie Chuma Okeke made all six of his shots — four from 3-point range — en route to a career-best 17 points.

“It lets me know that I’m capable of doing these things, capable of hitting these shots and making these plays,” Okeke said.

Orlando trailed by 13 in the early going and by five in the fourth period before rallying behind Vucevic’s 32nd 20-point performance. Vucevic’s fadeaway jumper put Orlando up 107-102 with 2:58 to play and his free throw with 27.4 seconds remaining broke a tie at 109.

Booker finished with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, and Chris Paul scored eight of his 23 points in the fourth quarter.

Jae Crowder had 17 points and four 3-pointers — the final one tying the game at 109 with 38.1 seconds to play. Ayton had 21 points and nine rebounds for Phoenix, who fell to 22-6 when leading after three periods.

“Everybody is upset because we lost and that’s a good thing,” Suns coach Monty Williams said.

There were five lead changes and five ties in the fourth period alone. The Magic ultimately won for a second time in the past 13 when Fournier rubbed off a Vucevic pick and finished over Ayton as the guard fell to the floor.

“Over the years we’ve played a ton of two-man game, so we have a great understanding of each other’s game,” Vucevic said about the action that led up to Fournier’s winner. “Tonight, they switched (defensively), he went at Ayton and made a tough shot. It was a big-time shot.”

Suns: Wednesday was the four-year anniversary of Booker’s franchise-record 70-point game against Boston in 2017 and the 31-year anniversary of Tom Chambers scoring 60 points for the Suns in 1990. … Phoenix’s bench was outscored 37-20.

Magic: Coach Steve Clifford thought Terrence Ross (sore right knee) might return, but he was out again. Orlando is 2-7 without Ross this season. … Cole Anthony, who has been out since Feb. 11 with a rib fracture, has resumed on-court basketball drills, but he has yet to be cleared for contact. … Orlando is 5-25 when trailing after three periods.

Suns: Vs. Toronto in Tampa on Friday night.
As Evan Fournier reflected on his time in Orlando after Wednesday’s game, he sure sounded like someone who knew he had just played his final game there.

That turned out to be true.

Fournier reportedly has become the third player to be dealt by Orlando on Thursday, following Nikola Vucevic and Al-Farouq Aminu, in what appears to be an all out Magic firesale.

Fournier, who like Vucevic was also having the best season of his career by averaging a personal-beat 19.7 points per and shooting 38.8 percent from three, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

It was a near certainty he would be dealt, but his status as a potential rental certainly limited the return the Magic could get. A front office that has made a habit of undervaluing second-round picks now gets a pair of them back for Fournier.

We’ll see if Aaron Gordon will soon be joining Fournier in Boston.The Boston Celtics took advantage of the Orlando Magic being in fire sale mode at the NBA trade deadline by acquiring Evan Fournier to bolster their perimeter rotation, along with their NBA championship outlook. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Celtics traded two second-round picks for Fournier. That’s quite a bargain to say the least, even if Fournier is on an expiring contract. The fact that Fournier’s future beyond this season is up in the air doesn’t really matter. Boston is fully going for it. The Larry O’Brien Trophy. Anything less than that will be a disappointment, or at least that’s the signal Celtics general manager Danny Ainge is sending with this deal. Stadium’s Jeff Goodman spoke to another NBA player about the type of basketball fit Fournier is for the Celtics. Because the Magic seem to be in a perpetual state of rebuilding, it’s easy to forget that they actually have some good talent there. However, Orlando is sparking a youth movement at the NBA deadline by trading Nikola Vucevic to Chicago, and now, Fournier to Beantown. Fournier may be the quietest 19.7-points-per-game-scorer in recent NBA history. That’s what he’s averaging across 26 games for the Magic during the 2020-21 campaign. To say he packs a punch on offense off the bench is a massive understatement. Such a spark off the pine is precisely what Boston needs. Too often, Marcus Smart is counted on to play big minutes, and he’s a streaky shooter at best, and an offensive liability most nights. In the modern NBA, it’s difficult to win consistently when that’s the case from one of your perimeter starters. Jeff Teague’s contributions to the Celtics’ offense have been too sporadic to reliably count on, and he’s an undersized guard who isn’t as quick as he used to be. Thanks to Fournier’s strong offensive arsenal and versatility to guard the 2 through 4 positions on defense, he’s an ideal fit for what Boston needs. Given the chance to be surrounded by a strong trio of Jayson Tatum Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker, Fournier figures to thrive — and to help the C’s get over the hump. Is trading for Evan Fournier enough to net Boston Celtics an NBA title? Before you cackle at such a notion — hard to blame anyone for doing so, since Boston is in eighth place in the Eastern Conference as of this writing — keep in mind a couple things. Firstly, the Celtics are only 1.5 games out of fourth in the East, and the squad in that spot right now, the Charlotte Hornets, just lost stud rookie LaMelo Ball to a fractured wrist. ESPN Stats Info provided some key context after Boston’s latest gut-wrenching loss to the Milwaukee Bucks that points to just how much hard luck coach Brad Stevens’ bunch has had: No one is making excuses for the Celtics not pulling out those games. The point is, adding someone like Fournier to the mix is bound to swing the Law of Averages in tightly contested contests into Boston’s favor. There’s just too much talent on this roster for something like that not to happen. The question is, can Fournier integrate himself into the lineup seamlessly and swiftly enough so that the Celtics are geared up for a deep postseason run with everyone on the same page? By trading for him, Ainge and the front office evidently believe Fournier is the missing piece to the puzzle that can catalyze a reversal of fortune. In the Orlando bubble playoffs, Boston was two wins away from the NBA Finals. Let’s see if Fournier can push the Celtics a little further and into the championship finale. The most successful spinoffs of famous movie franchises The best and worst commercials from…

Titans were done with 2020 first-round pick Isaiah Wilson after… Sean McVay and Jared Goff weren’t on good terms when the quarterback was traded from the Los Angeles Rams to the Detroit Lions this offseason, that much has been made clear. However, their relationship might have been worse than initially believed. According to Lindsey Thiry of ESPN, Goff’s relationship with McVay began to worsen in 2019 when the Rams missed the playoffs and the QB showed signs of regression from 2018. A majority of the time, McVay backed Goff publicly, but something different was going on behind the scenes. McVay frequently yelled at Goff on the sideline and called him out in front of players and coaches after a loss to the San Francisco 49ers last season. “Sean lost touch with how much he was breaking Jared down, but there’s got to be the build back up,” a league source told Thiry. “[McVay] was either unaware or disinterested in protecting Jared’s confidence.” McVay’s frustration with Goff was warranted. He frequently turned the ball over in 2019 and 2020 and struggled to recognize coverages. McVay has been lauded as a great play-caller, but he reportedly felt like he had to call every play perfectly for Goff to succeed. “McVay told people around him he felt as though he had to call every play perfectly for Goff,” Thiry writes. “And Goff felt increasingly micromanaged as McVay continuously ramped up the complexity of his offense in an attempt to outscheme the defense, a league source said.” McVay’s issues with Goff obviously had been brewing for a while, but now he won’t have to worry about that with Matthew Stafford under center. The former Lions quarterback is considered one of the NFL’s better quarterbacks and the Rams are excited to see what he can do. Earlier this week, Stafford said he was impressed by Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods, saying, “They just do an outstanding job of getting open.” If the trio works well together, the Rams could be headed back to the playoffs with the potential of going deeper than they did in 2020.

Longtime St. Louis Blues defenseman Bob Plager passed away on Wednesday at the age of 78. Plager played 14 seasons in the NHL, from 1964 to 1978, including 11 years with the Blues after beginning his career with the New York Rangers. Though undersized for a defenseman at that time, especially one that focused primarily on the defensive aspects of the game, Plager was no pushover. His reputation on the ice was built on his physicality and smart defensive play, which made him a difficult match-up. Plager channeled his passionate and intelligent playing ability into a career beyond his playing days, serving as a scout, coach, and top executive. Plager’s reputation off the ice was one of kindness and comedy. Plager will always be remembered more for his connection to the Blues and to the city of St. Louis than for any one thing he did on or off the ice with the team. A member of the inaugural St. Louis Blues of 1967, Plager was the longest-serving member of that original roster. When he retired from playing, he jumped immediately into serving the club in other ways. Quite literally, too; Plager went from playing with the Blues and their CHL affiliate, the Salt Lake Golden Eagles, to coaching the Golden Eagles all over the course of one season. He then spent the next six years as a scout for St. Louis, three years as Assistant General Manager, and five years as Director of Player Development. He also had stints as head coach of the Blues and their IHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen, mixed in as well. Plager retired from hockey in 2000, having spent a combined 33 years in the service of the Blues. However, he very much remained involved with the team as an iconic alumnus. The response to Plager’s passing has come from all corners of the hockey world. Tom Timmerman of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch collected comments from names such as former Blues coach Scotty Bowman, Blues owner Tom Stillman, a fellow Blues honoree in Bernie Federko, and current Blues GM Doug Armstrong in a detailed story on the life of a legend. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement on Plager’s passing. Even Ben Bishop, goaltender for the rival Dallas Stars but also a St. Louis native, shared his memories of a man that meant so much to he and others who grew up in the city.

