Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman (2) played perhaps her final NWSL game against Gotham FC.
Kentucky Wildcats middle blocker Brooke Bultema (8) celebrates a point during the first set against Wofford on Thursday.

Don't forget your OJ this morning. Hi! I'm Nicole Fallert. Stay tuned for some exciting changes coming to the Daily Briefing newsletter starting next week.

A few Friday headlines:

  • Are there forever chemicals in your water?
  • The final draw for the 2026 World Cup is set for Friday.
  • Thriftmas could save you big this year.

Supreme Court OKs Texas use of new map

Texas can use a congressional map drawn to give President Donald Trump and Republicans an advantage in the 2026 midterm elections, the Supreme Court said Thursday.

The background: At the urging of the Trump administration, the GOP-controlled Texas legislature drew new district lines midway through the usual 10-year redistricting cycle, setting off a race among states to get in the game.

  • What happened yesterday: The divided high court paused a lower court's ruling that the map likely discriminates against racial minorities by diluting the voting power of Hispanic and Black Texans.
  • But are Democrats favored to flip the House anyway? Democratic party leaders lately are sounding increasingly optimistic about 2026, while Republicans are the ones expressing concerns of a midterm wipeout.
  • 2026 map mania: Five other states have already adopted new congressional maps: California, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio and Utah.

Trump speaks of love at the Christmas Tree lighting

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump on Thursday continued the more than a century-old tradition of lighting the National Christmas Tree in Washington. The 2025 tree is a 32-foot red spruce that grew in the mountains of Highland County, Virginia. In his remarks, Trump honored two National Guard members shot earlier this month and spoke about losing the 2020 election before stating he loves all U.S. citizens. See the tree.

More news to know now

  • Are US military airstrikes on Venezuela imminent?
  • Closure of student magazines over DEI highlights a press freedom fight.
  • A Virginia man was accused of planting pipe bombs before the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
  • Where are the hottest housing markets in 2026?

What's the weather today? Check your local forecast here.

This is the deadliest sport for kids

A USA TODAY investigation found that at least 158 children and teens have died on dirt bikes and at motocross tracks since 2000, more than six per year. That makes it the deadliest sport for young people – roughly seven times greater than tackle football. But the investigation found fatal incidents follow a pattern where safeguards are ignored.

'Forever layoffs' worry workers

A soft jobs market with smaller but regular layoffs — rather than infrequent large cuts — has employees feeling insecure and disconnected from management, according to Glassdoor's Worklife Trends 2026 report. In reviews on the job site, mentions of layoffs or similar terms and job insecurity have surpassed the level in March 2020. And while job cuts in November 2025 were lower than in the previous month, layoffs remained higher than a year ago.

Today's talkers

  • She made $14 million on OnlyFans. Now, she's an anti-porn advocate.
  • Lane Kiffin won't miss the Alabama-Georgia rematch this weekend.
  • Jordan Lee is the X-factor for a Texas women's basketball title.
  • Don't hug Princess Kate.

Why it matters NWSL rejected a Trinity Rodman deal

The National Women's Soccer League wants to keep Washington Spirit star Trinity Rodman in the league for years to come. But according to The Athletic, 23-year-old Rodman was ready to accept a multi-million-dollar deal from Washington — only for NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman to nix it. USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armor writes Berman’s trepidation is going to force Rodman, a once-in-a-generation talent, to walk.

Photo of the day: Spike!

It's time to get the NCAA Division I volleyball tournament started. Sixty-four teams are vying for the title with the No. 1 overall seed going to undefeated Nebraska, who are 30-0. Kentucky women opened the tournament with a spike, set, score!

Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer at USA TODAY, sign up for the email here. Want to send Nicole a note? Shoot her an email at NFallert@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Daily Briefing: Texas' new look

Reporting by Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect