Wednesday, October 30, 2024

MATC President Dr. Anthony Cruz Sent Letter To All Colleagues Explaining His Status Quo Position Concerning Issues Plaguing The Technical College

Dr. Cruz writes that "our investigative process includes a determination as to whether discrimination or harassment occurred, and no one on the college's executive leadership team has been found to have engaged in discrimination or harassment." Cruz didn't cite who in investigated the executive leadership team, whether it was an internal MATC investigation, or an independent and impartial investigation.

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

October 30, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Wednesday, Dr. Anthony Cruz Sent out his first letter to all the colleagues at MATC explaining his status quo position and Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) received a copy, which will be included in this article.

HNNUSA first reported on October 22, 2024, that multiple Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) employees (instructors), former MATC students and a community based organization leader from Voces de la Frontera spoke at the MATC Board meeting against the current discriminatory practices by the administration that resulted in retaliation practices as well for those exposing the issues affecting Latino students, instructors and employees at the technical college. (Video of testimony to the MATC District Board at: https://youtu.be/Lm_ImpZGXn4)

In the MATC District Board open public session, the Board heard that the administration ar MATC seemed to have a diminishing commitment to provide bilingual courses taught by qualified bilingual instructors instead of instructors that can only speak English. Also, the three EMMY Award winning bilingual Adelante show aired on Milwaukee PBS Channels 10 and 36 produced at MATC has been cut previously from 32 productions to 12 episodes, according to Patricia Gomez, the television Director/Producer/Host at Milwaukee PBS.  

Luz Sosa, a bilingual economic instructor at MATC claimed, retaliation, discrimination and a lack of promotion opportunities at MATC. Sosa told the MATC District Board that she has served MATC for 13 years and has faced barriers that prevented her from advancing within MATC. "Over the past few years, I have faced retaliation for speaking out against issues that directly affect our students, faculty, and staff, particularly the Latino students, faculty, and staff, and I have experience discrimination that has stifled my professional growth." 

"As a bilingual instructor, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to teach courses in both English and Spanish. 

"Yet, bilingual courses have been assigned to instructors who do not speak Spanish, depriving students of the quality bilingual education they deserve. When I raised concerns about this, I was met not with support, but with hostility. 

"Instead of addressing the issue, I was retaliated against. This retaliation took many forms, being overlooked for courses I am qualified to teach, being excluded from important discussions about the future of bilingual education, and, most painfully, being denied opportunities for promotion to a full time position, despite my qualifications and years of service at MATC."

According to Sosa, many fellow bilingual and minority instructors have been denied promotions regardless of their qualifications. There is a culture of retaliation, harassment, discrimination and exclusion at MATC and it affects many minorities at the technical college.

Sosa also told the Board that she had filed multiple complaints of discrimination and retaliation, but were dismissed without any meaningful investigation.

On October 28, 2024, Daryll L. Fortune, Director - Content and Public Relations at MATC and responded to the HNNUSA article dated October 22, 2024. Fortune statements were that Adelante has produced 9-12 programs per year for the last eight years and there has been no recent change to this. In recent Milwaukee Journal article about Adelante, Fortune indicated that MATC is working hard to provide more programs for the Latino community, but HNNUSA noticed that in the last 8 years, MATC hasn't allowed Adelante to produce more than the limited programming it has today. Why?

As to why MATC assigned monolingual instructors to advertised bilingual programs, Fortune stated, Our bilingual programs and classes are designed to help students whose first language is not English succeed in a college-level environment. In a competitive labor market for all instructors, finding bilingual instructors for our classes is a challenge, however we remain committed to this work. While we are not able to speak to any specific personnel issue, there are occasions when a bilingual instructor may already be scheduled in other courses and cannot take on an additional bilingual section. In a case such as this, a monolingual instructor may be assigned.

HNNUSA asked Fortune the following, if none speaking instructors are assigned to bilingual courses, then the course is no longer offered as bilingual, then why doesn't MATC declassify the course from bilingual to none bilingual and students registering for such course are made aware that the instructor is monolingual and not bilingual?

Also, why hasn't MATC looked for bilingual instructors working part time in its payroll and offered them the option to become full time (employees) positions to fill bilingual vacant positions for certain bilingual courses, instead of assigning monolingual instructors to those courses? Fortune has yet to respond.

Carlos Aranda, Counselor at MATC requested for the MATC District Board conduct an independent audit and investigation into the Human Resources hiring practices, and discrimination, harassment and retaliation cases at MATC.

Aranda recommended to the Board to restore fairness, transparency, and accountability within the MATC institution. (Full article link: http://hispanicnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2024/10/matc-advertised-bilingual-courses-but.html)

In the recent letter by Dr. Cruz, he doesn't indicate that he will enforce accountability against the any practice of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and exclusion at MATC, but seems that he will contine the status quo at the college. Cruz seems to dismiss, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recent article depicting multiple documented cases of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and exclusion. If Dr. Cruz continues his stand to allow the status quo practices by the leadership team at the college, then sooner or later he will be facing a vote of no confidence by the very same colleagues at MATC. HNNUSA did noticed that Cruz didn't even apologized to the MATC colleagues for what many had endured before he arrived at MATC, nor did assure the colleagues that a investigation has been launched to address most of the issues that the colleagues are facing today, and assure that retaliation for addressing such issues will not be tolerated by him and the MATC District Board.

Time will tell, if Dr. Cruz will actually succeed in cleaning up the mess at MATC, by actually replacing the bad apples in his leadership team or he will just milk the cow (collect his salary) and then decide move on.

The following is Dr. Cruz's letter to the MATC colleagues dated October 30, 2024.

Dear MATC Colleagues: 

In my first message to you as president, I focused on belonging and the way we treat one another and our students. These themes, along with a commitment to improving our culture, have been part of our discussions from Coordination Day through a series of Restorative Practices events and MATC Day earlier this month. At these events, team meetings, coffee sessions and more, I have heard about the growth and improvement already taking place and your thoughts on areas in which we have an opportunity to grow. 

You may have read a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel story published this week that focused on concerns expressed by former and current employees and recalling several incidents that have happened in the last five years. As I approach the 100-day mark as your president, I write to speak to you directly about the story and also reinforce my steadfast commitment of support for you and our students. 

One aspect of the story was the time it takes from when a complaint is filed to when it is resolved. Indeed, there have been instances when the time it takes to communicate an ultimate resolution to complainants and respondents reduced the level of confidence in the process. As noted briefly in the story, the college has significantly improved its complaint process to resolve and communicate resolutions on matters more quickly whenever possible. This work was led by Human Resource Vice President Elle Bonds-Jones and General Counsel Sherry Terrell-Webb prior to my arrival, and I want to thank them for their leadership in this effort. Ms. Bonds-Jones also conducted a pay parity and equity review that led to needed salary adjustments. And as we have shared, the college launched affinity groups, anti-bias workshops for all employees, training for hiring panelists, an employee ombudsperson's office and a leadership academy to grow diverse talent.

In my experience leading at other higher education institutions, these are strong signs of growth in our culture. The college's continuing commitment to becoming a more equitable and inclusive institution is part of what drew me to my role here at MATC.