Ed Orgeron learned his lesson from infamous LSU defense quote LSU coach Ed Orgeron is shying away from bold proclamations about his team this season. Orgeron memorably said last September that the Tigers’ defense was “so much better” than it had been at any point of the team’s 15-0 championship season in 2019. That comment aged terribly, as the Tigers surrendered 492 yards per game, the fourth-worst mark in the entire FBS. The defense’s performance was so bad, it ultimately cost Bo Pelini his job as LSU’s defensive coordinator. On Wednesday, Orgeron said he felt the defense was improving from 2020 but alluded to his previous comments in noting why he was being a bit more conservative with his praise. “You know, I’m going to be careful what I say about last year to this year, because last year I said something and it come back to bite me,” Orgeron said, via John Brice of FootballScoop. “So I’m going to be guarded in what I say. “I do see a difference. I see our guys with their cleats in the grass. I see communication being better. I see the defense simpler. I see our guys attacking and playing football. But I’m going to hold judgment to the season. Lesson learned.” It would be hard for the defense to be worse, but Orgeron’s note of caution is smart. He was definitely flying high ahead of last season as the coach of the reigning national champions, and it seems he just got a bit carried away. There’s no way the guy wants to be trolled all season again, so he’ll let the team’s play do the talking this time.

NFL players who could regress in 2021 Bulls trade for Magic All-Star Nikola Vucevic in deadline deal that is best for both teams The NBA trade deadline is imminent, and the Chicago Bulls made a big splash Thursday in trading for Orlando Magic All-Star big man Nikola Vucevic. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Orlando will receive center Wendell Carter Jr. and dynamic wing Otto Porter Jr. as part of the deal, in addition to some draft compensation to aid the Magic’s rebuild: Most will view this swap as a huge win for Chicago — and make no mistake, it definitely is. However, it’s a trade package that actually benefits both squads based on their personnel needs and big-picture franchise outlook. How Nikola Vucevic impacts Chicago Bulls Bulls head coach Billy Donovan likes to push the tempo on offense, as Chicago ranks eighth in PACE rating in the NBA, whereas Orlando ranks 19th. Vucevic’s versatility and athleticism should allow him to flourish in such an atmosphere in the Windy City. Vucevic has worked hard on his 3-point shot over the past several seasons, and it’s paying off. Despite the absence of viable scoring threats on the Magic, Vucevic has hit 40.6% from beyond the arc on 6.5 attempts per contest en route to 24.5 points per game. All those numbers are career-highs. The biggest problem that’s plagued the Bulls this season is turnovers. They lead the league with 16 per game and must cut that down to have any hopes of pushing for the playoffs. If not for all those giveaways, Chicago would be much higher up in the standings. With a go-to option like Vucevic in the frontcourt who can also help create spacing alongside stretch four Lauri Markkanen (if Markkanen isn’t traded), the Bulls’ offense should really open up and fit what Donovan likes to do. With a smoother operation offensively, the trademark gritty defense Donovan is known for should pick up. As we saw last season when he worked with minimal talent on the Oklahoma City Thunder, Donovan coached them to the seventh-best defensive rating, so even if Vucevic and Markkanen aren’t the best defensive frontcourt, they’re in good hands. Why trading Nikola Vucevic was best for the Orlando Magic It’s a crowded frontcourt rotation in Orlando, full of young players bursting with promise. This past December, former lottery pick Jonathan Isaac was rewarded with a contract extension along with point guard Markelle Fultz. Both are out for the entire 2020-21 campaign due to injuries but are in the fold for years to come. Magic head coach Steve Clifford is adamant about his teams forging a defensive identity. Missing key pieces like Isaac and Fultz shouldn’t count against him this season, and the acquisitions of Carter and Porter from Chicago fit that paradigm. Porter, who is on an expiring contract, gives the Magic some flexibility. They will have the chance to either get the 27-year-old at a bargain rate or use the cap space he would’ve taken up to pursue other marquee free agents. Porter is a versatile wing defender who’s also an extremely proficient shooter, which is something Orlando needs on the perimeter. As for Carter, he’s more of the defensive specialist type of center that Vucevic was not. The reality is, the Magic are still multiple years away from contending, and trading Vucevic now while there could be value to be had for him fits with their longer-term vision better. Carter is more of a Clifford type of player, and between him, Isaac and Mo Bamba, there’s reason to like Orlando’s personnel up front a lot. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported the Magic are finalizing a trade that will send guard Evan Fournier to the Boston Celtics, too, so obviously, Orlando is in selling mode at the NBA trade deadline. Since Aaron Gordon trade rumors are also flying around, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Magic try to swap him for either more draft assets or a proven player to give them more of a lift on offense.

The Magic are trading All-Star center Nikola Vucevic and veteran forward Al-Farouq Aminu to the Bulls, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (all Twitter links). According to Wojnarowski, Orlando will receive Wendell Carter, Otto Porter and a pair of future first-round picks in the deal. Those picks will be the Bulls’ own 2021 and 2023 first-rounders, Woj adds (via Twitter). The ’21 pick will be top-four protected, per Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link), while the ’23 pick will also have light protection, according to Josh Robbins of The Athletic (Twitter link). The agreement comes as a major surprise. While Vucevic has been mentioned in some trade rumors in the weeks leading up to the deadline, the belief was that the Magic were reluctant to move their lone All-Star and shift into full-fledged retooling mode. Wojnarowski (Twitter link) had reported earlier Thursday that Orlando was still listening to offers for the big man, but would have to receive a substantial package to pull the trigger on a deal. The Magic apparently believe the Bulls’ offer qualifies as substantial. In addition to the future first-round picks, which are the prized assets in the return, Orlando will also receive a former lottery pick in Carter who was highly regarded coming out of Duke and is still just 21 years old. Carter has been plagued by injury issues through his first three NBA seasons and his production hasn’t really increased since his rookie year, but he’s still viewed as a player with upside. Orlando will also gain some longer-term salary relief in the trade. While Porter is earning more ($28.5M) this season than any of the other three players involved in the swap, his contract will expire this summer. Vucevic is owed and Aminu are owed a combined $34M+ next season, and Vucevic is under contract for one more year beyond that, so the Magic will have much more cap flexibility going forward. The move also signals that Aaron Gordon is even more likely to be dealt Wednesday, with the Magic headed for a reset. The odds of the team moving Evan Fournier and/or Terrence Ross figure to increase as well. As Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports tweets, Orlando will boost the odds of landing a top pick in the 2021 draft by trading away veterans — that lottery pick, combined with the return of Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz next season, could help accelerate the team’s rebuild. The Bulls, meanwhile, weren’t among the teams listed as having significant interest in Vucevic in a report earlier this month, but decided to take a big swing and will add a second All-Star to a core headlined by Zach LaVine. The team’s front office wanted to bring in a “productive, serious-minded veteran” to be a cornerstone in Chicago, according to Wojnarowski (Twitter link), and zeroed in on Vucevic, who has posted a career-high 24.5 PPG this season to go along with 11.8 RPG and 3.8 APG. His .406 3PT% is also a career-best mark. Taking on Aminu’s multiyear contract will add some money to the Bulls’ cap in 2021, but the club was projected to have plenty of flexibility, so that shouldn’t be an issue. Vucevic’s contract is also relatively team-friendly — he’s making $26M this season, but that number will decline to $24M in 2021-22 and $22M in ’22-23. It will be interesting to see whether the Bulls have more up their sleeve before Thursday’s deadline. The team has been taking calls to gauge Thaddeus Young‘s value, per Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times (Twitter link), and remains in the mix for Pelicans point guard Lonzo Ball, according to Wojnarowski (Twitter link). It will take more than just Lauri Markkanen to acquire Ball, tweets K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago. New Orleans may want Chicago to take on an unwanted multiyear contract, such as Eric Bledsoe‘s. The villains from ’90s movies who we love to hate

The 20 best GMs in NFL history Dan Gilbert’s son poised to take over Cavs? Three teams are ‘seriously engaged’ in Kyle Lowry trade talks Steve Nash on sitting James Harden vs. Jazz: ‘I don’t think it’s safe for him to play’ The Brooklyn Nets sat a banged-up James Harden Wednesday night against the Utah Jazz, and Steve Nash revealed that the decision was made to protect the superstar from himself. Harden played an outstanding game on Tuesday (25 points, 17 assists, seven rebounds) despite lingering neck soreness, leading the Nets to a 116-112 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. The Nets having to play on consecutive nights, however, led Nash to make the difficult decision to sit the only member of the team’s Big Three currently available. Kevin Durant remains out due to a hamstring strain and Kyrie Irving is away from the team once again for personal reasons, something that led to his absence for a stretch earlier this season. Addressing Harden’s unavailability for Wednesday’s tilt, a game in which the undermanned Nets were blown out by the Western Conference-leading Jazz by a score of 118-88, Nash explained how Harden likely would have played had it been up to him. “I’m hoping it’s short term,” Nash said, per the New York Post. “To be honest, I’m sure James would’ve wanted to play [in Utah]. But he’s not. I don’t think it’s safe for him to play, and I think sometimes you have to protect him from himself. He’s such a warrior and competitor and loves to play. “But he was questionable for [Tuesday], played a ton of minutes. You could see it was tough for him shooting the ball, but he still obviously dominated in other ways. But I think [Wednesday] it was the smartest and safest decision to protect him from himself and take him out of the lineup because he’s struggling. It’s pretty sore. I hope that he’ll be back next game, but we’ll have to see day by day here.” Harden admitted Wednesday that if Nash had called his number Wednesday night, he would have been ready to roll. “[Wednesday] when I wake up, if I feel like I can go, I’ll go. It’s that simple,” Harden had said, citing the fact the Nets needed him while playing shorthanded without Kevin Durant (hamstring) and Kyrie Irving (family matter). “Everything isn’t going to be perfect, whether it’s playing through injuries or playing banged up. … Obviously when you’re hurt, you’re hurt; you sit out. I try to go out there, make an impact and play if I’m able to if it’s not risking anything.” The Nets, despite Wednesday’s ugly loss, remain in a mathematical tie with the Milwaukee Bucks in the second slot in the Eastern Conference, with both teams 1.5 games back of the Philadelphia 76ers. While no timetable has been established for Durant’s return to the court, it is believed to be coming sooner rather than later. Irving, meanwhile, continues to be one of the most enigmatic, contemplative and complex players in the league. Despite the mystery surrounding his latest absence — it’s been reported to involve a family matter — Irving is expected to return to the Nets following Friday’s game against the Detroit Pistons. In other words, it won’t be long before the Nets get the band back together for a post-trade deadline run to the postseason. Given how well Brooklyn has weathered the absences of Durant and Irving this season — of course thanks to Harden’s heroics — it will be interesting to see how things come together once the Big Three are reunited on the court.
Evan Fournier scored the decisive basket with 6.4 seconds left to lift the Orlando Magic to a 112-111 victory over the visiting Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.

