Saturday, August 15, 2026

24-year-old Angel Garcia Santibañez Facing Felony Criminal Assault Charges For The Brutal Beating Of Larry Rauch, 43, In The Southside Of Milwaukee

Garcia Santibañez was taken into custody on Friday for the brutal beating of Rauch in the Southside of Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 15, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Friday, Milwaukee police arrested Angel Garcia Santibañez, 24, for the brutal beating of Lawrence "Larry" Rauch Jr., 43, known as "El Paletero" (popsicle vendor) at the 1200 block of S. 16 Street near Beto's Pizza. Jair A. Varela, the owner of Beto's Pizza released indoor and outside video surveillance camera footage showing Garcia Santibañez run up behind Rauch as walked on the sidewalk after he left the pizza place, and punched Rauch from behind, and repeatedly punched and kicked him causing serious injuries. (Videos of assault: https://youtube.com/shorts/uR5PD7ky0sQ)

Rauch's family members say that, he suffered a broken nose, he might lose his vision on his right eye, can't work because of his injuries and has a mental disability.

According to Varela, Garcia Santibañez walked into Beto's Pizza and began to disrespect the female workers, whistled at them, and spit on the floor (a indoor video showed: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19NZRuB8sT/). Rauch and another man escorted Garcia Santibañez outside of Beto's Pizza.

Garcia Santibañez then waited outside Beto's Pizza for Rauch to live and then ran up behind him and punched him, Rauch collapsed and Garcia Santibañez continued to punch him and repeatedly kicked him in the face and body. Rauch could be heard in the video screaming in severe pain.

Garcia Santibañez then fled the scene, but it didn't take long for Facebook detectives to identify Garcia Santibañez, and on Friday morning, police took him into custody.

Assault criminal charges against  Garcia Santibañez are pending, according to police.

A GoFundMe was created for Rauch to help pay for medical expenses: (GoFundMe link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-larrys-recovery-after-the-attack).


Friday, August 14, 2026

36-year-old Thomas Seville Zollicoffer Charged With Three Counts Of 1st-degree Intentional Homicide In Milwaukee



Triple homicide suspect Zollicoffer is facing life in prison without the possibility of parole in Milwaukee County.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 14, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Thursday, Thomas Seville Zollicoffer, 36, aka, "Thomas Bull" was criminally charged with three counts for 1st-degree intentional homicide and four counts for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, for the August 8 murders of Vanessa De Herrera, 26; Scott Bucholz, 29, and Shamarla "Asir" Hare, 38, in Milwaukee. Several of the victims were well known in LGBTQ community in Milwaukee.

Also on Thursday, Elena Star Cole, 38, was charged with one felony count for harboring a felon (helping to hide Zollicoffer) and three misdemeanor counts for child neglect, according to Milwaukee County court records.

If convicted, Zollicoffer is facing up to three life terms in prison without the possibility of parole.

According to the pending homicide charges, on August 8th, Zollicoffer got into a domestic dispute with De Herrera at the Van Dyke Knitting Co. Lofts located at the 2100 block of W. Pierce Street. Zollicoffer fatally shot De Herrera and then fatally shot Bucholz after he attempted to defend De Herrera. Zollicoffer was De Herrera's ex-boyfriend.

After the double homicide in the Southside of Milwaukee, Zollicoffer went to the N. 39 and W. Townsend Streets and also fatally shot Hare.

Zollicoffer was previously convicted for multiple felonies that include 3rd-degree sexual assault, instigation animal fights, and instigation animal fight training.





Thursday, August 13, 2026

Larry, "El Paletero" Assaulted From Behind By Suspect At The 1200 S. 16 Street In The Southside Of Milwaukee





Larry suffered multiple injuries to his face when he was struck from behind and then repeatedly kicked by suspect.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 13, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Thursday, Jair A. Varela, the owner of Beto's Pizza at the 1200 block of S. 16 Street in Milwaukee released indoor and outdoor videos showing a suspect run up behind Larry Rauch, 43, known as "El Paletero", one of Beto's Pizza customers who was walking outside of Beto's Pizza and struck him from behind, and then kicked him multiple times. Valera in his Facebook account asked the local community to help identify the suspect.

Rauch may lose his vision in his injured right eye, according to Valera.

According to Rauch's family members, Larry also has a broken nose, he is disabled (can't work) and is mentally challenged. A GoFundMe was created by his cousin Mercedes López. (GoFundMe link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-larrys-recovery-after-the-attack)

Facebook community detectives, identified the suspect as Angel Garcia Santibañez, aka, "El Chucky" from the town, Poblado Tres Valles, Veracruz, Mexico.

Police have received a copy the video surveillance footage and are searching for the suspect.

Varela says, that Santibañez was escorted out of Beto's Pizza by Larry and another man after he was verbally disrespecting the waitresses by whistling at them and spitting on the floor.

Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) also acquired the videos of the assault courtesy of Beto's Pizza. (Videos: https://youtube.com/shorts/uR5PD7ky0sQ)


Update: On Friday, August 14, 2026, Milwaukee police arrested Angel Garcia Santibañez, 24, and criminal charges are pending.

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

26-year-old Ismael E. Luna Facing Election Fraud Allegations In The 8th Assembly District In Wisconsin

Luna won the Democrat nomination for the 8th Assembly District in the Southside on Tuesday's Primary election, but his campaign has opened a can of worms and is now facing allegations that he might have engaged in election fraud.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 12, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Ismael Luna, 26, the candidate that won the Democrat nomination in the 8th Assembly District in the Southside of Milwaukee is now facing serious allegations from Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milw) that Luna used the 1423 W. Walker Street address for the purpose to run for the State Assembly seat, but never lived at the address. The home and address that Luna used for his political campaign website, nomination papers, Declaration of Candidacy and registering to vote is actually owned by his stepfather, Ismael Rios Beltran, according to sources including the City of Milwaukee property owner records.

Rep. Ortiz-Velez in a prior announcement that she will be filing a formal complaint with the state elections commission challenging challenger Ismael Luna's residency and ballot eligibility. The complaint outlines substantial evidence indicating that Luna does not legally reside within the district he was seeking to represent.

While Luna claims to be a resident of the district, public property and records indicate otherwise. The complaint details that Luna currently owns two separate homes outside of the district's boundaries and maintains his primary, day-to-day residence at one of those out-of-district properties, which is at the S. Honey Creek Drive in Milwaukee where he resides with his partner.  The S. Honey Creek Drive home has a valued market of $386,000, Luna is also the alternate owner with his partner of a property on S. 35 Street in the City of Greenfield, which has a market value of $265,000.

Furthermore, the Ortiz-Velez campaign raised alarm over the out-of-state financial interests backing Luna’s candidacy including the Assembly Democrat Campaign Committee (ADCC) led by Democrat Minority Leader Representative Greta Neubauer (D-Racine). Luna’s campaign has been heavily subsidized by dark money organizations and special interest groups based in Washington, D.C., and New York, according to Rep. Ortiz-Velez.

