Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett Requested For The F&PC To Initiate A Review Of The Police Leaked Sexual Assault Investigation Video To The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Public concern about a police leaked sexual assault investigation video at Monday's Community Listening Session in the Southside that was held by Milwaukee Police Chief Morales prompted Milwaukee Mayor Barrett to request for the Milwaukee Fire & Police Commission to conduct a review on who leaked it.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 30, 2020

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, City of Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett officially sent a letter to the Milwaukee Fire & Police Commission (F&PC) requesting a review of a police leaked sexual assault investigation video to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (MJS), which revealed the identity of a suspect and information reported by the MJS that could identify the victim. The police leaked video became a focal concern by multiple attendees that included Paul Mozina, a Community Advocate and Wisconsin State Senator Lena C. Taylor (D-Milw.) at Monday's Community Listening Session at the United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS) held by  Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales. 

During the questioning session, Chief Morales was asked by Paul Mozina, a Community Advocate, what is he doing in regards of the Milwaukee Police Department leaked video? A sexual assault police investigation video was leaked in mid December to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (MJS), where an alleged suspect was identified including vital information was reported by the MJS that would identify the sexual assault victim. Chief Morales responded to Mozina's question, "I didn't leak any video and we are looking into it and we're always looking at preventative measures when things like this happen." Morales wouldn't confirm, if an investigation has been launched within the Milwaukee Police Department to find out who leaked the video in question. Another woman at the listening session and Sen. Taylor who asked the last questions also asked Chief Morales what is he doing to find out about who leaked the video since the Democratic National Convention is taking place in Milwaukee this Summer and security should be tighten to prevent any leaks.

Milwaukee Fire and Police Commissioner Angela McKenzie was also asked the question about the leaked video, a Milwaukee resident asked, whether or not the FPC was currently conducting an investigation? McKenzie stated, "At this time there is not.  The Commission will be looking into it, and right now we're making a determination as to the body that will be doing the investigation so, that it is neutral."

Sen. Taylor also asked Chief Morales about the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) settlement agreement in the case of illegal (unconstitutional) "Stop and Frisk" by Milwaukee police who targeted Blacks and Latinos in Milwaukee, in reference to the case of Charles Collins v. City of Milwaukee (CJI report: https://bit.ly/2uL45RB) that resulted in multiple illegal on the scene cavity checks and the anticipated compliance today, Milwaukee Police Inspector Alex Ramirez responded that the MPD has at least 5 years to be in compliance with the settlement agreement. 

The City of Milwaukee Common Council agreed to settle the federal lawsuit case for $3.4M, but hasn't released monetary compensation (the money) to the victims, according to the ACLU Wisconsin.

Mayor Tom Barrett's letter to the F&PC:

I am writing to request that the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission open a formal review of recent events that are of concern to me. A video of a police interview with Mr. Kaylan Haywood, Sr., was released to a reporter during what the District Attorney's office has said is an ongoing investigation. Mr. Haywood, Sr., was interviewed at Sojourner Family Peace Center. Chairman DeVougas accompanied and participated in the interview between the Milwaukee Police Department and Mr. Haywood, Sr. 

Here are my concerns: 

First, was the video released according to department rules? If it is determined that the release of the video was not within accepted practice, who was responsible for its release, and how will they be disciplined for violating the rules? 

Second, was it appropriate to conduct the interview at Sojourner Family Peace Center? If it was not appropriate, who made the request, and who granted the request? What is the appropriate sanction for the violation of any Police Department rules?

Finally, was it appropriate for the Chairman DeVougas to be present at the interview with Mr. Kaylan Haywood, Sr.? If not, what needs to be done in this situation, and in the future, to ensure it doesn't happen again?

I hope you share my desire to have these matters resolved as quickly as possible. Thank you in advance for your prompt action and thorough review.

Update: The Milwaukee Police Department released a statement on Thursday saying that their silence when asked about, if they had launched an investigation into the leaked sexual assault investigation video doesn't mean that there wasn't an ongoing investigation. So, why did it take so long for MPD to admit an investigation had been initiated? Because there was none, according to F&PC Commissioner Angela Mckenzie.

MATC Local 212 Protest Cuts To Part-time Teachers And Salary Increases To MATC President Vicki Martin By Board

Members of the MATC Local 212 ignite first protest against cuts to part-time teachers.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 29, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Tuesday, multiple members of the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) staged their first of many protests to come against cuts to part-time teachers, while MATC President Vicki Martin has had her salary doubled since 2010 averaging at least $340,000 per year, according to MATC Local 212. The MATC Local 212 members are planning protests for these Summer as well including during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in July to bring attention to the unfair labor practice by the MATC Board in cutting salaries of teachers, but failing to cap MATC President Martin's salary.

"We have only begun! We will be speaking out in growing numbers until - and after - the DNC has come and gone. All of Local 212 stands with our full-time and part-time faculty as well as our paraprofessionals in this fight...MATC teachers are under attack! We teach, we care,  let's be fair!...justice for our part-time faculty will prevail!", the MATC Local 212 posted in their Facebook (FB) account on Tuesday.

The Milwaukee Area Labor Council (MALC) who posted the MATC Local 212 union protest at the MATC downtown  Milwaukee campus photo that Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) used as a courtesy also announced on their FB account that they are supporting MATC Local 212's picketing. "We stand in solidarity with AFT, Local 212 MATC, who are picketing cuts to part time pay & elimination of class and step of all faculty," the MALC posted on FB.

The MATC full-time faculty and part-time faculty are not expected to receive any salary increase for the next four years, except MATC President Vicki Martin whose salary has nearly doubled since 2010. The MATC Board has yet to freeze Martin's salary, which averages more than $340,000 per year as the faculty is facing no salary increases in upcoming years and part-time faculty are also facing less pay including less compensation for prep time as well.

The MATC Local 212 says that part-time faculty pay was cut in 2014, when it was reduced from 60% to 52% of full-time faculty pay.  Further reductions undermine part-time instructors' ability to support MATC students so that they can succeed. MATC part-time faculty were paid not just for "contact hours", but for some of their additional hours of prep time and office hours. It is these extra hours, e.g. 3.4 hours per week for a 3-hour lecture, that the administration reduce for all new part-time faculty, according to Local 212. 

A letter sent to the faculty in mid December 2019 by Martin indicated that the MATC Board unanimously approved the compensation study, which includes four key components of the recommendation:

• Establish an open pay range for all positions. An open pay range has a minimum hourly rate or salary, and a maximum for all jobs at the college based on the market data and internal equity.

• Set the midpoint of the open pay range structure based on established market data for each employee group as follows:

2a. Non-Faculty Positions – Set pay range midpoints at 105-110% of market rate.

