José López, 93, Founder Of López Bakery In Milwaukee Passed Away

López opened the first López Bakery in the Southside in 1973.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

September 13, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Thursday, José López, 93, originally from the town of Charcas, in the State of San Luis Potosi in Mexico passed away in Milwaukee County, he first opened the López Bakery in 1973 in the Southside of Milwaukee.

The López Bakery was located at the 600 block of W. National Ave., then it eventually moved to the 1100 block of W. Historic Mitchell Street, where a restaurant was added. 

According to López's obituary, López emigrated to the U.S.A. from Mexico in 1967, moving to Milwaukee in 1969 with his wife Amparo, where he worked various jobs baking and saving up to establish a bakery. In 1973, he rented a small space inside a Mexican grocery store on the Southside. He ran it successfully and was able to save up enough to purchase his first stand alone business, and “Lopez Bakery” was born on S. 3rd & W. Lapham Streets. He operated stores in many parts of the city, which included on S. 6th & W. National Ave., S. 16th Street & W. Lincoln Ave., and S. 11th & W. Mitchell Streets, as well as bakeries in Racine and Waukesha.

The peak of his success was in the late 90’s, where the family operated 5 stores and had 96 employees.

Amparo, 78, originally from Coahuila, Mexico passed in Hales Corners on May 15, 2023.

César A. Pabón-Péres, 98, Passed Away, Remembered As A Pillar In The Puerto Rican Community, Former Korean War Veteran, Professional Wrestler And Senior Exercise Instructor At UCC In Milwaukee

Pabón-Péres remembered as professional wrestler on Puerto Rico in the 1960's and a Korean War Veteran before spending decades working with youths and senior citizens at the United Community Center in the Southside of Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

September 12, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Saturday, César Antonio Pabón-Péres, 98, passed away after spending decades in Milwaukee forging programs at the United Community Center (UCC) to help kids at risk and kept them off the streets. Pabón-Péres was well respected for his ability to help make the UCC a thriving multi-million community non-profit organization today, and worked at UCC for 35 years before retiring and then volunteered at UCC afterwards.

The fitness center at UCC was named after him. Pabón-Péres, who was an Army Sergeant also received the Congressional gold metal in 2016 by former President Barack Obama for his service in the Korean War with the Borinqueneers in the 65th Infantry Regiment from Puerto Rico.

After returning to Puerto Rico from the military, he went to college and later became a special education teacher. Pabón-Péres was then hired by the Milwaukee Christian Center to work with young people with behavioral problems, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

In the 1960's,  Pabón-Péres was also a professional TV wrestler known as the Superman of Puerto Rico.

He managed the Spot at South 6 Street, which later moved to S. 9th Street and became the UCC. Where he later became the senior exercise instructor and weight room orientation instructor at UCC.

According to Julio Pabon, his son, "He was beloved by so many and did many inspirational things with his very long life. He was also known as the cofounder of the United Community Center. After the spot burnt down, he used a letter, signed by Richard Nixon to raise money that was used to purchase the old Church that became the gymnasium, which is now the theater space at UCC. Although he wasn’t the top decision maker at UCC, mainly because he wanted to be on the street level working directly with the community, he was instrumental in creating the culture that existed in that space. He had his arms opened to all and I carry that legacy with me as I teach in the elementary level. I’m grateful for all of his teachings."

Annette Rivera-Pili also says, "My Uncle Emilio Velez, who at the time was his best friend, and they both had a vision to be a part of the community and to help youngsters get off the streets and have a purpose. Unfortunately, my uncle could not see his dream become a reality because he passed away of leukemia at the age of 46 and Mr.Pabon made sure that he would go forward with this dream, which today is UCC that’s a very important part of the story thank you for sharing. In response to Julio Pabon, your father will never be forgotten!!"

30-year-old Janice Ramos Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison For The 2025 Homicide Of Astrid N. González-Feliciano, 30, In The Southside Of Milwaukee

Ramos pleaded guilty in a plea agreement and has been sentenced to 25 years in prison, she must serve 17 years in prison and 8 years supervision in connection with the homicide of González-Feliciano.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

September 12, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Thursday, Janice Ramos, 30, was sentenced to 25 years in prison, with 17 years incarceration and 8 years of supervision for the May 5, 2025 homicide of Astrid N. González-Feliciano, 30, at the 1900 block of W. Amy Place in the Southside of Milwaukee.