Representative Ortiz-Velez released the following statement regarding the alleged complaint:

"The people of this district deserve a representative who actually lives in our neighborhoods, shops at our local businesses, and understands the daily realities our families face. When you combine this with the flood of dark money pouring into his campaign from Washington, D.C., and New York, it becomes entirely clear who Ismael Luna is actually working for—and it isn't us. We are calling on the election commission to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to protect the integrity of our local elections."

Luna who won the Democrat nomination for the 8th Assembly District could face a possible election fraud criminal probe. Rep. Ortiz-Velez is expected to file her complaint with the Wisconsin Election Commission, Wisconsin Department of Justice and the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.

Editor's note: On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, the Luna for Assembly responded to the HNNUSA article. A screenshot of the Luna campaign response is attached. No one was identified as the individual responding to the HNNUSA article.

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

WI State Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milw) Ousted By State And Milwaukee County Political Democrat Bosses, Ismael Luna Wins Democrat Nomination In The 8th Assembly District


The political Democrat bosses in the State Assembly and Milwaukee County set precedent for statewide Democrats in Wisconsin, the message, follow orders of not voting for bipartisan bills with Republicans when told, if you break the rule, then you will be ousted during the partisan Primary Elections.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 11, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Tuesday, Wisconsin State Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milw) lost her bid for the Democrat nomination in the 8th Assembly District. Her challenger, Ismael Luna, 26, won the Democrat nomination with 100% reporting: 2,201 votes, 70.25%, compared to Rep. Ortiz-Velez with 928 votes, 29.62%. Luna was seen as the outsider (carpetbagger) in the race for the Democrat nomination and will now be considered as the lame duck representative, if he gets elected in November 2026. Luna will be facing former Milwaukee Alderman Angel Sánchez who is running as a Republican in the 8th Assembly District. Sánchez is strong Trump MAGA supporter.

Rep. Ortiz-Velez was instrumental in helping to pass the DACA bill in the state that allowed for registered DACA college students who graduate from colleges and universities to apply for professional licenses in Wisconsin to work.

It's unfortunate, that immigrant families in the 8th Assembly District who have children that are U.S. Citizens and can vote didn't support Rep. Ortiz-Velez in the Primary Election 2026. Many backed and supported Luna to win the Democratic nomination.

The hundreds of partisan Democrat voters in the 8th Assembly District that elected Luna to be their Democratic candidate in November 2026 General Election, apparently showed their hypocrisy after Rep. Ortiz-Velez was very successful to help pass the DACA bipartisan bill. Also, the Luna supporters and voters unwillingly allowed for the Democratic political bosses in the Wisconsin State Assembly and Milwaukee County set precedent that will lead to future consequences, which is, if you don't adhere to the political bosses orders, not to vote with Republicans in bipartisan bills, and if Democrats decide to vote with Republicans when told not too, they will be ousted during their next Primary elections seeking the Democratic nomination to run as a Democrat.

Rep. Ortiz-Velez was considered an independent voting Democrat who voted for the interest of her district, but Tuesday's Primary Election results showed that voters were willing to give up their own right for equal representation in the Democrat Party of Wisconsin and Milwaukee County Democrats.

Luna unknowingly or knownly accepted to become a lame duck, if he is elected to 8th Assembly District in November, Luna must now follow the precedent set by the Democratic political bosses and special interest groups, which is to follow the political bosses rules to the letter, (despite going against your constituency interests) or get ousted in the next Primary Election. 

If Luna gets elected in November 2026, he will serve for two years, and is expected to be the "Yes" (vendido/sellout) State Assembly representative for the Democrat White political bosses in the Assembly.

Nearly $500,000 including dark money was invested in the Luna for Wisconsin Assembly campaign in 8th Assembly District by immigrant rights organizations, Voces de la Frontera Action, labor unions, Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee (ADCC) and etc..., to help oust Rep. Ortiz-Velez.

Also, Priscilla Prado (D-Milw) in the 9th Assembly District defeated challenger Milwaukee Public Schools Board member Mimi Reza for the Democratic nomination. Rep. Prado won the Democrat nomination with 100% reporting, 3,019 votes, 70.67%, compared to Reza 1,237 votes, 28.96% of the vote. Prado will face Republican Samuel Guerrero in the November 2026 General Election.

In other races, U.S. Representative Tom Tiffany, the Republican candidate for Wisconsin Governor won the Republican nomination for the November election. 

In the race for the Democrat nomination for Governor in Wisconsin between Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley and Wisconsin State Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison), Crowley was the projected winner for the Democratic nomination for Wisconsin Governor. Crowley received 313,321 votes, 39.8% of the votes, compared to Hong who received 310,110 votes, 39.4% of the vote.

County of Milwaukee | County Clerk | 8-11-26 Partisan Primary - Unofficial Results (Election Night Website) https://share.google/HpzhdKoxe1Y2bpGV2

36-year-old Thomas Seville Zollicoffer Arrested By Police In Connection With The Homicides Of Vanessa De Herrera, 26; Scott Bucholz, 29, And Shamarla "Asir" Hare, 38, In Milwaukee


Triple homicide suspect Zollicoffer was taken into custody in Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 11, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Tuesday, Milwaukee police took triple homicide suspect Thomas Seville Zollicoffer, 36, aka, Thomas Bull, into custody after 3:00 p.m. after a stand off with police at the 8400 block of W. Fiebrantz Ave.. Zollicoffer was wanted in connection for the August 8th triple homicide of Vanessa De Herrera, 26; Scott Bucholz, 29, and Shamarla "Asir" Hare, 38, in Milwaukee. Several of the victims were well known in LGBTQ community in Milwaukee.

Zollicoffer is facing three life terms in prison without the possibility of parole for the cold blooded homicides of the three victims. He is also facing multiple charges for a felon use of weapon involving death.

According to the pending homicide charges, on August 8th, Zollicoffer got into a domestic dispute with De Herrera at the Van Dyke Knitting Co. Lofts located at the 2100 block of W. Pierce Street. Zollicoffer fatally shot De Herrera and then fatally shot Bucholz after he attempted to defend De Herrera. Zollicoffer was De Herrera's ex-boyfriend.

After the double homicide in the Southside of Milwaukee, Zollicoffer went to the N. 39 and W. Townsend Streets and also fatally shot Hare.

Zollicoffer was previously convicted for multiple felonies that include 3rd-degree sexual assault, instigation animal fights, and instigation animal fight training.


