The Daily Beans – "Texas Maps Shelved"
Date: November 19, 2025
Hosts: Allison Gill (AG) & Dana Goldberg (DG)
Podcast: MSW Media
Overview
This episode unpacks a major week in U.S. political and legal news with a blend of sharp reporting and trademark irreverence. The hosts highlight a string of consequential developments—including a House vote to release the Epstein files, a blow to Texas’s gerrymandered congressional map, court defeats for Trump, resignations within FEMA, the White House’s intervention for Andrew Tate, and Trump’s controversial meeting with the Saudi crown prince. They close out with good news and listener-submitted stories, offering moments of hope and activism.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. House Votes to Release Epstein Files
[00:00–02:24]
- The House voted 427–1 to release the Epstein files, with Clay Higgins as the lone dissenter.
- “Clay Higgins has made some really unquestionable decisions throughout his career, so this doesn’t surprise me at all.” – Dana [01:45]
- Senate gave unanimous consent (Chuck Schumer led).
- Trump will have to sign it; bill states files can't be released if part of open investigations.
- AG speculates sham investigations might be used to delay.
- “Odd that that language has to be put in there, even though that's just the regular rule that should be followed.” – AG [01:57]
2. Update on Comey Grand Jury Materials
[02:48–04:25]
- Judge Fitzpatrick ordered some grand jury transcripts to be handed over to Jim Comey, citing possible malfeasance.
- The overseeing judge, Anachmanoff, paused the order and requested briefing from the government before release.
- AG suspects the judge just wants to “wrap up every loose end” before likely tossing the matter.
3. Judicial Pushback on Crime Initiatives in Tennessee
[04:41–05:00]
- A Tennessee judge blocked the use of the National Guard in Memphis under a Trump-era crime operation, adding to unexpected legal wins across the country.
4. Trump Welcomes Saudi Crown Prince After Khashoggi Murder
[05:00–08:16]
- Trump hosted Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi crown prince, justifying the 2018 Khashoggi killing as “a mistake.”
- “You might as well have said he was dressed for it. Did you see what he was wearing? I mean, it was awful.” – AG [05:25]
- Trump described Khashoggi as “extremely controversial and unpopular,” dismissed US intelligence conclusions, castigated ABC journalists, and threatened their license.
- “A lot of people didn’t like that gentleman that you’re talking about. Whether you don’t like him or didn’t like him or if you like him, things happened, but he knew nothing about it.” [06:10]
- “Apparently not a zero-tolerance policy for dismembering journalists in the Saudi region.” – DG [06:44]
- U.S. expecting massive Saudi investments in AI and nuclear industries, and rumors swirl about Arab funds in megamedia mergers.
- Connections made to past pro-Saudi, pro-dictator media efforts from the Trump orbit.
5. FEMA Chief Richardson Resigns in Disgrace
[08:42–11:25]
- Acting FEMA Administrator David Richardson resigned amid criticism for lack of experience—he didn’t know the U.S. had hurricane season (!!).
- New acting head Karen Evans similarly lacks required experience. Per AG: "How interesting." [09:32]
- Kristi Noem, new DHS chief, personally signs off on all large FEMA expenses.
- Both parties were disturbed by Richardson’s unresponsiveness and incompetence:
- “He told employees in June that he did not know the United States had a hurricane season, a comment that unnerved FEMA employees who heard it.” [10:29]
- Rep. Frank Pallone: “Good riddance.” [11:25]
6. White House Intervenes for Andrew Tate
[11:33–14:03]
- ProPublica report: Influencer and accused sex trafficker Andrew Tate got his seized electronics returned after a White House lawyer (Paul Ingracia, Tate’s former attorney and now DHS liaison) intervened.
- “Behind the scenes, the White House intervened on their behalf.” – AG [12:30]
- The move alarmed DHS, who worried about interfering with an investigation.
- Ingracia’s past: racist texts, self-identifies as having a “Nazi streak,” disqualification from Senate confirmation.
