Fear up for Brazil’s heated election as party official slain – Portland Press Herald %
RIO DE JANEIRO — The killing of a leftist party official allegedly by a supporter of President Jair Bolsonaro is raising fears of an increasingly violent campaign ahead of October’s highly polarized elections in Brazil.
Police said federal prison guard Jorge José da Rocha turned up uninvited Saturday night at the leftist-themed birthday party of Marcelo Arruda, a local Workers’ Party official in the city of Foz do Iguaçu. Witnesses said Da Rocha shot Arruda after shouting his support for Bolsonaro.
The mortally wounded Arruda, also a municipal guard and a staunch supporter of the candidacy of former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, fired back and wounded his attacker, who is now in a hospital, authorities said.
People attend the funeral of Marcelo Arruda held inside Sebastiao Flores gymnasium in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil, Sunday, July 10, 2022. Federal prison guard Jorge Jose da Rocha killed the local official from the leftist Workers’ Party in the Brazilian state of Parana, according to state police. Alexander Moschkowich/Associated Press
The incident shocked many Brazilians, while politicians worried about the risks of violence involving supporters of both the far-fight Bolsonaro and the leftist da Silva, who was president in 2003-2010 and leads opinion polls for the presidential race. Bolsonaro himself was nearly killed by a would-be assassin during the 2018 presidential contest.
The National Bishops’ Conference, Brazil’s main Roman Catholic organization for the clergy, said in a statement that “the insanity that transforms a birthday party into a scene of violence and death should not be a reference.”
RAPS, a non-partisan group for political action, decried “the rising political violence” in Brazil and called on “leaders to act immediately.”
“We need to alert democratic institutions and public opinion about the need for more civic dialogue actions in this country. Political violence can no longer be tolerated in Brazil,” the RAPS statement said.
The president of Brazil’s Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco, said the killing was “a pure expression of this moment of a lot of political hatred, a lot of intolerance.” He urged Bolsonaro and da Silva to calm their supporters down.
The speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Arthur Lira, made a similar plea.
The singer Anitta, one of Brazil’s most popular entertainers and a frequent critic of Bolsonaro’s since he took office in 2019, surprised many by saying Arruda’s killing had convinced her to vote for da Silva, who is called Lula by most Brazilians. Many of her young fans expressed a similar opinion on social media.
“I do not support the Workers’ Party, I never did. But this year I will be with Lula,” Anitta said on Twitter. “If there were not a death in this case of the Lula supporter being killed by a Bolsonaro supporter I would say these people’s stupidity is funny. It is not. It is scary.”
Da Silva said on Twitter on Monday that Brazil needs “to regain normalcy” and blamed Bolsonaro’s anti-left rhetoric for the incident.
Bolsonaro said he opposes any act of violence, though he did not discuss the alleged involvement of his supporter in Arruda’s slaying. He has repeatedly accused the left of stoking political violence.
Gleisi Hoffmann, leader of the Workers’ Party, struck out at those on the right by lamenting “a tragedy resulting from the intolerance of those people.” He shared several photos of Arruda, a father of four, at his birthday party wearing a black T-shirt with an image of da Silva. Many other tributes followed on social media.
Carlos Melo, a Sao Paulo-based political science professor at Insper University, said Arruda’s killing has a chance to cool political vehemence and quell political violence, but he warned it could make violence the new normal in the current presidential campaign.
Melo said he thinks the slaying will hurt Bolsonaro, who has rallied his supporters by painting his campaign as a fight of good vs. evil but ultimately cannot control their actions.
“This violence in Brazilian politics didn’t start on Saturday. Lula’s bus was fired at in 2018, Bolsonaro was stabbed that year, other smaller incidents have taken place since,” Melo said in a phone interview.
“What is different now is that this is a killing, and Bolsonaro will be watched more closely so we know whether he can control his radicals or not. That is an open question now.”
Comments are not available on this story.