2b. Enterprise Jobs – Set open pay range midpoints based on existing minimum and maximum rates based on each job title.

2c. Full-time Faculty – Set pay range midpoint at 107.5% of market rate.

2d. Part-time Faculty –

Current part-time faculty: Set open pay range using current minimum and maximum rates based on instructional hours, office hours and other hours as defined in the current course-type load calculations.

Part-time faculty hired on or after recommendation implementation date: Set open pay range system based on market rate hourly pay. Pay for number of hours based on course type instructional hours, office hours and other.

• Implement a "pay progression" process in which all employees have an equal opportunity to move through the salary structure.

• Continue general pay increases provided to all employees based on the financial situation of the college.

No individual's current pay rate will be reduced as a result of the study, including part-time faculty, according to Martin. 

In other words, Martin eliminated class and step so, no pay increases for anyone until at least four years have passed.  There will be a starting pay, a midpoint, and a final or maximum and  advancement beyond the midpoint will be, for the most part, up to the supervisor, according to Local 212.

Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales Failed To Confirm, If A Probe Was Initiated To Learn Who Leaked A Police Investigation Video Exposing Sexual Assault Victim To The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Milwaukee police faced questions about a leaked sexual assault investigation video, accountability and the ACLU's $3.4M Stop and Frisk federal lawsuit settlement agreement compliance during a Milwaukee Southside Community Listening Session.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 28, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Monday, Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales held a Community Listening Session at the United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS) hosted by Victor Huyke from El Conquistador LLC (Newspaper) in Milwaukee, which a large number of participants from Milwaukee's Southside and other parts of the City attended.

Chief Morales during his presentation said that crime has gone down and the department is working with various organizations, community stakeholders, local residents and others to make the City, a safe place to live in.

During the questioning session, Chief Morales was asked by Paul Mozina, a Community Advocate, what is he doing in regards of the Milwaukee Police Department leaked video? A sexual assault police investigation video was leaked in mid December to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (MJS), where an alleged suspect was identified including vital information was reported by the MJS that would identify the sexual assault victim. Chief Morales responded to Mozina's question, "I didn't leak any video and we are looking into it and we're always looking at preventative measures when things like this happen." Morales wouldn't confirm, if an investigation has been launched within the Milwaukee Police Department to find out who leaked the video in question. Another woman at the listening session and Wisconsin State Senator Lena C. Taylor (D-Milw.) who asked the last questions also asked Chief Morales what is he doing to find out about who leaked the video since the Democratic National Convention is taking place in Milwaukee this Summer and security should be tighten to prevent any leaks.

Milwaukee Fire and Police Commissioner Angela McKenzie was also asked the question about the leaked video, a Milwaukee resident asked, whether or not the FPC was currently conducting an investigation? McKenzie stated, "At this time there is not.  The Commission will be looking into it, and right now we're making a determination as to the body that will be doing the investigation so, that it is neutral."

Sen. Taylor also asked Chief Morales about the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) settlement agreement in the case of illegal (unconstitutional) "Stop and Frisk" by Milwaukee police who targeted Blacks and Latinos in Milwaukee, in reference to the case of Charles Collins v. City of Milwaukee (CJI report: https://bit.ly/2uL45RB) that resulted in multiple illegal on the scene cavity checks and the anticipated compliance today, Milwaukee Police Inspector Alex Ramirez responded that the MPD has at least 5 years to be in compliance with the settlement agreement. The City of Milwaukee Common Council agreed to settle the federal lawsuit case for $3.4M, but hasn't released monetary compensation (the money) to the victims, according to the ACLU Wisconsin.

Also, the question was asked about accountability, will Chief Morales terminate police officers involved in illegal acts, especially those who violate the rights of individuals and lawsuits are filed and resolved, but the officers involved remain on the job giving a bad reputation at no fault of the majority of good officers that act professionally everyday, work with integrity and are honest. These few bad officers do become a liability for the Police Department, the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission including the City of Milwaukee.

After the listening session ended at UMOS, Sen. Taylor was asked by Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA), if she believed Chief Morales and the MPD have launched an investigation into the leaked video? She replied that to her understanding, there is "no" current investigation by Chief Morales.

In December, Morales was reappointed Milwaukee Police Chief for the next four years, but he could be terminated at anytime by the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission for any just cause.

Appeals Filed By Candidates Bryan Kennedy And Jim Sullivan To Remain On The Milwaukee County Executive Primary Spring Election Ballot 2020

Update: A three judge panel from the Wisconsin State of Appeals Court voted 3-0 to denied Kennedy and Sullivan's appeal to get back on the ballot for the Primary Spring Election 2020

Candidates Kennedy and Sullivan for Milwaukee County Executive had filed for a stay and to overturn the decision of Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Martens to keep them off the Primary Spring Election ballot 2020.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 27, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Monday, the Milwaukee County judicial decision by Circuit Court Judge Kevin E. Martens to keep both candidates Bryan Kennedy and Jim Sullivan for Milwaukee County Executive from the Primary Spring Election ballot 2020 for lack of certified nomination signatures has been appealed in the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. Kennedy and Sullivan are seeking a stay on Judge Martens decision to keep them off the Primary ballot before the ballots are printed for the February 18th election. A three judge panel Court of Appeals voted 3-0 to denied the appeal in the case, James Sullivan v. Wisconsin Elections Commission, Appeal Number 2020AP000164 - LV.

On Friday, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Kevin E. Martens agreed with the decision of the Wisconsin Election Commission to remove both candidates for Milwaukee County Executive due to not having sufficient nomination signatures to be on the Primary Spring Election 2020 after multiple signatures were disqualified when it was learned that the two candidates unknowingly shared the same nomination paper circulators that another candidate, David Crowley for the same position used. Theodore Lipscomb Sr. who is also a candidate for Milwaukee County Executive challenged Kennedy and Sullivan's nomination papers alleging that the candidates used the same circulators that Crowley had used thus disqualifying the signatures, which state law prohibits using the same circulators for more than one candidate.

Lipscomb Sr. alleged that circulators Alisha Pettis, Lesa Trotter and Dominique Thomas circulated nomination papers for David Crowley another candidate for Milwaukee County Executive and then for Kennedy. Also Lipscomb Sr. alleged that Alisha Pettis, Lesa Trotter, Keith Pettis and Dominique Thomas circulated nomination papers for Crowley and then for Sullivan violating state election laws for certifying nomination papers.

Apparently, the circulators involved lied to the Kennedy and Sullivan campaigns that they had not circulated nomination papers for another candidate, when in fact they did, according to the Lipscomb Sr., Kennedy and Sullivan campaigns.