Nikola Vucevic recorded 27 points and 14 rebounds and Fournier added 21 points as Orlando won for just the second time in the past 13 games.

Vucevic split two free throws with 27.4 seconds remaining to give Orlando a 110-109 edge before Booker made two free throws with 19.4 seconds left to put the Suns ahead by one.

Fournier then drove down the lane and banked in his layup off the glass to give the Magic the lead. Booker missed a short shot just before time expired.

Rookie Chuma Okeke scored a season-best 17 points, Aaron Gordon added 13 and Dwayne Bacon tallied 11 for the Magic.

Devin Booker had 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists and Chris Paul added 23 points, seven assists and six rebounds for the Suns, who had a seven-game road winning streak snapped.

Deandre Ayton registered 21 points and nine rebounds, Jae Crowder made four 3-pointers while scoring 17 points and Torrey Craig scored 10 for Phoenix, which lost for just the sixth time in the past 27 games.

Phoenix shot 44.4 percent from the field, including 11 of 33 from 3-point range. The Magic connected on 46.7 percent of their shots and were 13 of 37 from behind the arc.

Orlando rattled off 10 of the first 14 points in the fourth quarter to take a 96-95 lead on two free throws by Bacon with 8:53 left in the contest.

Craig followed with a layup and Booker drained a 3-pointer to give the Suns a 100-96 advantage with 7:12 remaining. But the Magic answered with an 11-2 run to hold a 107-102 lead with 2:58 left.

Paul scored four straight points to bring Phoenix within one before Fournier hit a 15-foot baseline jumper with 50.9 seconds left to give Orlando a 109-106 lead. Crowder buried a tying 3-pointer with 38.1 seconds to play.

The Magic trailed by as many as 12 in the first half before recovering to tie the score at 59 entering the break.

Phoenix opened the third quarter with a 13-2 surge to open up an 11-point lead. The Magic later moved within 82-79 on back-to-back baskets by Bacon before the Suns held a 91-86 entering the final stanza.

Apps keep crashing on Android | Android apps are crashing and Google is working on a fix – here’s how to fix the issue



• started crashing randomly for some users, including popular apps like Gmail, Facebook, Messenger and others.
• has identified the issue and is working on a fix.
• Until then, we have a couple of solutions to help you stop Android apps from crashing.
• Now, tap on the three-dot menu on the top right.
• Next, tap on the ‘Uninstall updates’ option.

Some Android apps started crashing for users yesterday for no apparent reason. These affected apps are not related to each other, which has caused a lot of confusion amongst users.The underlying reason foryesterday was a buggy update to the Android System WebView app. Google rolled out an update yesterday, after which unrelated Android apps started crashing for some users.This caused confusion, and if you are among one of them, then we have a couple of solutions for you until Google rolls out another update to fix the issue.If Android apps are crashing for you, here is what you can do to fix it:1. Uninstall updates to Android System WebViewThis is the easiest solution to fix Android apps crashing issue.To uninstall updates to Android System WebView, follow these steps:That should solve the issue.For some users, the three-dot menu might not be visible. In that case, simply tap on the ‘Uninstall’ button and you will then be able to uninstall the latest update.If you cannot find the Android System WebView app in the Apps section, the other option is to disable Google Chrome.Once you do that, the Android System WebView app should become visible.To disable Google Chrome, follow these steps:That’s it.If the apps stop crashing now, there is no need to uninstall Android System WebView updates.If apps continue to crash, then you will have to uninstall updates. Follow the steps mentioned in the first method.Note that there won’t be any data loss as you’re not uninstalling Google Chrome — you’re simply disabling it. Once you re-enable the app, you will be able to browse as usual. As long as it is disabled, you can try out alternative web browsers like Mozilla’s Firefox, or Microsoft Edge, among other options.While the two steps mentioned above should solve the issue of Android apps crashing on your phone, those solutions are a temporary fix.Google has acknowledged the issue and said it is working on a fix. Once the new update has been rolled out, make sure you install it from the Google Play store.
A large number of Android users over the past few hours have been encountering continuous Gmail and other app shutdowns, with some finding that uninstalling Android System WebView will stop the crashing.

Update: Just after 11 p.m. PT on Monday, Google issued a permanent fix for the app crashing issue. It involves updating both Android System WebView and Chrome to version 89.0.4389.105:

This issue starts with Android throwing up prompts that warn how apps “keep closing.” Applications that are in the background and not currently open are also affected.

If this bug is impacting your device, all Android apps that use the WebView system component, which is responsible for showing web content and is updated alongside Chrome every few weeks, will keep crashing. This includes Gmail — which many users are seeing broken right now — and many other third-party applications. Google has acknowledged the email issue and is actively working on a fix. Users are advised to visit the web interface:

The immediate solution to this problem involves finding the Play Store listing for Android System WebView either by visiting this link directly, or going to the “My apps & games” page, swiping left to the “Installed” tab, and scrolling down — it should be one of the first apps. After that, tap “Uninstall” and confirm on the prompt that appears.

If that does not work for whatever reason, another course of action is going to system Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps > Android System WebView > tap the three-dot overflow menu in the top-right corner > Uninstall updates > OK. These instructions are for Android 11 on Pixel phones, but it should be a similar process on other OS versions and OEM devices.

Following those steps should stop the series of crashes, with Samsung support recommending the same course of action today. It’s not affecting all users, but it’s pretty widespread across Pixel and other devices.

Google looks to have rolled out a bad update to Android System WebView. While this particular release is buggy, it’s important to keep WebView on the latest version for security fixes once the problem has been resolved.

Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:

Krispy Kreme | Free Krispy Kreme doughnut for anyone who gets their COVID vaccine


Anyone who shows their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card will receive a free Original Glazed doughnut.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Those who get vaccinated in the United States can get a sweet treat from Krispy Kreme starting Monday.

Krispy Kreme said to show their support for those who choose to get vaccinated, anyone who shows their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card will receive a free Original Glazed doughnut. According to a news release, you can redeem a free doughnut every day for the rest of the year.

Qualified guests include anyone who has received at least 1 of the 2 shots of the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine or 1 shot of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine.

HOW DO I PROVE THAT I’VE BEEN VACCINATED?

Any qualified guest needs to show their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to redeem the COVID-19 Vaccine Offer.

IF THERE ARE MULTIPLE PEOPLE IN THE SAME CAR, CAN EVERYONE PARTICIPATE IN THE PROMO?

Each guest in the same vehicle that has their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card can participate in the promo.

We’d like to show sweet support to those who have received the COVID-19 Vaccine. Starting today, bring your Vaccine Card to a Krispy Kreme shop and get 1 FREE Original Glazed doughnut. No chance to get your Vaccine? This will run thru end of 2021. Info at https://t.co/gWnWhXOKKq pic.twitter.com/UqmDLne5E9 — Krispy Kreme (@krispykreme) March 22, 2021

Have a relative or friend in another state and want to know when they can get vaccinated? Visit NBC News’ Plan Your Vaccine site to find out about each state’s vaccine rollout plan.
Krispy Kreme has come up with a way to make getting the COVID-19 vaccine extra sweet.

Starting Monday until the end of the year, if you take your vaccination card to any Krispy Kreme location in the U.S., you can get a free glazed doughnut each day, the company said in a news release.

The card must show one or two shots of any of the COVID-19 vaccines to qualify, and it must be redeemed at a store. You don’t need to buy anything to get your daily free doughnut.

“We all want to get COVID-19 behind us as fast as possible and we want to support everyone doing their part to make the country safe by getting vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available to them,” said Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme chief marketing officer.
• Newsletter sign-up: Get The COVID-19 Brief sent to your inbox

However, the company acknowledges that not everyone will get the vaccine.

“We understand that choosing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine is a highly personal decision,” the news release says.

Those who decide not to get the COVID-19 vaccine can still get a free glazed doughnut and a medium coffee on Mondays from March 29 to May 24.

The promotions are all part of their “Be Sweet” initiative to inspire joy and kindness.

Krispy Kreme’s vaccine support is not limited to store customers.

The retailer is also offering its employees an incentive to get the vaccine with four hours of paid time off to get vaccinated.

In addition, Krispy Kreme will support health care workers and volunteers who are helping administer vaccines, delivering free doughnuts to select vaccination centers throughout the country in the coming weeks.

Canucks | Lowry scores twice as Winnipeg Jets down Vancouver Canucks 4-0


VANCOUVER — Collecting his first shutout of the season Monday meant something big to Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

“It means you’ve finally perfected a game,” he said after the Jets topped the Vancouver Canucks 4-0.

“I’m never going to say my game is perfect, but for one game, with the guys in front of me, we played a perfect game,” he said. “Granted, there’s some luck in there and maybe you can find some mistakes, but at the end of the day, we’re looking back at this like we played our A-plus game. And this is what we want to try and continue moving forward with.”

Hellebuyck, last year’s winner of the Vezina trophy as the NHL’s top goaltender, stopped all 22 shots he faced Monday.

It marked his 21st career shutout. The last came on March 6, 2020 when the Jets downed the Vegas Golden Knights 4-0.

Hellebuyck’s toughest test on Monday came midway through the second frame as Zack MacEwen was sprung from the penalty box after serving time for a holding call.

