Welcome to the Daily Briefing. Start the day with these stories:
Nicole Fallert here. Happy Earth Day! 🌍🦗 Here’s the news to know Wednesday, from Virginia’s special election results to news of life from Mars (!?). And it’s a big week for Pittsburgh.
Virginia voters in a Tuesday special election approved a full redrawing of the state’s congressional districts. The redistricting could transform Virginia’s 11-member delegation from a 6-to-5 Democratic edge to an overwhelming 10-to-1 advantage, a change that could blunt President Donald Trump’s push to expand the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
It was a close race. According to Decision Desk HQ and NBC News, 51.5% voted “yes” and 48.5% said “no.”
What’s next? Potential legal counter moves by opponents. And the national map battle is far from over, political experts say, while Democrats must now work on a winning political message to see victories in November.
Space
NASA’s Curiosity rover has yielded promising data from Mars: Scientists confirmed the presence of essential ingredients of life preserved in ancient Martian sandstones aged at about 3.5 billion years old.
NFL
Steelers fans finally know what’s next for Mike Tomlin: The former head coach will join NBC’s NFL pre-game coverage, USA TODAY Sports has learned, according to a person familiar with the situation. Here’s why it’s a win for all. And it’s a big week for Steel City: The 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday in Pittsburgh. Get ready to follow all the picks in the ‘burgh with USA TODAY Sports.
Have feedback on the Daily Briefing? Shoot Nicole an email at NFallert@usatoday.com.