Monday, August 10, 2026

Allegations Raised That Candidate Ismael Luna In The 8th Assembly District Might Have Misrepresented Himself As A Local Milwaukee Southside Resident

Meza, who apparently says that he is a family member of the owner of the home, which candidate Luna in the 8th Assembly District listed for the Ismael Luna for Wisconsin Assembly campaign website address, indicated that Luna does not rent or live at the address. Attempts to verify Meza's Facebook account was unsuccessful.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 10, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Saturday, Victor Huyke, the Publisher of El Conquistador Latino Newspaper received Facebook messenger messages from Elias Meza who identified himself as a family member of the home owner of a house that Huyke posted a photo off with a broken window in the first level of the home in his social media account, but the house photo post included no address (house located at 1423 W. Walker Street), allegedly indicating that Ismael Luna, a candidate for the Wisconsin State Assembly in the 8th District doesn't actually rent or live at the address, which Luna has listed in his nomination papers, Declaration of Candidacy and in his political website. (Link: Ismael Luna for Wisconsin State Assembly District 8 https://share.google/PPWh7snOw8s1W42pu)

Huyke contacted Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) and released the Facebook messenger messages sent by Meza allegedly saying Luna doesn't rent or live at the pictured home in the Southside of Milwaukee.

Meza wrote, "Hello I’ve been getting lots of messages of a picture of a house that you posted this property is not owned or rented by Ismael Luna anything done to this property will come back to you We have no association with this person thank you." Luna needs to answer why he is claiming that he lives here, according to Huyke. (Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1KeqSs6dVZ/)

Luna responded after the Facebook home photo by Huyke went viral showing a home with a broken window, signs of possible black mole and upper siding repairs in the Southside, which is located at W. Walker Street. Luna informed Huyke that he doesn't own the W. Walker Street property, but is renting the home. (Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DSMDYJrUK/)

Huyke was accused by Luna's supporters of doxing Luna's address at W. Walker Street, which Huyke never posted Luna's address, but the fact is that Luna publicly doxed himself by posting 1423 W. Walker Street address in his political website and where campaign donors could sent money too.

Since the viral home photo circulating revelation, questions have been raised that Luna might not actually reside at the W. Walker Street location. Sources have also allegedly indicated that Luna is spending his nights at one of his properties with his long time male partner at a home at S. Honey Creek Drive instead at the W. Walker Street.

Candidate Luna, 26, is a openly member of the LGBTQ community in Milwaukee, and is considered an outsider (carpetbagger) in the 8th Assembly District who doesn't have a voting history in primary and local elections. Luna will be considered a lame duck in office, if he actually gets elected to represent the 8th Assembly District. 

Most of the Wisconsin State Assembly Democrat Caucus members are backing, campaigning (canvassing) and supporting Luna in an attempt to oust Wisconsin State Assembly Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milw) because she has been an independent Democrat who represents her district and doesn't adhere to Wisconsin State Assembly Democrat Minority Leader Representative Greta Neubauer's (D-Racine) decisions to keep (prohibit) Democrats from voting with across the aisle Republican bipartisan bills that benefit the State. (WI Assembly floor video link: https://youtu.be/RAFbtv0ZXkA)

HNNUSA checked the property ownership at 1423 W. Walker Street with the City of Milwaukee and it shows that Ismael Rios Beltran is the current property owner. HNNUSA could not immediately confirm, if Meza is actually related to Beltran. 

If in fact, Luna doesn't rent or live at 1423 W. Walker Street, then where does he live?

According to the City of Greenfield, Luna is the alternate home owner with his partner of a home at S. 35 St., which is valued at $265,000, and another home listed at S. Honey Creek Drive in Milwaukee valued at $386,000 in Milwaukee. However, Luna's voting registration information shows that he is registered to vote at the 1423 W. Walker Street location.

Luna posted in his social media (Facebook) political account that he would no longer respond to questions being raised by Huyke including the viral home photo that Huyke posted in social media.

Nearly $500,000 dollars of combined campaign donations and other alleged dark campaign money has been spent to support the Luna campaign in an attempt to oust incumbent Wisconsin State Assembly Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milw). (Article link: https://tinyurl.com/2h98zvec)

It seems, that the Luna campaign has opened a can of worms, or he has allegedly misrepresented himself as a candidate.

This is a developing story, stay tune for more revelations of the Luna campaign trail.


Update: On Monday, August 10, 2026, Wisconsin State Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milw) announced that she has filed a complaint with the Wisconsin Election Commission claiming that candidate Ismael Luna doesn't actually live in the 8th Assembly District.

State Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez Files Formal Complaint Challenging Residency Validity of Opponent Ismael Luna

MILWAUKEE, WI — Today, the campaign for State Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez announced it will be filing a formal complaint with the state elections commission challenging challenger Ismael Luna's residency and ballot eligibility. The complaint outlines substantial evidence indicating that Luna does not legally reside within the district he is seeking to represent.

While Luna claims to be a resident of the district, public property and records indicate otherwise. The complaint details that Luna currently owns two separate homes outside of the district's boundaries and maintains his primary, day-to-day residence at one of those out-of-district properties. 

Furthermore, the Ortiz-Velez campaign raised alarm over the out-of-state financial interests backing Luna’s candidacy. Luna’s campaign has been heavily subsidized by dark money organizations and special interest groups based in Washington, D.C., and New York.

Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez released the following statement regarding the complaint:
"The people of this district deserve a representative who actually lives in our neighborhoods, shops at our local businesses, and understands the daily realities our families face. When you combine this with the flood of dark money pouring into his campaign from Washington, D.C., and New York, it becomes entirely clear who Ismael Luna is actually working for—and it isn't us. We are calling on the election commission to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to protect the integrity of our local elections."

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Double Homicide Suspect Thomas Seville Zollicoffer, 36, Sought By Milwaukee Police In Connection With The Fatal Shooting Of Venessa De Herrera, 26, And Scott Bucholz, 29, In The Southside Of Milwaukee

Double homicide reported at the 2100 block of W. Pierce Street in the Southside of Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 9. 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin- On Saturday, August 8, 2026, Milwaukee police responded around 9:44 p.m. to shots fired at the 2100 block of W. Pierce St. in the Southside of Milwaukee. Police located a 26-year-old Vanessa De Herrera and 29-year-old Scott Bucholz with multiple gunshot wounds at the Van Dyke Knitting Co. Lofts building.

Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police are searching for the alleged homicide suspect identified as Thomas Seville Zollicoffer, 36, who was De Herrera's ex-boyfriend in connection with the double homicide on Saturday.

Milwaukee police are also investigating another homicide that occurred at N. 39 and  W. Townsend Streets, which the victim was identified as  Shamarla "Asir" Hare, 38, and Zollicoffer is also a homicide suspect in that murder investigation.

Update: On Tuesday, August 11, 2026 around 3:00 p.m.,  Milwaukee police arrested Thomas Seville Zollicoffer, 36, after a stand off at the 8400 block of W. Fiebrantz Ave., according to police.