Ramos in a plead agreement with prosecutors pleaded guilty on April 8, for a reduced charge of 1st-degree reckless homicide.

According to the criminal complaint, Ramos fatally shot González-Feliciano with a .45 Calber handgun, after 20 hours, police were called to the victim's place of residence after a neighbor saw several of González-Feliciano's nude children outside alone. When police arrived at the scene, they located González-Feliciano's body inside the home and recovered four spent bullet casings including one that her child was holding at the time.

Police apparently discovered that González-Feliciano had been fatally shot at least 20 hours before they were called to the homicide crime scene.

The criminal complaint says, that neighbors had previously heard loud bangs, but thought they were fireworks. Later, a neighbor saw several of González-Feliciano's young children nude in the front porch and when the neighbor asked one of the children about their mother, the child told the neighbor that she was inside on the floor bleeding. The neighbor then called police to the scene.

Milwaukee police were able to get surveillance video from a nearby area and they could see Ramos and another unidentified person wearing hoodies in the shadows by González-Feliciano's residence. Ramos confessed to police that she called her child's father earlier with an excuse to get him to leave González-Feliciano's residence who he was dating. Once Ramos ex-boyfriend left, she approached González-Feliciano who came to the door and fatally shot her multiple times. Ramos told police that it was the other person who killed González-Feliciano, but police have yet to charge Ramos's alleged accomplice.

Democrat Nominee Ismael Luna Should Release His GPS Cellphone Records To Confirm That He Resides At 1423 W. Walker Street In Milwaukee, WI State Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milw) Requested In WEC Election Fraud Complaint

WI State Rep. Ortiz-Velez requesting for Democrat Nominee Ismael Luna to release his GPS cellphone information in order to confirm he actually resides at 1423 W. Walker Street in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Wisconsin State Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milw) in a response (Wisconsin Election Commission-WEC complaint filing) to Democrat nominee Ismael Luna's response to allegations of Election fraud, Ortiz-Velez is requesting Luna to release his GPS cellphone information (records) from August 11, 2026 to date in order for Luna to confirm that his actually stays at 1423 W. Walker Street address at night, which Ortiz-Velez alleged in an Election fraud complaint with the WEC that he doesn't actually reside at the address, which his sworn Declaration of Candidacy claims that he does reside at the address.

Luna previously responded in a WEC filing that he doesn't stay at the 1423 W. Walker Street address from time to time and primarily on the weekends. (HNNUSA article: https://tinyurl.com/bvb4bwsh)

Also, Rep. Ortiz-Velez filed a signed affidavit by Victor Huyke with the WEC claiming that he received messenger messages from multiple individuals claiming that Luna doesn't actually reside at the W. Walker Street address. Huyke posted a photo of Luna's place of residence in social media questioning why the duplex at 1423 W. Walker Street has not been kept up (duplex in need of outdoor repairs).

The Luna Election fraud in the 8th Assembly District in the Southside of Milwaukee inquiry continues as new filings with the WEC questions Luna's response that he lives at the W. Walker Street address. 

Source: Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

 

Democrat Nominee Ismael Luna From The 8th Assembly District Files Response To WI State Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez's WEC Complaint Allagations About His Residency

Update: More questions raised about Democrat nominee Ismael Luna's actual address in the 8th Assembly District in Milwaukee 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Wednesday, Democrat nominee Ismael Luna from the 8th Assembly District confirmed that he doesn't stay at 1423 W. Walker St. address from time to time and primarily on the weekends, and has rented another residence at S. 15 Place within the 8th Assembly District in Milwaukee.

Luna in a notorized statement on September 2, 2026, in response to Wisconsin State Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milw) complaint filed with the Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC) alleging that Luna doesn't actually reside at the W. Walker Street address, disputes Ortiz-Velez's allegations. The 11-page Luna's response is attached in the Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) exclusive post.

Luna also states in his response that he split up from his male partner in November 2025, but still owned properties with his ex-partner.