It is also important to note there were aspects of the story that could lead to inaccurate conclusions. As a matter of practice, we, like other employers, do not publicly discuss individual personnel matters. We believe situations with our employees are better handled confidentially than in the news media. For this reason, it is difficult to tell a fair and complete story about any individual incident through the news.  

While I will not speak to any specific cases, anyone who is terminated from the college goes through a documented process. Multiple factors are considered and that person receives a detailed explanation of the factors and findings that generated the outcome. No terminated employee is denied an appeal in accordance with our grievance procedures. No employee is terminated for raising a concern or filing a complaint. In addition, our investigative process includes a determination as to whether discrimination or harassment occurred, and no one on the college's executive leadership team has been found to have engaged in discrimination or harassment. 

I am confident in both our processes and the leaders who guide them. 

At the same time, we do continue to have room to grow as an institution as we seek to be more equitable and inclusive. This includes updating the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Plan led by Interim Vice President Michael Rogers through town hall sessions this fall to inform the process. It also includes the Restorative Practices work led by Mr. Rogers and Ms. Bonds-Jones. Our growth will also be fueled by efforts led by Executive Vice President Dr. Phillip King to bring together  academic and student service teams to strengthen supports for student success. These elements and others will shape our next strategic plan and lead us to be a stronger college. 

A healthy culture is vital to the success of any organization, especially one as diverse as ours, where inclusion, equity and social mobility are at the forefront of our work. Embracing inclusivity and shared goals promotes unity, stronger relationships, and a more effective approach to problem-solving and community building. How we treat each other sets the tone for our students. I am committed to serving you, our employees, so you can better serve our students and help fulfill our mission.

Sincerely,
 
Anthony Cruz, Ed.D.
MATC President


Unusual Milwaukee County Jail Booking Name In Spanish Slang "Chingate" Of Person In Custody

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office booked a person with a very unusual middle name as Juan "Chingate" Castellanos while charges are pending.

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

October 30, 2024

Milwaukee,  Wisconsin - On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Juan Chingate Castellanos was booked at the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office jail in downtown Milwaukee.

Charges are pending for Chingate Castellanos.

What's unusual is his booking registered second name "Chingate", which is considered in slang "#@&%ck You or #@&%ck yourself".

Looks like the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office booking personnel at the jail lack any bilingual speaking or Interpreting skills. Perhaps a booking typo (Chingate) by a Milwaukee County deputy sheriff or corrections officer at the Milwaukee County jail?


Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Salvador Sánchez, 87, Milwaukee Co-founder Of LAUCR, Fiesta Mexicana And Former Executive Director Of UMOS Passed Away In Milwaukee

Sánchez while being the Executive Director at the United Migrant Opportunity Services in the early 1970's was instrumental in bringing down the barriers of discrimination that existed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee along with other notable higher education activists in Milwaukee.

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

October 29, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Tuesday, Salvador Sánchez, 87, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at 2:55 p.m.,  according to his son, Gabriel Sánchez who posted the announcement on his Facebook account.

Sánchez was well known in Milwaukee for his years of involvement in helping to shape and influence social change for the Milwaukee Latino community in the Southside and Wisconsin. Sánchez was the co-founder of the Latin American Union for Civil Rights (LAUCR) along with Ernesto Chacon, Roberto Hernández and Juan Alvarez Cuauhtémoc, other well known Latino Civil Rights advocates and leaders of the 1970's UWM Take Over of the chancellor's office at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee that were instrumental in bringing down the barriers of discrimination that kept Latinos from enrolling at UWM. In 1970, UWM had more than 25,000 White student and less than 17 Latino students enrolled.

Sánchez under LAUCR operated Fiesta Mexicana at the Summerfest grounds from 1977 to 1987.

Sánchez while becoming the director of the United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS) was instrumental in organizing food drop offs at UWM when the Latino community took over the UWM chancellor's office on August 27, 1970, and he allowed students who were taking studies at UMOS to participate in the UWM takeover. He also participated in the takeover of the chancellor's office at UWM.

Sánchez was also instrumental in organizing a huge march along with other leaders  from Milwaukee to Madison to fight for migrant rights and to push for enforcement of housing state laws for seasonal migrants working at farms in Wisconsin.

On August 15, 1966, Sánchez marched beside Jesús Salas, another organizer of the Obreros Unidos movement who marched 88 miles with migrant farm workers from Wautoma to Madison demanding farm workers rights, enforcement of child labor laws and adequate living conditions for seasonal farm workers and their families at Wisconsin farms.

Milwaukee lost another great historic Latino leader and our deepest condolences for the loss to his family.

4 Milwaukee Police SUVs Involved In Three Separate Collisions, 3 In The Southside And 1 In The Northside Within A Week

Multiple police officers reported injured in Milwaukee, 4 police SUVs involved in separate crashes within a week.

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

October 29, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Videos of Milwaukee Police SUVs crashing into vehicles during pursuits, first video, on Monday, October 21, 2024, a Milwaukee police SUV was involved in a multiple vehicle crash around 12:55 p.m. at the 2400 block of W. Greenfield Ave. after pursuing a dark van believed to be involved in a suspected drug sale nearby. Police attempted to make a traffic stop, but the male driver sped away causing a multiple crash involving a gray van and the police SUV. The suspect from the dark van fled the scene on foot. Drugs were allegedly recovered from the suspect's van. Several police officers were reported injured. The female driver of the gray van remained at the scene.

Second video, on Monday, October 28, 2024, two police SUVs including one unmarked SUV crashed into each other around 5:00 p.m. at the intersection of S. 11 Street and W. Greenfield Ave., when pursuing a stolen vehicle. Three officers were reported injured. A 34-year-old man was taken into custody and criminal charges are pending.

Third video, on Monday,  October 28, 2024, a police SUV crashed into Sania Ferguson, 18, who allegedly used the bicycle lane to go around two vehicles that were stopped at the intersection and collided with police around 6:15 p.m. at N. Sherman and W. North Ave. in the Northside. Ferguson, two others and one police officer were reported injured. 

Ferguson was transported to a local hospital for treatment and remained under arrest. The officer was also treated for injuries.

According to a relative, Ferguson says she didn't see the police SUV when they collided with each other.


Sunday, October 27, 2024

LULAC Denounced Hate Speech At Trump Rally In Madison Square Garden Referring To Puerto Rico As A Floating Island Of Garbage

Tasteless joke backfires at Trump rally, which a MAGA comedian referred to Puerto Rico as a floating Island of garbage. Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin and Puerto Rico's Governor Pedro Pierluisi backed Harris after Trump rally acist remarks targeted at Puerto Rico. Also, Forward Latino in Franklin, Wisconsin condemned the Trump rally hate speech about Puerto Rico.

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

October 27, 2024

Washington, D.C. - On Sunday, the National League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) organization denounced Trump's rally hate speech referring to Puerto Rico as a floating Island of garbage. In a press release, LULAC says that they strongly support Puerto Ricans and all Latinos in denouncing the hurtful and derogatory comments made at Sunday's Trump rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City. During the rally, podcast host and (MAGA) comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, one of the speakers, referred to Puerto Rico as "a floating island of garbage." He also disparaged Latinos who, he mocked, "enjoy making babies."