Saturday, August 8, 2026

$500K vs. $30k Allegedly Spent In The Race To Oust Incumbent Wisconsin State Representative Sylvia Ortiz (D-Milw) In The 8th Assembly District During The Primary Election 2026

The alleged Wisconsin State Assembly Democrats and Democrat Socialists conspiracy and corruption involving dark money campaign tactics totaling more the $500K to oust incumbent Wisconsin State Assembly Representative Ortiz-Velez (D-Milw) in the 8th Assembly District during the Primary Election 2026.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 8, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Friday, Wisconsin State Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milw) from the 8th Assembly District in the Southside of Milwaukee claimed in her social media account that at least $500,000 has allegedly been spent by political adversaries in the last week in an attempt to oust her from office, simply because she is an independent state representative who happens to be a Democrat for more than 20 years. Ortiz-Velez says, that she is not a Democrat puppet, but the state representative for her constituents in the 8th Assembly District who elected her to represent them, in order words, she is not for sale, according to her campaign videos. (FB link: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1FPdXD8o4q/)

According to Rep. Ortiz-Velez, the majority of the Wisconsin State Assembly Democrat Caucus that includes the Democrat Socialists and other groups have funneled more than $500K in campaign contributions and expenditures to support Rep. Ortiz-Velez's Primary Election challenger Ismael Luna, a candidate for the State Assembly, who is only known in the Southside Latino community for organizing crews to clean up local parks.

Luna doesn't own a property in the 8th Assembly District,  but he rents a home in the Southside of Milwaukee, where he is operating his current election campaign. (FB link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19HAVs5ewk/)

Voting history in Wisconsin, Rep. Ortiz-Velez has voted in 23 elections, since 2017, compared to Luna, who has voted in 3 elections, in 2018 (WI Governor's race), 2020 (Presidential election) and in 2022 (WI Governor's race). Which Luna has no recent history voting in primary or local elections.

Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) has learned from Rep. Ortiz-Velez that the following, the Assembly Democrat Campaign Committee (ADCC) headed by Minority State Assembly leader State Representative Greta Neubauer (D-Racine), Wisconsin Working Families Party, Voces de la Frontera Action (donated $10,000 to the Luna campaign), Assembly Accountability Projected (whose members remain anonymous and who allegedly bought thousands of dollars of negative (spreading lies) campaign ads in cable channels targeting Rep. Ortiz-Velez) and others have allegedly spent thousands of campaign dark money dollars to oust Rep. Ortiz-Velez from office.

Apparently, many Democrats in the Wisconsin State Assembly Democrat Caucus have become dismayed that Rep. Neubauer and others in the ADCC leadership committee has funneled thousands of campaign  dollars to the 8th Assembly District in order to help oust Rep. Ortiz-Velez in the last ten days, which have disenfranchised other State Assembly Democrats from getting campaign funding from the ADCC to help them get elected in close primary election races, according to Rep. Ortiz-Velez. Also, brewing sentiment among State Democrats in Assembly indicate that once the August 11th Primary Election is over, minority Democrat leader Rep. Neubauer will be allegedly replaced by fellow Democrats who are pushing a change of leadership, and Neubauer's influence to allow a majority of the ADCC campaign funding to go to the 8th Assembly District might be the ultimate reason for ousting Neubauer from the State Assembly Democrat Minority leadership position.

Rep. Ortiz-Velez has spent at least $30,000 for her re-election in the Primary Election 2026.

In other political interests, Wisconsin State Representative Ryan Clancy (D-Milw) criticized the MAGA (Make Amerikkka Great Again) infiltrated Milwaukee Police Association (MPA) political endorsements for Republican and Democrat candidates list dated August 11, 2026. Rep. Clancy says, that Wisconsin State Representatives Priscilla Prado (D-Milw) who was also endorsed by the MPA told him that she did not asked or sought an endorsement from the MPA. (FB link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BZN2zBh7M/)

But, Rep. Clancy must have missed that the MPA was one of the sponsors last week of a Tequila tasting fundraiser held for Rep. Prado at La Piña MKE. (FB link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/196Y3j3WHG/)

It seems, that Rep. Prado allegedly failed to tell Rep. Clancy that the MPA had co-sponsored a Tequila tasting fundraiser last week that she benefited from at La Piña MKE. How ironic!

Politics makes very strange bedfellows and where lies and misrepresentations have become very prevelent in Wisconsin politics.

Lastly, in September, we the people will eventually get the totality of how much campaign money including dark money was funneled into the Wisconsin 8th Assembly District from local Democrats, Democrat Socialists, local groups and out of state groups in an attempt to oust Rep. Ortiz-Velez on August 11th, Primary Election 2026.

Rep. Ortiz-Velez told HNNUSA that she is planning to take legal action against all those spreading intentional lies about her, "I will be filing several verified complaints for violations of law including chapter 12.05 against several groups and individuals to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution and liability regarding false public statements."

Rep. Ortiz-Velez's released the following statement on Saturday.

My record makes it absolutely clear: I do not support ICE overreach, and any claim to the contrary is a complete fiction. Throughout my time in the Wisconsin State Assembly, I have consistently authored and fought for legislation to protect our immigrant communities from unconstitutional federal enforcement. I introduced Assembly Bill 57 (AB 57) to legally block ICE from entering sensitive community locations—such as our schools, churches, and medical centers—without a judicially signed warrant. To combat untraceable immigration sweeps in our neighborhoods, I authored Assembly Bill 441 (AB 441), the De-Masking Bill, which mandates that federal agents must clearly identify themselves by name and agency and explicitly bans them from wearing masks to hide their identities. Most importantly, I successfully passed Wisconsin Act 240 with overwhelming bipartisan support, which directly empowers our community by allowing DACA recipients (Dreamers) to obtain official state occupational licenses in over 200 fields. My legislative actions, my votes, and the laws I have passed prove my unwavering commitment to shielding, supporting, and elevating our immigrant families.  We need more than words to protect our communities from ICE, we need action, and I am the only candidate that has delivered real results, Rep. Ortiz-Velez posted in her Facebook account.

Wisconsin State Senator Tim Carpenter (D-Milw) posted in Facebook, Sylvia without your leadership, experience and hard work the DACA Bill would NOT have passed and signed by Gov. Evers. 

Now over 5,000 DACA Students can finally get their Wisconsin occupational licenses to work as nurses, social workers, doctors, etc to help serve our community!

Other legislators and candidates can talk and talk about doing things, but YOU delivered! 

Vote for Sylvia August 11th.


Editor's note: The HNNUSA article is not an endorsement for any political candidate, but a review of what's happening in the 8th Assembly District in Milwaukee, including the projected (estimated) amount of campaign funding and out of state campaign dark money being funneled into Wisconsin during the Primary Elections in 2026.



