MILWAUKEE — A trial challenging Wisconsin’s new election maps is now underway. The case deals with redistricting. That’s the process in which, once a decade, lawmakers modify the maps that determine how boundary lines are drawn between voting districts.

Last year GOP lawmakers approved new maps that have been signed into law. But a group of Democrats and the Latino rights group Voces De La Frontera filed a lawsuit challenging how the lines were drawn. They argue the maps were drafted in secret and that they are unconstitutional because it deprives minorities of their voting power by splitting up their district.

Earlier this week a three-judge panel asked the Legislature to work out a compromise on the voting maps before they were to hear the case. They gave Republicans and Democrats two days, but still no agreement was reached. So today the redistricting trial is expected to begin in Federal Court.

From the Milwaukee Recreation Department:

Rickie Kelly, an athlete in Milwaukee Recreation’s Special Olympics program, has been selected to participate in the first-ever NBA Cares Special Olympics Unity Sports Basketball Game, which will take place as part of the 2012 NBA All-Star weekend festivities in Orlando. The game will tip off on Center Court during the NBA All-Star Jam Session on Sunday, February 26. Rickie and eleven other Special Olympics athletes from across the country will play alongside NBA legends Clyde Drexler, Chris Mullin, Dikembe Mutombo and Sam Perkins, current WNBA players, and celebrities. NBA stars Kevin Durant, Kemba Walker and Derrick Williams will also participate in the event.

A 5,000-square-foot building that could house a Starbucks cafe and U.S. Cellular store is planned on the outer area of a Wal-Mart parking lot at Southgate Marketplace on South 27th Street in Milwaukee. A company registered to developer Ned Brickman has an agreement to purchase the half-acre Wal-Mart outlot with plans for the new building with space for three stores facing South 27th, according to a project plan on file at the city of Milwaukee. The developer is negotiating with Starbucks and U.S... ... Read More