Sources indicated that Luna and his ex-partner went on vacation to Mexico after the Primary Election 2026.

According to Luna, both Luna and his ex-partner leased out their S. Honey Creek Drive property in April 1, 2026 to other tenants, but Luna failed to address why his nomination papers (dated April to May 2026) included his W. Walker Street address including instructions to nomination paper circulators to return the documents to the S. Honey Creek Drive address at a certain post mark date, which the S. Honey Creek Drive address has a tenant's mailbox and a landlord mail box, according to Luna.

In March 31, 2026, a Luna For Assembly campaign amended registration statement was filed with the WEC stating that the campaign address was at the W. Walker Street.

Luna has recently decided to move out from the W. Walker Street address due to safety concerns (his lease at W. Walker Street address ends on September 30, 2026), which he indicated that he wasn't actually staying at the W. Walker Street address. Luna believes that his address should be private, but as a candidate in Wisconsin and if elected to office, the candidate's and elected official's actual address is public.

Luna failed to mention his ex-partner's current address, since according to Luna's response to the WEC, they don't live at S. Honey Creek Drive in Milwaukee and at the S. 35 Street in the City of Greenfield. 

Luna's 12-page response to the Ortiz-Velez's WEC filed complaint attached to this HNNUSA news post.

In addition: Rep. Ortiz-Velez announced on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 that she is a write-in candidate in the 8th Assembly District for the General Election in November 2026.

Rep. Ortiz-Velez filed WEC complaint against Luna (HNNUSA): https://hispanicnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2026/08/team-luna-nomination-paper-circulators.html?m=0

Posted on September 2, 2026

Source: Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

Whatever Happened To The Infamous $50,000 César E. Chávez Bronze Life-size Statue In The Southside Of Milwaukee, That Proudly Stood At El Rey Supermercado Property?

Who owned the César E. Chávez bronze life-size statue at the Supermercado El Rey Placita location in the Southside of Milwaukee, which was abruptly removed and scraped for money?

WI: Does anyone know who actually owned the $50,000 César E. Chávez life-size bronze statue that was removed from the El Rey Supermercado at the 900 block of S. 16 Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (formerly S. César E. Chávez Drive) in March 2026? 

In March, the owner of the Supermercado El Rey, located at 900 block of S. 16 Street told the mainstream media that the Chávez statue was taken down from his property and would be melted and then the copper/bronze metal would be sold as scrap, and the proceeds would be donated to the farm workers. 

First of all, who actually owned the Chávez bronze statue, since it was funded by community donations, El Rey Supermercado, City and other community donors including business donations.

Who decided to melt the Chávez bronze statue without any community input, also, if it has been melted already, and then sold as scrap metal to pennies to a dollar, how much was the scrap sold for and where did the money go too, or who kept the money from the melted bronze statue?

So far, no public information has been made available about the final outcome of the Chávez bronze statue, especially when the famous Chávez bronze statue was valued at more than $50,000.

Why wasn't the Chávez bronze statue put up for bid, or place in a museum since, César E. Chávez, the leader of the United Farm Workers (UFW) union died in 1993 an innocent man with no criminal record or police criminal investigations accusing him of allegedly molesting young girls.

Allegations that Chávez molested young girls were raised by the alleged victims 33 years in California after his death. To date, no actual proof has ever been made available that Chávez actually molested young girls. We will never know...

The only confirmed facts to date, was that Dolores Huerta, who worked closely with Chávez in the UFW movement confessed in a New York Times article that at the age of 21, she had a consensual affair with Chávez and had a child with him, which Chávez was married at the time, then she admitted that she had a second unconsensual affair with Chávez (while she was married to Richard, César's brother) and had a second child with César, but she decided to give both of César's children to other families to raise.

Huerta never told anyone about her consensual sexual affair with César and kept quiet until 33 years after his death when the NY Times reported in March that Chávez had allegedly molested young girls. 

Editor's note: According to Ramon Candelaria, the former Executive of the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative (CSNI) on Friday says that, his organization at the time secured the initial funding for the Chávez statue, but he left the org before it was unveiled at the El Rey Supermercado property in March 2016. The CSNI org ceased operations on August 2025, before the statue was removed by El Rey in mid March 2026. 