The big Canucks forward picked up the puck in the neutral zone and darted into Winnipeg territory, waited out a diving Neal Pionk in tight and got a solid shot off, only to see Hellebuyck make the stop.

It was an important win for Winnipeg (19-11-2), which came into Vancouver on a bit of a skid, having dropped a pair of decisions in Edmonton — the Jets’ first back-to-back losses in regulation this season.

The squad had been playing well but simply hadn’t earned the results they wanted, Hellebuyck said.

“We’ve got a lot of character in that locker room,” he said. “We needed this one to show that we are playing the right way and to not stray away from it. Everyone was playing their hearts out tonight and it really showed.”

The games in Edmonton were tough on Hellebuyck because he gave up goals on a lower volume of shots than he’s used to, said Jets coach Paul Maurice.

“It’s like a goal scorer — that confidence is critical,” he said. “A zero on the board for a goaltender, you get to carry that with you for a little while. And he earned it.”

Maurice felt at morning skate Monday that his team had the right mood and mindframe to collect a win.

“They had a really good understanding of the weight of the game after losing two, that we wanted to be right,” he said.

Winnipeg refused to relent after Blake Wheeler opened the scoring midway through the first period on Monday.

The Jets captain picked the puck off Canucks defenceman Alex Edler and streaked down the ice on a 2-on-1 breakaway with Paul Stastny.

Vancouver’s Nate Schmidt dropped to the ice in front of the crease in an attempt to stop a pass but Wheeler kept the puck and slipped a shot through the legs of Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko.

Adam Lowry added a pair of goals in the third and Stastny closed out the game, scoring with three minutes left on the clock.

“I thought it was tight-checking game,” the goalie said. “Going into the third down one, I felt we we’re in a pretty good spot to make a push and tie it up and not a lot anyone could do on a couple of those plays.”

Vancouver was without a key piece for much of the third. Captain Bo Horvat hobbled to the dressing room in pain after taking a slap shoot to the foot midway through the period and did not return to the game.

Seeing the Canucks centre in obvious distress, Lowry and Andrew Copp reached out their sticks from the Jets bench and gave Horvat a push up the ice.

“You see a guy go down and he’s struggling to get to the bench and you hope that someone would do that for you if you were in that position,” Lowry said of the move.

“He’s such a good player for them, an honest player and plays hard. You see a guy go down like that and you kind of just want to get him off the ice. You know how painful it is.”

Canucks coach Travis Green did not have an update on Horvat’s condition post-game, but the injury could be difficult to weather for an already-depleted forward corps.

Vancouver’s three other starting centres (Elias Pettersson, Brandon Sutter and Jay Beagle) were all out with various undisclosed ailments on Monday.

The team simply needs guys to “step up to the plate,” said J.T. Miller, who has shifted from wing to centre in Pettersson’s absence.

“This is the hard part of the season. We just need to literally challenge ourselves to be the best version of ourselves right now,” he said. “The guys that are gonna fill in these roles are going to get more ice time and we have to play very desperate hockey right now.”

The Jets and Canucks will meet again in Vancouver on Wednesday.

NOTES: Both teams were 0 for 1 on the power play. … Sutter missed the game with an undisclosed injury. He was replaced in the lineup by Tyler Graovac. … Earlier on Monday, Vancouver claimed centre Travis Boyd off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 22, 2021.
Vancouver Canucks forward Bo Horvat left Monday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets early and did not return.

The Canucks centre appeared to take a shot off the foot early in the third period and skated to the bench and down the tunnel in obvious pain.

This now means all four of Vancouver’s opening night centres — Elias Pettersson, Brandon Sutter, Jay Beagle and now Horvat — are currently out of the lineup.

Head coach Travis Green did not have an update on Horvat after the game. He will be re-evaluated on Tuesday.

Horvat played 14:04 of ice time before leaving and did not record any goals or assists. The Canucks went on to drop Monday’s game 4-0.

The 25-year-old has 14 goals and 12 assists in 36 games for the Canucks so far this season. This is his seventh season with Vancouver after being selected No. 9 overall in 2013.

The Canucks will be back in action Tuesday night also against the Jets.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — In response to a travel ban imposed by China as part of tit-for-tat sanctions, a member of European Parliament pointed out that there is nothing stopping him from visiting Taiwan, a comment likely to raise hackles in Beijing.

On Monday (March 22), the U.S., U.K., Canada, and the E.U. announced sanctions against four Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials and organizations connected with human rights abuses in Xinjiang. In response, Beijing immediately imposed its own sanctions on 10 European individuals, including seven politicians, and four European entities.

Among the European leaders sanctioned were German Member of European Parliament Reinhard Bütikofer, who is the chair of the European Parliament’s China Delegation. Bütikofer has openly criticized China’s crackdown in Hong Kong and forced labor of Uyghurs in Xinjiang and described the communist regime as an “international bully.”

Unfazed by China’s sanctions, Bütikofer took to Twitter to say he had been informed by the Chinese government that as part of the sanctions imposed on him, he would no longer be permitted to visit China, Hong Kong, or Macau. He quipped, “But then there is Taiwan.”

Minutes later, fellow German MEP Engin Eroglu retweeted Bütikofer’s post and wrote that the CCP had imposed sanctions on some of his colleagues. Bütikofer vowed that he would continue to speak up for the Uyghur people, and he then added one extra jab: “Plus, maybe it’s time for a trip to Taiwan?”

Early the next day, European Parliament President David Sassoli tweeted that he stands in solidarity with the sanctioned MEPs, including Bütikofer. He added that the Chinese sanctions on the European leaders and institutions are “unacceptable and will have consequences.”

A visit by Bütikofer would not be unprecedented, as he was a member of a cross-party delegation that visited Taiwan in July of 2018. During the trip, he met with both President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Yuan Tsai Chi-chang (蔡其昌).Shortly after the European Union signed off on a package of punitive measures against China over alleged human rights abuses, Beijing hit back with tit-for-tat countermeasures by sanctioning 10 individuals and four entities, many of which have spread rumors about the situation in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and interfered in Xinjiang affairs.The first on the list is Reinhard Bütikofer, chair of the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with China. Who is Reinhard Bütikofer? Wang Yiwei, director of the Centre for European Studies at Renmin University of China, with whom he shared many public debates, may have the best answer. In an exclusive interview with the Global Times on Tuesday, Wang said Reinhard Bütikofer has turned into an anti-China “vanguard” and “China should have sanctioned him long time ago.”Reinhard Bütikofer is a representative figure promoting the “China threat” theory, taking advantage of his position. The 68-year-old German politician is a member of the European Parliament and the Co-Chair of the European Green Party.Bütikofer, who did not finish his studies on sinology in university, rarely misses a chance to vilify China. In a tweet in 2019, he called China “overbearing.” He frequently criticizes China-EU cooperation and relations, as well as China’s development.In January, Reinhard Bütikofer threatened that if China doesn’t commit to implement labor rights, the parliament might block the Comprehensive Agreement on Investment deal which was concluded at the end of last year.After the US announced on January a ban on imports of cotton and tomatoes from China’s Xinjiang as well as all products made with them, citing human rights violations and the widespread use of forced labor in the region, Reinhard Bütikofer tweeted that hopefully, the EU would join the US in banning Xinjiang cotton, saying that some European companies are already in the process of making their textiles “Xinjiang free.”Bütikofer is also one of those overseas politicians behind the riots in Hong Kong and actively interferes in its affairs. He supported the illegal “Occupy Central” movement in 2014. In September 2019, Bütikofer visited Hong Kong to meet leading anti-China and separatist activists such as Martin Lee Chu-ming and Joshua Wong Chi-fung, media reported.He is also among the EU group who visited the island of Taiwan in July 2018 to meet Tsai Ing-wen, according to Taiwan’s “foreign affairs” authorities. In April 2020, he pledged his support to Taiwan’s bid to join the WHO.In August 2018, Bütikofer wrote a letter to the Chinese Ambassador to the EU, Zhang Ming, about concerns over China’s opposition to the Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil’s planned trip to Taiwan. Zhang said in a written reply that Taiwan is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory and Taiwan affairs are China’s internal affairs.In 2018, Wang was invited to hold a public debate with Bütikofer who left an impression on Wang of “pride and prejudice.”Wang told the Global Times that Bütikofer was a former German leftist with a Marxist-Leninist background. He claimed to have read the Selected Works of Mao Zedong and often quoted Mao to try to “educate” the Chinese. But in fact, he only had a smattering of Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought, quoting them out of context. In later years, he was used by the US and NATO as an anti-China vanguard.”In that debate, Bütikofer claimed that China is now dividing and ruling Europe and China must stick to a one-Europe policy. I immediately asked, ‘What Europe is one-Europe? Germany’s Europe? The Central Eastern European countries want to cooperate with China, but now you want to block them. Aren’t they sovereign states? Why are you forcing them? Do you still want Europe to remain Germany’s Europe?'” Wang recalled.”China is forcing European companies in China to transfer intellectual property” and “China is stealing technology” are other arguments that Bütikofer often made, Wang said. In the debate, Wang responded that the Chinese and German companies signed the treaty to exchange technology in accordance with market principle, in which China lets German cars into its market while Germany transferred some outdated technology to China. Such transfer was based on a contract under German companies’ will. “Who is in breach of contract spirit?” Wang asked.What impressed Wang most was that during the debate, a German participant in the audience couldn’t stand it and shouted, “The Chinese are building the Great Wall while the Germans are still in their caves. What qualification do you have to lecture the Chinese?””I was very surprised,” Wang recalled.Bütikofer’s Marxist-Leninist background had initially made China very friendly to him and he had been invited to visit China several times. However, he had turned himself into an “ideological fanatic,” who is willing to act as a standard-bearer against China in Europe and the US, Wang said.China’s sanctions were not “toothless tigers” but aimed at the interests behind politicians like Bütikofer. Once sanctioned, many parties and businesses will stop cooperating with them, said Wang.”This is also a reminder to other anti-China politicians in Europe and the US that sanctions are not only a great power game played by them, but also by China. If they further harm China’s interests, China will not hesitate to add them to the list,” Wang said.

