Monday, May 11, 2026

New map splits Memphis

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The Daily Briefing

YOUR MORNING NEWS ROUNDUP

Fri May 8 2026

Nicole Fallert
Newsletter Writer & SEO Editor

Welcome to the Daily Briefing. Begin the day with these reads:

•	A new wave of ICE deployments could impact more than 40 states.
•	Should you rent an EV amid high gas prices?
•	Karoline Leavitt welcomed a baby girl.

Nicole Fallert here, don't forget to treat your mom or a special carer in your life this weekend! Friday's news includes Tennessee redistricting and the tip-off of the 2026 WNBA season.

Tenn. Republican lawmakers approve map in frenzied three-day special session

Tennessee's General Assembly approved a new congressional map that splits Memphis and divides the city's majority Black voters into neighboring districts. Tennessee's congressional map is the first to be redrawn since a Supreme Court ruling April 29 curbed state's power to create minority-dominated districts.

What supporters of the map say: "The map was drawn to maximize Republicans' ability to win nine congressional seats," Tennessee state Sen. John Stevens, R-Huntington, the bill's sponsor, said. "The goal of this legislation is to support the National Republican Party’s ability to defend the Republican majority in Congress."

What opponents of the map say: "What is being proposed right here is not just a redrawing of districts, it’s the breaking apart of a people," Tennessee state Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, said. "It’s a fracturing of history. It’s the dilution of a voice that generations of people bled for, marched for, and died to build."

More news to know now

•	Should we be worried about hantavirus? The World Health Organization "assesses the public health risk as low." But people are still confused and worried — even betting money on whether hantavirus will be a pandemic. USA TODAY wants you to ask us your hantavirus questions.
•	U.S. launches "self-defense strikes" on Iran. The Pentagon said the move Thursday came after "unprovoked" attacks from the Islamic Republic on U.S. Navy vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
•	The final stretch of "Colbert": Stephen Colbert revealed he sent a note of congratulations to Byron Allen after CBS announced that "The Late Show" will be replaced by the producer's show "Comics Unleashed."

NCAA Sports

SEC softball dominance

Kentucky's Karissa Hamilton (2) hits a home run against Mississippi State in the SEC Softball Tournament Tuesday. May 5, 2026

Scott Utterback/Courier Journal

The SEC Softball Tournament continues Friday, with Florida vs. Alabama and Texas vs. Georgia. The competition is set to be a precursor to the NCAA Softball Tournament and Women's College World Series. Experts from across the USA TODAY Network predicted the WCWS national champion.

WNBA

The 30th WNBA season is here!

After a landmark CBA and a truncated offseason, WNBA is back as a changed league tips off its 30th season on Friday, with the Toronto Tempo debut against the Washington Mystics. For the first time, the WNBA now has players earning more than $1 million per year. Here are USA TODAY'S WNBA power rankings with projected starters, most surprising cuts and final rosters.

Before you go

•	When being on a GLP-1 means a new wardrobe.
•	Taylor Swift's lawyers slammed a "Showgirl" lawsuit.
•	Julia Louis-Dreyfus nearly turned down "The Sheep Detectives."

Have feedback on the Daily Briefing? Shoot Nicole an email at NFallert@usatoday.com.

KY lawmakers push back against Beshear's universal pre-k pilot program

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear speaks during a Fairness rally at the Capitol Education Center in Frankfort, Kentucky February 25, 2026. "I'm proud to say I've attended every fairness rally since I became Governor, the first Governor to do so."

Gov. Andy Beshear issued an executive order for a universal pre-k pilot program using redirected funds, drawing criticism from Republican legislators.

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