The circulators involved worked as canvassing nomination signature papers circulators provided by Simon Warren, the owner of the Sweet Black Coffee shop and his partner Jerrel Jones, the owner of the Milwaukee Courier and WNOV 860 AM radio who operate an outsourcing contract canvassing operation available to candidates to contract.

Both Kennedy and Sullivan who ended up with less than the 2,000 signatures required to get on the ballot have the option to file an appeal in the Wisconsin State Appeals Court to see, if they can get back on the ballot.

In the WEC case of Kennedy, Lipscomb Sr. filed a verified complaint with the Commission appealing the decision of the Milwaukee County Election Commission (MCEC) to approve ballot access for Candidate Bryan Kennedy for the 2020 Spring Election as a candidate for County Executive.  The WEC reviewed the complaint and supporting documentation as well as the response of the MCEC filed by Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson and Elections Director Julietta Henry. 

The WEC finds that the Milwaukee County Election Commission did not comply with the election laws when it accepted signatures on nomination papers for Candidate Bryan Kennedy which were collected by circulators who had previously collected signatures for Candidate Crowley in violation of Wis. Stat. § 8.04.  The WEC finds that § 8.04 is unambiguous and is to be construed as a mandatory regulation of the circulation process.  

The WEC finds that 844 signatures submitted by Candidate Kennedy shall be stricken as invalid, resulting in a total of 1,840 valid signatures, which is less than the 2,000 valid signatures required to obtain ballot status.  The WEC decision letter states that Bryan Kennedy's name shall not appear on the ballot for the Office of County Executive at the 2020 Spring Primary or Spring Election. 

In the WEC case of Sullivan, Lipscomb Sr. has filed a verified complaint with the Commission appealing the decision of the Milwaukee County Election Commission (MCEC) to approve ballot access for Candidate Jim Sullivan for the 2020 Spring Election as a candidate for County Executive.  The Commission has reviewed the complaint and supporting documentation as well as the response of the MCEC filed by Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson and Elections Director Julietta Henry.

WEC finds that the Milwaukee County Election Commission did not comply with the election laws when it accepted signatures on nomination papers for Candidate Jim Sullivan, which were collected by circulators who had previously collected signatures for Candidate Crowley, in violation of Wis. Stat. § 8.04.  The WEC finds that § 8.04 is unambiguous and is to be construed as a mandatory regulation of the circulation process.  

The WEC finds that 1,001 signatures submitted by Candidate Sullivan shall be stricken as invalid, resulting in a total of 1,449 valid signatures, which is less than the 2,000 valid signatures required to obtain ballot status.   The Commission's decision letter states that Jim Sullivan's name shall not appear on the ballot for the Office of County Executive at the 2020 Spring Primary or Spring Election.

Three Waukegan High School Students Involved In Classroom Stabbing Incident

Police have questioned three Waukegan High School students involved in a classroom brawl that ended with a student being stabbed in the head with scissors.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 24, 2020

Waukegan, Wisconsin - On Friday, Community activist Margaret Carrasco posted on her Facebook (FB) account a video showing a classroom brawl on Wednesday between three students and ending with one student being stabbed in the head with scissors. The injured student was taken to a local hospital and the medical staff called Waukegan police to report the stabbing incident.

A father also posted a video on his FB account saying that the Waukegan High School Brookside Campus failed to notified police and the parents of the students. The father says that he became aware of the stabbing incident because his daughter notified him and was upset.

Carrasco also told a Chicago area news media outlet that the Waukegan School Disrict #60 had failed to notify police of the stabbing incident and parents.

Police have identified and questioned the students involved in the classroom brawl and charges are pending against those students involved.

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Kevin E. Martens Denied Injunction Filed By Defendants Bryan Kennedy And Jim Sullivan To Remain On The Primary Spring Election 2020

Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Martens denied to allow both Kennedy and Sullivan to remain on the Primary Spring Election 2020 ballot after the Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC) sided with Theodore Lipscomb Sr. who challenged the nomination signatures filed by Kennedy and Sullivan alleging that they didn't have sufficient signatures to be on the Milwaukee County Executive race ballot under state law due to unknowingly sharing the same nomination paper circulators.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 24, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Friday, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Kevin E. Martens agreed with the decision of the Wisconsin Election Commission to remove both candidates for Milwaukee County Executive due to not having sufficient nomination signatures to be on the Primary Spring Election 2020 after multiple signatures were disqualified when it was learned that the two candidates unknowingly shared the same nomination paper circulators that another candidate, David Crowley for the same position used. Theodore Lipscomb Sr. who is also a candidate for Milwaukee County Executive challenged Kennedy and Sullivan's nomination papers alleging that the candidates used the same circulators that Crowley had used thus disqualifying the signatures, which state law prohibits using the same circulators for more than one candidate.

Lipscomb Sr. alleged that circulators Alisha Pettis, Lesa Trotter and Dominique Thomas circulated nomination papers for David Crowley another candidate for Milwaukee County Executive and then for Kennedy. Also Lipscomb Sr. alleged that Alisha Pettis, Lesa Trotter, Keith Pettis and Dominique Thomas circulated nomination papers for Crowley and then for Sullivan violating state election laws for certifying nomination papers.

Apparently, the circulators involved lied to the Kennedy and Sullivan campaigns that they had not circulated nomination papers for another candidate, when in fact they did, according to the Lipscomb Sr., Kennedy and Sullivan campaigns.

The circulators involved worked as canvassing nomination signature papers circulators provided by Simon Warren, the owner of the Sweet Black Coffee shop and his partner Jerrel Jones, the owner of the Milwaukee Courier and WNOV 860 AM radio who operate an outsourcing contract canvassing operation available to candidates to contract.

Both Kennedy and Sullivan who ended up with less than the 2,000 signatures required to get on the ballot have the option to file an appeal in the Wisconsin State Appeals Court to see, if they can get back on the ballot.

In the WEC case of Kennedy, Lipscomb Sr. filed a verified complaint with the Commission appealing the decision of the Milwaukee County Election Commission (MCEC) to approve ballot access for Candidate Bryan Kennedy for the 2020 Spring Election as a candidate for County Executive.  The WEC reviewed the complaint and supporting documentation as well as the response of the MCEC filed by Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson and Elections Director Julietta Henry. 

The WEC finds that the Milwaukee County Election Commission did not comply with the election laws when it accepted signatures on nomination papers for Candidate Bryan Kennedy which were collected by circulators who had previously collected signatures for Candidate Crowley in violation of Wis. Stat. § 8.04.  The WEC finds that § 8.04 is unambiguous and is to be construed as a mandatory regulation of the circulation process.  