In 2015, The City of Milwaukee, Zilber Family Foundation and El Rey Foods had pledged $10K each, according to an itinerary flyer provided during a fundraiser for the Chávez statue held by the S. César E. Chávez BID 38.

So far, no one has claimed the ownership of the Chávez statue after the CSNI org ceased operations.

Apparently, the fiber glass replica of the life-size Chávez statue that was displayed annually at City Hall during the celebration of Chávez birthday was owned by the Journey House, according to sources. Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) hasn't been able to confirm, if the Journey House still owns the fiber glass replica of the Chávez statue.

According to additional sources, the actual owners of the Chávez bronze life-size statue are the Journey House and the Clarke Square Neighborhood Initiative (the CSNI ceased operations in August 2025 and the VIA Milwaukee CDC took over the service area of the CSNI after August 2025), the VIA Milwaukee CDC says, it does not have any ownership rights to the Chávez bronze statue.

Posted on August 28, 2026

Source: Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

Uriel López-Luz, Who Was Evicted Along With 5 Other Men From A Duplex At The 2800 Block Of W. Forest Home Ave., Ordered To Pay $4,350.00 To City Of Milwaukee

López-Luz failed to appear to an eviction and property forfeiture court hearing, a judgement was granted to the City of Milwaukee totaling more than $4,000, according to Milwaukee County court records.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 27, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Uriel López-Luz, who was evicted on June 25, 2026 from the duplex at 2818 W. Forest Home Ave. by an order of a Milwaukee County court failed to appear at a court hearing on August 25, 2026, and a judgement for $4,350.00 against López-Luz was granted to the City of Milwaukee c/o the Department of City Development.

The City of Milwaukee c/o the Department of City Development filed a small claims civil lawsuit against López-Luz on April 20, 2026 claiming that López-Luz owed rent to the City and the City was seeking compensation for damages caused to the duplex by López-Luz.

López-Luz and 5 other men were apparently evicted in mid June after the City of Milwaukee seized his property in a court filing for not paying property taxes. (HNNUSA article: https://hispanicnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2026/06/6-latino-men-evicted-from-duplex-by.html?m=0)

According to information provided to HNNUSA, López-Luz is planning to file for bankruptcy in federal court. HNNUSA has attempted to contact López-Luz for comment, but was unsuccessful.

Mexican Fiesta 2026 Brawl (Assault) Reported At The Summerfest Grounds In Milwaukee, WI; 18-year-old Man Was Assaulted By Several Men And Woman

A graphic video was posted in social media of an 18-year-old man who was assaulted by several unidentified men and a woman at Mexican Fiesta 2026.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 25, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Sunday, around 9:05 p.m., Milwaukee police responded to the Summerfest grounds (Henry Maier Festival Park) for a battery/fight/assault incident at the Cultural Pavilion during Mexican Fiesta 2026. 

A video of the brawl was posted (released) on Tuesday in social media (Facebook) by Stephanie Ramirez in her personal account, indicating that her 18-year-old son was assaulted by several unidentified men and a female inside the Cultural Pavilion. Her son suffered injuries from the assault.

According to Ramirez, the suspects that assaulted her son are associated with another person who previously shot her son multiple times in February and is doing time in prison.

Ramirez asked Facebook users to share the video and to help identify the suspects. (Video post: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DAm5ZMgHw/)

Ramirez is seeking justice for her son.

No police, Summerfest security or Mexican Fiesta security were seen responding to the brawl (assault) during the 2 minute video.

