The Daily Beans: Own Goal - November 12, 2025

Political and Legal Developments

• 🏛️ Fannie Mae watchdogs were investigating a Trump appointee for allegedly obtaining mortgage records of key Democratic officials.
• 💰 Republicans added a provision to a continuing resolution allowing senators whose call logs were subpoenaed by Jack Smith to collect $500,000 each in taxpayer money.
• ⚖️ A federal judge struck down a Republican gerrymander in Utah, reinstating a voter-approved map for the 2026 elections.
• 📰 The Marion County, Kansas newspaper that was raided by police received a $3 million settlement from the government.
• ✈️ Greg Bovino and CBP agents are reportedly leaving Chicago, with a potential four-fold increase in federal presence in the spring.
• 🏛️ Trump has asked the Supreme Court to overturn the E. Jean Carroll verdict regarding sexual abuse and defamation.
• 🗳️ Hakeem Jeffries is whipping no votes in the House for the shutdown deal, focusing on defeating the Senate's proposed bill.

Political Commentary and Analysis

• 🎯 The hosts and guest Zerlina Maxwell discuss the Democratic party's decision to vote on a shutdown deal as an "own goal", feeling it was unnecessary and detrimental after recent election wins.
• 💸 Maxwell suggests that the deal was influenced by donors and industry lobbyists, particularly concerning holiday travel disruptions, rather than the will of the voters.
• 🗣️ There's an emphasis on the importance of voter engagement, including making calls to representatives, to influence policy and counter donor influence.
• 📣 The message of affordability and cost of living is highlighted as a winning strategy for Democrats, as seen in recent election results.
• 🏛️ The discussion touches on the power of voters to replace elected officials who do not represent their interests, even if it takes time.

Personal Reflections and Good News

• 🧠 Zerlina Maxwell shares insights from her Substack, "Inner Work Dispatch", focusing on mental health, self-care, and unlearning hustle culture, inspired by her mother's work.
• 🌍 Maxwell discusses her experience living abroad in Sicily and re-evaluating her life and priorities.
• 💖 The show features listener-submitted "Good News" stories, including a $3 million settlement for a raided newspaper, a successful voter-approved map in Utah, and updates on animal welfare and community support initiatives.
• 🐾 Several listeners shared photos of their pets and adopted animals, with a special mention of a dog named Modelo available for adoption in Las Vegas.
• 🩺 A veterinary clinic in Seattle serving individuals experiencing homelessness and low income is highlighted as a positive initiative.