Monday, August 3, 2026

Puerto Rican Festival of Wisconsin 2026 Returns to Henry Maier Festival Park (Summerfest Grounds) to Kick Off Hispanic Heritage Month

Oro Sólido, BLB, Paquito Acosta’s Héctor Tricoche tribute, and some of the Midwest’s best Puerto Rican food vendors come together on Milwaukee’s lakefront.
 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Monday, Yussef Morales, the Founder and President of the Puerto Rican Festival in Wisconsin in a press release announced that the 13th Annual Puerto Rican Festival of Wisconsin returns to Henry Maier Festival Park on Saturday, September 12, 2026, for a full day of Puerto Rican music, food, culture, and family entertainment. The festival will welcome families and visitors from across Wisconsin and the Midwest as Milwaukee prepares to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
 
This year’s music lineup is headlined by legendary merengue group Oro Sólido and features rising Puerto Rican salsa group BLB. Salsa legend Paquito Acosta will perform his hits and present a special tribute to the late Héctor Tricoche. Additional performers and stage announcements will be released soon. (Video link: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DPZ8dfht4/)
 
Food will be one of the festival’s biggest attractions, bringing together some of the best Puerto Rican food vendors in the Midwest. Guests can experience authentic island flavors, traditional dishes, street-food favorites, and desserts from Puerto Rican restaurants, cooks, and food trucks gathered in one festival location.

Beyond the music and food, the festival will feature bomba y plena performances and workshops, a Taíno history exhibit, the Mercado Jíbaro, local vendors, community activations, and activities for children and families.
 
“People come for the music, but the food is just as important to the experience,” said festival founder Yussef Morales. “We are proud to bring together some of the best Puerto Rican food vendors in the Midwest so families can enjoy the flavors, sounds, history, and traditions of Puerto Rico in one of the best venues in the country.”
 
Founded in 2013, the Puerto Rican Festival of Wisconsin has grown into one of the Midwest’s major Puerto Rican cultural celebrations, creating a family-friendly destination that brings Puerto Rico to Milwaukee’s lakefront.

Posted on August 3, 2026

Source: Hispanic News Network U.S.A.


Saturday, August 1, 2026

45-year-old Abel Gonzales Salinas Stabbed To Death, Milwaukee Police Seek Suspect(s) Connected The The Homicide

Stabbing homicide reported at S. 28 St. and W. Greenfield Ave. in Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 1, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin- On Friday, Milwaukee police responded to a stabbing at 7:00 p.m. at the 1300 block of S. 28 Street in the Southside of Milwaukee. Police located Abel Gonzales Salinas, 45, suffering from multiple stab wounds. Salinas was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police are reviewing nearby outdoor surveillance cameras to determine the identity of the homicide suspect(s).

Salinas is originally from Tequisquiapan, Queretaro, Mexico.


One Female And Three Men Abducted In Milwaukee By Masked MAGA Gestapo USICE Agents On June 27th In The Southside

At least one female and three males were abducted by MAGA Gestapo masked USICE agents in the Southside of Milwaukee on June 27th.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 1, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On June 27, 2026, in the morning Fernanda Gomez, 22, and her uncle Miguel Gomez, 31, were stopped by multiple unmarked vehicles, which contained MAGA Gestapo masked USICE agents near S. Chase Avenue and W. Oklahoma Ave. Fernanda and Miguel were forced out of their vehicle at gun point and abducted.

They were both taken to the USICE facility in Milwaukee and separated. Fernanda was later released by USICE and Miguel along with two other men who were picked up by USICE agents that same morning were transported to another undisclosed location.

Fernanda and her family haven't been able to locate Miguel since his arrest in June, and a USICE locator website didn't provide any information about his arrest and where he is currently being detained.

Miguel has lived in Milwaukee for 4 years.

Fernanda indicated that she has contacted Voces de la Frontera (VDLF) about the USICE incident, but VDLF Facebook account hasn't confirmed any USICE arrests for June 27, 2026.

Fernanda and her family decided to come out public on August 1, 2026, and provided the abduction information about Miguel to Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) in order to locate her uncle. She is also organizing a fundraising event to help raise funds for legal costs for her uncle and other needs for her family.


Friday, July 31, 2026

21-year-old Xavier Alexis Pérez Jr. Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison For The 2nd-degree Reckless Homicide Of Tai Rosa Pérez, 38, Hit-and-run Crash In The Southside Of Milwaukee

Pérez Jr. in a plea agreement with Milwaukee County prosecutors received 20 years in prison with 10 years in confinement and 10 years supervision for 2nd-degree reckless homicide in the hit-and-run death of Pérez. Pérez Jr. is not related to Pérez, the deceased crash victim.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 31, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Monday, Xavier Alexis Pérez Jr, 21, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for 2nd-degree reckless homicide for the August 26, 2024 hit-and-run deadly crash that claimed the life of Tai Rosa Pérez, 38, at the 2200 block of S. Muskego Avenue in the Southside of Milwaukee.

In a plea agreement with Milwaukee County prosecutors, Pérez Jr. pleaded guilty on June 5, 2026 and the felony hit-and-run charge was dismissed, but read into the record when he was sentenced on Monday.

According to the criminal complaint, police say Pérez Jr. was heading Southbound on S. Muskego Ave. at a high rate of speed (70 mph, according to vehicle's computer data) in a stolen Cadillac SUV (reported stolen on August 23, 2024 at Brady and Marshall Streets), when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed head-on into Pérez who was heading Northbound.

Pérez Jr. and a passenger (identified as his girlfriend) on the stolen SUV fled the scene after the crash. The motor of the SUV was located about 175 feet from the crash, according to police.

Police located Pérez Jr.'s girlfriend after an anonymous tip identified both of them. At first she denied being at the crash scene, but blood DNA found inside the Cadillac confirmed she was at the scene with Pérez Jr. Also, she had left her cellphone inside the Cadillac.

Nearby outdoor surveillance cameras footage captured the fatal crash and both Pérez Jr. and his girlfriend running from the scene after the crash. (Video link: https://youtu.be/_PCU8Y4eL0g)


Thursday, July 30, 2026

$156K Settlement Reached In The Powless vs MATC Federal Court Civil Rights Discrimination Lawsuit Filed By Dr. Eva Martinez Powless

MATC payee records showed that Dr. Martinez Powless was issued a $156,000 check labeled "Legal Settlement" dated April 6, 2026, according to the MATC Board of Trustees May 26, 2026 meeting records.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 30, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On April 6, 2026, the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) issued a $156,000 legal settlement check to Dr. Eva Martinez Powless after reaching a settlement agreement by both parties in the federal discrimination lawsuit filed by Powless Martinez for back pay and punitive damages. Dr. Martinez Powless, the former first Milwaukee Area Technical College Vice-President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion on December 30, 2024, filed a civil rights discrimination complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Milwaukee District and claimed that MATC violated her right to equal employment.

Dr. Martinez Powless was terminated from her position at MATC on April 15, 2024, according to the federal complaint. (HNNUSA article link: https://hispanicnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2025/01/federal-civil-rights-complaint-claims.html?m=1)

Dr. Martinez Powless claimed that MATC knownly conducted the malicious discriminatory and retaliatory practices, willfully causing Martinez Powless to suffer substantial economic and non-economic damages, severe mental anguish and emotional distress.

According to the federal complaint, Martinez Powless began to get complaints from MATC employees that they were experiencing discrimination, harassment, retaliation and were not being promoted to other positions when applying for job openings.

When she brought up the MATC employees complaints to her direct manager, Phillip King, the Executive Vice-President of Student Success at MATC, he began to exclude her from leadership team meetings and began to bully her, including the practice of micro-aggression at the workplace, micromanaging her work and treating her in "an unprofessional and inappropriate way", and denying her the same terms and conditions of employment available to employees who are not Latina or immigrants.

Shortly after Dr. Martinez Powless's termination at MATC in April 2024, the MATC Board of Trustees selected Dr. Anthony Cruz as the current President at the technical college on May 2, 2024 during a board meeting.

Since, Dr. Cruz had been hired, he has failed to effectively neutralize the ongoing internal hostile work environment that employees and instructors have been facing for years at MATC. (Here's the October 2024 MATC Board meeting video where Luz Sosa, Carlos Aranda, Patricia Gómez and others exposed the hostile, harassment, retaliation and discrimination practices by leadership administrators at the technical college. https://youtu.be/Lm_ImpZGXn4)

In last two years that Dr. Cruz has worked at the technical college, MATC has doubled its deficit and is facing a $2.5 deficit in 2027. (HNNUSA article link: https://hispanicnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2026/07/matc-president-anthony-cruz-celebrates.html?m=0)

Today at MATC, there is only one Latina high ranking administrator left in Dr. Cruz's administration. Most of the MATC administrators are composed of White males, according to the administration staff make up.

Most of the Latino/Hispanic high ranking administrators at MATC have either left the technical college for better opportunities, terminated or alleged forced retirement.

Also today, MATC and Dr. Cruz are facing and additional discrimination complaints with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division after four former student services specialists (Hispanic/Latino, African-American, Asian-American and Native-American) of the Office of Multicultural Student Services were terminated in August 2025, which the Multicultural student services were phased out (eliminated) and replaced by the Office of Community Impact. (HNNUSA article link: https://hispanicnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2025/11/four-former-student-services.html?m=1)

The current MATC Board of Trustees at link: 

Board of Directors | MATC https://share.google/XlUbk3aq01QMqfpNU


Wednesday, July 29, 2026

54-year-old Sherry May Long Fatally Struck By Vehicle At The 1100 Block Of W. Historic Mitchell Street In The Southside Of Milwaukee

Long was apparently seating on the Westbound street pavement along W. Historic Mitchell Street when a vehicle struck her causing her death.

By H. Nelson Goodson
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 29, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Wednesday, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office identified Sherry May Long, 54, of Oshkosh as the victim of a fatal vehicle collision that resulted in her death. According to witnesses at the scene, Long was seating on the Westbound street lane at the 1100 block of W. Historic Mitchell Street around 11:35 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026 when the Westbound vehicle struck her. Long was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The female driver of the vehicle that struck Long remained at the scene.

Police continue with the ongoing death investigation.


Monday, July 27, 2026

Four Hispanic Teens Identified, Driver Lost Control Of Truck While Speeding On The S. Cicero Avenue Bridge At 69th Street And Plunged Into A Train Box Car Killing Them On Impact In Southwest Chicago

Illinois State Police and Chicago police attempted to stop a red Chevy truck with four teens inside (two males, 2 females), after a report of a rifle taken out of window by teen and aiming it at police vehicle.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 27, 2026

Chicago, Illinois - On Sunday, four teens died after the red Chevy truck they were traveling in lost controlled at the Cicero Avenue bridge on 69th Street and plunged into a train box car underneath. The driver of the truck was fleeing Chicago police at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the truck and went over the bridge. (Video link: https://youtu.be/1y8CVXLLFdA)

The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office identified the four teens as, Yuarem García-Peña, 18, from Woodstock; Christopher López Montan, 19, from Woodstock; Yaritza Martinez Villeda, 17, from Crystal Lake and Vanessa Morales, 14, from Palestine in Illinois.

According to Illinois State Police (ISP), one of the teens in the truck pointed a rifle at a police vehicle. When ISP attempted a traffic stop at the 5500 block of S. Cicero Avenue, the driver briefly stopped, but then he sped away. ISP called for backup and Chicago police joined the pursuit of the fleeing truck. The driver of the truck apparently lost control at the 6900 block of S. Cicero Avenue in Bedford Park neighborhood while going at a high rate of speed and went off (became airborne) the bridge around 2:16 a.m. and plunged head on into a train box car underneath the bridge. A video surveillance camera under the bridge capture the moment the truck flew into the train box car and the impact killed three of the teens (two males and one female). The surviving female teen was conveyed to the Advocate Christ Medical Center where she later succumbed to her injuries of the crash and was pronounced deceased.


Friday, July 24, 2026

25-year-old Luis Barahona López Charged For The Stabbing Homicide Of José Samuel Valdivia, 28, In West Milwaukee

Valdivia was stabbed in bed by 25-year-old suspect who walked into the home of his 25-year-old ex-girlfriend who was also cut in the lower extremities.

By H. Nelson Goodson
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 24, 2026

West Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Wednesday, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office identified José Samuel Valdivia, 28, as the stabbing death victim at the 1200 block of S. 52 Street in West Milwaukee. Valdivia was stabbed 17 times by Luis Barahona López, 25, while he slept at his girlfriend's home.

López has been charged with 1st-degree intentional homicide by use of a dangerous weapon and 1st-degree reckless endangering safety with domestic abuse using a dangerous weapon.

If convicted, López is facing life in prison without the possibility of parole for Valdivia's murder. López has a $100,000 cash bail, according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office.

According to the criminal complaint, López apparently decided to go to his ex-girlfriend's home and broke into her home. His ex-girlfriend on social  media (Facebook) confirmed that she had her keys to go into her home, the night López broke in. Milwaukee County court paternity records indicate that López has children with his ex-girlfriend (identified by name initials - GPI). 

When López gained unannounced access to his ex-girlfriend's home, he also located Valdivia's wallet on the table. López then went to GPI's bedroom and saw both Valdivia and GPI sleeping together in bed. López went back to the kitchen and grabbed several knives and then barged into the bedroom and in a jealous rage, he began to stabbed Valdivia at least 17 times. His ex-girlfriend suddenly woke up and attempted to stop López from stabbing Valdivia as he slept. She was also injured (cut) in the right hand and leg, according to police.

López has an active restraining order against him filed by GPI, he also has an open case for domestic abuse, according to Milwaukee County court records.

GPI in her social media posts also confirmed that she wasn't talking to López at all for some time, and recently had dropped off her kids with him, but she didn't even look at him.  She also posted text messages that showed, she had finally ended her relationship with López and that Valdivia had been aware of her prior relationship with López.