Une fusillade dans un supermarché du Colorado fait «plusieurs morts»


Dix personnes, dont un policier, ont trouvé la mort dans une fusillade survenue lundi après-midi dans un supermarché de la ville américaine de Boulder, dans le Colorado, a annoncé la police.

Les identités des victimes n’ont pas été dévoilées hormis celle du policier abattu, Éric Talley, 51 ans, qui «a été le premier à arriver» au supermarché King Soopers où des coups de feu avaient été signalés en début d’après-midi.

«Il a été mortellement touché par balle», a dit la chef de la police de Boulder, Maris Herold, saluant «l’action héroïque» de ce policier.

«Boulder a subi une horrible et terrible tuerie de masse aujourd’hui», a lancé de son côté le procureur du comté, Michael Dougherty.

Un suspect, blessé lors de l’intervention de la police, a été arrêté, a précisé le procureur. M. Dougherty a promis «justice» à toutes les victimes, «des gens qui vivaient leur vie, qui faisaient leurs courses, et dont les vies ont été tragiquement brisées par le tireur».

Des images diffusées en direct lors de la vaste opération de police autour du supermarché King Soopers ont montré une personne, un homme blanc seulement vêtu d’un short de sport, en train d’être escorté par des policiers hors du magasin. L’homme avait les mains menottées dans le dos et semblait blessé à la jambe, avec des traces de sang.

La police n’a pas identifié le suspect et n’a apporté aucune précision sur ses motivations ni sur ce qui l’avait amené dans le supermarché.

Selon des médias américains, l’homme était équipé d’un fusil d’assaut de type AR-15, arme très populaire aux États-Unis et qui a souvent été utilisée par des auteurs de tueries de masse dans le passé.

L’enquête s’annonce longue et compliquée et les constatations et relevés sur les lieux de la fusillade vont encore durer plusieurs jours.

Le président Joe Biden a reçu un breffage sur la fusillade a indiqué la porte-parole de la Maison-Blanche, Jen Psaki.

Des policiers s’étaient rendus sur place «quelques minutes seulement» après avoir reçu une alerte concernant la présence d’un tireur sur le stationnement du supermarché et sont «très rapidement» entrés dans le supermarché où il s’était retranché, avait expliqué plus tôt le commandant de police Kerry Yamaguchi.

Sur des images dont l’authenticité n’a pas été confirmée par les autorités, on voit au moins trois corps gisant sur le sol à l’intérieur et autour de l’édifice, pendant que des coups de feu retentissent.

«ÉVITEZ LA ZONE», avait tweeté la police de Boulder, précisant que la situation restait «très volatile».

Des dizaines de membres des forces de l’ordre, dont des unités d’intervention lourdement armées, avaient encerclé le supermarché une demi-heure environ après les premiers tirs.

Ils disposaient de véhicules blindés qu’ils ont positionnés à l’entrée du magasin après avoir tenté de défoncer la devanture, selon des images diffusées en direct par un témoin.

Une demi-douzaine de policiers équipés de fusils d’assaut ont ensuite été hissés sur le toit du magasin à l’aide d’un camion de pompiers qui avait déployé sa grande échelle.

Certains clients qui se cachaient dans le magasin ont expliqué avoir été secourus par des policiers passés à travers le toit du bâtiment.

Les fusillades de ce type, dans les écoles, les centres commerciaux ou les lieux de culte, sont un mal récurrent des États-Unis et les gouvernements successifs ont été impuissants à endiguer la multiplication de ces tueries.

Mi-février, le président Joe Biden avait appelé le Congrès à agir «maintenant» pour limiter la circulation des armes à feu aux dans le pays, trois ans après la tuerie du lycée de Parkland (17 morts), en Floride.

«Ce Sénat doit faire avancer la législation pour contribuer à stopper l’épidémie de violence par armes à feu, et il le fera», a assuré lundi soir sur Twitter le chef de la minorité démocrate au Sénat, Chuck Schumer.
(Boulder) Dix personnes, dont un policier, ont trouvé la mort dans une fusillade survenue lundi après-midi dans un supermarché de la ville américaine de Boulder, dans le Colorado, a annoncé la police.

Les identités des victimes n’ont pas été dévoilées hormis celle du policier abattu, Eric Talley, 51 ans, qui « a été le premier à arriver » au supermarché King Soopers où des coups de feu avaient été signalés en début d’après-midi.

« Il a été mortellement touché par balle », a dit la cheffe de la police de Boulder, Maris Herold, saluant « l’action héroïque » de ce policier.

« Boulder a subi une horrible et terrible tuerie de masse aujourd’hui », a lancé de son côté le procureur du comté, Michael Dougherty.

Un suspect, blessé lors de l’intervention de la police, a été arrêté, a précisé le procureur. M. Dougherty a promis « justice » à toutes les victimes, « des gens qui vivaient leur vie, qui faisaient leurs courses, et dont les vies ont été tragiquement brisées par le tireur ».

Des images diffusées en direct lors de la vaste opération de police autour du supermarché King Soopers ont montré une personne, un homme blanc seulement vêtu d’un short de sport, en train d’être escorté par des policiers hors du magasin. L’homme avait les mains menottées dans le dos et semblait blessé à la jambe, avec des traces de sang.

La police n’a pas identifié le suspect et n’a apporté aucune précision sur ses motivations ni sur ce qui l’avait amené dans le supermarché.

Selon des médias américains, l’homme était équipé d’un fusil d’assaut de type AR-15, arme très populaire aux États-Unis et qui a souvent été utilisée par des auteurs de tueries de masse dans le passé.

L’enquête s’annonce longue et compliquée et les constatations et relevés sur les lieux de la fusillade vont encore durer plusieurs jours.

Le président Joe Biden a reçu un breffage sur la fusillade, a indiqué la porte-parole de la Maison-Blanche, Jen Psaki.

Des policiers s’étaient rendus sur place « quelques minutes seulement » après avoir reçu une alerte concernant la présence d’un tireur sur le stationnement du supermarché et sont « très rapidement » entrés dans le supermarché où il s’était retranché, avait expliqué plus tôt le commandant de police Kerry Yamaguchi.

Sur des images dont l’authenticité n’a pas été confirmée par les autorités, on voit au moins trois corps gisant sur le sol à l’intérieur et autour de l’édifice, pendant que des coups de feu retentissent.

« ÉVITEZ LA ZONE », avait tweeté la police de Boulder, précisant que la situation restait « très volatile ».

Des dizaines de membres des forces de l’ordre, dont des unités d’intervention lourdement armées, avaient encerclé le supermarché une demi-heure environ après les premiers tirs.

Ils disposaient de véhicules blindés qu’ils ont positionnés à l’entrée du magasin après avoir tenté de défoncer la devanture, selon des images diffusées en direct par un témoin.

Une demi-douzaine de policiers équipés de fusils d’assaut ont ensuite été hissés sur le toit du magasin à l’aide d’un camion de pompiers qui avait déployé sa grande échelle.

Certains clients qui se cachaient dans le magasin ont expliqué avoir été secourus par des policiers passés à travers le toit du bâtiment.

Les fusillades de ce type, dans les écoles, les centres commerciaux ou les lieux de culte, sont un mal récurrent des États-Unis et les gouvernements successifs ont été impuissants à endiguer la multiplication de ces tueries.

Mi-février, le président Joe Biden avait appelé le Congrès à agir « maintenant » pour limiter la circulation des armes à feu aux dans le pays, trois ans après la tuerie du lycée de Parkland (17 morts), en Floride.

« Ce Sénat doit faire avancer la législation pour contribuer à stopper l’épidémie de violence par armes à feu, et il le fera », a assuré lundi soir sur Twitter le chef de la minorité démocrate au Sénat, Chuck Schumer.
La police de Boulder, au Colorado, a confirmé lundi que dix personnes, dont un policier, avaient été tuées dans une fusillade survenue dans un supermarché de la ville de Boulder, au Colorado.

Le policier tué a été le premier à arriver au supermarché King Soopers où des coups de feu avaient été signalés et il a été mortellement touché par balle , a déploré Maris Herold, la cheffe de la police, lors d’une conférence de presse, en saluant son .

Boulder a subi une horrible et terrible tuerie de masse aujourd’hui , a lancé de son côté le procureur du comté, Michael Dougherty.

Plus tôt, une source avait indiqué au Denver Post qu’au moins six personnes avaient été tuées.

Lors d’un précédent point de presse, la police avait refusé de donner le bilan de la fusillade. Plusieurs personnes ont été tuées dans cet incident , avait déclaré Kerry Yamaguchi, commandant de la police de cette ville.

La police a affirmé qu’un suspect, blessé lors de la fusillade, avait été arrêté et était hospitalisé.

Plus tôt dans l’après-midi, le gouverneur du Colorado et le maire de Boulder ont tous deux parlé de en réagissant sur Twitter.

, a écrit le maire, Sam Weaver.

Interrogé sur d’éventuels blessés, M. Yamaguchi a indiqué que le seul blessé dont nous ayons connaissance est le suspect .

Des dizaines de membres des forces de l’ordre avaient encerclé le supermarché une demi-heure environ après les premiers coups de feu, qui ont retenti vers 15 h, heure locale.

Des images tournées par un témoin et diffusées en direct lors de l’opération ont montré au moins un homme menotté, vêtu seulement d’un short de sport, être escorté par des policiers hors du magasin, apparemment légèrement blessé à la jambe.
Les tueries d’Atlanta étaient-elles racistes ou misogynes? Ou les deux?