5 of the BEST Recipes Using Rotisserie Chicken! | Quick & EASY Tasty Chicken Dinners | Julia Pacheco – Easy Recipes
TASTY CHICKEN RECIPES | COSTCO ROTISSERIE CHICKEN DINNERS | EASY CHEAP MEALS | LET’S GET COOKING! Hi there and welcome back to my cooking channel! Rotisserie chicken can be integrated into many recipes to make them as quick and easy as possible. Here are 5 of my favorite ways to do just that!! I hope
Pacheco: Congress should approve new tax rules this semester
The President of the National Congress, Rodrigo Pacheco (PSD-MG), said this Tuesday (23) that Parliament should approve the new fiscal rules this semester. “There is a good perspective for the fiscal framework in the Chamber. And as soon as it arrives in the Senate, we will give due speed”, he said, in a press conference. “In this semester, [iremos] deliver this fiscal framework in place of the public spending ceiling”, he added. For Rodrigo Pacheco, new fiscal rules will be approved later this semester – Marcelo Camargo/Agência Brasil Pacheco met this morning (23) with the president of the Chamber, Arthur Lira (PP-AL), the Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad, the executive secretary of the portfolio, Gabriel Galípolo, and with the deputies Cláudio Cajado (PP-BA), rapporteur of the fiscal framework, and Aguinaldo Ribeiro (PP-PB) , rapporteur for the tax reform. The president of the Central Bank, Roberto Campos Neto, and businessmen from the productive sector were also at the meeting. According to Arthur Lira, the text that establishes the new fiscal framework should be analyzed by the plenary of the Chamber of Deputies by this Wednesday (24). In the beginning of the afternoon, the parliamentarian met with party leaders to assess the level of consensus that the project has among parliamentarians. “I have no doubt that today will be symbolic for this final sprint. The vote on the framework from today to tomorrow in the Chamber, being sent to the Senate as soon as possible”, said Lira. The Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad, highlighted that there is consensus on the importance of tax reform and new fiscal rules in Legislative Houses. “There was not a single dissenting voice regarding these two matters, which will boost the country’s development”, argued the minister, after the meeting. “There was no dissenting voice”, says Haddad – Marcelo Camargo/Agência Brasil “Revisitação ” Despite the conciliatory tone adopted by Arthur Lira, the congressman took advantage of the press conference to state that the National Congress will not endorse government attempts to re-examine proposals recently approved by the Legislature. Recently, parliamentarians barred changes in the legal framework for sanitation. The government has signaled that it will try to revert the privatization of Eletrobrás, which has also already been approved.”It is important to calm spirits”, says Arthur Lira – Marcelo Camargo/Agência Brasil scope of Congress. It is important that they calm down with regard to these guidelines, which, effectively, will not have an echo in the plenary sessions of the two Houses, regardless of the will of President Arthur or President Pacheco”, declared Lira.
Agência Brasil
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Pacheco Information Technologies: The Gateway to Elevated IT Systems
Introduction: In today’s modern world, technology plays a crucial role in every aspect of our lives. Among the various sectors utilizing technology, Information Technology (IT) has brought significant advancements, enhancing the efficiency of various processes. Pacheco Information Technologies is one such organization that offers robust IT solutions to elevate your systems and business operations. In this article, we’ll delve into the wide array of services provided by Pacheco Information Technologies and discover how they can be an invaluable asset to your business.
Table of Contents
- Choosing the Right IT Solutions for Your Business
- Optimizing IT Infrastructure
- Managed Services for Seamless IT Operations
- Securing Your Network and Data
- Cloud Computing and its Benefits
- Continual IT Support and Maintenance
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the Right IT Solutions for Your Business
Before exploring the various services of Pacheco Information Technologies, let’s understand the importance of selecting the right IT solutions tailored to your business requirements. Some crucial aspects to consider include:
- Scalability and compatibility with anticipated business growth
- Integration capabilities with your existing systems
- Security and privacy concerns
- Ease of use and manageability
- Cost-effectiveness and return on investment
Evaluating Your Needs
An initial evaluation of your business’s needs and weak areas is essential to determine the right IT solutions. Consider factors such as your company size, existing infrastructure, and workforce skillsets to select the best services and implement a tailored IT strategy. Remember, choosing an all-encompassing solution provider like Pacheco Information Technologies can ensure seamless integration and a better return on investment.
Optimizing IT Infrastructure
Having a robust IT infrastructure is crucial to ensure smooth operations and overall business success. Pacheco Information Technologies can help you optimize your entire IT infrastructure— comprising hardware, software, and network components.
Upgrading Hardware and Software
Keeping your hardware and software up-to-date is vital for maintaining optimal performance and addressing potential security concerns. Pacheco Information Technologies provides comprehensive hardware and software management— from procurement, installation, and configuration to upgrades and maintenance.
Network Optimization
Your network systems can impact your company’s productivity and efficiency directly. Pacheco Information Technologies employs industry best practices in designing, implementing, and maintaining a reliable and high-performing network infrastructure to meet your business’s specific requirements.
Managed Services for Seamless IT Operations
Managed services allow businesses to outsource their IT operations to a specialized service provider like Pacheco Information Technologies. From monitoring and maintenance to troubleshooting— all aspects of IT management can be handled efficiently, allowing you to focus on your core business.
Benefits of Managed Services
Some advantages of opting for managed services include:
- Increased operational efficiency
- Reduced IT costs due to predictable monthly pricing
- Minimized downtime and better performance
- Access to skilled IT professionals
- Flexible and scalable solutions
- Comprehensive monitoring and proactive management of IT issues
Securing Your Network and Data
Security threats pose significant risks to your business’s data and operations. Therefore, a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is essential. Pacheco Information Technologies offers end-to-end security solutions that cater to all aspects of protecting your IT infrastructure and sensitive data.
Security Assessments
Understanding the vulnerabilities in your network and systems allows you to fortify defenses and minimize possible security breaches. Security assessments offered by Pacheco Information Technologies help identify gaps and potential risks in your IT environment.
Implementing Robust Security Measures
Pacheco Information Technologies provides advanced security solutions, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software, to safeguard your business systems from internal and external threats.
Cloud Computing and its Benefits
Cloud computing enables businesses to access computing resources, storage, and software applications over the internet. This technology offers several advantages, discussed below, which make it an essential component of modern IT systems. Pacheco Information Technologies is proficient in implementing and managing cloud-based solutions that cater to your business requirements.
- Cost efficiency: With pay-as-you-go models for cloud computing, you pay only for the resources you use, minimizing upfront and operational costs.
- Scalability: The ability to scale resources up or down according to your business demands makes cloud computing a flexible option suitable for every organization.
- Collaboration and remote access: Cloud services enable easy collaboration among teams and remote access to data and applications, increasing productivity.
- Disaster recovery: Cloud-based backup and recovery solutions ensure quick recovery of critical data in case of any unforeseen disaster or data loss.
