Daily Briefing: Virginia says 'yes'

Welcome to the Daily Briefing. Start the day with these stories:

• News of a Louisiana father killing his own children has left Americans in shock.
• Trump's pick for Fed chair said independence for the central bank is "earned."
• Can King Charles replicate his late mother's magic with Trump?

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 paves the way for more Dems in the House

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.

More news to know now

• Trump extends Iran ceasefire. The president made the announcement as the chances for talks between the two sides grew increasingly dim. 
• A civil rights group was indicted. According to Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel, the Southern Poverty Law Center funneled millions of dollars to groups, including the Ku Klux Klan. But paying sources to infiltrate hate groups is a tried-and-tested tactic long employed by federal law enforcement agencies.
• California exodus. The desire for affordability appears to be a driving force behind Californians' exodus from the state. Meanwhile, California is looking to implement rules that would require residents statewide to make some modifications outside their homes to help reduce the risk of a fire.

Space

Martian 'selfie'

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

Big week for Steel City: NFL Draft & Mike Tomlin's new gig

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.

Before you go

• What not to wear to meet the King.
• Phone calls on the plane are here.
• Rihanna revealed adorable baby Rocki.

Have feedback on the Daily Briefing? Shoot Nicole an email at [email protected].