Pour beaucoup de gens, cette tuerie relève de plusieurs problématiques, ce qui en fait un enjeu «intersectionnel».

Police: 10 people killed in Colorado supermarket shooting


BOULDER, COLO. — A shooting at a Colorado supermarket killed 10 people Monday, including a police officer who was the first to respond to the scene, authorities said.

Police arrested a suspect, but didn’t reveal his name or any details about the shooting at an evening news conference where Boulder police Chief Maris Herold fought back tears.

Investigators had just begun sorting through evidence and witness interviews and didn’t have details on a motive for the shooting at the King Soopers store in Boulder, which is about 25 miles (40 kilometres) northwest of Denver and home to the University of Colorado, said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty.

“This is a tragedy and a nightmare for Boulder County,” Dougherty said. “These were people going about their day, doing their shopping. I promise the victims and the people of the state of Colorado that we will secure justice.”

The attack was the seventh mass killing this year in the U.S., following the March 16 shooting that left eight people dead at three Atlanta-area massage businesses, according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University.

It follows a lull in mass killings during the pandemic in 2020, which had the smallest number of such attacks in more than a decade, according to the database, which tracks mass killings defined as four or more dead, not including the shooter.

The slain officer was identified as Eric Talley, 51, who had been with Boulder police since 2010, Herold said. He went to the store after a call about shots fired and someone carrying a rifle, she said.

“He was by all accounts one of the outstanding officers of the Boulder Police Department, and his life was cut too short,” Dougherty said of Talley.

Identities of the other nine victims were not disclosed Monday night as police were still notifying their family members.

Matthew Kirsch, the acting U.S. attorney for Colorado, pledged that “the full weight of federal law enforcement” will support the investigation. He said investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were at the crime scene, along with FBI agents.

Officers had escorted a shirtless man with blood running down his leg out of the store in handcuffs but authorities would not say if he was the suspect. They did say the suspect was receiving medical care and was the only person injured who did not die.

Officials have not said whether the suspect is the person who was taken from the shooting scene to Foothills Hospital in Boulder. The hospital will not release any further information on the patient, said Rich Sheehan, spokesman for Boulder Community Health, which operates the hospital.

Dean Schiller told The Associated Press that he had just left the supermarket when he heard gunshots and saw three people lying face down, two in the parking lot and one near the doorway. He said he “couldn’t tell if they were breathing.”

Video posted on YouTube showed one person on the floor inside the store and two more outside on the ground. What sounds like two gunshots are also heard at the beginning of the video.

Law enforcement vehicles and officers massed outside the store, including SWAT teams, and at least three helicopters landed on the roof. Some windows at the front of the store were broken.

At one point, authorities said over a loudspeaker that the building was surrounded and that “you need to surrender.”

Sarah Moonshadow told the Denver Post that two shots rang out just after she and her son, Nicolas Edwards, finished buying strawberries. She said she told her son to get down and then “we just ran.”

Once they got outside, she said they saw a body in the parking lot. Edwards said police were speeding into the lot and pulled up next to the body.

“I knew we couldn’t do anything for the guy,” he said. “We had to go.”

James Bentz told the Post that he was in the meat section when he heard what he thought was a misfire, then a series of pops.

“I was then at the front of a stampede,” he said.

Bentz said he jumped off a loading dock out back to escape and that younger people were helping older people off of it.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis tweeted a statement that his “heart is breaking as we watch this unspeakable event unfold in our Boulder community.”

Police had told people to shelter in place amid a report of an “armed, dangerous individual” about 3 miles (5 kilometres) away from the grocery store but said at the news conference later that it wasn’t related to the shooting.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki tweeted that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the shooting.

In a statement, the King Soopers chain offered “thoughts, prayers and support to our associates, customers, and the first responders who so bravely responded to this tragic situation. We will continue to co-operate with local law enforcement and our store will remain closed during the police investigation.”

Kevin Daly, owner of Under the Sun Eatery and Pizzeria Restaurant a block or so from the supermarket, said he was in his shop when he saw police cars arriving and shoppers running from the grocery store. He said he took in several people to keep them warm, and others boarded a bus provided by Boulder police and were taken away.

Nieberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a non-profit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
BOULDER, COLO. — A shooting at a Colorado supermarket killed 10 people Monday, including a police officer who was the first to respond to the scene, authorities said.

Police arrested a suspect, but didn’t reveal his name or any details about the shooting at an evening news conference where Boulder police Chief Maris Herold fought back tears.

Investigators had just begun sorting through evidence and witness interviews and didn’t have details on a motive for the shooting at the King Soopers store in Boulder, which is about 25 miles (40 kilometres) northwest of Denver and home to the University of Colorado, said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty.

“This is a tragedy and a nightmare for Boulder County,” Dougherty said. “These were people going about their day, doing their shopping. I promise the victims and the people of the state of Colorado that we will secure justice.”

The attack was the seventh mass killing this year in the U.S., following the March 16 shooting that left eight people dead at three Atlanta-area massage businesses, according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University.

It follows a lull in mass killings during the pandemic in 2020, which had the smallest number of such attacks in more than a decade, according to the database, which tracks mass killings defined as four or more dead, not including the shooter.

The slain officer was identified as Eric Talley, 51, who had been with Boulder police since 2010, Herold said. He went to the store after a call about shots fired and someone carrying a rifle, she said.

“He was by all accounts one of the outstanding officers of the Boulder Police Department, and his life was cut too short,” Dougherty said of Talley.

Identities of the other nine victims were not disclosed Monday night as police were still notifying their family members.

Matthew Kirsch, the acting U.S. attorney for Colorado, pledged that “the full weight of federal law enforcement” will support the investigation. He said investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were at the crime scene, along with FBI agents.

Officers had escorted a shirtless man with blood running down his leg out of the store in handcuffs but authorities would not say if he was the suspect. They did say the suspect was receiving medical care and was the only person injured who did not die.

Officials have not said whether the suspect is the person who was taken from the shooting scene to Foothills Hospital in Boulder. The hospital will not release any further information on the patient, said Rich Sheehan, spokesman for Boulder Community Health, which operates the hospital.

Dean Schiller told The Associated Press that he had just left the supermarket when he heard gunshots and saw three people lying face down, two in the parking lot and one near the doorway. He said he “couldn’t tell if they were breathing.”

Video posted on YouTube showed one person on the floor inside the store and two more outside on the ground. What sounds like two gunshots are also heard at the beginning of the video.

Law enforcement vehicles and officers massed outside the store, including SWAT teams, and at least three helicopters landed on the roof. Some windows at the front of the store were broken.

At one point, authorities said over a loudspeaker that the building was surrounded and that “you need to surrender.”

Sarah Moonshadow told the Denver Post that two shots rang out just after she and her son, Nicolas Edwards, finished buying strawberries. She said she told her son to get down and then “we just ran.”

Once they got outside, she said they saw a body in the parking lot. Edwards said police were speeding into the lot and pulled up next to the body.

“I knew we couldn’t do anything for the guy,” he said. “We had to go.”

James Bentz told the Post that he was in the meat section when he heard what he thought was a misfire, then a series of pops.

“I was then at the front of a stampede,” he said.

Bentz said he jumped off a loading dock out back to escape and that younger people were helping older people off of it.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis tweeted a statement that his “heart is breaking as we watch this unspeakable event unfold in our Boulder community.”

Police had told people to shelter in place amid a report of an “armed, dangerous individual” about 3 miles (5 kilometres) away from the grocery store but said at the news conference later that it wasn’t related to the shooting.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki tweeted that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the shooting.

In a statement, the King Soopers chain offered “thoughts, prayers and support to our associates, customers, and the first responders who so bravely responded to this tragic situation. We will continue to co-operate with local law enforcement and our store will remain closed during the police investigation.”

Kevin Daly, owner of Under the Sun Eatery and Pizzeria Restaurant a block or so from the supermarket, said he was in his shop when he saw police cars arriving and shoppers running from the grocery store. He said he took in several people to keep them warm, and others boarded a bus provided by Boulder police and were taken away.

Nieberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a non-profit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
BOULDER, Colo. — A shooting at a Colorado supermarket killed 10 people Monday, including a police officer who was the first to respond to the scene, authorities said.

Police arrested a suspect, but didn’t reveal his name or any details about the shooting at an evening news conference where Boulder police Chief Maris Herold fought back tears.

Investigators had just begun sorting through evidence and witness interviews and didn’t have details on a motive for the shooting at the King Soopers store in Boulder, which is about 25 miles (40 kilometres) northwest of Denver and home to the University of Colorado, said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty.

“This is a tragedy and a nightmare for Boulder County,” Dougherty said. “These were people going about their day, doing their shopping. I promise the victims and the people of the state of Colorado that we will secure justice.”

The attack was the seventh mass killing this year in the U.S., following the March 16 shooting that left eight people dead at three Atlanta-area massage businesses, according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University.

It follows a lull in mass killings during the pandemic in 2020, which had the smallest number of such attacks in more than a decade, according to the database, which tracks mass killings defined as four or more dead, not including the shooter.

The slain officer was identified as Eric Talley, 51, who had been with Boulder police since 2010, Herold said. He went to the store after a call about shots fired and someone carrying a rifle, she said.

“He was by all accounts one of the outstanding officers of the Boulder Police Department, and his life was cut too short,” Dougherty said of Talley.

Identities of the other nine victims were not disclosed Monday night as police were still notifying their family members.

Matthew Kirsch, the acting U.S. attorney for Colorado, pledged that “the full weight of federal law enforcement” will support the investigation. He said investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were at the crime scene, along with FBI agents.