The National LULAC organization's PAC endorsed Harris and Walz in August.

"We are shocked but not surprised that the Trump campaign in New York today has stooped to allow a speaker to call the island of Puerto Rico 'floating garbage,'" said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President. "LULAC does not care how they spin it; these words spewed by a so-called comedian should have never been allowed and should have been immediately rejected and condemned by Donald Trump. However, as usual, he has remained silent and, in the process, insulted millions of proud people who are Puerto Rican and live on the island and throughout the United States. It is a sad day in our country when statements like these go unchallenged by a candidate seeking the highest office in the land. This should preview what we can expect if he returns to the White House. Shame on him!"

The Trump campaign's tolerance for offensive humor, especially against Puerto Rico and its residents, highlights a disturbing pattern of disregard toward the island's people and its challenges. Millions of Puerto Ricans have been rebuilding after a series of devastating natural disasters, from hurricanes to earthquakes, and are a proud and resilient community. Such careless words not only deepen wounds but also normalize harmful rhetoric.

LULAC National Board Member and Vice President for the Southeast United States, Mari Corugedo, who is of Puerto Rican descent, added, "To belittle Puerto Rico and call it 'an island of garbage' is an attack not only on Puerto Ricans but on the very fabric of America. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens who serve, sacrifice, and contribute daily to our nation. They deserve dignity and respect, not insults or paper towels thrown in place of real support. Puerto Rico is part of the United States. Puerto Ricans are proud Americans—loyal, hardworking, and essential to our country's strength and diversity. They deserve leaders who recognize their worth, not those who degrade them. We will vote!"

LULAC demands a formal apology from the Trump campaign and a retraction of the offensive statement. The Latino community will not accept or ignore blatant disrespect toward Puerto Ricans and all who call Puerto Rico home. These remarks, dismissed as "jokes," are harmful reminders that the struggle for respect and equality continues, according to LULAC's press release.

The tasteless joke at the Trump rally about referring to Puerto Rico as a floating Island of garbage backfired against Trump and the MAGA comedian Hinchcliffe, Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny backed Presidential candidate Kamala Harris by posting Harris's pledge to Puerto Rico in his account of 45M followers in Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stories/badbunnypr/) after the Trump rally racist remarks targeted at Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rican artist Ricky Martin, also backed Harris on Sunday.

Other Latino artists and many Republicans followed suit in support of Puerto Rico and on Sunday, Harris renewed her pledged of economic support for Puerto Rico while campaigning in Philadelphia. 

Puerto Rico's Governor Pedro Pierluisi also backed Harris and called for Puerto Ricans to vote for Harris and show their force against bigotry at the ballot box.

Forward Latino National President Darryl Morin in Wisconsin issued the following statement:

“Forward Latino condemns last night’s statement made by a featured speaker at Donald Trump’s closely scripted and choreographed rally in New York City, New York.  The speaker referred to the United States Commonwealth of Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.”  While the campaign quickly disavowed the statement, Donald Trump’s record on Puerto Rico during his presidency closely aligns with the statement.  An independent investigation conducted by the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development found that Donald Trump blocked the release of approximately $20 billion in emergency aid that the island which it was approved to receive.  Because of this, numerous projects were canceled or delayed and the majority of the island was without power for over 10 months, causing the needless loss of additional American lives.

It is important that we remember that all Puerto Ricans are United States Citizens and that they have fought and died to defend the rights of all American Citizens.  According to the United States Department of Defense, since World War I Puerto Ricans have participated in every major U.S. military conflicts.

The Republican National Hispanic Assembly (RNHA) also condemned the offensive remarks by Hinchcliffe at the Trump rally. Hinchcliffe is not a representative of the Trump campaign and his remarks do not reflect the views of the campaign. His words reflect nothing but a poorly executed joke by a misinformed comedian, according to the RNHA.

Video referring to Puerto Rico as a floating Island of garbage at link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBpkCIUgYO5/

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Chicken Palace Owner Valdemar Escobar Ordered By Federal Court To Pay More Than $442K Of Back Wages To 29 Employees From 2 Restaurants In Milwaukee, And 2 In Kenosha And Waukesha

The fed investigation from the U.S. Department of Labor found that Escobar repeatedly violated overtime and minimum wage federal laws and was fined up to $10K in penalties, which 29 employees from four Chicken Palace restaurants operated by Escobar were awarded more than $442K in back wages.

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

October 24, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - A press release from the Office of the Solicitor, U.S. Department of Labor reported that on Monday, a federal judge from the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Wisconsin ordered Chicken Palace, LLC restaurants and Valdemar Escobar, the owner of two Milwaukee locations (3433 W. National Ave and 1937 W. Forest Home Ave.), and  two locations in Waukesha (435 W. Sunset Dr.) and Kenosha (3907 52 St.), to pay $221,070 in back wages and an equal amount of liquidated damages to the 29 affected workers, and a civil money penalty of $10,000 to the department for their willful Fair Labor Standards Act violations.

The Chicken Palace franchise will pay a total of $442,140 to 29 employees that were affected in the case.

The action comes after the department's Wage and Hour Division found, from March 7, 2021, through March 8, 2023, the employer violated federal regulations by doing the following: 

• Paying employees straight-time pay rates for overtime hours over 40 in a workweek. 

• Failing to pay employees the required minimum wage. 

• Not maintaining complete and accurate time records, as required.  

In addition to paying back wages, damages and penalties, Chicken Palace LLC and Escobar agreed to provide employees the Wage and Hour Division's Handy Reference Guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act and other information on their federal wage protections in languages employees speak. The restaurants and Escobar also agreed to an injunction prohibiting future FLSA violations.

The family-owned Fiesta Garibaldi Restaurant Group owns the Chicken Palace Fiesta Garibaldi brand. In addition to its chicken franchise, the company has seven restaurants operating as Fat Valdy's, Fiesta Café and Fiesta Garibaldi Mexican grill in Milwaukee, Kenosha and Waukesha. Only the four Chicken Palace restaurants are involved in this consent judgment.


U.S. Department of Labor v. Chicken Palace LLC, et, al, Valdemar Escobar

Civil Action No. e 2:24-cv-01124-LA



Tuesday, October 22, 2024

MATC Advertised Bilingual Courses, But Only English Speaking Instructors Teach The Courses, Also Latinos/as Claimed Discriminatory, Harassment, Retaliation And Exclusion Practices For Exposing Issues

Multiple MATC employees (instructors), former MATC students and a community based organization leader from Voces de la Frontera spoke against the current discriminatory practices by the administration that resulted in retaliation practices as well for those exposing the issues affecting Latino students, instructors and employees at the technical college.

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

October 22, 2O24 

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Tuesday, multiple Latinas/os spoke at the monthly Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) Board in a public session focusing on the administrations diminishing commitment to provide bilingual courses taught by qualified bilingual instructors instead of instructors that can only speak English. Also, the three EMMY Award winning bilingual Adelante show aired on Milwaukee PBS Channels 10 and 36 produced at MATC has been cut from 32 productions to 12 episodes, according to Patricia Gomez, the television Director/Producer/Host at Milwaukee PBS. 