GPI's parents own a popular chain of Mexican food restaurants in the Milwaukee area.

46-year-old Tony Romo, NFL Broadcaster And Former Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Arrested In Milwaukee For OWI 1st Offense

Romo was allegedly driving while intoxicated along the Hoan Bridge on Southbound I-43, according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 24, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Thursday, Tony Romo, 46, a native from Burlington and former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and NFL broadcaster was taken into custody around 6:18 p.m. after he failed a field sobriety test. According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), Romo was driving Southbound along the Hoan Bridge on I-43 when he was stopped for allegedly operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He was booked at the Milwaukee County jail and then released around 11:00 p.m.. 

Romo was charged with OWI 1st offense, if found guilty, he is facing a fine between $150 to $300, plus a mandatory $435 surcharge and a license revocation for 6 to 9 months.

Romo resides in Dallas. He was in Wisconsin to compete in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship golf tournament in West Bend. Romo tied 73.

Romo is scheduled for a Milwaukee County Court hearing on September 21st.

Editor's note: Tony Romo is just one of the thousands of Wisconsin drivers that drive while OWI in the State of Wisconsin everyday, especially on weekends in Milwaukee where there are more bars (taverns) and night clubs per block than food trucks or grocery stores. Romo's luck just ran out and was stopped for a OWI sobriety check.

Thursday, July 23, 2026

City Resolution Recognizing The Work Of The Late Maestro Luis Rodolfo López At South Division High School In Milwaukee Officially Released By Alderman José G. Pérez's Office

The official citation by the Milwaukee Common Council recognizing the work of the late Maestro Luis Rodolfo López as the 1st Bilingual Bicultural Teacher in the Bilingual Program at South Division High School and the Milwaukee Public Schools was publicly released by Alderman José G. Pérez's Office on July 22nd.

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 23, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Tuesday, the 12th Aldermanic District Office of Alderman José G. Pérez and President of the Milwaukee Common Council officially released the resolution (citation) recognizing the work of the late Luis Rodolfo López, 81, as the 1st Bilingual Bicultural Teacher in the Bilingual Program at South Division High School and the Milwaukee Public Schools system. The López resolution was introduced on June 2, 2026 along with other local recognition resolutions during the Milwaukee Common Council meeting and were unanimously approved by the Common Council. (Video link: https://youtu.be/DnIPe_knUCY)

Due to unexplained circumstances and inter-office miscommunication, the López citation remained undetected for official release or delivery to the scheduled López family memorial and celebration of life gathering on June 13, 2026 for the late Luis Rodolfo López at South Division High School in the Southside of Milwaukee. (HNNUSA article link: https://hispanicnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2026/06/tribute-to-late-luis-rodolfo-lopez-1st.html)

Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) published an article on Tuesday reporting that the López resolution hadn't been provided or released to the López family as anticipated by the 12th Aldermanic District, Alderman Pérez's Office. (HNNUSA article link: https://hispanicnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2026/07/milwaukee-alderman-jose-g-perezs-office.html?m=0)

According to information received by HNNUSA, Ald. Pérez emailed José Trejo, the Principal at South Division High on Wednesday and informed him that the citation was ready for release.

Also on Wednesday, Clifton Crump, the Policy and Administration Director for the Milwaukee Common Council President José G. Pérez and the City of Milwaukee contacted HNNUSA and expressed a sincere apology from Ald. Pérez for the late official release of the López resolution to the López family and South Division High School.

HNNUSA and the coordinators of the López memorial and celebration of life gathering, Gloria González, Dr. José Trejo (South Division High School) and H. Nelson Goodson, and sponsor Wisconsin Association for Bilingual Education (WIABE) would like to thank the Milwaukee Common Council and President of the Milwaukee Common Council, Alderman Pérez and his administrative staff Maribel Sánchez-Murrillo and Elisa Hernández including Crump, the Policy and Administration Director for the López citation that was finally made available and released on Wednesday.

Both González and Goodson are South Division High School alumni and were also students of Maestro López.

Update: On August 2, 2026, the López citation was personally and hand delivered to the López family on behalf of the Milwaukee Common Council and Alderman Pérez.





Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Milwaukee Alderman Jóse G. Pérez's Office Failed To Issue Requested Official Recognition Citation For 1st Bilingual Teacher Luis Rodolfo López At South Division High School

The Aldermanic 12th District has yet to officially issue a recognition citation for the late Luis Rodolfo López, the 1st Bilingual Bicultural Teacher in the Bilingual Program at South Division High School and the Milwaukee Public Schools.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 21, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Tuesday, Jóse Trejo, the Principal at South Division High School (SDHS) confirmed to Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA), that SDHS has not received an official recognition citation from Alderman Jóse G. Pérez's Office from the 12th Aldermanic District to recognized the late Luis Rodolfo López, the 1st Bilingual Bicultural Teacher in the Bilingual Program at South Division High School and Milwaukee Public Schools. In April 2026, Maribel Sánchez-Murrillo, the administrative assistant to Ald. Pérez was contacted in order to request a recognition citation for López, the former Bilingual Teacher for his major contributions as an inspiring teacher for many bilingual students at SDHS during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The named Aldermanic citation was requested for June 13, 2026 to be presented at SDHS during the memorial, celebration  of life and recognition for López, but it was never officially issued, delivered or presented that day. (HNNUSA article link: https://hispanicnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2026/06/tribute-to-late-luis-rodolfo-lopez-1st.html)

A week or so before, Sánchez-Murillo and Alderman Pérez were contacted and they confirmed that they would issue the citation for the López memorial gathering at SDHS of family, former Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) administrators, teachers and MPS Bilingual Program personnel, friends and community members including former students that López had taught.

When contacted again after the López memorial gathering, Sánchez-Murillo indicated that Elisa Hernández had worked on the López citation, but as of Tuesday, July 21st, no López citation has been officially released to SDHS or the López family by Ald. Pérez. SDHS is located in Ald. Pérez, 12th Aldermanic District.

An email was sent to Ald. Pérez, Sánchez-Murillo and Hernández by HNNUSA per request by Sánchez-Murillo, and HNNUSA also sent a copy of the email to the Milwaukee Common Council regarding the requested López citation, which apparently never materialized, unfortunately, none of the members of the Milwaukee Common Council including Ald. Pérez, the President of the Milwaukee Common Council have responded.

Editor's note: Alderman Jóse G. Pérez and the Milwaukee Common Council were quick to erase the legacy of the late César E. Chávez, the former leader of the United Farm Workers Union by renaming S. César E. Chávez Drive back to S. 16th Street after mere allegations without any actual proof spread by the New York Times in late March 2026, that Chávez had allegedly molested young girls. The Chávez allegations came after 30 years of his death.

And in López case, months have passed and no recognition citation yet, which López as the 1st Bilingual Teacher was very instrumental in the success of the Milwaukee Public Schools Bilingual Program when it was initiated in the late 1960s, and continues to be a success today.


Wednesday, July 15, 2026

MATC President Anthony Cruz Celebrates 2nd Anniversary Employed At The Technical College, But In Less Than 2 Years, He Double The Deficit

Dr. Cruz posted in his social media (LinkedIn) that he is celebrating his 2nd Anniversary working at the Milwaukee Area Technical College and is continuing his tradition to visit newly enrolled MATC students at the technical college.

By H. Nelson Goodson 
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

July 15, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Wednesday, Dr. Anthony Cruz, President of the Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) announced in his social media (LinkedIn) that he is celebrating his 2nd Anniversary working at MATC and is continuing to visit newly enrolled MATC students at their homes. How ironic, he hasn't visited any of the MATC instructors or workers at MATC in the last 2 years to get feedback about the internal hostile work environment, retaliation,  harassment and etc...they have endured under his leadership, nor has he and the MATC Board of Trustees have done nothing worth mentioning to resolve those ongoing issues in the last 2 years that have led to low working moral by instructors at the technical college.

Dr. Cruz earns $285,000 in salary per year plus perks, $15,000 for travel allowance and $55,000 retirement annuity. Many instructors at MATC and communities of color in the Milwaukee area would say, Cruz hasn't earned his salary and is getting paid for failing to resolve internal employee/administration hostile work environment issues and MATC is facing more than $2.5M in deficit for 2027.

Dr. Cruz can celebrate his 2nd Anniversary of milking a hefty salary from MATC, but actually has no real accomplishments to show and to be celebrated other than getting paid for his failures at the technical college. Unless, we missed something that Dr. Cruz has prevailed to accomplish worth his pay. Getting rid of the Office of Multicultural Student Services and replacing it with the failing Office of Community Impact at MATC was one of his biggest blunders in August 2025, according to members of the communities of color (Hispanic/Latino, Asian-American, African-American and Native-American) it effected.

To date, Dr. Cruz has failed to meet with any of the communities of color to explain his decision to phase out the Office Multicultural Student Services, and he hasn't forged any credible community partnerships in order for MATC to succeed in its intended mission, indicating that he seems to continue to ignore the taxpayer communities of color who actually pay his salary.

The question remains, can MATC afford the luxury to keep Dr. Cruz as President of the technical college another year when facing double the deficit at the technical college while Cruz can't neutralize most of the internal employee/administration issues and etc.? 

In the last 2 years under Dr. Cruz leadership:

• MATC deficit under Milwaukee Area Technical College President Dr. Anthony Cruz more than doubled from previous predecessor (former MATC President Vickie J. Martin) in 2023 with $1.1M to today under Dr. Cruz at $2.8M in 2026 to an expected deficit of $2.5M in fiscal year 2027.

• Student enrollment at MATC has declined, in several years in 2009-2010 to 2010-2011, MATC had nearly 15,000 full-time equivalent student (FTE) enrollment, compared to date in 2026, 9,200 FTE enrollment.

• A 2% student tuition increase for certificate degree and a 3% increase for an associate degree in 2027 has been approved 

• MATC has a current $80.7M outstanding debt through June 30, 2026

• MATC will operate in 2027 with mostly part-time instructors, according to the budget hearing.

• MATC will also target 108 employees, especially full-time instructors for early retirement or no contract renewal in order to offset the pending deficit for FY 2027

• Elimination of the Office of Multicultural Student Services, and unjustly terminating 4 student services specialists affecting Latino/Hispanic, African-American, Asian-American and Native-American students including communities without their imput, in order to comply with Trump's illegal and unconstitutional executive order eliminating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) race related programs, which multiple federal courts have ruled it was unconstitutional.

• MATC facing multiple employees discrimination complaints with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Equal Rights Division.

• MATC administration under Dr. Cruz has proliferated its hostile work environment including the practice of harassment, discrimination and retaliation against employees and instructors that file complaints or just complain.

• MATC cutting employee wages, but are being forced to work more without wage compensation.

• MATC has an all White male administration who are paid excessive wages, for example, Dr. Cruz gets $285,000 in salary per year with extras perks, eventhough, he has more than doubled the MATC deficit, since 2024.

• MATC President Cruz has ignored the communities of color demands to restore the Office of Multicultural Student Services, and has also failed to provide any particular reason why he continues to ignore the communities of color requests who actually pay his salary.

• MATC Human Resources led by Laquitha “Elle” Bonds-Jones, the Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer under Dr. Cruz cut part-time employees hourly wages without their knowledge and also reduced their sick leave pay. Part-time employees had to be compensated back pay wages and earned sick leave fully pay restored. Also, Bonds-Jones was eventually caught altering MATC policies without the knowledge of the MATC Board of Trustees or the MATC Local 212 union. Dr. Cruz has declined to terminate Bonds-Jones for her alleged misdeeds at the technical college.

• Student enrollment stats intentionally inflated, despite student enrollment decline between 2025 to 2026, according to discovery made by MATC Board of Trustees who learned that misinformation was being provided to them at the April 28, 2026 Board meeting. Presentation by Phillip King, the Executive Vice-President and Provost showed an enrollment decline from 2025 to 2026, but enrollment stats were inaccurately inflated, which multiple MATC Board members criticized Phillip for providing inaccurate student enrollment stats. (MATC Board meeting video time at 2:20:00 minute to 2:50:00 minutes stamp)

• MATC Board of Trustees meeting for Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the first 42 minutes of the meeting were public comments by 11 instructors, students and the MATC Local 212 union regarding their concerns and issues they are facing at MATC under Dr. Cruz's administration, at link: https://www.youtube.com/live/--C91QsctXM

• In less than 2 years at MATC, Dr. Cruz has continuously shown lack of leadership including his lack of ability to resolve major plaguing issues at the technical college, which so far, the inept Board of Trustees have failed to take any action to hold Dr. Cruz accountable.

MATC District Board Meeting: Faculty Raise Serious Concerns — AFT Local 212 https://share.google/ZW1kqIaJGjDePQuIx

Protests at MATC (October 28, 2025): https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1JbKnLLzAh/

Full HNNUSA article: ESL Program On The Chopping Block, Instructors Say MATC Going Backwards Under President Dr. Anthony Cruz, Also Technical College Facing $2.5M Deficit For Fiscal Year 2027 (April 28, 2026) https://tinyurl.com/zy8jz5k5

HNNUSA full article at link: Insight MATC: Lack Of Leadership And Efficiency By President Dr. Anthony Cruz, Technical College Facing Layoffs, Job Eliminations, And Possible Administrative Non-contract Renewals To Offset $2.5M Deficit In 2027 (May 21, 2026) https://tinyurl.com/4snzv3pa

Public Hearing Presentation Of Proposed MATC FY 2027 (June 16, 2026) Budget https://www.youtube.com/live/e7LHiCaU42U

Board of Directors | MATC https://share.google/09PKINhK0Cxy4c9ob