Officers had escorted a shirtless man with blood running down his leg out of the store in handcuffs but authorities would not say if he was the suspect. They did say the suspect was receiving medical care and was the only person injured who did not die.

Officials have not said whether the suspect is the person who was taken from the shooting scene to Foothills Hospital in Boulder. The hospital will not release any further information on the patient, said Rich Sheehan, spokesman for Boulder Community Health, which operates the hospital.

Dean Schiller told The Associated Press that he had just left the supermarket when he heard gunshots and saw three people lying face down, two in the parking lot and one near the doorway. He said he “couldn’t tell if they were breathing.”

Video posted on YouTube showed one person on the floor inside the store and two more outside on the ground. What sounds like two gunshots are also heard at the beginning of the video.

Law enforcement vehicles and officers massed outside the store, including SWAT teams, and at least three helicopters landed on the roof. Some windows at the front of the store were broken.

At one point, authorities said over a loudspeaker that the building was surrounded and that “you need to surrender.”

Sarah Moonshadow told the Denver Post that two shots rang out just after she and her son, Nicolas Edwards, finished buying strawberries. She said she told her son to get down and then “we just ran.”

Once they got outside, she said they saw a body in the parking lot. Edwards said police were speeding into the lot and pulled up next to the body.

“I knew we couldn’t do anything for the guy,” he said. “We had to go.”

James Bentz told the Post that he was in the meat section when he heard what he thought was a misfire, then a series of pops.

“I was then at the front of a stampede,” he said.

Bentz said he jumped off a loading dock out back to escape and that younger people were helping older people off of it.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis tweeted a statement that his “heart is breaking as we watch this unspeakable event unfold in our Boulder community.”

Police had told people to shelter in place amid a report of an “armed, dangerous individual” about 3 miles (5 kilometres) away from the grocery store but said at the news conference later that it wasn’t related to the shooting.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki tweeted that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the shooting.

In a statement, the King Soopers chain offered “thoughts, prayers and support to our associates, customers, and the first responders who so bravely responded to this tragic situation. We will continue to co-operate with local law enforcement and our store will remain closed during the police investigation.”

Kevin Daly, owner of Under the Sun Eatery and Pizzeria Restaurant a block or so from the supermarket, said he was in his shop when he saw police cars arriving and shoppers running from the grocery store. He said he took in several people to keep them warm, and others boarded a bus provided by Boulder police and were taken away.

Nieberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a non-profit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
BOULDER, Colo. — A shooting at a Colorado supermarket killed 10 people Monday, including a police officer who was the first to respond to the scene, authorities said.

Police arrested a suspect, but didn’t reveal his name or any details about the shooting at an evening news conference where Boulder police Chief Maris Herold fought back tears.

Investigators had just begun sorting through evidence and witness interviews and didn’t have details on a motive for the shooting at the King Soopers store in Boulder, which is about 25 miles (40 kilometres) northwest of Denver and home to the University of Colorado, said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty.

“This is a tragedy and a nightmare for Boulder County,” Dougherty said. “These were people going about their day, doing their shopping. I promise the victims and the people of the state of Colorado that we will secure justice.”

The attack was the seventh mass killing this year in the U.S., following the March 16 shooting that left eight people dead at three Atlanta-area massage businesses, according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University.

It follows a lull in mass killings during the pandemic in 2020, which had the smallest number of such attacks in more than a decade, according to the database, which tracks mass killings defined as four or more dead, not including the shooter.

The slain officer was identified as Eric Talley, 51, who had been with Boulder police since 2010, Herold said. He went to the store after a call about shots fired and someone carrying a rifle, she said.

“He was by all accounts one of the outstanding officers of the Boulder Police Department, and his life was cut too short,” Dougherty said of Talley.

Identities of the other nine victims were not disclosed Monday night as police were still notifying their family members.

Matthew Kirsch, the acting U.S. attorney for Colorado, pledged that “the full weight of federal law enforcement” will support the investigation. He said investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were at the crime scene, along with FBI agents.

Officers had escorted a shirtless man with blood running down his leg out of the store in handcuffs but authorities would not say if he was the suspect. They did say the suspect was receiving medical care and was the only person injured who did not die.

Officials have not said whether the suspect is the person who was taken from the shooting scene to Foothills Hospital in Boulder. The hospital will not release any further information on the patient, said Rich Sheehan, spokesman for Boulder Community Health, which operates the hospital.

Dean Schiller told The Associated Press that he had just left the supermarket when he heard gunshots and saw three people lying face down, two in the parking lot and one near the doorway. He said he “couldn’t tell if they were breathing.”

Video posted on YouTube showed one person on the floor inside the store and two more outside on the ground. What sounds like two gunshots are also heard at the beginning of the video.

Law enforcement vehicles and officers massed outside the store, including SWAT teams, and at least three helicopters landed on the roof. Some windows at the front of the store were broken.

At one point, authorities said over a loudspeaker that the building was surrounded and that “you need to surrender.”

Sarah Moonshadow told the Denver Post that two shots rang out just after she and her son, Nicolas Edwards, finished buying strawberries. She said she told her son to get down and then “we just ran.”

Once they got outside, she said they saw a body in the parking lot. Edwards said police were speeding into the lot and pulled up next to the body.

“I knew we couldn’t do anything for the guy,” he said. “We had to go.”

James Bentz told the Post that he was in the meat section when he heard what he thought was a misfire, then a series of pops.

“I was then at the front of a stampede,” he said.

Bentz said he jumped off a loading dock out back to escape and that younger people were helping older people off of it.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis tweeted a statement that his “heart is breaking as we watch this unspeakable event unfold in our Boulder community.”

Police had told people to shelter in place amid a report of an “armed, dangerous individual” about 3 miles (5 kilometres) away from the grocery store but said at the news conference later that it wasn’t related to the shooting.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki tweeted that President Joe Biden had been briefed on the shooting.

In a statement, the King Soopers chain offered “thoughts, prayers and support to our associates, customers, and the first responders who so bravely responded to this tragic situation. We will continue to co-operate with local law enforcement and our store will remain closed during the police investigation.”

Kevin Daly, owner of Under the Sun Eatery and Pizzeria Restaurant a block or so from the supermarket, said he was in his shop when he saw police cars arriving and shoppers running from the grocery store. He said he took in several people to keep them warm, and others boarded a bus provided by Boulder police and were taken away.

Nieberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a non-profit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Microsoft in Talks to Buy Discord for More Than $10 Billion


SAN FRANCISCO — Discord, a social media company popular with gamers, has held deal talks with Microsoft for a transaction that could top $10 billion, according to people briefed on the situation.

The talks were preliminary and no deal is imminent, said one of the people, who declined to be identified because the discussions are confidential. The talks have taken place as video gaming has boomed in the pandemic and as Microsoft, one of the world’s most valuable tech companies, has bolstered its gaming business with deal making.

Many of Microsoft’s acquisitions in recent years have focused on online communities, such as its purchases of LinkedIn, GitHub, and the gaming developer that created Minecraft. Last summer, Microsoft was in talks to buy the video app TikTok in what would have been a blockbuster acquisition; the discussions later fell apart. In September, Microsoft also bought ZeniMax Media, the parent company of several large gaming studios, for $7.5 billion.

Discord, which counts more than 100 million monthly active users, has been highly popular in the pandemic, as people have used the service to chat with one another while playing games. The San Francisco-based company, which has raised nearly $600 million in funding since 2014, has had preliminary deal talks with various suitors over the years, said another person with knowledge of the matter.San Francisco – In a bid to enter the competitive social media market, Microsoft may acquire popular chat and communications platform Discord for more than $10 billion, the media reported.

According to a GamesBeat report citing sources, Discord is “going through a sales process now that could result in a purchase of the communications and chat platform for much more than $10 billion”.

“One source said the company has signed an exclusive acquisition discussion with one party, meaning it is in final negotiations about a sale”, the report said late on Monday.

The news came as Discord raised $100 million in December last year at a $7 billion market valuation.

Popular among the teenagers globally including in India, the chat and communications platform currently has 140 million monthly active users (MAUs) — double the number it had a year ago.

Discord connects game companies with their fans in audio and text chat communities.

A spokesperson for Discord “declined to comment on rumours or speculation”. Microsoft also did not comment on the report.

Discord was publicly launched in May 2015 under the domain name discordapp.com.

Microsoft announced in April 2018 that it will provide Discord support for Xbox Live users, allowing them to link their Discord and Xbox Live accounts so that they can connect with their Xbox Live friends list through Discord.

According to media reports, Xbox chief Phil Spencer is said to be talking to Discord about the potential deal.

In December 2018, Discord announced it raised $150 million in funding at a $2 billion valuation.

Starting in June 2020, Discord announced it was shifting its focus away from video gaming to a more all-purpose communication and chat client for all functions, revealing its new slogan “Your place to talk” and a revised website.

Discord is in direct competition with invite-only chat app Clubhouse, which recently raised $100 million at a valuation of $1 billion.
Microsoft is in discussions with Discord to acquire the chat software for over $10 billion, according to an online report. Microsoft-owned Xbox chief Phil Spencer is reportedly looking over the potential deal with a gaming-focused platform. Discord has reportedly reached out to potential buyers and has also held discussions with Amazon and Epic Games in the past. However, some sources have told Bloomberg that Discord is likely to go public if it does not get an acceptable offer.

According to a report by Venture Beat, Discord is exploring a sale and is in final talks with a party. However, the same report cited sources who said that it is hard to tell the difference between “a serious acquisition attempt and a fishing expedition.” “It can fall apart at any time. The reality is the company is doing really well. I don’t see a reason they would want to sell. They seem to be completely in control of their destiny right now, ” the source said.

As per Wall Street Journal, Discord has around 140 million monthly users. However, it is not yet profitable. The software is free for most users, but the company generates revenue through Nitro subscriptions that give more advanced features like higher resolution screen sharing, extra sticker packs, and larger upload limits.

