February 11, 2026
“Common Sense” or “Voter Suppression”?
Lawmakers in the U.S. House plan to vote Wednesday on the SAVE America Act, a bill that would require additional proof of citizenship to register and vote in federal elections. House Speaker Mike Johnson has described the bill as “common-sense” legislation that would ensure “American citizens decide American elections.” However, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries disagrees, calling it “voter suppression,” and adding that even if it passes the House, “it’s dead on arrival in the Senate.”
Learn More:
- House to vote on the SAVE America Act as GOP makes election bill push (CBS News)
- What is the SAVE America Act? Here’s what to know about the GOP elections bill (CBS News)
“Lifted”
The FAA announced Wednesday morning that it has lifted a temporary closure of airspace around El Paso International Airport, just hours after grounding all flights for 10 days due to what officials described as “special security reasons.”
Congresswoman Veronica Escobar (D-TX), who represents El Paso, called the closure “unprecedented.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the FAA and Department of War closed the airspace to “swiftly to address a cartel drone incursion.” He added that “the threat has been neutralized, and there is no danger to commercial travel in the region,” and said all flights will resume as normal.
Learn More: Trump administration briefly closes El Paso airspace, blames Mexican cartel drones (AP)
“Look at what we’ve done.”
U.S. figure skater Maxim Naumov after his Olympic debut Tuesday at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, dedicating the moment to his parents. Former world champion pairs Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov died just one year ago when an American Airlines flight and a military helicopter collided near Washington, D.C. Naumov carried a photo from his first time on the ice with his parents, saying, “I’ve been inspired by them since day 1.
In related news, National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy testifies Thursday at a Senate hearing about the board’s safety recommendations following its final report on the midair collision.
Learn More: US skater Maxim Naumov makes an emotional Olympic debut one year after losing parents in plane crash (AP)
“A really critical leverage point.”
How NBC News legal analyst Misty Marris described a settlement conference underway Wednesday between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. It marks the first time both have appeared in court over a legal dispute that began December 2024, when Lively filed a complaint accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation on the set of “It Ends With Us.” Baldoni responded with a $400 million countersuit alleging defamation and invasion of privacy; a judge dismissed that countersuit last November.
The conference gives the judge an opportunity to mediate a potential resolution between the two parties ahead of a trial scheduled for May.
Learn More:
- Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni to meet in court for first time since December 2024 complaint (NBC News)
- Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Arrive for Their Court-Ordered Settlement Conference in New York City (People)
“Sadhu!”
What some people in the crowd cheered as a group of Buddhist monks — and their rescue dog Aloka — completed a 15-week peace walk from Texas to Washington D.C., arriving Tuesday at the nation’s capital. “Sadhu” is a Buddhist expression that roughly translates to “well done.”
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by Stephanie Wagner, based in Florida
