The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

1. Iran Protests and U.S. Response There are ongoing nationwide protests in Iran, described as nearing a “breaking point” after roughly two weeks. Protesters are portrayed as ordinary civilians seeking freedom, dignity, and economic relief. The Iranian regime is accused of: Opening fire on protesters Killing at least 40 people in 10 days Using mass arrests, imprisonment, and violence by the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) 2. Trump Administration Support for Protesters Strong emphasis is placed on President Donald Trump’s support for Iranian protesters. At the UN Security Council, the U.S. ambassador (identified as Mike Waltz/Walls in the text) states: The U.S. stands firmly with the Iranian people The Iranian regime alone is responsible for economic misery and repression “All options are on the table”, signaling potential U.S. action Trump is repeatedly described as a “man of action”, contrasted with: The UN as ineffective Prior U.S. leadership under Obama and Biden as weak or passive 3. ICE Agent Attacks Ongoing attacks on ICE agents in the United States, particularly in Minnesota. Including: ICE vehicles vandalized Slogans such as “F ICE” and “Best agent is a dead agent” The violence is the cause of: Democratic leaders Left-wing rhetoric and alleged financial backing of agitators 4. White House Statement on ICE Violence White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt: Defends ICE agents as patriotic law enforcement Condemns rhetoric comparing ICE to Nazis or Gestapo Argues political language is directly inciting violence Investigations are mentioned into: Who is financing the attacks Possible organized efforts similar to BLM or Occupy Wall Street Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Visit with U.S. Soldiers Wounded in the Maduro Raid Senator Ted Cruz visits three U.S. soldiers wounded during a raid intended to arrest Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. All soldiers are recovering in stable condition and none suffered life‑threatening injuries. One soldier helped plan and lead the raid and continued fighting after being shot. Two soldiers requested keepsakes from their injuries (a bullet and shrapnel), which Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth approved as a morale gesture. Emphasis on: Heroism and discipline of U.S. forces No American fatalities despite being outnumbered Significant Cuban forces defending Maduro were reportedly killed 2. Symbolism and Morale Soldiers and their families (wives present) showed strong morale and faith. Soldiers expressed eagerness to return to duty. A former commanding officer expressed regret at missing the mission, reinforcing camaraderie and pride. 3. Meeting with Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado Cruz met with Maria Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader now living in exile in the United States. Machado: Previously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize Met with President Donald Trump at the White House Symbolically presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize as gratitude for U.S. support 4. Political Situation in Venezuela Widespread celebration in Venezuela following Maduro’s removal. Some political prisoners released, though still monitored. Current acting leadership (Delcy Rodríguez) is described as illegitimate and a continuation of the Maduro regime. Machado strongly advocates for: Free and fair elections A swift election timeline (Cruz suggests within six months) 5. Bipartisan Senate Meeting Machado met with about a dozen U.S. senators, including Republicans and Democrats. Cruz praises her decision to pursue bipartisan unity instead of partisan attacks. Unity from the U.S. is portrayed as critical for Venezuela’s democratic transition. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Situation in Iran Mass Killings & Crackdown: Thousands have reportedly been killed or abducted by the Iranian regime during protests. U.S. Response: President Trump and the White House are applying maximum pressure on Iran. Actions include canceling meetings with Iranian officials, imposing a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran, and signaling possible military intervention. Military options remain on the table; U.S. security teams are reviewing potential responses, including airstrikes. Global Reaction: European nations summoned Iranian ambassadors. Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers advocate restoring internet access in Iran to help protesters organize. Iranian Threats: Iranian state TV issued threats against President Trump, referencing past assassination attempts. 