Gomez who has worked at MATC for 25 years confirmed that she filed a formal complaint against MPBS Vice President Deborah Hamlett after a recent performance review, Hamlett's "comments influencing my scores are not only misleading, but untruthful." Gomez requested for the MATC District Board to halt this Action Plan process, Which Gomez believes is retaliatory, unethical, and unlawful.

Luz Sosa, a bilingual economic instructor at MATC claimed, retaliation, discrimination and a lack of promotion opportunities at MATC. Sosa told the MATC District Board that she has served MATC for 13 years and has faced barriers that prevented her from advancing within MATC. "Over the past few years, I have faced retaliation for speaking out against issues that directly affect our students, faculty, and staff, particularly the Latino students, faculty, and staff, and I have experience discrimination that has stifled my professional growth." 

"As a bilingual instructor, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to teach courses in both English and Spanish. 

"Yet, bilingual courses have been assigned to instructors who do not speak Spanish, depriving students of the quality bilingual education they deserve. When I raised concerns about this, I was met not with support, but with hostility. 

"Instead of addressing the issue, I was retaliated against. This retaliation took many forms, being overlooked for courses I am qualified to teach, being excluded from important discussions about the future of bilingual education, and, most painfully, being denied opportunities for promotion to a full time position, despite my qualifications and years of service at MATC."

According to Sosa, many fellow bilingual and minority instructors have been denied promotions regardless of their qualifications. There is a culture of retaliation, harassment, discrimination and exclusion at MATC and it affects many minorities at the technical college.

Sosa also told the Board that she had filed multiple complaints of discrimination and retaliation, but were dismissed without any meaningful investigation.

Christine Neumann-Ortiz from Voces de la Frontera also spoke to the MATC District Board and told the Board to correct a disturbing pattern of discrimination against Latino staff and the Latino community. Also, that MATC advertised bilingual courses, but instructors that only speak English are teaching these courses, which setup Latino students for failure, and to have talented Latino staff internally and to ensure that we protect the growth and high quality of English as a second language and the bilingual program at MATC. Neumann-Ortiz appealed to the Board to restore the 32 episodes of the Adelante television program, which benefits the Latino community.

Also, Yimma Davila-Castro, a former MATC student told the MATC District Board that she was very deeply concerned about the direction that MATC is taking with the bilingual education. Davila-Castro stated that on August 14, 2024, the Psychology 199 bilingual section was assigned to a non-bilingual instructor, and just recently, the bilingual Economics course (Eco 195) was given to an instructor who does not speak Spanish, with the justification that students could simply receive translation services. Translation is not a substitute for a genuine bilingual learning experience, according to Davila-Castro.

Davila-Castro told the Board, this is not bilingual education. This is a disservice to the students and to the Latino community.

She urged the Board to ensure that bilingual courses are taught by qualified bilingual instructors, hold administrators accountable for their decisions, respect and uplift internal talent, and establish clear consequences for harassment and discrimination practices by administrators.

Carlos Aranda, a Couselor at MATC requested for the MATC District Board conduct an independent audit and investigation into the Human Resources hiring practices, and discrimination, harassment and retaliation cases at MATC.

Aranda recommended the following to restore fairness, transparency, and accountability within the MATC institution:

• Independent External Investigation/Forensic Audit of Human Resources-Labor Relations: A comprehensive and independent review of all cases of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation should be conducted. This audit would ensure that past and present cases have been handled fairly, without bias or internal influence.

• Independent External Investigation/Forensic Audit into Human Resources Hiring Processes: This would focus on reviewing HR’s hiring practices, including the use of external consultants, to ensure that all processes are conducted with integrity, transparency, and without favoritism.

• Independent External Investigation/Forensic Audit into General Counsel: An audit into the General Counsel’s office to ensure that legal decisions made regarding labor relations and internal investigations align with the ethical standards expected of public institutions.

• Open Access to Open Records: To promote transparency and accountability, there should be greater access to open records, especially concerning HR practices and internal investigations. This would allow for better public oversight and scrutiny of decision-making processes at MATC.

• Post the Position of Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as Soon as Possible: The prompt appointment of a VP of DEI is crucial to ensure that issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion are addressed at the highest levels of leadership. This will send a clear message about the institution’s commitment to these values.

• Restore AAN and LUNA to Lead the Restorative Justice Initiative: In order to protect the integrity of MATC's Restorative Justice initiative and ensure that taxpayer money is used effectively, AAN and LUNA should be reinstated as leaders of this program. Their expertise and understanding of these issues will be vital in fostering healing and restoring trust within the institution.

• Promotion of Internal Candidates: In addition, it is crucial that MATC prioritize the promotion of qualified internal candidates for open positions. Too often, talented bilingual and minority staff are overlooked in favor of external hires, even though internal candidates possess a deep understanding of our students’ needs and the unique challenges our institution faces. By promoting from within, we can recognize the hard work and dedication of those who have already committed themselves to MATC’s mission while fostering loyalty and trust within the faculty and staff. We need bilingual PERMANENT FULL-TIME positions, not just part-time. 

Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) learned that in July 2024, members of the AFT Local 212 (MATC's teachers union) met with MATC President Dr. Anthony Cruz and informed him of the issues plaguing MATC including the discrimination and retaliation practices by administrators at MATC. Cruz told the union members that he would look into it, but to date hasn't met with the union to announce, if any internal investigations had been enacted and if policies would be enforced to prevent further discrimination and retaliation practices by administrators against employees, faculty and staff.

HNNUSA also learned that Sadique Isahaku, Ph.D. Executive Dean of Academic Strategy and Innovation decided to assign a only English speaking instructor to the bilingual Economics course, while MATC had advertised it was a bilingual Economics course, which is false advertisement.

Video: MATC District Board meeting on October 22, 2024, Latinos/as speak on the first 34 minutes of the meeting at link: https://www.youtube.com/live/JmpxxPKggVU


Monday, October 21, 2024

The City Of Milwaukee Has No Life Preservers Along The 3 1/2 Miles Of The River Walk

No life preservers found along the 3 1/2 miles of the City of Milwaukee River Walk!

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

October 21, 2024

Milwaukee,  Wisconsin - Not one life preserver can be found along the 3 1/2 miles of the City of Milwaukee River Walk today, to use in case of an emergency.

If you fall on the Milwaukee River, there's no life preserver that anyone can use to save your life.

The Milwaukee River Walk was began in 1993. (https://city.milwaukee.gov/DCD/Projects/RiverWalk)

Sunday, October 20, 2024

30-year-old Gavino M. Avalos-Morales Charged With 1st-degree Reckless Homicide In The Homicide Of Raysean L. Barnes, 47, At South Stadium In Milwaukee

Avalos-Morales was charged with the reckless homicide of Raysean L. Barnes, who was fatally shot at South Stadium during the Youth Flag Day football games in the Southside of Milwaukee.