Continual IT Support and Maintenance
Any IT system requires continuous monitoring, maintenance, and support to ensure smooth operations and minimize downtime. Pacheco Information Technologies offers comprehensive IT support and maintenance services that include:
- 24/7 monitoring of systems, networks, and applications
- Proactive identification and resolution of IT issues
- Software updates and patch management
- Technical support and helpdesk services
- System backups and disaster recovery planning
Conclusion
In conclusion, investing in cutting-edge IT systems and partnering with a reliable and competent IT solutions provider like Pacheco Information Technologies can contribute to the growth and success of your business. From optimizing your IT infrastructure to providing advanced security, managed services, and cloud computing solutions— Pacheco Information Technologies covers a wide spectrum of services to enhance your company’s operations and meet your unique business needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What IT services are provided by Pacheco Information Technologies? | Pacheco Information Technologies offers a comprehensive suite of IT services, including infrastructure optimization, managed services, cybersecurity solutions, cloud computing, and ongoing support & maintenance. |
| Why is it essential to choose the right IT solutions for my business? | Choosing the right IT solutions enables your business to operate efficiently, maximize productivity, stay competitive, and ensure a better return on investment. |
| How can managed services benefit my business? | Managed services provide increased operational efficiency, reduced IT costs, minimized downtime, access to skilled IT professionals, and a proactive approach to addressing IT issues. |
| Why is cloud computing important for modern IT systems? | Cloud computing offers advantages such as cost efficiency, scalability, enhanced collaboration, remote access, and disaster recovery, making it a vital component of modern IT systems. |
| How does Pacheco Information Technologies ensure the security of my network and data? | Pacheco Information Technologies offers security assessments, advanced security solutions, and ongoing monitoring to protect your network and data from potential threats. |
RODRIGUEZ ‘THANKFUL’ FOR ESPN FIGHTER AWARD
‘Bam’ thrilled to be named Fighter of the Year so far – but is hungry for more in 2022
Jesse Rodriguez says he feels ‘thankful’ to be named as the Fighter of the Year by ESPN in their midyear awards for 2022 – but the WBC World Super-Flyweight champion is not resting on his laurels and continue his sensational year when he defends his title against Israel Gonzalez on Saturday September 17 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, as co-main event to the trilogy clash between Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and Gennadiy ‘GGG’ Golovkin. The event, presented by Matchroom, Canelo Promotions and GGG Promotions, will broadcast live on Pay-Per-View in the U.S. and Canada as well as around the world on DAZN (excluding Mexico, Latin America, and Kazakhstan).
TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW VIA AXS.COM
Rodriguez (16-0 11 KOs) has enjoyed a stellar first half of the year, starting by becoming the youngest active World champion in February, stepping in late to meet Carlos Cuadras for the vacant WBC strap in Phoenix and then putting on a stunning display in his first defense, stopping Thai star Srisaket Sor Rungvisai on his San Antonio home turf in June inside eight rounds.
‘Bam’ extended his promotional pact with Eddie Hearn following the win over Rungivisai, and now defends his title for the second time against Mexican Gonzalez (28-4-1 11 KOs), who challenges for World honors for the fourth time in his career.
Rodriguez has begun camp at home and will relocate to Robert Garcia’s California base when his trainer and manager returns from masterminding Anthony Joshua’s rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in Saudi Arabia on August 20. The 21 year old is ready to thrill on the biggest of stages on September 17, and believes it could be the next step in securing Fighter of the Year awards across the board.
“I’m so thankful to be named ESPN’s fighter of the year,” said Rodriguez. “My hard work and dedication to the sport is paying off. That is why I’m able to perform the way I have been. There’s so much more to come and I can’t wait.
“I’ll be starting my camp in San Antonio for this next fight. I’ll be here for three weeks then finish up in Riverside at Robert Garcia Boxing Academy. Fighting so soon, I feel like I haven’t lost a beat. I’m still in rhythm and I’ll be more than ready for Las Vegas.
“The way people have been saying I’m front runner for Fighter of the Year is motivation to get the job done. It’s a blessing to even be mentioned with some of the greatest boxers in the sport. But come September 17, there will be no question who it belongs to.”
Rodriguez’s achievement was one of many as Matchroom fighters and events dominated ESPN’s midyear awards. Irish superstar Katie Taylor was named female fighter of the year following her victory over Amanda Serrano in their epic battle at Madison Square Garden in New York in April which landed female fight of the year nod. Leigh Wood’s dramatic final round KO win over Jamie Conlan in Nottingham in March earned the WBA Featherweight king the KO of the year and the battle was awarded men’s fight of the year, while Dmitry Bivol’s triumph over Canelo Alvarez in Las Vegas in May took the gong for upset of the year.
Rodriguez’s clash with Gonzalez is part of a stacked night of action in Las Vegas, as Diego Pacheco fights for his first pro belt when he meets Enrique Collazo for the WBC USNBC Silver Super-Middleweight title and Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams taking on Kieron Conway for the vacant WBA International Middleweight title, all leading into the third installment of the classic modern rivalry between Canelo and Golovkin, with the Mexican king putting his undisputed Super-Middleweight crown on the line against Kazakhstan’s reigning WBA and IBF Middleweight ruler in the most anticipated match up of 2022.
The post RODRIGUEZ ‘THANKFUL’ FOR ESPN FIGHTER AWARD appeared first on Round By Round Boxing.
Dish: pineapple-macadamia fruitcake
Pineapple-Macadamia Fruitcake
5 mugs candied pineapple portions
1 1/2 mugs salted Macadamia nuts
1 mug flaked coconut
1/4 mug all-purpose flour
1 1/2 mugs granulated sugar
3/4 mug butter or margarine, softened
5 eggs
2 tbsps milk
1 tbsp pineapple remove
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 3/4 mugs all-round flour
Preheat stove to 300 levels F. Grease 3 8 x 5-inch loaf frying pans. Line with wax paper and also oil the paper.
In a tool dish, throw 4 mugs of the pineapple, the nuts as well as coconut with 1/4 mug flour up until covered; reserved.
In a big mixer dish at tool rate, beat sugar as well as butter or margarine for 3 mins or till cosy. Beat in milk, pineapple flavor and also vanilla essence. Spoon batter right into frying pans as well as leading with continuing to be pineapple, pushing gently right into batter.
Cook for 1 1/4 hrs, or up until gold brownish and also a wood choice placed in facility appears tidy. Awesome in frying pans on cake rack for 15 mins.
Get rid of from frying pans, peel wax paper as well as trendy totally on cake rack. Cover in aluminum foil. Cool a minimum of 2 days prior to offering.
Shop in fridge as much as 1 month or in fridge freezer approximately 3 months.
In a huge mixer dish at tool rate, beat sugar as well as butter or margarine for 3 mins or till cosy. Beat in milk, pineapple flavor as well as vanilla remove. At reduced rate, beat in flour up until well mixed. Spoon batter right into frying pans and also leading with continuing to be pineapple, pushing gently right into batter.
Get rid of from frying pans, peel off wax paper as well as amazing entirely on cable shelfs.
Review: In ‘Bees & Honey,’ Love Is Both Sweet and Sticky – The New York Times
What draws two lovers together may be more obvious than what keeps them in sync. An inviting smile and smooth opening line can pierce the noise of a crowded club, but then what? In the case of “Bees & Honey,” which opened at MCC Theater on Monday, eyes lock and hips swivel to the plucky guitar and eight-count beat of bachata.
This Dominican style of music and dance, with its sensual cadence and professions of heartache, is a foundational metaphor in this boy-meets-girl two-hander by the playwright Guadalís Del Carmen. After falling into step on a steamy night out, Johaira (Maribel Martinez) and Manuel (Xavier Pacheco) begin a duet that soon finds them sharing an apartment in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan.
She is a district attorney who ascends the ranks to prosecute high-profile cases; he’s a mechanic with plans to expand his auto-repair shop across the five boroughs.
By the next scene they’re navigating the rhythms of a long-term romance, immersed in the tenor and flavors of their Afro-Dominican backgrounds. Instinctively, they sometimes slip into Spanish, teasing and rooting for each other as their lives continue to intertwine.
The slice-of-life naturalism of “Bees & Honey,” presented in partnership with the Sol Project, is more interested in capturing culturally specific detail than in breaking ground with an original plot. The churn of daily ins and outs in this staging by the director Melissa Crespo, on a catalog-colorful living room set by the designer Shoko Kambara, has a familiar sitcom quality. And nearly every story development reflects an inevitable truism (sex lives dwindle, women get pregnant, elders require care). For a marital drama that runs two hours including an intermission, it feels light on substance and surprise.