Extreme Price Gouging Allegedly At Mexican Fiesta 2026, Food Vendors Blamed Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (Summerfest Grounds Management Set Prices)

This year, the Mexican and Tejano population in Milwaukee including from neighboring states were economically stunned, food and beverage prices increased at Mexican Fiesta 2026 to the level that most visiting food consumers and beer drinkers had to limit their expenditures in order to economically survive the 3-day Mexican music Fiesta, known to be the largest in the Midwest.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 25, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Everyone that attended this year's traditional 3-day Mexican Fiesta 2026 at the Henry Maier Festival Park (Milwaukee's lakefront Summerfest Grounds) experience an extreme  price increase of food and beverages, which many alleged was equal to practicing price gouging. For example, a 16 oz cold can of beer, whether Corona or Modelo cost $12.00 each, compared to the same size can for Miller or Miller Light beer, which sold for $10.00 at the Miller Stage area, Micheladas (Mexican beer cocktail) were sold at $20.00, and the prices varied slightly at different locations at the Fiesta grounds. Taco dinners were sold at 10 tacos for $60.00, but had a smaller version of the traditional size tortilla. Combo hotdogs (2 quantity) were sold at $20.00 per order. Puerto Rican food, arroz con gandules y carne frita at $24.00, and pork pinchos at $20.00 each. Chilaquiles de asada sold at $21.00 per order. Plate of carnitas at $20.00. Quesabirria con consume (3 tacos) sold at $25.00 per order and the list goes on.

In addition, close parking to Fiesta cost between $40.00 to $50.00.

The delicious traditional Mexican and Puerto Rican food sold at the 3-day Fiesta might have caused some of the consumers to experience a temporary sour taste afterwards due to the high price they had to pay.

Many Mexican Fiesta festivalgoers say that Fiesta organizers, food and beverage vendors were price gouging this year. But many food vendors allegedly blamed Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. (Summerfest grounds management) at the Henry Maier Festival Park for setting food and beverage prices, others blamed Trumponomics.

Many Mexican Fiesta 2026 attendees complained in social media (Facebook), that they were disappointed that Los Guardianes del Amor was a "no show" on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 8:45 p.m. at the Miller Stage. Mexican Fiesta actually reserves the right for entertainment subject to change without notice during Fiesta. 

Others in the senior age group that attend the 3-day festival indicated that all the popular bands and groups were scheduled late at night at Fiesta.

This year's entry cost at the gate was $28.00 and pre-sale tickets were $22.00.

The Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, Inc. (WHSF), that sponsors the 3-day Mexican Fiesta 2026 announced it gave monetary scholarships to more than 60 recipients, but the scholarship recipients have to work long exhausting hours before the Fiesta begins and during the 3-day Fiesta operation, which many alleged is indentured labor. In other words, WHSF recipients get a minimum of $500 or more in scholarships, which is not free, they have to work (volunteer labor force) for it, in order to get the scholarship. In WHSF's case, student recipients have to work for their scholarships, it's not like other traditional scholarships that the recipients get the award and have no mandatory requirements to volunteer as a labor force to earn the scholarship.

Congrats to WHSF and Mexican Fiesta operations team and all its volunteers (work force) for providing another successful 3-day traditional Fiesta full of culture, music, food, fun, folklore in a time where the Trump MAGA (Make Amerikkka Great Again) administration is indiscriminately targeting hard working immigrant workers for deportation and separating families without due process, including a MAGA White supremacy movement to erase our Mexican traditional culture and history in Milwaukee including Wisconsin and nation.

Since 1973, the Mexican Fiesta tradition is also attributed to preserving and keeping our Mexican, Tejano and Puerto Rican food and music alive in the Midwest.

No MAGA Gestapo USICE operations or kidnappings by ICE agents were reported near the Summerfest grounds during the weekend.

Also, the LULAC Councils that have partnered with the WHSF do provide matching funds to the WHSF scholarship recipients.

The WHSF 990's IRS filing reported in 2024, that its revenue was at $3,352,840, expenses were $2,949,564, and their net income was at $403,286.

WHSF 990's IRS filing tax forms from 2001 to 2024 for Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, Inc. at link: https://tinyurl.com/4x6h53mn

18-year-old Maraih Ruiz Charged With 1st-degree Reckless Homicide For The Road Rage Homicide Of Minerva Hernández López In The Southside Of Milwaukee

Ruiz has been criminally charge for the cold blooded road rage homicide of López.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 21, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Friday, Maraih Ruiz, 18, was  criminally charge with 1st-degree reckless homicide and use of a dangerous weapon for the cold blooded road rage murder of Minerva Hernández López, 44, at the 1000 block of W. Lapham Blvd in Milwaukee.

