1. 🏛️ Government Shutdown Status
The government had been shut down for 40 days, the longest in U.S. history.
A Senate vote secured 60 votes (including 8 Democrats) to begin the reopening process.
The continuing resolution (CR) will fund the government through January 30, avoiding a holiday-season funding crisis.

2. ⚙️ Reopening Process
Despite the vote, procedural delays (e.g., Senate rules requiring 60 votes and time gaps between votes) mean the government may not fully reopen until Tuesday or Wednesday.
Unanimous consent could have expedited the process, but some Democrats (e.g., Bernie Sanders) were accused of obstructing.

3. ✈️ Impact on Travel and Public Services
TSA agents and air traffic controllers were working without pay, leading to sick-outs and flight delays.
Even after reopening, normal operations may take several days to resume.

4. 📜 Legislation Introduced


Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2025:
Would make welfare fraud by illegal immigrants a deportable offense.
Cites statistics on non-citizens receiving SNAP and WIC benefits.
Claims a 10-year cost of $15 billion due to illegal immigrant access to benefits.


Obamacare Subsidies Debate:
Discussion on expiring subsidies for health insurance companies.
Republicans agreed to a vote in early December on whether to extend these subsidies.
Cruz and Trump oppose the subsidies, calling them corporate welfare, and advocate for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) instead.

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1. 🏛️&nbsp;Government Shutdown Status
<ul>
<li>The government had been shut down for 40 days, the longest in U.S. history.</li>
<li>A Senate vote secured 60 votes (including 8 Democrats) to begin the reopening process.</li>
<li>The continuing resolution (CR) will fund the government through January 30, avoiding a holiday-season funding crisis.</li>
</ul>
2. ⚙️ Reopening Process
<ul>
<li>Despite the vote, procedural delays (e.g., Senate rules requiring 60 votes and time gaps between votes) mean the government may not fully reopen until Tuesday or Wednesday.</li>
<li>Unanimous consent could have expedited the process, but some Democrats (e.g., Bernie Sanders) were accused of obstructing.</li>
</ul>
3. ✈️ Impact on Travel and Public Services
<ul>
<li>TSA agents and air traffic controllers were working without pay, leading to sick-outs and flight delays.</li>
<li>Even after reopening, normal operations may take several days to resume.</li>
</ul>
4. 📜 Legislation Introduced
<ul>
<li>
Deporting Fraudsters Act of 2025:
<ul>
<li>Would make welfare fraud by illegal immigrants a deportable offense.</li>
<li>Cites statistics on non-citizens receiving SNAP and WIC benefits.</li>
<li>Claims a 10-year cost of $15 billion due to illegal immigrant access to benefits.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Obamacare Subsidies Debate:
<ul>
<li>Discussion on expiring subsidies for health insurance companies.</li>
<li>Republicans agreed to a vote in early December on whether to extend these subsidies.</li>
<li>Cruz and Trump oppose the subsidies, calling them corporate welfare, and advocate for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) instead.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
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If you hate the liberal media but love the 47th President, than this is the podcast for you. Ben Ferguson brings you the commentary on the news that the biased media will not cover.

If you hate the liberal media but love the&nbsp;47th&nbsp;President, than this is the podcast for you. Ben Ferguson brings you the commentary on the news that the biased media will not cover.

THIS PODCAST GIVE YOU WHAT THE BIASED MEDIA WON'T!

The Ben Ferguson Podcast

Shutdown Breakdown: Ferguson & Cruz on What’s Really Happening

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/42526757-0688-4f7d-b321-b38200586781/transcript

1) UK, immigration, and Iran-related claims
The UK—especially London—has “fallen” due to immigration policy, alleging the presence of Sharia‑style parallel systems and political leverage by Muslim communities; this is presented as a reason PM Keir Starmer avoided aligning with a U.S.–Israel strike on Iran.
The UK previously excelled at seizing assets from corrupt/hostile actors (e.g., Russians) but has weakened under Starmer.
Mojtaba Khamenei (the late Iranian Supreme Leader’s son) frequented the UK and holds a dozen luxury properties worth ~£100M, implying UK tolerance because of incoming oil‑funded money.

2) U.S. public opinion & immigration enforcement
Citing a recent Harvard–Harris poll (late Feb), the speaker says 57% of Americans want all undocumented immigrants deported (54% independents, 79% Republicans, 35% Democrats). 
He adds that ~63–64% support laws barring commercial driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants, and that ~40% of Democrats favor such restrictions.
Most Americans want local law enforcement to honor ICE detainers and oppose “sanctuary” policies; he cites a figure that 55% oppose hiring 20,000 additional Border Patrol/ICE agents, interpreting it as a preference for local cooperation instead.

3) Workplace audits and firings
DHS has intensified paperwork/I‑9 checks in Washington, D.C. restaurants (letters allegedly began Feb 12), leading at one restaurant to the firing of 29 workers believed to lack valid documentation; it suggests more such letters are coming.

4) Rideshare safety concerns
A Houston‑area story is highlighted: four Uber drivers were federally charged in separate cases with kidnapping and sexual assault; one suspect was reported at large at the time referenced. Uber’s statement condemning such crimes and banning the drivers is cited. The segment is used to warn riders—especially women—about safety risks (account sharing, unfamiliar drivers, home address visibility).

5) Mar‑a‑Lago raid coordination allegation
Pointing to emails aired by Fox News, May 2022 communications show White House Counsel–DOJ coordination regarding an interview of Walt Nauta, contradicting AG Garland’s later claim that he “personally approved” the search decision and that DOJ acted independently. Reactions from House Republicans and a former state AG are mentioned.