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

October 20, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Sunday, Gavino Avalos-Morales, 30, was charged with three felony counts, 1st-degree reckless homicide including use of a dangerous weapon, discharge firearm in school zone and possess firearm on grounds of school for the October 12, 2024 fatal shooting of Raysean L. Barnes, 47, aka, "Too Cent" at Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) South Stadium, 1023 W. Windlake Ave. in the Southside of Milwaukee.

If convicted, Avalos-Morales is facing up to 60 years in prison for reckless homicide, and up to 10 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines, or both for discharging a firearm in a school zone, and up to 3 years and 5 months in prison and up to $10,000 in fines, or both for possessing a firearm on the grounds of a school. Avalos-Morales is booked at the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office jail with a $225,000 cash bond.

Avalos-Morales shot Barnes in the chest (abdomen). Barnes suffered a life-threatening gunshot wound and was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

Police are looking for a second suspect that accompanied Avalos-Morales when he shot Barnes.

MPS was having the Youth Flag Day football games at South Stadium when Avalos-Morales shot Barnes.

The criminal complaint says, Barnes was not involved in a fight that occurred between a suspect that accompanied Avalos-Morales and several other individuals. Barnes was was walking from the bleachers to get a water bottle from his vehicle for a teen that accompanied him to the football games.

Barnes was walking by when he came upon the altercation between a sought suspect and an unidentified individual who punched the suspect.

A nearby video surveillance showed that Barnes had his hands up like a surrendering position when Avalos-Morales took out a handgun and pointed it at Barnes, he was then shot by Avalos-Morales.    

Barnes was not involved in the altercation when he was shot. Barnes after getting shot fell face down, according to the criminal complaint.

Avalos-Morales and his accomplice then fled the scene in a white SUV Mazda.

Police were able to recover a two 9mm spent cartridges at the crime scene. According to police NIBIN analysis, the two spent cartridges firing pin and the ejecting marks matched the same weapon that was used in a previous shooting at an alley located behind 1524 S. 10 Street, where a white SUV Mazda CX-9 was seen in a video surveillance footage, like the same vehicle Avalos-Morales and his accomplice fled in after shooting Barnes at South Stadium.




Walgreens Store At 2625 W. National Ave. Closed Earlier Due To Several Incidents Of Criminal Activity, Drive-thru Opened Until November 1st

The management at the Walgreens Drug store at S. Historic Layton Blvd and W. National Ave. decided to close the store earlier than the expected plan to close on November 3, due to several criminal incidents that occurred at the store.

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

October 20, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Friday, the Walgreens store at 2625 W. National Ave. in the Southside of Milwaukee had closed, but announced that the drive-thru would be open until November 1. The Walgreens store was expected to permanently close on November 3 and the pharmacy would be closed on November 1, the pharmacy began closing on Saturday and Sunday since late September.

The erupt premature closure of the Walgreens store was due to several criminal incidents at the store, which forced management to close it earlier than expected. 

Walgreens Corporate had previously announced that 500 stores would be closing next year and by 2027, 1,200 are expected to close.

Walgreens at the 2600 block of W. National Ave. had placed a portable video camera surveillance unit in its parking to monitor and prevent unwanted criminal activity in the property. It had faced multiple shoplifting incidents by the alleged homeless and vagrant population in the area. It also, experienced a loss of sales and etc., according to Walgreens employees.

In another observation in the vacinity, over the weekend, the McDonald's Restaurant located at the 2500 block of W. National Ave. placed a portable video camera surveillance unit in its parking to also to prevent unwanted incidents in its property.

A proliferation of homeless Milwaukeans have gathered in the Southside along W. National Ave. in the 8th and 12th Aldermanic Districts, including drug addicted individuals, public intoxication and a drug sales in both districts have caused concern, and an increase of prostitution 24/7 has also drawn criticism that Milwaukee Police Department District 2 Station during its monthly Crime and Safety meetings have failed to inform those attending about the criminal stats involving the homeless population, drug arrests, overdoses and prostitution arrests in the 2nd Police District, especially along W. National Ave. between S. Historic Layton Blvd (S. 27 Street) to S. César E. Chávez Drive (S. 16 Street).

In a Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) Walgreens store article shared post on Facebook (FB), Olivia Villarreal, the co-owner of the shopping center at  the 800 block of S. Historic Layton Blvd posted about the homeless population, drug addiction and the prostitution plight in the area.

Olivia Villarreal posted, "Welcome to our world at the shopping center on 27th & National and our problems of keeping tenants!  Homeless, drug addicts, women of the streets all up & down 27th Street to 16th Street on National Avenue.  Cristo Rey put in a $10 million investment and this is the neighborhood they have to school these children!  El Rey has heavy involvement & investment into this area, we are a destination!  This is shameful that people from all over Wisconsin come through National Avenue and witness this seedy part of Milwaukee!  The City of Milwaukee and EVERY SINGLE OFFICIAL should be ashamed and worried!"

Saturday, October 19, 2024

33% Increase In Auto Thefts Reported From Year To Date At Milwaukee Police Department District 2 Station Patrolling Area, While Other Violent Crime Has Decreased, According To Captain Patrick Pajot

Milwaukee Police Captain Patrick Pajot says, the firearms thefts have increased due to people leaving their unattended weapons in the vehicle, which 33 firearms were reported stolen from year to date in the MPD District 2 Station patrolling area in the Southside of Milwaukee.

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

October 19, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Wednesday, Milwaukee Police Captain Patrick Pajot and officers from Milwaukee Police Department District 2 Station during the October monthly Crime and Safety meeting at the W. Historic Mitchell Street Library reported that auto thefts (most were carjackings) in the District 2 police patrolling Southside area have increased by 33%, while other violent crime has decreased. (Video of Crime and Safety meeting: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/SqcYhLTyVdtpCUDU/)

Captain Jajot attributed the violent crime decrease to a three year collaborative cooperation between police, citizens, residents, agent owners, non-profit organizations and faith-based groups in the Southside.

Captain Jajot confirmed, that carjackings have increased the auto thefts to 33%, and robberies increased to 7%, which most happened to victims that were in their vehicles. While, 9 homicides have occurred from year to date in District 2, down 53% from last year in the district, non-fatal shootings down 9%, from 59 last year to 42 to date, burglaries reported at 212, down by 12%, and rape-sexaul assault reported cases at 32, down by 3%.

Also 33 firearms have been reported stolen to date from vehicles in District 2. Police recommends for people not to leave their unattended weapons in vehicles, which young suspects are targeting to steal.

Auto thefts and robberies increased attributed to teenage suspects in most cases, according to Captain Pajot.

No stats were included in the Crime and Safety meeting on Wednesday concerning the proliferation of alleged crimes committed by the homeless population, organized drug sales and distribution, prostitution activity 24/7, and the homeless vagrancy plight activity along W. National Ave. between S. Historic Layton Blvd (S. 27 Street) to S. César E. Chávez Drive (S. 16 Street) in MPD District 2 Station patrolling district.