If convicted, Ruiz is facing up to 60 years in prison, with 40 years incarceration and 20 years supervision.

According to the criminal complaint, Ruiz turned herself in to police at Milwaukee Police District 2 Station. She was accompanied by her mother and a 16-year-old teen who was the passenger in Ruiz's vehicle and witnessed Ruiz fire a handgun at López.

The 16-year-old teen told officers that Ruiz and him were headed to El Rey Grocery store when Ruiz cut-off López in the street. López then told Ruiz that she's needed to drive. Ruiz yelled some obscenities to López while displaying a handgun, and she told López that she was going to call USICE on her.

López took out her cellphone and began video recording Ruiz.

López managed to brake check Ruiz at W. Lapham Blvd as Ruiz chased her, then López made a u-turn at the 900 block of W. Lapham, Ruiz pointed the gun at López's and the 16-year-old told Ruiz not to shoot, but Ruiz fired multiple times at López's vehicle striking López in the shoulder, the bullet went through the neck. López bled out and died at the scene.

Ruiz allowed police to search her vehicle and a .40 Cal. Model 23 Glock and 5 spent bullet casings were recovered from the vehicle.

Ruiz told police that she was having a bad day and had also fought with her mother, and she didn't intend  to shoot López, and that she didn't know why she shot at her.

Ruiz wrote an apology letter to the López family, according to the criminal complaint

24-year-old Angel Garcia Santibañez Charged With Felony Battery In The Brutal Beating Of Lawrence "Larry" Rauch, 43, At The 1200 Block

Garcia Santibañez is out on bail, he was charged for the brutal beating of Rauch in the Southside of Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 19, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Wednesday, Angel Garcia Santibañez, 24, was charged with one felony count for substantial battery 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. 

If convicted, Garcia Santibañez is facing 3 years and 5 months in prison and up to $10,000 in fines, or both.

Jair A. Varela, the owner of Beto's Pizza previously released indoor and outside video surveillance camera footage showing Garcia Santibañez run up behind Rauch after he left the pizza place, and punched Rauch from behind, and repeatedly punched and kicked him multiple times 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 leave 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.

44-year-old Minerva Hernández López Fatally Shot By 18-year-old Female During Rage Road Incident In The Southside Of Milwaukee

Road rage: López was fatally shot in the face at the 1000 Block of W. Lapham Blvd in the Southside of Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 18, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Monday, August 17, 2026, around 3:17 p.m., Milwaukee police responded to the 1000 block of W. Lapham Blvd. after shots were reported. When police arrived at the location, they found Minerva Hernández López, 44, suffering from gunshot wounds.

López was shot in the neck and side of the face during a road rage incident, according to police.

Mariah Ruiz, 18, was taken into custody and is pending criminal charges for 1st-degree intentional homicide. She being held on a $250,000 cash bail at the Milwaukee County jail.

More than 5 fired bullet castings were recovered at the scene. 

The Milwaukee County Medical office was called to the scene, López was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

According to police, López stopped at S. 10 Street while driving to W. Lapham Blvd, she backed up her vehicle in the middle of the street as Ruiz, the driver was behind her. Then Ruiz continued to followed López and as she made a u-turn on Lapham Blvd and then Ruiz fired multiple gunshots at López. Ruiz then fled the scene.

López got out of her vehicle and collapsed while bleeding out from the gunshot wounds.

Nearby outdoor video camera footage allowed police to later identify Ruiz's vehicle leading to her arrest.

Team Luna Nomination Paper Circulators In The Wisconsin 8th Assembly District Used Documents With Two Addresses For Candidate

Team Luna nomination papers circulating in the 8th Assembly District in Wisconsin used documents showing two addresses for State Assembly candidate Ismael Luna in the Southside of Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 18, 2026

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Tuesday, Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) learned that Ismael Luna, 26, the candidate for the Wisconsin Assembly in the 8th District and Democrat nominee allowed his campaign to circulate nomination papers to get him on the ballot from April thru May that included two addresses, one address showed his residing address at 1423 W. Walker Street on the top part of the nomination paper, and a second return address (lower right corner) for the nomination papers showing Ismael Luna for Assembly, 5786 S. Honey Creek Drive in Milwaukee, which is allegedly the primary property that he owns and lives with his partner. The Luna address at W. Walker Street in the nomination paper indicated that he allegedly live at that property, which is owned by Ismael Rios Beltran, his stepfather.

