Your weekend is here, Texas, and it’s time to take a look back at some of the stories that were in our headlines this week.

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The Week in Review

1. Pentagon let CBP use anti-drone laser before FAA closed El Paso airspace, AP sources say

The Pentagon allowed U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to use an anti-drone laser earlier this week, leading the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to suddenly close the airspace over El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, according to two people familiar with the situation who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive details.

2. UT Austin consolidates gender and ethnic studies programs

According to a letter from Jim Davis, president of the University of Texas at Austin, there will be a number of consolidations in the ethnic and gender studies departments at the school’s College of Liberal Arts.

This follows months of pressure from conservatives to eliminate gender and culture-related programs at the university, and after a decision from Texas A&M University earlier this year to eliminate its Women and Gender Studies department under similar pressure.

3. 3 cases of measles reported in North Texas county

The Rockwall County Health Authority has reported three confirmed cases of measles in the county, which is located just east of Dallas, this month.

The first case of measles was identified on Feb. 5 and then two additional cases were reported on Feb. 12. All three of the cases are from the same household, according to health officials.

4. Texas Democrats demand clarification on new TEA walkout policy

State Rep. Erin Zwiener, D-Driftwood, has authored a letter to Commissioner Mike Morath and the Texas Education Agency (TEA), signed by many Democratic state representatives, requesting clarity on the walkout policy the agency issued last week.

5. Austin’s Black freedom communities highlighted in new documentary

There are Black freedom communities throughout many cities across Texas, formed by formerly enslaved people after the Civil War. The history of Austin’s Black freedom communities are stories that have often been overlooked as the neighborhoods continue to transform. People with a passion for preserving that history are doing everything they can to shed light on it.

Around the Nation

Bondi defends handling of Epstein files release during fiery House hearing

During a fiery oversight hearing before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the Department of Justice’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigative files and apologized to victims of the late convicted sex offender. In the latest release of 3 million documents, many survivors’ names, addresses and pictures were unredacted.

A Look Ahead

Barton Springs Pool on a sunny day in Austin, Texas. (Ashlyn Love)

Barton Springs Pool will temporarily close for maintenance from Feb. 23 to March 13.