Proactively stats for MPD District 2 Station in the last few weeks:

• 142 traffic stops
• 37 field interviews
• 1 no action encounter
• 1 paddown 
• 27 searches
• 4 paddowns including searches

Milwaukee Police Department overall crime stats and maps from 2022 to 2024 up to October 18, 2024 link: https://city.milwaukee.gov/police/Information-Services/Crime-Maps-and-Statistics


Thursday, October 17, 2024

31-year-old Katrina B. Baur And Jesse Vang, 34, Charged With Repeated Child Abuse Causing The Death Of Elijah Vue, 3, In Manitowoc County, Wisconsin

3-year-old Vue's skeleton remains were found last month at a remote private property about 3 miles from where he was first reported missing, the Town of Two Rivers Police Department reported.

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

October 17, 2024

Town of Two Rivers, Wisconsin - On Thursday, the Two Rivers Police Department and the Manitowoc County District Attorney's Office confirmed that both Katrina B. Baur, 31, and her boyfriend, Jesse Vang, 34, have been charged with an additional two felony counts each for physical abuse of a child, repeated acts causing death, (repeater) and hiding a corpse (repeater), and an additional one misdemeanor count each for resisting or obstructing an officer (repeater). If convicted on each count, both Baur and Vang are facing up to life in prison for causing death, and up to 12 years and 5 months and up to $25,000 in fines, or both for hiding a corpse, and up to 9 months in jail and up to $10,000 in fines, or both for one misdemeanor count obstructing an officer.

Last month, the Two Rivers Police Department confirmed that the child's skeleton remains found at a remote private property belong to 3-year-old Elijah Vue, as was previously reported by Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) when anonymous sources made the preliminary information available to the media.

It was previously reported that law enforcement investigators on September 7, 2024 located a skull, skeleton remains and a diaper at a remote area, an adjacent private property near the 140 acre of the Girl Scout Camp Manitou.

A local deer hunter in the woods (private property) came upon the skeleton remains and notified law enforcement, Manitowoc County Sheriff Dan Hartwig reported.

Vue's skeleton remains were identified through DNA forensic tests by the Wisconsin State Crime Lab.

Baur, Elijah's mother was previously charged on February 26, 2024 with one felony count for chronic neglect of a child, including party to a crime, and two misdemeanor counts for resisting or obstructing an officer and one misdemeanor count for neglecting a child.

Vang, Baur's boyfriend was previously charged on February 26, 2024 with one felony count for chronic neglect of a child, including party to a crime.

Both Baur and Vang remained silent and would not disclosed where Elijah's body was concealed or located.

37-year-old Van "Vaun" L. Mayes Pled Guilty To Federal Charge Of Using Cellphone To Plot Participation In The Sherman Park Riots In 2016

Mayes, a Black community activist in 2018 was criminally indicted by feds (ATF) for plotting to bomb Milwaukee Police District 7 Station and organizing individuals to participate in a riot at Sherman Park in Milwaukee during an unrest after then Milwaukee Police Officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown murdered unarmed Sylville Smith in 2016 during a traffic stop. Heaggan-Brown, who is Gay was later fired from the Milwaukee Police Department in connection with another case involving sexual assault (rape) of a male victim, which Heaggan-Brown was criminally convicted.

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

October 17, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Wednesday, Van "Vaun" L. Mayes, 37, entered a guilty plea in a plea agreement with the feds in federal court for criminally using a cellphone to plan (plot) for individuals to participate in a riot. He also waived his right to a jury trial.

Mayes is now facing up to 5 years in a federal prison and up to $250,000 in fines when he is sentenced on January 22, 2025.

According to the affidavit complaint, Mayes and others planned to firebomb the Milwaukee Police Department's District Seven Police Station during the Sherman Park rioting in August 2016. According to the complaint, Mayes and others pursued the plan by manufacturing Molotov cocktails in glass bottles that contained gasoline with a fabric wick inserted into the opening. The firebombing of the District Station ultimately did not occur.

In 2018, the feds indicted Mayes with attempted arson, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a destructive device in relation to a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 844(i), 922(g), and 924(c)(1)(B)(ii). 


In 2005, Mayes was convicted for one felony count of operating a vehicle without the owners consent after he pleaded guilty/no contest. Mayes was sentenced to 3 years probation in the case, according to Milwaukee County court records.

Mayes is well known in Milwaukee for his Black community activisim and a community organizer for social and racial justice.

Mayes posted the following statement in his Facebook account on Wednesday.

Mayes wrote, This city has shown up for me as I have shown up for it more than once. Today was no different. I sincerely appreciate everyone who sent a character or support letter, everyone who who showed up to today’s hearing, and everyone who wanted to do either or both and didn’t get to. 

There is so much to say, but now isn’t the time. What I will say though is I am grateful, I trust God to continue to guide and protect me as he has thus far, and today, as difficult as it was, was a necessary step towards getting my life back. 

I really regret that so many don’t know who I am, not from an ego standpoint, but from a place of the image or perception of who I am is often lost or skewed, and things like this don’t help. Yes, some is my own doing, not being as careful or mindful as I should in my position, but I accept that. However, what I don’t accept is the hate and misunderstanding that come from a place of envy, people’s rumors or made up versions of who they think I am, etc. One thing ppl should know is I go as hard as I do because I already feel I have a debt I am paying back. That is not motivated by any deal or charge, that’s genuinely ME saying and acknowledging that yes I have done wrong in my life and I am making MYSELF be accountable by making sure my life is used to pay it forward and back. This is no different. No one can hold ME accountable more than I can hold MYSELF.

That being said, todays update is as follows;

Today’s plea hearing went okay. Sentencing is Jan 22nd at 1:30, room 222 at the federal courthouse. This is where I’ll know what the judge decides to do. All character and support letters must be submitted by Jan 16th for those who have not sent them who can’t attend or who intend to submit one, but this court date it’s definitely the one ppl should try to physically come and show support. If you are interested in speaking on my behalf, please let me know as there will only be a small limited amount of ppl who will be allowed to so I will have to carefully select those individuals. 

Letters can be sent to 
Yunglamusicmke@gmail.com

Im ok that many will miss the key points in this whole ordeal. I am ok that some will continue to use this charge I am pleading guilty as their “reason” or validation to keep whatever negative outlook or disposition they have always had with me regardless of having a reason or not. I am NOT ok with, but understand that this will possibly affect opportunities and my livelihood moving forward, but I have had that be the case the past almost decade so I’m not so sure I’m losing anything there that wasn’t there to begin with. I AM ok with my personal growth from 2016 to now. I AM ok with this being a chapter in the ustory of who I am, our experiences and trials make us who we are literally. I AM ok knowing some of my “enemies” have become my friends, and some “friends” have taken their place as “enemies”. I AM ok knowing I have done and will continue to try and mend all broken or fractured relationships to correct narratives on my own terms. I am ok that some folks I stood up for and showed up for won’t be there to do the same for me. 

I am unapologetically myself. I am unapologetically going to remain a positive and productive person in this society. I am unapologetically going to continue to beat all odds and conquer all obstacles in my life, because I am MEANT to. 

“No weapon formed against me shall prosper” And so shall it be.

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

3-day Mexican Fiesta 2024 In Late August Matched Last Year's Attendance Record Of More Than 110,000, Generating An Estimated Of More Than $22M Of Economic Impact In Milwaukee Including Wisconsin

The 3-day Mexican Fiesta in late August at the Summerfest grounds in Milwaukee matched last year's attendance record of more than 110,000 fiestagoers who attended Fiesta on August 23, 24, 25, 2024.

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

October 16, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Tuesday, Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) learned that the Wisconsin Hispanic Scholarship Foundation, Inc. (WHSF), a non-profit organization which sponsors the 3-day Mexican Fiesta in late August matched last year's attendance record of more than 110,000 of fiestagoers who attended the Fiesta in late August 2024 at the Summerfest grounds in Milwaukee. Ruben Burgos, the President of the WHSF Board on Tuesday confirmed to HNNUSA that the 3-day Mexican Fiesta had more than 110,000 fiestagoers in attendance this year at their Summer Mexican, Tejano and Latin Music Fiesta, which operates the largest 3-day Mexican Fiesta gig in the Midwest.

WHSF and Mexican Fiesta hasn't officially announced its attendance record for August 2024, since the organizers are still analyzing their revenue generating and costs data for the 3-day Fiesta.

Fiestagoers from the Midwest including from other parts of the country make their way to Milwaukee annually to attend and enjoy the largest Mexican cultural gig in Milwaukee, which is known as the City of Festivals.

Those attending the 3-day Mexican Fiesta in late August also bring an estimated economic boost to the City and Wisconsin totaling an estimated $22M (http://hispanicnewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2024/01/recap-3-day-mexican-fiesta-economic.html)

Mexican Fiesta 2024 parade video link: https://youtu.be/PbfcAP8287s

Congrats to WHSF and Mexican Fiesta 2024!


Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Walgreens Store At 2625 W. National Ave. In Milwaukee's Southside To Permanently Close In Early November 2024, Employees Allegedly Say Proliferation Of Shoplifters And Low Business Sales Partially To Blame

One of Milwaukee's Southside Walgreens stores located at 2625 W. National Ave. to permanently close in early November 2024.

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

October 16, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - The Walgreens store and pharmacy at 2625 W. National Ave. in the Southside of Milwaukee announced in early October that it will permanently close the drug store on November 3, 2024. The Walgreens pharmacy will close on November 1, 2024.

Last month, the Walgreens pharmacy began to close on Saturday and Sunday at the location.

According to Walgreens employees, the store has allegedly been losing money by the proliferation of shoplifters (mostly homeless individuals in the area) and the lack of business sales.

Several weeks ago, a homeless Black male walked into Walgreens and ran out with several 12 packs of Coke. Walgreens has video surveillance cameras operating and usually has one or two security guards inside, but to no avail from keeping individuals from shoplifting.

Walgreens Corporate also announced on Tuesday,  October 15, 2024 that it will be closing 500 stores by 2025 and 1,200 by 2027, those targeted are the stores that are underperforming, according to Walgreens Corporate, which operates about 8,600 stores nationwide.

Editor's note:

The following Facebook comment was posted on October 15, 2024 by Olivia Villarreal, the co-owner of El Rey stores, which generate more than $32.6M in business revenue (according to Kona Equity dot com/in 2017, Voces de la Frontera reported, El Rey generated more than $59M in combined business revenue) per year in the Southside of Milwaukee. Olivia is also the co-owner of the shopping center at S. Historic Layton Blvd and W. National Ave. in the Southside of Milwaukee and commented in regards to the HNNUSA news article that the Walgreens store was closing permanently at 2625 W. National Ave..

Olivia Villarreal posted her comment in Jair A. Varela's Facebook account who shared the HNNUSA Walgreens news article announcing it is closing in early November.

Olivia Villarreal posted, "Welcome to our world at the shopping center on 27th & National and our problems of keeping tenants!  Homeless, drug addicts, women of the streets all up & down 27th Street to 16th Street on National Avenue.  Cristo Rey put in a $10 million investment and this is the neighborhood they have to school these children!  El Rey has heavy involvement & investment into this area, we are a destination!  This is shameful that people from all over Wisconsin come through National Avenue and witness this seedy part of Milwaukee!  The City of Milwaukee and EVERY SINGLE OFFICIAL should be ashamed and worried!"

Monday, October 14, 2024

47-year-old Raysean L. Barnes Died After Getting Shot At Milwaukee Public School South Stadium During The Youth Flag Football Games


Barnes suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest, according to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office.

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

October 14, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Saturday, October 12, 2024, Milwaukee police and Milwaukee Fire Department first responders were called to shots fired at the Milwaukee Public School South Stadium at 1023 W. Windlake Ave. just after 1:03 p.m., where they located 47-year-old Raysean L. Barnes, aka, "Too Cent" with life-threatening gunshot injuries to the chest. Barnes was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased at 1:48 p.m., according to the Milwaukee Medical Examiner's Office (MCMEO). Barnes was identified by the MCMEO.

Many people including MPS students were attending the youth flag football games at South Stadium when multiple gunshots were fired by an unknown suspect(s).

No one else was reported injured, according to police.

All of the scheduled football games on Saturday were canceled after the shooting, and police seek a suspect(s) connected to the deadly shooting at South Stadium.

Police are reviewing video surveillance footage from an outdoor building camera near the shooting to identity the suspect(s).


Saturday, October 12, 2024

18-year-old RC Wayne Old Coyote Taken Into Custody For Attempted 1st-degree Intentional Homicide In Connection With The Crowne Plaza Hotel Shooting In Milwaukee

Old Coyote in custody at the Milwaukee County jail, also second accomplice, Gutierrez is being held at the Milwaukee County jail on a $75,000 cash bond in connection with the shooting of a 22-year-old male victim on October 2, at the Southside Crowne Plaza Hotel in Milwaukee, according to Milwaukee police.

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

October 12, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Saturday, RC Wayne Old Coyote was booked at the Milwaukee County jail. Last Monday, both Josaih D. Gutierrez, 19, and Old Coyote were each charged with felony attempted 1st-degree intentional homicide including use of a dangerous weapon and party to a crime, and felony attempted armed robbery including party to a crime. Old Coyote was also charged with two additional felony counts for bail jumping.

If convicted, both Gutierrez and Old Coyote, each face up to 60 years in prison for attempted 1st-degree intentional homicide, and facing up to 40 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines, or both for attempted armed robbery. In addition, Old Coyote is facing up to 6 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines, or both for each count for bail jumping.

According to the criminal complaint, both Gutierrez and Old Coyote attempted to rob a 22-year-old male victim at the Crowne Plaza Hotel located at the 6400 block of S. 13 Street in the Southside of Milwaukee on October 2, 2024. The suspects went to a hotel room at the Crowne Plaza Hotel where a 22-year-old man and another man were at and while armed attempted to rob them. During a struggle in the room, the 22-year-old man was shot in the right arm by Old Coyote. The victim fled the room to seek help.

