Pam Bondi throws down with Massie, Raskin, Jayapal in heated Epstein hearing; FAA shuts down El Paso airspace for seven hours over alleged cartel drone; And More | 2.12.26 - Rising Recap

Podcast: Rising

Published: 2026-02-12

Duration: 50 minutes

Guests: Matt Schumer

Summary

This episode covers a range of topics including the controversy over the Epstein files, the FAA shutting down El Paso airspace due to cartel drones, and concerns about AI's impact on jobs.

What Happened

Thomas Massie criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi for allegedly withholding important Epstein files. Bondi claimed to have the Epstein client list, yet no document has been released, raising questions about transparency and accountability. Representatives Massie and Ro Khanna are pushing for the release of these files, believing the public deserves to know the truth about Epstein's network.

The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily shut down El Paso's airspace, citing possible Mexican cartel drone activity. Initially set for 10 days, the restriction was lifted after seven hours. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy suggested that this incident might also have been a Pentagon test of anti-drone technology, highlighting the complexities of airspace security.

A federal grand jury decided not to indict six congressional Democrats who appeared in a video urging military personnel to disobey illegal orders. This decision reflects the slow and deliberate nature of the judicial process, where intent must be proven and charges must withstand judicial scrutiny. The grand jury's refusal to indict is seen as a critique of the prosecutors involved.

In technology news, Matt Schumer, CEO of HyperWrite AI, along with Matt Walsh and Bernie Sanders, discussed the looming impact of AI on the job market. Schumer warned that AI advancements could lead to significant job losses and societal changes, comparing its potential impact to that of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Andrew Ferguson warned Apple that its alleged bias in promoting left-leaning media through its news app could violate consumer protection laws. This issue raises concerns about media fairness and the influence of tech giants on public opinion.

Gallup announced it will no longer track presidential approval ratings after nearly 90 years, citing a shift in corporate strategy. This decision marks the end of a long-standing tradition and signals changing priorities in public opinion research.

Key Insights

• The FAA shut down El Paso's airspace for seven hours, citing cartel drones. But : the restriction was initially set for 10 days, and whispers suggest it was actually a Pentagon test for anti-drone tech. Talk about layers of airspace drama.
• A federal grand jury just decided not to indict six congressional Democrats caught on video urging soldiers to disobey illegal orders. The twist? Their decision is seen as a subtle jab at the prosecutors, proving that intent and evidence are king in the judicial arena.
• Gallup just dropped a bombshell: after nearly 90 years, they're done tracking presidential approval ratings. In a world where data is king, this decision marks a seismic shift in how we gauge public opinion, hinting at changing priorities in the realm of research.
• AI's impact on jobs might be as sweeping as COVID-19, according to HyperWrite AI's CEO, Matt Schumer. With AI advancements looming, he warns of significant job losses and societal upheaval, painting a picture of a future where work as we know it could drastically change.