But what’s distinctive about Johaira and Manuel, and how their syncopation thrives and falters, is the texture of their shared heritage. Del Carmen skirts the edges of stereotype in underlining qualities variously associated with Dominican men and women, but ultimately succeeds in creating believable, if conventional, characters. Del Carmen betrays a heavy hand in how Johaira compels Manuel to read bell hooks, as an antidote to his inherited machismo. That she prosecutes sexual assault cases in court adds synthetic emotional fuel to the play’s highest-stakes climax, which happens offstage to people we never meet.
Still, the ease and electricity between Martinez and Pacheco, whose performances deepen as the union predictably grows more complicated, lend the production a sticky-sweet appeal. Johaira is by turns headstrong, soft and a stranger to herself, inner tensions that Martinez embodies with luminous transparency. And Pacheco’s Manuel is spring-loaded with empathy and eroticism, reflexively attentive and affectionate, ready to respond to the slightest provocation. They seem to gibe perfectly until they don’t. So what happened? As Johaira says of dancing bachata: “You lose your footing and the moment is gone.”
Bees & Honey
Through June 11 at MCC Theater, Manhattan; mcctheater.org. Running time: 2 hours.
AGATHA HARKNESS’ CONTEST OF CHAOS CORRUPTS MARVEL HEROES! – FIRST COMICS NEWS
Following next month’s ‘Scarlet Witch Annual’ #1, ‘Contest of Chaos’ begins!
Check out all eight annuals that the interconnected saga will take place in throughout the summer!
New York, NY— May 18, 2023 — Mystical manipulator Agatha Harkness is conjuring up a CONTEST OF CHAOS and some of Marvel’s biggest heroes, including A-Listers, fan favorites, and rising new stars, will be forced to compete!
Crafted by writer Stephanie Phillips, CONTEST OF CHAOS will be an interconnected saga told across eight thrilling Annuals starting in August. Featuring the writing and art of various all-star industry talent, each CONTEST OF CHAOS ANNUAL will spotlight an intense showdown between two characters as the forces of chaos compel them to go head-to-head! Throughout the eight over-sized issues, Phillips and artist Alberto Foche will reveal more and more of Agatha’s twisted scheme in bonus backup stories.
Recently rejuvenated and more powerful than ever, Agatha has more stake in the future of the Marvel Universe than ever before, and readers and characters alike are about to see just how committed she is to reshaping Marvel magic! The drama kicks off in next month’s SCARLET WITCH ANNUAL #1, a CONTEST OF CHAOS prelude issue, by Scarlet Witch writer Steve Orlando and artist Carlos Nieto. After stealing something dark and dangerous from her former pupil, Agatha unleashes her corruption on various unsuspecting heroes!
Here are the matchups fans can look forward to in the coming months:
SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1 – SPIDER-MAN VS. WOLVERINE!
Writer Stephanie Phillips kicks off the CONTEST OF CHAOS alongside artist Alberto Foche! First on Agatha’s list is Spider-Man, whose regular day is turned upside down when he involuntarily walks through a portal to a remote, magical city…and is attacked by Wolverine!
IRON MAN ANNUAL #1 – IRON MAN VS. STORM!
Writer Jason Loo and artist David Cutler bring you a clash of titans you won’t want to miss! When the forces of chaos move upon our heroes, the past, present and future come crashing in on them – and only one can emerge victorious! The might of human ingenuity versus the power of the natural universe.
FANTASTIC FOUR ANNUAL #1 – GHOST RIDER VS. THE HUMAN TORCH!
Writer Zac Gorman and artist Alan Robinson bring the Fantastic Four into the mayhem when the Human Torch is pitted against Johnny Blaze! It’s flame versus hellfire when the two heroes face off – but who will emerge victorious?!
MOON KNIGHT ANNUAL #1 – MOON KNIGHT VS. TAEGUKGI!
Current Moon Knight scribe and Taegukgi co-creator Jed MacKay teams up with acclaimed artist Creees Lee for a power-packed showdown! When the champion of a god battles a godlike champion, who will win? The Fist of Khonshu faces off against Tiger Division’s fearless leader!
SPIDER-GWEN ANNUAL #1 – GHOST-SPIDER VS. WHITE FOX!
