Callais weakens VRA Section 2; redistricting battles intensify

SCOTUS 6-3 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais strikes race-reliant Black-majority district, raising intent proof bar under VRA Section 2. Alito majority, Kagan dissent. Triggers map fights in Mississippi, Florida, Virginia ahead of midterms. Deep analysis highlights non-partisan legal implications. NEW: Three-judge panel (including Trump appointees) blocks Alabama GOP congressional map, finding intentional racial discrimination despite Callais. Alabama AG vows immediate SCOTUS appeal, directly testing the reach of Callais.