Police later recovered a spent .40 caliber cartridge in the room and a unfired bullet as well. The victims told police that they were in the room, when someone knocked at the door. One of the victims opened the door, and that's when the two suspects armed with handguns forced their way inside and began to struggle with the victims. Gutierrez told Old Coyote to shoot the 22-year-old victim after his weapon misfired. Old Coyote fired his weapon striking the victim in the arm.

Hours later, police received a call from St. Luke's Hospital that a 19-year-old man with a gunshot grazed in the forehead had walked-in for treatment. Gutierrez told police that he had been shot at a Southside gas station, but police connected Gutierrez's injury to the shooting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Police later showed the hotel victims photos that included Gutierrez and Old Coyote who were then identified by the victims.

In addition: Old Coyote was on charged on July 19, 2024, in Waukesha County with two felony counts for bail jumping and one misdemeanor count for disorderly conduct, and the case remains opened.

On June 30, 2024, Old Coyote was charged with one felony count for bail jumping and one misdemeanor count for possession of cocaine in Milwaukee County. Old Coyote's case is still opened.

On March 3, 2024, Old Coyote was charged with 5 felony counts for vehicle operator fleeing an officer, 2nd-degree endangering safety, operating a vehicle without owners consent, and 2 counts for possession of a firearm by adjudicated juvenile of a felony.

40-year-old Chetankumar Patel Posed As FBI Agent To Scam Victim Of $32K In Eau Claire, Police Arrested Suspect And Recovered The Cash

Patel arrested at hotel when he returned as Eau Claire police investigated an alleged scam involving $32,000.

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

October 12, 2024

Eau Claire, Wisconsin - On Friday, the Eau Claire Police Department (ECPD) in a press release reported that on October 10, 2024, ECPD was called to assist with an Anoka County,  Minnesota missing persons case. That missing person was located at a hotel in Eau Claire. It was later learned this missing person came to Eau Claire to pay $32,000 to who they thought was an agent with the FBI. 

After the transfer of money was made, the victim learned this was a scam and reported it to police. When ECPD contacted the victim, they gave officers a description of the suspect. While officers were inside talking with hotel staff, the suspect walked into the lobby. 

Officers made contact with the suspect, identified as Chetankumar Patel, 40, and recovered the $32,000. Patel was then taken into custody and is charged with one felony count for Theft by False Representation. 

A similar case unfolded within the same week. ECPD was made aware of a fraud complaint after a tip came in from a local bank. It was learned that a customer of theirs had lost $60,000 in cash after an alleged "courier" came to the victim's apartment to pick it up. The victim told police the scam began with an email asking to renew their anti-virus program. The victim was then contacted by someone who claimed to be from the Better Business Bureau, then the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The victim was told they were part of a scam and needed to pay money. They would later meet a suspect to pay $29,500 they withdrew from their account. 

The next day, the victim was told to pay another $29,500 as the transaction didn't go through. The victim withdrew the money and paid a different suspect. 

The investigation continues on both of these cases. 

In the meantime, ECPD wants to alert the public on these fraud cases. It's important to know that the FBI will never contact you and ask you for money. The FBI and other agencies will also never ask you to keep these requests secret. If you ever have a question or hesitation about whether you are being scammed, take a moment, assess the situation and when in doubt, contact your local law enforcement.

Thursday, October 10, 2024

More Than 21 Police Squads Responded To A False AR Treat By Student At Waukegan High School In Illinois

Waukegan police in Illinois responded to a emergency call that a subject was armed with an AR at the Waukegan High School.

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

October 10, 2024

Waukegan, Illinois - On Thursday, more than 21 police and law enforcement squads (units) responded to a 911 call that a subject with an AR (assault rifle) was at the Waukegan High School, at the 2300 block of Brookside Ave. in Waukegan around 10:12 a.m., the school was placed on lock down. Police say the call or information originated from the United Kingdom via a Google app, and the name given had no record of being a student or resident of Waukegan. The called location changed from the app to inside the school and a search was conducted. 

No one was located inside the school armed with an AR, which police now say was a false call alarm similar to police "swatting" calls. 

Social media posts indicated a weapon was located, but police have not confirmed, if a weapon was recovered from inside the school.

Police continue to investigate the false 911 call to determine, if a student (or individuals) at the Waukegan High School originated the false police emergency call.

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

19-year-old Josaih D. Gutierrez And 18-year-old RC Wayne Old Coyote Charged With Attempted 1st-degree Intentional Homicide For The October 2, Southside Crowne Plaza Hotel Shooting In Milwaukee

Gutierrez is being held at the Milwaukee County jail on a $75,000 cash bond and Old Coyote remains on the run in connection with the shooting of a 22-year-old male victim on October 2, at the Southside Crowne Plaza Hotel in Milwaukee, according to Milwaukee police.

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

October 8, 2024

Milwaukee, Wisconsin - On Monday, both Josaih D. Gutierrez, 19, and RC Wayne Old Coyote, 18, were each charged with felony attempted 1st-degree intentional homicide including use of a dangerous weapon and party to a crime, and felony attempted armed robbery including party to a crime. Old Coyote was also charged with two additional felony counts for bail jumping.

Old Coyote remains on the run and a felony warrant for his arrest has been issued.

If convicted, both Gutierrez and Old Coyote, each face up to 60 years in prison for attempted 1st-degree intentional homicide, and facing up to 40 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines, or both for attempted armed robbery. In addition, Old Coyote is facing up to 6 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines, or both for each count for bail jumping.

According to the criminal complaint, both Gutierrez and Old Coyote attempted to rob a 22-year-old male victim at the Crowne Plaza Hotel located at the 6400 block of S. 13 Street in the Southside of Milwaukee on October 2, 2024. The suspects went to a hotel room at the Crowne Plaza Hotel where a 22-year-old man and another man were at and while armed attempted to rob them. During a struggle in the room, the 22-year-old man was shot in the right arm by Old Coyote. The victim fled the room to seek help.

Police later recovered a spent .40 caliber cartridge in the room and a unfired bullet as well. The victims told police that they were in the room, when someone knocked at the door. One of the victims opened the door, and that's when the two suspects armed with handguns forced their way inside and began to struggle with the victims. Gutierrez told Old Coyote to shoot the 22-year-old victim after his weapon misfired. Old Coyote fired his weapon striking the victim in the arm.

Hours later, police received a call from St. Luke's Hospital that a 19-year-old man with a gunshot grazed in the forehead had walked-in for treatment. Gutierrez told police that he had been shot at a Southside gas station, but police connected Gutierrez's injury to the shooting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Police later showed the hotel victims photos that included Gutierrez and Old Coyote who were then identified by the victims.

In addition: Old Coyote was on charged on July 19, 2024, in Waukesha County with two felony counts for bail jumping and one misdemeanor count for disorderly conduct, and the case remains opened.

On June 30, 2024, Old Coyote was charged with one felony count for bail jumping and one misdemeanor count for possession of cocaine in Milwaukee County. Old Coyote's case is still opened.

On March 3, 2024, Old Coyote was charged with 5 felony counts for vehicle operator fleeing an officer, 2nd-degree endangering safety, operating a vehicle without owners consent, and 2 counts for possession of a firearm by adjudicated juvenile of a felony.