Ghost-Spider and White Fox get caught in Agatha Harkness’ tangled web in this roller coaster of a rumble by writer Karla Pacheco and artist Rosi Kämpe! Gwen Stacy technically isn’t even supposed to be in this universe, and now she’s cutting chem lab to go to…a theme park?! Wait, something doesn’t feel right here – and why is this masked fox attacking her?
VENOM ANNUAL #1 – VENOM VS. DEADPOOL!
When the forces of chaos call upon Venom and Deadpool, it becomes an issue of family – and whose deserves to win the ultimate prize. It’s symbiote might vs. frankly awesome assassin skills in an epic showdown you won’t want to miss by current Deadpool scribe Alyssa Wong and artist Sergio Dávila!
X-MEN ANNUAL #1 – CAPTAIN MARVEL VS. CYCLOPS!
The leader of the X-Men and the leader of the Avengers size each other up in this epic brawl from writer Paul Allor and Alessandro Miracolo! Drawn to the Alaskan wilderness by magic neither of them understand, Captain Marvel and Cyclops duke it out! Agatha Harkness’ plan for the Darkhold is slowly taking shape…but will it come at the expense of two of the world’s greatest heroes?! And what can an energy-blasting mutant do against a woman who can absorb the energy of the sun?!
AVENGERS ANNUAL #1 – CONTEST OF CHAOS FINALE!
Stephanie Phillips and Alberto Foche bring the CONTEST OF CHAOS to a fantastical finish as the fate of Marvel magic is decided! When Agatha pits the Avengers against the winners of the previous chaos battles, they realize they must choose between saving their friends and stopping the creation of the new Darkhold. But their choice may have consequences that no one – not even Agatha – could have imagined.
“CONTEST OF CHAOS is the kind of story I would absolutely sprint to the comic store to buy as a reader,” Phillips said. “There’s action, mystery, magic, and my favorite characters from all over the Marvel Universe. To be spearheading the storyline is just incredibly cool for me as a creator. It’s going to be big with ramifications for the larger universe… See you this summer—THWIP!”
Place your bets and pick up all eight CONTEST OF CHAOS ANNUALS when they hit stands this summer!
SCARLET WITCH ANNUAL #1 – “Contest of Chaos” Prelude – 75960620691900111
Written by STEVE ORLANDO
Art by CARLOS NIETO
Cover by RUSSELL DAUTERMAN
On Sale 6/21
SPIDER-MAN ANNUAL #1
Written by STEPHANIE PHILLIPS
Art by ALBERTO FOCHE
Cover by R.B. SILVA
On Sale 8/9
IRON MAN ANNUAL #1
Written by JASON LOO & STEPHANIE PHILLIPS
Art by DAVID CUTLER & ALBERTO FOCHE
Cover by FRANCESCO MOBILI
On Sale 8/16
FANTASTIC FOUR ANNUAL #1
Written by ZAC GORMAN & STEPHANIE PHILLIPS
Art by ALAN ROBINSON & ALBERTO FOCHE
Cover by FRANCESCO MANNA
On Sale 8/23
MOON KNIGHT ANNUAL #1
Written by JED MACKAY & STEPHANIE PHILLIPS
Art by CREEES LEE & ALBERTO FOCHE
Cover by LEINIL FRANCIS YU
On Sale 8/30
SPIDER-GWEN ANNUAL #1
Written by KARLA PACHECO & STEPHANIE PHILLIPS
Art by ROSI KÄMPE & ALBERTO FOCHE
Cover by R1CO
Written by ALYSSA WONG & STEPHANIE PHILLIPS
Art by SERGIO DÁVILA & ALBERTO FOCHE
Cover by BEN HARVEY
On Sale 9/13
Written by PAUL ALLOR & STEPHANIE PHILLIPS
Art by ALESSANDRO MIRACOLO & ALBERTO FOCHE
Cover by JOSHUA CASSARA
On Sale 9/20
AVENGERS ANNUAL #1
Art by ALBERTO FOCHE
Cover by PACO MEDINA
On Sale 9/27
Bills from Mike Fong and Blanca Pacheco will undermine freelance interpreters
More than 40 percent of Californians speak a language other than English at home. Overcoming language barriers in healthcare, commerce, and government, including the court system, is an engine of our state economy and defining point of civic progress over the past 60 years.