The WEC finds that 844 signatures submitted by Candidate Kennedy shall be stricken as invalid, resulting in a total of 1,840 valid signatures, which is less than the 2,000 valid signatures required to obtain ballot status.  The WEC decision letter states that Bryan Kennedy's name shall not appear on the ballot for the Office of County Executive at the 2020 Spring Primary or Spring Election. 

In the WEC case of Sullivan, Lipscomb Sr. has filed a verified complaint with the Commission appealing the decision of the Milwaukee County Election Commission (MCEC) to approve ballot access for Candidate Jim Sullivan for the 2020 Spring Election as a candidate for County Executive.  The Commission has reviewed the complaint and supporting documentation as well as the response of the MCEC filed by Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson and Elections Director Julietta Henry.

WEC finds that the Milwaukee County Election Commission did not comply with the election laws when it accepted signatures on nomination papers for Candidate Jim Sullivan, which were collected by circulators who had previously collected signatures for Candidate Crowley, in violation of Wis. Stat. § 8.04.  The WEC finds that § 8.04 is unambiguous and is to be construed as a mandatory regulation of the circulation process.  

The WEC finds that 1,001 signatures submitted by Candidate Sullivan shall be stricken as invalid, resulting in a total of 1,449 valid signatures, which is less than the 2,000 valid signatures required to obtain ballot status.   The Commission's decision letter states that Jim Sullivan's name shall not appear on the ballot for the Office of County Executive at the 2020 Spring Primary or Spring Election.

Candidates Bryan Kennedy And Jim Sullivan For Milwaukee County Executive Ousted From Spring Election Ballot 2020 By The WEC Due To Lack Of Valid Nomination Signatures

The Wisconsin Election Commission ruled that both candidates Kennedy and Sullivan for Milwaukee County Executive failed to submit sufficient valid nomination signatures to get on the Spring Election Ballot 2020, leaving the option for both candidates to appeal.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 21, 2020

Madison, Wisconsin- On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC) found on appeal that the Milwaukee County Election Commission erred by dismissing a complaint filed by candidate Theodore Lipscomb Sr. for Milwaukee County Executive alleging that both candidates Bryan Kennedy and Jim Sullivan for Milwaukee County Executive had insufficient nomination signatures to be on the Primary Spring Election Ballot 2020 as required by state law. Lipscomb Sr. alleged that both Kennedy and Sullivan had used the same circulators that another candidate for Milwaukee County Executive had used to get nomination signatures, thus violating state law.

Lipscomb Sr. alleged that circulators Alisha Pettis, Lesa Trotter and Dominique Thomas circulated nomination papers for David Crowley another candidate for Milwaukee County Executive and then for Kennedy. Also Lipscomb Sr. alleged that Alisha Pettis, Lesa Trotter, Keith Pettis and Dominique Thomas circulated nomination papers for Crowley and then for Sullivan violating state election laws for certifying nomination papers.

Apparently, the circulators involved lied to the Kennedy and Sullivan campaigns that they had not circulated nomination papers for another candidate, when in fact they did, according to the Lipscomb Sr., Kennedy and Sullivan campaigns.

The circulators involved worked as canvassing nomination signature papers circulators provided by Simon Warren, the owner of the Sweet Black Coffee shop and his partner Jerrel Jones, the owner of the Milwaukee Courier and WNOV 860 AM radio who operate an outsourcing contract canvassing operation available to candidates to contract.

In the WEC case of Kennedy, Lipscomb Sr. filed a verified complaint with the Commission appealing the decision of the Milwaukee County Election Commission (MCEC) to approve ballot access for Candidate Bryan Kennedy for the 2020 Spring Election as a candidate for County Executive.  The WEC reviewed the complaint and supporting documentation as well as the response of the MCEC filed by Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson and Elections Director Julietta Henry. 

The WEC finds that the Milwaukee County Election Commission did not comply with the election laws when it accepted signatures on nomination papers for Candidate Bryan Kennedy which were collected by circulators who had previously collected signatures for Candidate Crowley in violation of Wis. Stat. § 8.04.  The WEC finds that § 8.04 is unambiguous and is to be construed as a mandatory regulation of the circulation process.  

The WEC finds that 844 signatures submitted by Candidate Kennedy shall be stricken as invalid, resulting in a total of 1,840 valid signatures, which is less than the 2,000 valid signatures required to obtain ballot status.  The WEC decision letter states that Bryan Kennedy's name shall not appear on the ballot for the Office of County Executive at the 2020 Spring Primary or Spring Election. 

In the WEC case of Sullivan, Lipscomb Sr. has filed a verified complaint with the Commission appealing the decision of the Milwaukee County Election Commission (MCEC) to approve ballot access for Candidate Jim Sullivan for the 2020 Spring Election as a candidate for County Executive.  The Commission has reviewed the complaint and supporting documentation as well as the response of the MCEC filed by Milwaukee County Clerk George Christenson and Elections Director Julietta Henry.

WEC finds that the Milwaukee County Election Commission did not comply with the election laws when it accepted signatures on nomination papers for Candidate Jim Sullivan, which were collected by circulators who had previously collected signatures for Candidate Crowley, in violation of Wis. Stat. § 8.04.  The WEC finds that § 8.04 is unambiguous and is to be construed as a mandatory regulation of the circulation process.  

The WEC finds that 1,001 signatures submitted by Candidate Sullivan shall be stricken as invalid, resulting in a total of 1,449 valid signatures, which is less than the 2,000 valid signatures required to obtain ballot status.   The Commission's decision letter states that Jim Sullivan's name shall not appear on the ballot for the Office of County Executive at the 2020 Spring Primary or Spring Election.

The JSOnline reported that, "The full six-member commission didn't vote on the matter — staff made a recommendation to Administrator Meagan Wolfe. She consulted with Commission Chair Dean Knudson, who approved the decisions. He decided it was not necessary to call a meeting of the full commission to discuss or vote on the complaints, Wisconsin Elections Commission spokesman Reid Magney said via email. Magney added that the commission usually delegates these kinds of decisions to the administrator."

The WEC left the option open for both Kennedy and Sullivan to appeal their decision in a State Circuit Court.

Kennedy released the following statement, "Today we were given a setback when the Wisconsin Election Commission ruled against me and ordered the Milwaukee County Election Commission to remove my name from the ballot. Just as you would expect from me, I am challenging the Commission’s decision in the Circuit Court. This battle is not over. Milwaukee County needs a County Executive with a plan."

Sullivan is expected to appeal the WEC decision in Circuit Court as well.