One of the Team Luna nomination paper circulators was Julia Prado, who certified that she circulated the nomination paper dated 4/25/2026.

The questions being raised today are, how many of the Team Luna nomination paper circulators knew that Luna didn't actually lived at the W. Walker Street address and why didn't they questioned the lower right corner notice for them to return the Luna nomination papers to the S. Honey Creek Drive address by Post Mark 5/21/2026? 

Luna's website campaign page has the 1432 W. Walker Street address and is the same address for supporters of his campaign to send campaign donations. (Link: Ismael Luna for Wisconsin State Assembly District 8 https://share.google/PPWh7snOw8s1W42pu)

According to the Luna nomination papers, it shows that Luna was allegedly living at the S. Honey Creek Drive address instead of the W. Walker Street address, which he registered and certified the W. Walker Street address as his primary address with the WEC in his Declaration of Candidacy and used the address in the nomination papers indicating that he lived at W. Walker Street in order to get on the ballot. Luna also registered to vote at the W. Walker Street address, when he allegedly doesn't live at that address. Luna's campaign says, that he is renting and living at the W. Walker Street, but on the contrary, the 35 Luna nomination papers submitted to the WEC instructing circulators to return the Luna nomination papers to the S. Honey Creek Drive address indicates otherwise.

According to the WEC, the Luna campaign submitted an amended Campaign Registration Statement document on 3/31/2026 showing the 1432 W. Walker Street address, in contrary of the post marked return address listed as S. Honey Creek Drive in 35 documents of the Luna nomination papers dated from April to May 2026 that were submitted to the WEC in order to place Luna on the ballot.

On Monday, Wisconsin State Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milw) from the 8th Assembly District filed an alleged election fraud complaint with the Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC) against Luna claiming that he falsely claimed that he lived at the W. Walker Street address, when in fact, he was actually living at the S. Honey Creek Drive address with his male partner Ricardo Blancas. (HNNUSA article: https://tinyurl.com/ydn6zfcm)

The complaint filed by Rep. Ortiz-Velez against Luna is being reviewed by the WEC.

Complaint Filed With The WEC By Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milw) Claiming Ismael Luna, The Democrat Nominee For The 8th Assembly District Committed Multiple Counts Of Election Fraud

Ortiz-Velez in a filed complaint with the WEC in Wisconsin claimed that Luna, the Democrat nominee in the 8th Assembly District, located in the boundaries of the Southside of Milwaukee including Walker's Point allegedly committed multiple counts of election fraud in the Primary Election 2026.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

August 17, 2026

Madison, Wisconsin - On Monday, Wisconsin State Representative Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D-Milw), 48, filed an election fraud complaint with the Wisconsin Election Commission (WEC) against Ismael Luna, 26, the candidate and Democrat nominee for the the 8th State Assembly District claiming that he allegedly committed multiple counts of election fraud including that he registered to vote at 1432 W. Walker Street and voted in the prior Primary Election 2026, when Luna, himself didn't actually lived at the address. Ortiz-Velez claims that Luna in an attempt to deceive Wisconsin Election Commission officials and 8th Assembly District electors, he used the W. Walker Street address as his primary residence in nomination papers and Declaration of Candidacy documents when he actually didn't live at the address. Ortiz-Velez allegedly claims Luna's primary address is at 5786 S. Honey Creek Drive in Milwaukee.

According to Wisconsin State law regarding a candidate running for elected office and declaring his/her candidacy, he/she doesn't need to live in the district they are seeking to represent, but if a candidate declares and officially registers under oath that he/she resides at an address within the district when he/she actually doesn't reside at the address, it is considered illegal and subject to prosecution under Wisconsin State laws.

The WEC will review the alleged election fraud complaint filed on Monday by Ortiz-Velez, and then determine, if Luna allegedly committed multiple counts of fraud, and if found that Luna did commit fraud, the WEC would recommend criminal charges involving election fraud.

WEC complaints attached in the HNNUSA article.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.