7. Deportation of Ukrainians Amid War
[14:09–15:16]
- Trump administration moving to deport Ukrainians with final orders, with some being sent via military flights even as Ukraine faces war.
- “Under international treaties, officials are not supposed to send people to countries where they could be persecuted or tortured. Even hardened criminals are supposed to be protected from torture.” – DG [15:12]
8. Trump’s CNN 'Big Lie' Lawsuit Dismissed
[15:16–17:11]
- Appeals court (with two Trump judges) unanimously tossed Trump’s suit against CNN for calling his election lie the “Big Lie.”
- “CNN’s subjective assessment of Trump's conduct is not readily capable of being proven true or false.” – Obama appointee Adalberto Jordan, reading court finding [16:55]
- Trump intends to appeal, but AG & DG view the ruling as just and deserved.
9. Federal Court Blocks Texas Gerrymandering Map
[17:11–20:55]
- Major win for voting rights: Federal court bars Texas from using its new congressional map (drawn for GOP advantage) in 2026, reverting to 2021 map.
- “Substantial evidence shows that Texas racially gerrymandered the 2025 map.” – Judge Jeffrey Brown, Trump appointee [18:03]
- Decision is appealable only to U.S. Supreme Court. Candidates must file by Dec. 8, making timing critical.
- AG and DG note possible implications for other state redistricting battles and California’s voter-approved process.
- Interesting moment: Ron DeSantis mistakenly claims appeals go to the Fifth Circuit Court—AG corrects: These cases must go to the Supreme Court.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On FEMA Chief’s ignorance:
- “He told employees in June that he did not know the United States had a hurricane season, a comment that unnerved FEMA employees who heard it.” [10:29]
- “Don't let the door hit you. Hurricane season?” – AG [11:25]
- On Trump and Khashoggi:
- “You’re being very rude to our guest. He’s a disgusting human being.” – DG paraphrasing Trump [06:49]
- On federal court blocking Texas maps:
- “Substantial evidence shows that Texas racially gerrymandered the 2025 map.” – Judge Brown [18:03]
- “This is a Trump appointee, ladies and gentlemen.” – AG [18:07]
- On Andrew Tate White House intervention:
- “The 30 year old lawyer’s chances for Senate confirmation imploded after Politico reported he sent a string of racist text messages to fellow Republicans and described himself as having a Nazi streak.” – AG [13:41]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Epstein Files Vote: [00:00–02:24]
- Comey Grand Jury Update: [02:48–04:25]
- Memphis Nat'l Guard Block: [04:41–05:00]
- Trump Welcomes Saudi Crown Prince: [05:00–08:16]
- FEMA Chief Resigns: [08:42–11:25]
- Andrew Tate/WH Intervention: [11:33–14:03]
- Deporting Ukrainians: [14:09–15:16]
- Trump CNN Lawsuit Tossed: [15:16–17:11]
- Texas Gerrymander Blocked: [17:11–20:55]
Listener Good News & Shout-Outs
[24:26–end]
- “Good Trouble” segment: Call Congress to repeal a provision enabling senators to sue over phone record investigations (HR6019).
- Submissions included:
- Great resources for aiding trans youth: Transanta.com (gifts to trans people in need). [27:21]
- Personal stories about political awakening, activism, and supporting nonprofits.
- Creative and eco-friendly holiday wrapping suggestions (cloth wrap and reusable materials).
- Tributes to compassionate listeners, shout-outs to student-activists, and lots of adorable pet pics.
Tone & Style
The episode maintains a fast-paced, highly informed, and candid tone, mixing rapid-fire news breakdowns with dry humor and occasional expletives. Hosts alternate between professional legal/political analysis and witty banter, creating an accessible and uplifting atmosphere even in the face of troubling news.
Conclusion
“Texas Maps Shelved” delivers a packed, clear-eyed breakdown of a tumultuous news week, celebrating hard-fought wins for democracy and accountability while encouraging listener activism and hope. For anyone seeking a sharp, principled, and often hilarious progressive take on current events, this episode is a must-listen.