60 cent Proposed Fee For Uber/Lyft Third-party Food Deliveries Is Legal, According To Opinions Issued By The Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau And The Wisconsin Legislative Council

City of Milwaukee Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd proposed a 60 cent fee for Uber/Lyft, which are third-party delivery services, which the fee is also supported by Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor and Milwaukee County Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, which would add millions of dollars to the City budget designated to fix pot holes and streets.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 16, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milw.) had sought a legal opinion from the Wisconsin Reference Bureau and the Wisconsin Legislative Council, whether local municipal governments could enact service fees to third-party delivery services under WI State Statues 440.465 (1), for the transportation network companies (TNC) in the state. Two state legislative entities agreed that a service fee for third-party delivery services can be enacted by local municipalities including the City of Milwaukee.

Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) learned that in a recent response, David Moore, the Senior Staff Attorney for the Wisconsin Legislative Council wrote in  correspondence, "You asked the following two questions related to the local regulation of third-party food delivery 

services: 

1. Does s. 440.465 (1), Stats., which generally preempts local units of government from regulating transportation network companies or transportation network services, preempt local regulation of third-party food delivery services?

2. If regulation of third-party food delivery services is not preempted under s. 440.465 (1), Stats., may a local unit of government impose a fee on third-party food delivery services?

As will be described in more detail below, the answer to your first question is that s. 440.465 (1), Stats., does not preempt a local unit of government from enacting or enforcing an ordinance that regulates third-party food delivery, because a third-party food delivery service is not a "transportation network 

company" as defined by statute. As will also be described in more detail below, a local unit of 

government may only impose a fee if the fee bears a reasonable relationship to a service provided by the 

local unit of government."

Also, Konrad Paczuski, the legislative attorney for the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau wrote in response, "You have asked whether state statutes that regulate transportation network services would limit local governments from regulating food delivery arranged through a digital network.

It is likely that the state statutes that regulate transportation network services do not limit local regulation of food delivery arranged through a digital network."

According to Urban Milwaukee, "The idea for the fee originated with Milwaukee County Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez who approached Taylor about a state law change allowing Milwaukee County to add a per-ride tax to transportation network companies (TNC) like Uber and Lyft. The supervisor told the committee she is seeking the county tax to respond to an increase in potholes and decline in Milwaukee County Transit System revenue that she said are a result of the app-based services."

City of Milwaukee Alderwoman Nikiya Dodd proposed a 60 cent fee for Uber/Lyft, the third-party delivery services, which the fee is also supported by Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor and Milwaukee County Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, which would add millions of dollars to the City budget designated to fix pot holes and streets.

Editor's note: Why is Alderwoman
Nikiya Dodd proposing a 60 cent fee for TNC third-party delivery services like Uber/Lyft in the City of Milwaukee and Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor including Milwaukee County Supervisor Sylvia Ortiz-Velez supporting such fees for street repairs including fixing pot holes? 

Simply because, every year the City faces at least a $20M gap in its budget to operated efficiently and members of the Milwaukee Common Council have to find alternative options to generate revenue, since it doesn't have State authority to tax, but can provide service fees to generate revenue.

Another issue affecting local tax revenue, the City pays its share of combined tax revenue to the State and in return, the State distributes a share revenue to the City to operate, but through the years, the share revenue for the City has declined. In brief, the City pays the State more tax revenue than what the State returns to the City in share revenue.

For example, in 2015, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR) reported that the State collected $1,377,329,811 per year in combined taxes from the City of Milwaukee and the State distributed at least $249.90M in share revenue and in 2018, Milwaukee received at least $228.20M in share revenue and in 2019, it received $229.30M in share revenues.

The WI Department of Revenue in 2015, ceased to publicly report the combine taxes collected from each municipality and ect. and the amount of share revenue it distributed to each municipality and ect. 

"The State Department of Revenue used to prepare a report, “State Taxes and Aids by Municipality and County”. This report broke down dollars sent back to each municipality in the form of shared revenue, school levy tax credit, lottery credit, aids, etc., and also provided estimates as to how much state-collected income tax, corporate tax, sales tax, excise (gas) tax, utility tax, etc., could be attributed to a municipality. The State discontinued this report in 2015, which is why the data hasn’t been updated in the 2020 Plan and Budget Summary. While I can get the various State payments to the City for any given year, the DOR reports only a single, state-wide figure for most of its tax collections. One exception is sales tax collections, which are reported at a county level."

"According to the Budget Office, using the DOR report, in 2015, $1,377,329,811 in State-collected revenue came from Milwaukee," Dana Zelazny, the City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau reported to Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA).

In other words, the State has stopped compiling the big numbers for taxpayers, since 2015, to avoid, scrutiny, questions from taxpayers and for taxpayers to demand their fair allotment of share revenues for their municipalities and ect., since they pay more than enough taxes in the state.

Also in the Milwaukee County level, the County paid the State nearly $3B per year in combined taxes and the State distributes at least 9% (nearly $250M) in share revenues to Milwaukee County to operate per year.

In 2018, Milwaukee County taxpayers sent $569 million more to the State of Wisconsin than they did in 2009.  This reflects an increase in income taxes, sales taxes, and other taxes sent to the State.  At the same time, the State returned $144 million less to Milwaukee County and its municipalities. The attached slides show the changes year-over-year.  I’ll highlight that the $144m reduction includes specifically funding the County and municipal governments. It does not capture funding that is sent to school districts, human service programs which are not run by the County, other non-county/municipal programs, according to Joe Lamers, the Director for the Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget (PSB) in Milwaukee County Department of Administrative Services. 

In essence, both the City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County pay the State sufficient combined tax revenues and in return, both the City and County get less in share revenue, which is highway robbery and taxpayers should be up in arms complaining to their State legislators of the disparity and a lack of sufficient share revenues for their City and County to operate efficiently.

This is not a partisan issue, but a non-partisan issue affecting every taxpayer in every municipality, village and town in the State of Wisconsin.

So next time a local taxpayer complaints about a local elected official who is attempting to enact service fees or thinking out of the box to generate revenues to operate their municipalities efficiently, blame the State for scamming excessive combined taxes and distributing less share revenue to municipalities to operate efficiently.

26 Drug Trafficking Defendants From Milwaukee, WI And Puerto Rico Charged By Feds For Money Laundering, Distributing Cocaine, Heroin And Fentanyl By The U.S. Postal Service

The Milwaukee and Puerto Rico drug trafficking connection used the U.S. Postal Service to mail and distribute cocaine, heroin and fentanyl, according to feds.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 16, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin  - On Thursday, Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced in a press release that 26 defendants have been charged in federal court with trafficking at least five kilograms or more of cocaine as well as distributable quantities of heroin and fentanyl.  The defendants were also charged with money laundering and conspiracy to commit money laundering.  If convicted, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and up to life in prison.  According to the complaint, the defendants were part of a drug-trafficking organization that has been sending multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine through the U.S. Postal Service from Puerto Rico to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

On January 15, 2020, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers arrested 22 of these defendants.  The officers also executed search warrants in both Milwaukee and Puerto Rico resulting in the seizure of approximately 15 kilograms of cocaine, at least 50 grams of heroin, at least 80 grams of crack cocaine, 35 firearms (25 handguns, 8 rifles, 1 fully automatic handgun, and 1 sawed off shotgun), and approximately $267,000 in U.S. currency.

