The US Supreme Court has ruled that Louisiana must redraw its congressional map, a landmark decision that effectively dismantles a major section of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The 6-3 ruling, split along partisan lines, renders Section 2 of the act largely ineffective. This provision had long been used to ensure fair treatment of minority voters in redistricting. Now, lawmakers have permission to draw district plans that weaken the influence of Black and other minority voters, potentially accelerating redistricting before the midterm elections.
White House Celebrates, Civil Rights Groups Condemn
The White House called the decision a complete victory. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated, "The color of one's skin should not dictate which congressional district you belong in." President Donald Trump echoed this, saying he would support states redrawing maps. However, civil rights groups like the NAACP condemned the ruling as a major setback. Former President Barack Obama warned it allows gerrymandering under the guise of partisanship rather than explicit racial bias.
Other Key Developments
- Iran War Costs: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the US-Israel war on Iran, denying it is a quagmire, as costs hit an estimated $25 billion.
- James Comey Surrenders: Former FBI Director James Comey surrendered to authorities after being indicted for a social media post.
- White House Dinner Plot: Prosecutors detailed an alleged plot by Cole Tomas Allen to kill Donald Trump at the White House correspondents' dinner.
- Florida Redistricting: Florida approved a congressional map designed to boost Republican advantages in the midterms.
- Germany Troop Reduction: Trump threatened to reduce US troops in Germany amid NATO tensions.
- Jerome Powell to Stay: Fed Chair Jerome Powell will remain on the rate-setting board after his term ends, despite Trump's demands for rate cuts.
Additional Stories
The Supreme Court sided with anti-abortion crisis pregnancy centers in New Jersey, impeding a state investigation. Kevin Warsh, Trump's pick for Fed chair, cleared a procedural hurdle. The House committee set a May 29 hearing for former Attorney General Pam Bondi on the Epstein investigation. Families of a British Columbia school shooting victim sued OpenAI for negligence. US gas prices hit a new high of $4.23 per gallon. The Supreme Court heard arguments on temporary protected status for Haitian and Syrian immigrants.
