Wisconsin Court Blocks Democratic Map Challenge

0:00A three-judge panel in Wisconsin just shut down a lawsuit from Democratic voters aiming to redraw the state's Republican-leaning congressional maps before this falls midterms. They ruled there's no basis to toss the current lines, saying only the Wisconsin Supreme Court can make that call. The decision heads to appeal with that liberal-leaning state-high court, but it's doubtful though rule fast enough to shake up the election. Meanwhile, another lawsuit pushing for new maps won't hit trial until April of 2027. Republicans are celebrating big time, calling it a major blow to Democrats trying to flip the board. Back in 2010, before the GOP redrew things, Dems held five of eight seats, now Republicans locked down six with just two in real play. Democrats argue the maps pack their voters into a couple districts while splitting others to favor the other side. Key targets include Derrick van Orden's western seat, which he held on to after Ron kind retired, and Brian Steele's spot in the southeast, now a tad.

1:01More competitive, that second suit comes from business leaders across party lines, slamming the maps as an anti-competitive gerrymander with victory margins averaging. Near 30 percentage points, a motion to dismiss it is still pending, so the battle lines stay drawn for now. Local news, powered by AI. This is Canada News Today. I'm Corey with the story.