(COVER PHOTO: El Paso airport. Photo via Google Maps.)
Trump administration reopens El Paso airspace after unexplained closing
The Trump administration’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reopened the airspace around El Paso, Texas, and an area of southern New Mexico after closing it for 10 days. In closing the airspace, the FAA had designated it for military use only. El Paso International Airport, which issued a notice late Tuesday, said all commercial, cargo and general aviation flights would be grounded until Feb. 20. The FAA said pilots who violate the restriction could be intercepted and detained, and that the U.S. government “may use deadly force” if an aircraft poses an “imminent security threat.” When it closed the airspace, the FAA did not provide specifics of why it made the move but said it was because of U.S. military operations. In reopening it, the FAA said changed the story and said that drones operated by Mexican drug cartels had been flying there.
House to allow votes to repeal Trump tariffs
Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson failed to stop Democrats and three Republicans who joined with them from blocking a measure that would have prevented the House from voting on Donald Trump’s tariffs. The move opens the door for Democrats to move forward with forcing votes to repeal Trump’s tariffs, in a blow to the administration. The Senate has passed at least three resolutions rebuking Trump’s tariffs, but routinely ran into resistance in the House where members were blocked from forcing votes on the matter. Various reports say Trump’s tariffs cost U.S. families from $1,400 to $2,400 in higher prices during 2025.
Person questioned in Nancy Guthrie case has been released
The search for the mother of “Today” host Savannah Guthrie remains ongoing after a person who last night was detained for questioning in the case was released after several hours. Nancy Guthrie’s location is still unknown, a source said. On Tuesday, Savannah Guthrie shared a new message from her family saying they believe their mother is alive. Meanwhile, the FBI released doorbell camera footage from the night Nancy Guthrie disappeared nearly two weeks ago, showing a masked, armed person. FBI Director Kash Patel said the agency is examining multiple “persons of interest.”
Canada mass shooting
Nine people were killed in a mass shooting at a school in Canada yesterday. It took place in Tumbler Ridge, a remote mountain town in British Columbia. At least seven victims were killed at a high school, while two others were found dead at a residence and their killings were believed to be connected to the school shooting. Dozens more were injured, many suffering serious or life-threatening injuries. The suspected shooter, described in an emergency alert as a brown-haired woman wearing a dress, was found dead at the school with a self-inflicted wound. Authorities said they are working to determine a motive.
Pride flag removed
The Trump administration has removed an LGBTQ Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument in New York City — the United States’ first national monument to LGBTQ rights. This comes as the administration moves to alter displays at National Park sites and other cultural institutions to reflect what Trump thinks and wants. The iconic gay bar is widely viewed as the birthplace of the modern LGBTQ rights movement in the U.S. It was the site of a 1969 police raid that sparked a fierce backlash from its patrons and led to days of protests and skirmishes between LGBTQ advocates and police. Former President Barack Obama designated the monument in 2016. Activists say they plan to put up a new flag at the site.
New military attack on Iran expected to be discussed
Donald Trump was expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House today, where the two leaders were set to discuss potential military options regarding Iran. A source said Netanyahu plans to present Trump with fresh intelligence on Iran’s military capabilities amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. The upcoming meeting follows a series of high-level exchanges in recent weeks, and comes after Trump threatened to strike Iran if it refuses to sign a nuclear deal. Iranian officials, meanwhile, have repeatedly said that while Tehran doesn’t want war, it is ready for it.