United States Attorney Krueger said in announcing this takedown: "Our communities continue to suffer from an unprecedented drug epidemic that has taken far too many lives.  The drug trafficking organizations that fuel this epidemic for their own profit must be stopped and held accountable.  These arrests demonstrate the extraordinary commitment and partnership among all levels of law enforcement to pursue traffickers, wherever they are operate." 

The defendants charged in this law enforcement action, called Operation Island Hopper, are:

• Jose GONZALEZ-COLLADO, 28, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Hector Yamil RODRIGUEZ-RODRIGUEZ, 28, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

•  Marcos APONTE-LEBRON, 40, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Vladimir RODRIGUEZ-RODRIGUEZ, 25, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Steven CORTES-IRIZARRY, 38, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Kevin TORRES-BONILLA, 29, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Andros MARTINEZ-PELLOT, 30, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Eric ROSA, 32, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Kadeja LEWIS, 29, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Yadier ROSARIO, 23, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Julio RIVERA-RAMIREZ, 51, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Rafael RIVERA-QUINONES, 34, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Ricardo BONILLA, 48, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Jose BURGOS-RIVERA, 42, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Jomar LABOY-SILVA, 27, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Enid MARTINEZ, 32, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Alexander MORALES-RIVERA, 27, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Wilberto SANTIAGO-MARTINEZ, 38, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Julio SEDA-MARTINEZ, 39, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• Jose M. AVILES-GONZALEZ, 25, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• David QUINONES-QUINONES, 48, Puerto Rico, U.S.A.

• David Joel QUINONES-RIOS, 29, Puerto Rico, U.S.A.

• Roberto ORENCH-FELICIANO, 27, Puerto Rico, U.S.A.

• Carlos Omar CONCEPCION-RIVERA, 31, Puerto Rico, U.S.A.

• Yashira Jehovalis CORTES-NIEVES, 24, Puerto Rico, U.S.A.

• Keishla M. ORENCH-FELICIANO, 27, Puerto Rico, U.S.A.

"This case shows the impact that intensive investigations targeting large-scale drug trafficking can have," said Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. "When local, state, and federal investigators work together, as they have in this case, we can disrupt the supply of narcotics to Wisconsin and help people avoid addiction. Thank you to the brave law enforcement professionals at DCI and other agencies who have worked on this case."

 "The DEA is committed working with its local, state and federal law enforcement partners to keep the citizens of Milwaukee safe from drug trafficking and the violence that is always associated with it.  Today's arrests shows the resolve of law enforcement to work together in order to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals who profit from the national drug epidemic," said DEA Milwaukee District Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Paul E. Maxwell, Jr. 

Chicago Division Postal Inspector in Charge Bill Hedrick said, "The incredible partnerships between law enforcement agencies are imperative to protect the American public from illegal drug activity and the violence that goes along with it.  The criminal activity in this case was uncovered through the investigation of drug parcels by a well-trained Postal Inspector, and transformed into this multi-faceted investigation which led to the numerous arrests we have today.   Postal Inspectors work not only to remove drugs from the mail, but to investigate and arrest individuals, and disrupt drug trafficking across the United States."  

"This investigation's success is a direct result of the strong partnership between HSI and our local, state and federal law enforcement partners," said Special Agent in Charge James M. Gibbons, HSI Chicago. "This close coordination between law enforcement agencies is essential to ensuring those allegedly involved in the illicit drug trade are brought to justice."

ATF Special Agent in Charge Tim Jones said, "Protecting the American people from criminal organizations is a priority of the ATF.  Operations such as this are a great example of how law enforcement partnerships working in concert can help protect the public from criminal organizations and reduce violent crime."

The defendants were charged based on a multi-year investigation led by law enforcement agents and officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Milwaukee Police Department, and the City of New Berlin Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Brady, Jr. and Assistant United States Attorney Gail Hoffman are prosecuting the case, according to the press release.

MATC Faculty Under-compensated And New Part Time Faculty Facing Less Compensation In 2020 While Salary Of MATC President Nearly Doubled Since 2010

MATC full and part-time faculty not expected to get any type of raises in the next four years and new part-time faculty will get less pay and no compensation for prep time, according to the MATC Board approval of salary adjustments recommended by a compensation study backed by the MATC president.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 14, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - The Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) full-time faculty and part-time faculty are not expected to receive any salary increase for the next four years, except MATC President Vicki Martin whose salary has nearly doubled since 2010. The MATC Board has yet to freeze Martin's salary, which averages more than $340,000 per year as the faculty is facing no salary increases in upcoming years and part-time faculty are also facing less pay including less compensation for prep time as well.

The MATC Local 212 says that part-time faculty pay was cut in 2014, when it was reduced from 60% to 52% of full-time faculty pay.  Further reductions undermine part-time instructors' ability to support MATC students so that they can succeed. MATC part-time faculty were paid not just for "contact hours", but for some of their additional hours of prep time and office hours. It is these extra hours, e.g. 3.4 hours per week for a 3-hour lecture, that the administration reduce for all new part-time faculty, according to Local 212. 

A letter sent to the faculty in mid December 2019 by Martin indicated that the MATC Board unanimously approved the compensation study, which includes four key components of the recommendation:

• Establish an open pay range for all positions. An open pay range has a minimum hourly rate or salary, and a maximum for all jobs at the college based on the market data and internal equity.

• Set the midpoint of the open pay range structure based on established market data for each employee group as follows:

2a. Non-Faculty Positions – Set pay range midpoints at 105-110% of market rate.

2b. Enterprise Jobs – Set open pay range midpoints based on existing minimum and maximum rates based on each job title.

2c. Full-time Faculty – Set pay range midpoint at 107.5% of market rate.

2d. Part-time Faculty –

Current part-time faculty: Set open pay range using current minimum and maximum rates based on instructional hours, office hours and other hours as defined in the current course-type load calculations.

Part-time faculty hired on or after recommendation implementation date: Set open pay range system based on market rate hourly pay. Pay for number of hours based on course type instructional hours, office hours and other.

• Implement a "pay progression" process in which all employees have an equal opportunity to move through the salary structure.

• Continue general pay increases provided to all employees based on the financial situation of the college.

No individual's current pay rate will be reduced as a result of the study, including part-time faculty, according to Martin. 

In other words, Martin eliminated class and step so, no pay increases for anyone until at least four years have passed.  There will be a starting pay, a midpoint, and a final or maximum and  advancement beyond the midpoint will be, for the most part, up to the supervisor, according to Local 212.

Both Candidates Bryan Kennedy And Jim Sullivan For Milwaukee County Executive Will Remain On The Spring Election 2020 Ballot, The County Election Commission Ruled

Candidates Kennedy and Sullivan for Milwaukee County Executive will remain on the ballot, despite challenge by Lipscomb to remove them, the Milwaukee County Election Commission ruled.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 14, 2020

Milwaukee, WI - On Tuesday, a two member Milwaukee County Election Commission decided during a hearing to keep both Bryan Kennedy and Jim Sullivan who are running for Milwaukee County Executive on the Spring Election 2020 ballot. 

Tim Posnanski, the Chairman of the Milwaukee County Election Commission voted in two different motions to deny Lipscomb's challenge and a request to remove both Sullivan and Kennedy from the ballot. Also, Commission member Rick Baas voted to sustain Lipscomb's complaint and to remove the signatures from both candidates. Both motions failed allowing for Kennedy and Sullivan to remain on the Spring Election 2020 ballot.

Candidate for Milwaukee County Executive Theodore Lipscomb Sr. (current Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors Chairman) on Friday challenged the nomination papers circulated by three to four circulators that circulated nomination papers for both Kennedy and Sullivan including another candidate for Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley in violation of Wisconsin State Statues 12.13 (3)(a), which prohibits circulators from circulating nomination papers for more than one candidate for the same race.

According to Lipscomb's filed complaints (https://bit.ly/2tZXEK2), he alleged that nomination papers circulators Alisha Pettis, Lesa Trotter and Dominique Thomas circulated nomination papers for Crowley and then for Kennedy. Also Lipscomb alleged that Alisha Pettis, Lesa Trotter, Keith Pettis and Dominique Thomas circulated nomination papers for Crowley and then for Sullivan violating state election laws for certifying nomination papers.

Apparently, the circulators involved lied to the Kennedy and Sullivan campaigns that they had not circulated nomination papers for another candidate, when in fact they did, according to the Lipscomb, Kennedy and Sullivan campaigns.

Lipscomb told Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) that he will review the decision of the Election Commission to keep both Kennedy and Sullivan on the ballot and will decide in a few days whether to legally challenge their decision.

The County Election Commission also drew ballot positions during the hearing, Sullivan got 1st place, Kennedy got 5th place and Lipscomb got 6th place.

Candidate For Milwaukee County Executive Theodore A. Lipscomb Sr. Files Complaint With Election Commission Claiming Three Candidates Had Same Nomination Papers Circulators

Three candidates for Milwaukee County Executive apparently had same nomination papers circulators, according to Milwaukee County Election Commission complaint filed by Lipscomb Sr.,  candidate for Milwaukee County Executive.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 12, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin- On Friday, Candidate Milwaukee County Executive Theodore A. Lipscomb Sr. (current Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors Chairman) filed a complaint with the Milwaukee County Election Commission claiming same circulators actually circulated nomination signature papers for County executive candidates David Crowley, Jim Sullivan (complaint) and Bryan Kennedy (complaint) which state law only validates nomination signatures for candidate with the earliest date circulated.
According to Lipscomb's complaints, he alleged that nomination papers circulators Alisha Pettis, Lesa Trotter and Dominique Thomas circulated nomination papers for Crowley and then for Kennedy. Also Lipscomb alleged that Alisha Pettis, Lesa Trotter, Keith Pettis and Dominique Thomas circulated nomination papers for Crowley and then for Sullivan violating state election laws for certifying nomination papers.
According to Wisconsin State Statues 12.13 (3)(a) for elections and nomination papers, a circulator could face state charges for falsifying and certifying nomination papers to support a candidate when in fact, it is found that the circulator also circulated nomination papers for another candidate for the same office or position.
At least two of the three candidates facing nomination papers challenge by Lipscomb might not have enough certified nomination signatures to get on the Spring Election ballot 2020.

The Milwaukee County Election Commission is reviewing Lipscomb's complaints and has scheduled a hearing at the Milwaukee County Courthouse room 201-B at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday to decide whether the candidates in question will remain on the ballot.

Milwaukee County Election Commission Hearing Agenda (1/14/2020) link: Includes Theo Lipscomb's complaints and responses from Jim Sullivan and Bryan Kennedy

Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales Says Homicides Decreased Including Crime, But Has Yet To Discipline And Hold 2nd District Officers Accountable For Turning Over Undocumented Man To ICE Without Due Process Or Judicial Warrant

Homicides and crime has decreased, since 2017, according to Milwaukee Police Chief Morales.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 12, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Friday, Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales confirmed that homicides and crimes had decreased, since 2017. According to a Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) press release in which Morales indicated that homicides decreased in the City of Milwaukee for two consecutive years. In 2017, there were 119 homicides. In 2018, homicides decreased to 99 and decreased even further in 2019 to 97. Also, Milwaukee has seen a drastic decrease in other violent crimes including, but not limited to non-fatal shootings and car-jackings. In 2018 non-fatal shootings decreased to 476 from 558 in 2017. Non-fatal shootings continued to decrease in 2019 to 452. In 2017, there were 410 car-jackings; however, in 2018 car-jackings decreased to 383 and in 2019 decreased even further to 346, according to Chief Morales.

Chief Morales credits the decrease in violent crime to the dedicated men and women of the Milwaukee Police Department, neighboring law enforcement partners, members of the public and the community at large.

Since 2018, the Milwaukee Police Department has taken a strategic approach to target offenders who victimize members of our community through use of the Shoot Review Model. The Shoot Review Model is an intelligence-led, data-driven, violence reducing strategy that collaborates law enforcement, researchers and community partners. The Milwaukee Police Department will continue to work to make the City of Milwaukee a safe place to live, work and raise a family, according to the MPD press release.

Chief Morales who was reappointed to a full four year term in December 2019 came under fire by members of the Latino community, allies and Voces de la Frontera (VDLF), a non-profit immigrant rights organization for allowing Milwaukee police officers to assist rogue U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during an immigration enforcement raid to detain and arrest an undocumented suspect without a legal judicial warrant signed by a federal or state judge on September 23, 2019 in the Southside of Milwaukee. The arrest of Jose Alejandro de la Cruz-Espinosa, 38, was video recorded by several members from VDLF, which showed that ICE agents nor Milwaukee police officers at the scene had a legal warrant to detain him. Police officers assisting ICE, contacted De la Cruz-Espinosa's Wisconsin Department of Corrections Probation Officer Minerva Santiago-Gomez to revoke De la Cruz-Espinosa's probation on a frivolous state traffic violation, and police failed to process him for the violation and illegally turned De la Cruz-Espinosa to rogue ICE agents at the scene.

