The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

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.

1. U.S. Response to Iran Protests President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. is considering airstrikes on Iran to stop the violent crackdown on protesters. The White House emphasized that diplomacy remains the first option, but military action is on the table. Trump stated that Iran may have crossed a “red line” by killing unarmed protesters. Reports indicate massive protests in Iran, with some deaths caused by stampedes and others allegedly by government forces. Trump warned Iran that if they harm protesters, the U.S. will respond “very hard.” Communication channels remain open between U.S. and Iranian officials despite no formal diplomatic relations. 2. Anti-ICE Protests in the U.S. Trump pledged to investigate funding sources behind anti-ICE protests, suggesting that protesters may be “professional agitators” funded by dark money. DHS and Republican lawmakers claim that anti-ICE groups are not organic and are financed by far-left organizations. DHS is deploying up to 1,000 additional federal agents to Minneapolis amid rising anti-ICE protests. The protests escalated after an ICE officer fatally shot a woman (Renee Good), which DHS classified as domestic terrorism because she allegedly weaponized her vehicle. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey criticized DHS and ICE, calling their actions harmful to city safety. Videos show organized anti-ICE activists blocking traffic, surrounding agents, and resisting law enforcement, leading to federal agents using tear gas and pepper balls. ICE and Border Patrol assert they will continue operations despite local opposition. 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.

Section 1: Iran Regime Revolt Protests in Iran: Anti-government demonstrations have been ongoing for over two weeks, driven by economic hardship and opposition to the regime. Violent Crackdown: Security forces have responded with heavy repression; reports indicate deaths and brutality in the streets. Trump Administration Response: President Trump publicly supports Iranian protesters, emphasizing U.S. readiness to help. Strong warnings issued: Iran will face “serious consequences” if it violently suppresses protests. Options under consideration include cyber, military, and diplomatic measures. Iran’s Reaction: The regime is attempting to silence information by shutting down landlines and internet access. Geopolitical Dynamics: Russia reportedly has aircraft ready in Tehran to evacuate Iranian leadership if the regime collapses. Israel may be involved in potential strikes against Iranian leadership. Current Situation: At least one border city reportedly overthrown by protesters; risk of either major freedom gains or significant loss of life in the coming hours. Section 2: Federal Reserve Chair Investigation Criminal Probe: The Trump administration has opened a criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Powell’s Statement: DOJ served grand jury subpoenas related to his testimony about renovations to the Fed’s headquarters. Powell claims the probe is politically motivated, aimed at pressuring monetary policy decisions. Emphasizes Fed independence and commitment to evidence-based interest rate setting. Context: Trump has criticized Powell for not cutting interest rates as aggressively as desired. DOJ states the investigation focuses on potential misuse of taxpayer funds in renovation projects. Media and Political Spin: Debate centers on whether this is about renovation testimony or political interference in monetary policy. 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. Current Situation in Iran Over one million Iranians are protesting against the regime in major cities. The Iranian leadership has shut down the internet, phones, and media to suppress information and maintain control. Protesters are risking their lives; acts of defiance include burning hijabs and removing religious coverings in public. 2. Historical Context References to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the U.S. hostage crisis (444 days). Comparison of Jimmy Carter’s weak foreign policy to Barack Obama and Joe Biden, arguing that weakness emboldens adversaries. Contrast with Ronald Reagan’s strong stance, which led to the release of hostages and eventual Soviet collapse. 3. Iran’s Role in Global Terrorism Iran funds over 90% of Hamas and Hezbollah budgets. Responsible for IED attacks and the deaths of 593+ American service members in Iraq and Afghanistan. Iran manufactures drones used by Russia in Ukraine. Allegations that Iran plotted to assassinate Donald Trump. 4. U.S. Foreign Policy and Leadership Strong emphasis on “Peace through Strength” as advocated by Reagan and Trump. Trump’s recent actions (e.g., military strikes, bunker-buster bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities) portrayed as decisive. Trump’s public message: “Iran is looking at freedom… USA stands ready to help.” 5. Why Regime Change Matters The fall of Iran’s regime would be transformational for Middle East stability and U.S. security. Advocates for regime change without boots on the ground, using diplomatic, economic, and informational support. Compares potential Iranian revolution to the fall of the Berlin Wall and collapse of the Soviet Union. 6. Role of Media and Messaging Iranian state TV is allegedly broadcasting Tucker Carlson interviews in Persian as propaganda. Criticism of voices opposing U.S. involvement or promoting isolationism. Emphasis on using platforms like podcasts and Starlink internet access to reach Iranians and encourage freedom. 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.