The COVID-19 pandemic boosted prospects of gaming companies as people stayed at home and turned to video games for entertainment during lockdowns. US gaming company Roblox made a strong market debut earlier this month after going public through a direct listing rather than a traditional initial public offering, Reuters noted.

Discord is a free app for mobile and PC that lets people chat via text, voice, or video in real-time. It got famous as a gamers-only platform but has now emerged famous as a social networking site for various communities like anime, TV series, music among others. users have to be invited directly or find out about private servers on Discord from other sources, like friends or social media. To join them. The social media platform has internet calling features as well as discussion boards like Reddit. Many companies consider Discord as an asset as it connects game companies with their fans in audio and text chat communities. However, it depends on Discord CEO Jason Citron who will make the final decision of selling the company.
Microsoft Corp. is in talks to acquire Discord Inc., a video-game chat community, for more than $10 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.

Discord has been talking to potential buyers and software giant Microsoft is in the running, but no deal is imminent, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. Discord is more likely to go public than sell itself, one person said. Representatives for Microsoft and Discord declined to comment. VentureBeat reported earlier on Monday that Discord was engaged in sales talks.

San Francisco-based Discord is best known for its free service that lets gamers communicate by video, voice and text, and people stuck at home during the pandemic have increasingly used its technology for study groups, dance classes, book clubs and other virtual gatherings. It has more than 100 million monthly active users and has been elaborating its communication tools to turn it into a “ place to talk” rather than merely a gamer-centric chat platform.

Microsoft, which last year sought to buy social-media app TikTok and held talks to acquire Pinterest Inc., has been shopping for assets that would provide access to thriving communities of users, according to people familiar with the company’s thinking. Microsoft’s Xbox business has also been expanding the suite of subscription perks it provides as part of its Game Pass offering.

“Microsoft possibly acquiring Discord makes a lot of sense as it continues to reshape its gaming business more toward software and services,” said Bloomberg Intelligence Analyst Matthew Kanterman. “There’s a big opportunity to bundle Discord’s premium offering, Nitro, into the Game Pass service to drive more subscriptions from the last reported 18 million.”

After Microsoft’s recent $7.5 billion purchase of ZeniMax Media Inc., owner of The Elder Scrolls and Doom publisher Bethesda Softworks, an acquisition of Discord would signal the Redmond, Washington-based software giant’s willingness to keep investing in its video-game unit.

“We expect Xbox to remain acquisitive to keep bolstering the value proposition of Game Pass and drive subscriptions higher,” Kanterman said.

Discord reached out to Microsoft to gauge interest, and Xbox chief Phil Spencer has been talking to the company, according to one person. The company raised $100 million at a $7 billion valuation last year, according to Pitchbook.

Discord has also held discussions with Epic Games Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. in the past, according to two people familiar with the matter. Epic didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. Amazon declined to comment.

Former Vancouver mayor’s new wife speaks out after wave of anti-Asian hate follows release of wedding photos – BC News


VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Eileen Park said she couldn’t keep quiet anymore about anti-Asian hate, and a grassroots movement in Vancouver hopes Asian Canadians do the same.

Park, an Asian American, recently married former Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson, with the news getting a multi-page spread in Vogue. She posted a powerful video to Facebook on Sunday, describing how along with congratulations, she also faced “an avalanche of anti-Asian hate” because of the interracial marriage.

“For too long, Asian women all over the world like me have had to keep quiet and eat our own bitterness. And I just can’t keep quiet anymore,” Park said in the video.

Related article: ‘Avalanche of anti-Asian hate’ after Vogue feature on former Vancouver mayor’s wedding

Barbara Lee speaks for Elimin8hate, which is working with the Vancouver Asian Film Festival Society (VAFF). Part of this partnership includes Project 1907, which provides an online tool where people can report their experiences. The goal is to use the data collected through these reports to advocate for policy and strategies that will effectively combat racism and discrimination.

“We feel that a part of the reason why we’re always seen as foreigners is because we’re not seen. Our stories aren’t shared,” she said.

The project is accessible in six Asian languages, including Tagalog, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Korean.

“We don’t want to take space from other communities of colour — Black, Indigenous, and other peoples of colour. We want to bring everyone together and have solidarity and have a common way to work with each other to make sure that we’re all heard,” she added.

Project 1907 was named after an anti-immigration rally that took place in 1907, which exploded into three days of violence and vandalism in Vancouver’s Chinatown and Japantown.

News of Park and Robertson’s marriage went public same week as killings in Atlanta

Word of Park’s marriage to Robertson went public the same week a white man was charged with killing eight people at three massage parlours around Atlanta, Georgia. Six of them were Asian women.

The attack has sent terror through the Asian community across North America, which has increasingly been targeted during the coronavirus pandemic. Asian women have shared stories of being sexually harassed or demeaned, drawing attention to harmful stereotypes about Asian women rooted in racism and sexism.

“Despite an unprecedented dialogue happening right now about the dire consequences of hypersexualizing Asian women, I was bombarded with hate-filled messages,” Park said in her video.

“The amount of disgusting DMs and mentions I got as a result made me ill. The fetishization of Asian women is racist. Why? Because it dehumanizes and targets us.”

Park had a career as a journalist before she worked as the communications director for the mayor of Portland, a position she held when she met Robertson.
• Atlanta shootings symptomatic of larger issue of Asian women being oversexualized in media: experts
• B.C. politicians of Asian descent say U.S. deadly shooting has ripple effect

In her video, she outlines some of the sexualized racism she endured when she had a professional role in municipal government.

“Wherever I went, whoever I stood next to at an event — especially if it was a male colleague — rumours would start. I must be sleeping with that person. How could someone who looks like me not be? That assumption right there is racist. Why? Because of the long history of hypersexualizing Asian women,” she says, adding local media amplified these rumours and investigated them while refusing to engage with Park herself when she tried to refute them.

“This should come as no surprise, my white male predecessors did not receive the same treatment while doing the same job. As a woman of colour in senior leadership, those types of unfounded rumours — they permanently damage a woman’s credibility and reputation.”
VANCOUVER — It was joyful news they wanted to share with the world.

After pictures from former Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson and Eileen Park’s wedding appeared in Vogue Magazine, congratulations came flooding in from around the world – but so did an avalanche of hateful messages about their interracial marriage.

“For too long, Asian women all over the world, like me, have had to keep quiet,” said Park in a video response she posted to Facebook.

“Despite an unprecedented dialogue happening right now about the dire consequences of hyper sexualizing Asian women, I was bombarded by hate-filled messages – people laughing about men having yellow fever, comment after comment dismissing me as a ‘young Asian girl.'”

Sadly, comments from her wedding photos are nothing new. In her video, Park outlines some of the sexualized racism she endured when she worked as a communications professional in municipal government. For years, she’s been forced to tolerate people who label Asian women as submissive.

“Wherever I went, whoever I stood next to at an event — especially if it was a male colleague — rumours would start. I must be sleeping with that person. How could someone who looks like me not be? That assumption right there is racist. Why? Because of the long history of hyper-sexualizing Asian women,” she said.

Park speaks frankly about how painful it was for her to be subjected to relentless rumours and harassment.

“If it wasn’t for my partner, Gregor, and a few friends I confided in, I don’t know where I’d be today. There were many nights I didn’t want to live anymore,” she said.

Park is speaking out because of the shooting in Atlanta that claimed the lives of eight people, including six Asian women. It’s the most tragic example of a wave of anti-Asian violence fuelled by the pandemic. Across North America, women are sharing their stories of being sexually harassed or demeaned, drawing attention to harmful stereotypes about Asian women rooted in racism and sexism.

“Because dehumanization starts with words. And words reinforce stereotypes and hate,” said Park, adding we cannot continue to let violence be the end result of such hate. ​
Former journalist Eileen Park is speaking out after she was attacked online with anti-Asian comments. She says it began after Vogue published a story on her wedding to former Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson. Emad Agahi reports on why many women say they are experiencing this kind of racism.Eileen Park is reluctant to speak about anti-Asian hate, but following recent events she’s decided to speak out.

The same week that a man killed eight people, six of whom were Asian women, Park’s marriage to Gregor Robertson was featured in Vogue magazine. While some people celebrated and congratulated the pair online, many others turned to racism.

In response, Park, who is of Korean heritage, turned to Facebook to share her thoughts.

“For too long Asian women all over the world, like me, have had to keep quiet and eat our own bitterness,” she says at the beginning of the video.

The hate she received, personally, came as “an avalanche,” despite the public conversation around anti-Asian hate going on at the same time during a time of grief for the widespread Asian community.

In the video which focuses on Park as she talks, screen captures of comments are shared as well.

Along with anonymous internet commenters, she speaks about subtle racism in media. Before her marriage to Robertson (she now lists Vancouver as her home on Facebook) she worked in politics in Portland, Oregon.

One specific type of racism she speaks about is the hyper-sexualization and fetishization of Asian women, something she’s not surprised to see coming from the public at large.

“I was surprised when members of the local press started feeding into it; amplifying and investigating rumours that had to do with the racialized hyper-sensualization of me, an Asian woman,” she says. “And this should come as no surprise, my white male predecessors did not receive the same treatment for doing the same job that I did.”

That type of coverage led to Park receiving racist messages, including harassment at the grocery store and death threats during recent protests in Portland.

“If it wasn’t for my partner Gregor and a few friends I confided in I don’t know where I’d be today; there were many nights I didn’t want to live anymore,” she says.

She encourages people to shut down similar language around Asian women and become allies.

“What may seem like harmless gossip does real damage, because dehumanization starts with words and words reinforce stereotypes and hate,” she says. “And we cannot let violence be the end result of such hate.”

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