It has been five months, since the De la Cruz-Espinosa's incident and Chief Morales has yet to apply any discipline or hold those police officers involved from the 2nd Police District Station accountable for their illegal acts and not processing De la Cruz-Espinosa for the traffic violation he was taken into custody by police.

The De la Cruz family has indicted to Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) that they are seeking federal legal action against MPD, Chief Morales and the City of Milwaukee for violating De la Cruz-Espinosa's due process rights and etc.

The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission in December approved the Milwaukee Police Department Standard Operation Procedure 130 prohibiting police officers assisting ICE agents during immigration enforcement in the City unless ICE agents have a legal warrant signed by a federal or state judge to arrest an undocumented individual within city limits.

Is The Upcoming Milwaukee Trump Keep America Great/MAGA Cult Rally A Designated Attack Target By Iranian Government?

Numerous social media posts by local residents in the metropolitan area of Milwaukee and vecinity in Wisconsin believe that the upcoming Milwaukee Trump Keep America Great/MAGA cult rally scheduled for January 14th at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena could very well be a designated attack target by the Iranian government and possible nut cases aimed at collecting a $80M bounty for Trump's head.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 7, 2020

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Numerous social media posts including Facebook in the Milwaukee metropolitan area and vecinity by local residents indicate that the upcoming scheduled Trump Keep America Great/MAGA cult rally for January 14th at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena could very well be another possible target by the Iranian government and possible nut cases attempting to collect an $80M bounty for Trump's head. The Iranian people were asked to donate $1 each for a $80M bounty for Trump's head during General Qasem Soleimani's funeral. 

The Iranian government officials have indicated that Trump and the White House including U.S. military installations are targets of an attack for retribution of the cold blooded murder of Iranian General Soleimani in Iraq. Apparently, Trump ordered a deadly drone attack to kill Gen. Soleimani after taking the advice of Mike Pompeo, the Secretary of State to kill the Iranian general, according to media reports.

Now, a dark cloud follows Trump whatever he travels in the U.S. and abroad, which he himself created.

Local residents in the Milwaukee metropolitan area suggest that Trump should stay away from Milwaukee and that he should avoid populated areas, since he has become the principle target by the Iranian government.

Common sense dictates, that people, especially U.S. Citizens should avoid large crowds in enclosed buildings and arenas as a precaution and a safety measure, people should also avoid large crowds, whether indoors or outdoors.

Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) found no recent U.S. government or White House warning advising Americans in the homeland, especially Keep America Great/Make America Great Again (MAGA) cult followers drawn to Trump reelection campaign rallies to avoid large indoor/outdoor gatherings, nor has the Trump reelection campaign seriously evaluated the Iranian government threats of taking revenge against Trump and the White House including U.S. military installations in order to prevent possible mass American casualties, if attacked, which an attack or attacks are eminent, according to the Iranian government threats and warnings and worldwide news networks reports of such threats for revenge against Trump and his administration.

One thing for sure, if the Trump reelection campaign was taking any precautions to keep Trump safe, MAGA cult rallies would be postponed until further notice, but it seems they have not taken the Iranian government threats seriously enough, some might argue.

Americans should no doubt avoid any Trump MAGA rallies as a safety precaution.

The Trump reelection campaign including the White House actually do advertise Trump's movements, whereabouts and where he will be publicly speaking and ranting at MAGA rallies and other venues most of the time.

Update: Reports out of Iraq on Tuesday indicated that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Iran) had taken credit for firing multiple missiles into targeted U.S. military installations, no casualties reported by the Pentagon.

Also, Trump and his administration lied, no intel evidence has been provided, which claims Iranian general who was killed was actually an eminent danger to the U.S. CNN reported on Wednesday that two key GOP senators -- slammed a classified briefing Wednesday on the strike that killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani, charging that administration officials failed to provide evidence to show the attack was imminent and dismissed the role Congress should play in deciding to take military action...Paul and Lee also announced they would support the War Powers resolution sponsored by Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, which would limit the President's ability to use military force in Iran.

Iran's $80M Bounty On Trump's Head Ignites Memes Around The World

Meme news: After reports that a $80M bounty for Trump's head was being offered by Iranians...memes about the bounty began to pop up and go viral on social media and the internet throughout the world.

The Meme definition is an idea, image, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person ... (The suitable Greek root was mim-, meaning "mime" or "mimic"), according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Some memes can be distasteful and others are just humorous...

Apparently, the U.S. Secret Service, NSA, Space Force and the Pentagon are investigating each meme creation for authenticity, according to inside WH sources. :)

Source: Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

Manuel Salazar-Gutierrez Sought By Milwaukee Police In Connection With The Hit-and-run Death Of James Hanson On Christmas Eve

Salazar-Gutierrez is accused of striking Hanson with his vehicle as she walked her two dogs on the sidewalk in Bay View on Christmas Eve.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

January 3, 2020

Bay View, Wisconsin - On Friday, the Milwaukee Police Department identified Manuel Salazar-Gutierrez, 44, as the person of interest wanted in connection with December 24, 2019 fatal hit-and-run death of James 'Jamie' Lee Hanson, 36, of Bay View. Hanson was walking her two dogs on the sidewalk at the 2600 block of S. Howell Ave. around 8:15 p.m. when she was struck by Salazar-

Gutierrez's vehicle (Liberty jeep), according to police. Salazar-Gutierrez fled the scene and left Hanson and one of her dogs fatally injured at the scene. She was 

'pronounced dead at the scene. Salazar-Gutierrez's jeep was located three days later.

According to police, Salazar-Gutierrez was driving and speeding southbound on Howell Ave. when he lost control at a curve and jumped the sidewalk curb and struck Hanson and both of her dogs, he also knocked down a light pole and a parked vehicle was struck as Salazar-Gutierrez continued driving on the sudewalk.

Salazar-Gutierrez is described as 6'01, 250 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He has several tattoos including "Zacateca" across his abdomen.

A $1,000 reward has been offered by Crime Stoppers for information to the whereabouts of Salazar-Gutierrez.

Update: Manuel Salazar-Gutierrez has been charged with two felony counts for second-degree reckless homicide and hit-and-run resulting in death for the December 24, 2019 death of James 'Jamie' Lee Hanson. If convicted on both charges, Salazar-Gutierrez is facing up to 25 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines for each count.

The criminal complaint filed against Salazar-Gutierrez.