The airspace around El Paso, Texas, was abruptly closed late Tuesday night, February 10, 2026, for ten days due to the use of U.S. military anti-drone technology, according to NPR News. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initially shut down the airspace but reopened it hours later after the Pentagon authorized the use of a laser to shoot down what it believed to be a Mexican drone, as reported by NPR News. This incident, which occurred at El Paso International Airport, left many questioning the situation.
The closure, which lasted for a few hours, caused disruption at the airport, as seen in images of people waiting in line at check-in counters, according to NPR News. The FAA's decision to close the airspace was a response to the perceived threat posed by the drone. The exact nature of the drone and its activities remain unclear, but the military's response suggests a serious concern.
Meanwhile, other news developments were unfolding. A Ukrainian athlete is facing potential disciplinary action at the Olympics for wearing a helmet commemorating athletes killed in the war with Russia, despite the International Olympic Committee (IOC) barring him from doing so, according to Time. Skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, who served as Ukraine's flag-bearer, has continued to wear his remembrance helmet in training. The IOC warned that there could be consequences if Heraskevych keeps wearing it, stating, "Its not the message, its the place that counts."
Additionally, a partial government shutdown could lead to airport delays, according to Time. As Congress neared a funding deadline, lawmakers warned that air travel could be significantly impacted. The acting head of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reminded that a protracted Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown would mean most TSA officers would remain on the job, unpaid. "A lack of funding and predictability of resourcing will pose significant challenges to our ability to deliver transportation security with the level of excellence we expect and Americans deserve," said Ha Nguyen McNeill, the acting TSA administrator, according to Time.
In other political news, a Washington, D.C., grand jury's attempt to indict Democratic lawmakers was failing, according to Vox.
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