It’s also a point of pride for thousands of highly trained interpreters and translators, more than 75 percent of whom are freelancers, who do the expert work to bridge communication gaps. Yet that doesn’t stop a small union claiming to represent full-time interpreters from threatening our state’s progress by putting its own self-interest ahead of Californians’ and putting colleagues out of business.
This year they aim to pass a pair of laws, one to give preferential treatment to union trainees in the court system and a second to restrict the ability of independent contractors to deliver services. Both passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee at a hearing on Thursday, May 18.
Together, these two bills, Assembly Bill 432 by Asm. Mike Fong and Assembly Bill 1032 by Asm. Blanca Pacheco, will decimate the ability of professionals with hard-earned state credentials and even certifications to work in California. Both are sponsored by Democrats from the L.A. area—Fong from Monterey Park and Pacheco from Downey—who covet the endorsement and campaign dollars of this offshoot’s parent union, the Communications Workers of America.
Each of the two bills tries to change state code so as to sideline freelance interpreters from being hired by the courts.
Why does this misuse of the law matter to ordinary people? Because skill, availability, and accuracy matter. And because taxpayers are left holding the bag for errors of meaning or understanding that occur during depositions, pleadings, trials, or appeals. Re-trials can cost millions.
With languages other than Spanish, for which it is cost-prohibitive for courts to retain a full-time interpreter, a well-trained freelancer must fill the need to interpret. To block such mutually beneficial freelance arrangements could prove detrimental to timeliness and quality. It would also impose exorbitant costs on the courts and the public.
Courts set the bar not only for justice in our state, but also for compensation and working conditions for skilled linguists. Depriving freelance interpreters who derive an increment of their pay from work in courts could force them out of business entirely.
That is not conjecture. It happened in 2019 after a union-backed law, AB 5, failed to grant an exemption to freelance interpreters and translators in the state as it did for other highly skilled professionals who traditionally work independently, such as attorneys or physicians.
Fixing that failure took an additional year and a statewide campaign uniting Democrats, Republicans, and independents to force the author of that bill and the follow-up measure to stop screwing around with lawmaking power and respect common sense. More than three out of four professional interpreters and translators in the state are freelancers. They deserve, as do the clients and community members who depend on them, the capacity to practice in California.
In a maneuver that has become sadly familiar in Sacramento, this union has resorted to peddling falsehoods to sway lawmakers. In March, the union sought to deny it was sponsoring the two measures, only to own up later after legislative documents showed their involvement. In May, when concerned freelance interpreters met with a legislative author of one of the bills, a lobbyist for the union rewrote history to say they had OK’d its terms.
This dishonesty repeats a tactic of former Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, who now heads the state labor federation. In 2020, while still in the legislature, she attempted to block an exemption for professional interpreters. She cited data from the Employment Development Department to allege that interpreters were misclassified. But her data was fudged and her claim exposed as baseless. Soon her saber-rattling against freelance interpreters ended.
Lawmaking is supposed to be an area where fact, not fabrication, holds sway and evenhandedness, not hypocrisy, prevails. When unions who say they want to stand up for women or immigrants or skilled workers misuse their influence to hurt the capacity of highly trained professionals—many of whom are women and immigrant small business owners like me—that is shameful.
All Californians have a stake in saying no to bills like AB 432 and AB 1032 that set back our progress on language access and put self-interest ahead of the public interest.
Lorena Ortiz Schneider is the founder and president of the Coalition of Practicing Translators and Interpreters of California (CoPTIC). An immigrant and small business owner, she led efforts in 2020 to safeguard the capacity of professional linguists who are independent contractors to continue to work in the state.