The Flash Briefing is a daily news update every weekday morning from Todd Jeffries. 

• The Pentagon has confirmed its use of a high-energy laser weapon to shoot down a "seemingly threatening" Customs and Border Protection drone near El Paso 
• The Austin ISD has approved improvement plans for dozens of schools that have been failing to meet basic minimum standards 
• The Austin City Council has approved a new noise ordinance aimed at tamping down on loud vehicles