2. U.S. Domestic Issues Supreme Court Debate: A major discussion occurred about men in women’s sports and defining what constitutes a woman. The ACLU reportedly struggled to define “woman” during arguments. Senate Hearing on Abortion Pills: Focused on safety and regulation of abortion medication (e.g., Mifepristone). Republicans pushed for stricter oversight; Democrats emphasized access to care. Controversial Exchange: Senator Josh Hawley questioned Dr. Nisha Verma (OB-GYN) on whether men can get pregnant. Dr. Verma avoided a direct yes/no answer, citing complexity and patient identities. Hawley insisted on biological clarity, arguing that biological men cannot get pregnant and criticizing refusal to acknowledge this as undermining science and constitutional protections for women. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 1: U.S. Supreme Court Cases on Transgender Athletes Two major cases discussed: Little v. Heacocks (Idaho): Challenges Idaho law banning transgender girls from competing in girls’ sports. West Virginia v. B.P.J.: Similar challenge to West Virginia law. Core legal questions: Do these bans violate the Equal Protection Clause or Title IX? Arguments: Plaintiffs (transgender athletes): Laws discriminate, deny educational and health benefits; Title IX should protect gender identity. States: Laws ensure fairness and safety; sports historically separated by biological sex. Courtroom dynamics: Conservative justices appear sympathetic to states’ arguments. ACLU struggled to define “woman” or “man” during oral arguments. Potential impact: Upholding bans could validate similar laws in over two dozen states. Striking them down could expand transgender participation in school sports. Expected ruling: Likely in June or July; conservative majority may uphold state laws. Part 2: Iranian Protests and U.S. Response Current situation: Widespread protests in Iran met with violent crackdown. Death toll estimates vary: Official Iranian sources: ~2,000 deaths. Rights groups: 3,000–5,000. Unverified claims: up to 12,000–20,000. Over 18,000 detained; communication blackout (internet and phones down). Reports of brutality: Live fire, mass arrests, hospitals overwhelmed. Doctors report hundreds of eye injuries from gunshots. U.S. stance: President warns Iran against executions of protesters. Promises strong action and urges Iranians to keep protesting. Suspends meetings with Iranian officials until violence stops. Travel advisory: “Do not travel to Iran.” U.S. citizens in Iran urged to leave immediately; no U.S. embassy presence. Suggested land border departures if safe; shelter in place if unable to leave. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Bruce Pearl’s Career & Background Former Auburn basketball coach; won a Division II national championship and reached the Final Four twice. Unique fact: Pearl never played organized basketball (not even JV) before becoming a Division I coach. Started as a manager at Boston College, later became an assistant coach at Stanford under Tom Davis. Emphasizes making yourself valuable and being authentic as keys to success. 2. Coaching Philosophy Core principles: “Coach them as hard as you love them” – building deep relationships with players. Empower players and trust them; avoid micromanaging. Great coaches excel at creating offense and getting players good looks. Importance of roles and dimensions in a team: maximize strengths, hide weaknesses. Advice for young athletes: develop a unique skill or dimension that makes you stand out. 3. NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) & College Sports Pearl criticizes the NCAA for failing to adapt, calling it “arrogant” and responsible for chaos. NIL has transformed college sports: Top rosters now cost $35–$40 million annually. Smaller schools and Olympic sports are at risk of being cut. Advocates for urgent reform: Limited antitrust protection and congressional action to create fair rules. Warns that without changes, college sports will shrink to 30–50 elite programs. 4. Transfer Portal & Player Relationships Challenges in building trust and love when players stay only 6 months. Compares transfer portal dynamics to personal relationships—loyalty matters. 5. Broader Issues in Sports Concerns about betting and commercialization. Advice for high school athletes: play multiple sports early, specialize later, focus on nutrition and toughness. 6. Views on Israel & Anti-Semitism Strong advocate for Israel; sees American Jews as “the country’s greatest patriots.” Personal connection: family escaped Europe in 1929; others perished in the Holocaust. Believes silence equals complicity; stresses unity between Jews and Christians. Addresses rising anti-Semitism but emphasizes America still offers opportunity. 7. Cultural & Historical Insights Discusses theology, covenant, and shared values between Jews and Christians. Critiques “replacement theology” and urges solidarity against bigotry. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.