6) China, energy, and sanctions ripple effects
A brief closing clip (attributed to Peter Schweizer) argues China is “panicking” because, over roughly 58 days, events involving Venezuela and Iran threaten two key discounted oil sources, undercutting Beijing’s non‑USD energy strategy

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1) UK, immigration, and Iran-related claims
<ul>
<li>The UK&mdash;especially London&mdash;has &ldquo;fallen&rdquo; due to immigration policy, alleging the presence of Sharia‑style parallel systems and political leverage by Muslim communities; this is presented as a reason PM Keir Starmer avoided aligning with a U.S.&ndash;Israel strike on Iran.</li>
<li>The UK previously excelled at seizing assets from corrupt/hostile actors (e.g., Russians) but has weakened under Starmer.</li>
<li>Mojtaba Khamenei (the late Iranian Supreme Leader&rsquo;s son) frequented the UK and holds&nbsp;a dozen luxury properties worth ~&pound;100M, implying UK tolerance because of incoming oil‑funded money.</li>
</ul>
2) U.S. public opinion &amp; immigration enforcement
<ul>
<li>Citing a recent Harvard&ndash;Harris poll (late Feb), the speaker says 57% of Americans want all undocumented immigrants deported (54% independents, 79% Republicans, 35% Democrats).&nbsp;</li>
<li>He adds that ~63&ndash;64% support laws barring commercial driver&rsquo;s licenses for undocumented immigrants, and that ~40% of Democrats favor such restrictions.</li>
<li>Most Americans want local law enforcement to honor ICE detainers and oppose &ldquo;sanctuary&rdquo; policies; he cites a figure that 55% oppose hiring 20,000 additional Border Patrol/ICE agents, interpreting it as a preference for local cooperation instead.</li>
</ul>
3) Workplace audits and firings
<ul>
<li>DHS has intensified paperwork/I‑9 checks in Washington, D.C. restaurants (letters allegedly began Feb 12), leading at one restaurant to the firing of 29 workers believed to lack valid documentation; it suggests more such letters are coming.</li>
</ul>
4) Rideshare safety concerns
<ul>
<li>A Houston‑area story is highlighted: four Uber drivers were federally charged in separate cases with kidnapping and sexual assault; one suspect was reported at large at the time referenced. Uber&rsquo;s statement condemning such crimes and banning the drivers is cited. The segment is used to warn riders&mdash;especially women&mdash;about safety risks (account sharing, unfamiliar drivers, home address visibility).</li>
</ul>
5) Mar‑a‑Lago raid coordination allegation
<ul>
<li>Pointing to emails aired by Fox News, May&nbsp;2022 communications show White House Counsel&ndash;DOJ coordination regarding an interview of Walt Nauta, contradicting AG Garland&rsquo;s later claim that he &ldquo;personally approved&rdquo; the search decision and that DOJ acted independently. Reactions from House Republicans and a former state AG are mentioned.</li>
</ul>
6) China, energy, and sanctions ripple effects
<ul>
<li>A brief closing clip (attributed to Peter Schweizer) argues China is &ldquo;panicking&rdquo; because, over roughly 58 days, events involving Venezuela and Iran threaten two key discounted oil sources, undercutting Beijing&rsquo;s non‑USD energy strategy</li>
</ul>
Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-47-morning-update-wit-258481252/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="5">47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson</a> and <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-verdict-with-ted-cruz-56253661/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="4">Verdict with Ted Cruz</a> 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
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How Britain Became a Safe Haven for America’s Enemies plus 57 Percent Say Send Them Home — Even Democrats

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/b4e3335e-b625-4d70-80e5-b3ff0074357d/transcript

1. Claim of Increased Terrorist Threat
four terrorist attacks have occurred within ten days in the U.S.
All attacks are described as being carried out by radical Islamic terrorists targeting Americans.
The country may be on the verge of a large-scale mass-casualty attack.

2. Blame on Open Border Policies
The Biden administration is accused of maintaining a “wide open border”.
Claims are made that millions of illegal immigrants, including terrorists, entered the U.S.
Statistics are cited showing an increase in encounters with individuals on the terrorist watch list after 2021.
“Gotaways” (unapprehended border crossers) are described as a major unknown security risk.

3. DHS Funding Controversy
Senate Democrats are accused of repeatedly voting against funding DHS.
The speakers argue this effectively:

Leaves TSA agents, Coast Guard members, FEMA workers, and DHS analysts unpaid
Weakens terrorism prevention capabilities
ICE is noted as already funded, undermining the Democrats’ stated rationale.

4. Criticism of Democratic Leadership
Democrats are described as being “serene” about DHS shutdown risks.
Senator Brian Schatz is singled out as emblematic of this attitude.
The argument suggests Democrats prioritize ideology and opposition to Trump over public safety.

5. Specific Terror Attack Examples
Austin, TX: A shooter described as a radical Islamist opening fire at a bar.
New York City: Two teens allegedly inspired by ISIS throwing homemade bombs.
Michigan: A vehicle attack at a synagogue/school stopped by armed security.
Old Dominion University: A former ISIS supporter, released early from prison, opening fire and being stopped by a student.

6. Media Criticism
Mainstream outlets, especially CNN, are accused of:

Downplaying or mischaracterizing terrorist motives
Avoiding the term “radical Islamic terrorism”
Failing to hold Democrats accountable
Examples of allegedly misleading headlines and retractions are cited.

7. Distinction Between Islam and Islamism
Senator Cruz emphasizes a distinction between:

Peaceful Muslims
Islamism, defined as a violent political ideology
He argues refusing to name the ideology prevents effective counterterrorism.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson 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

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1. Claim of Increased Terrorist Threat
<ul>
<li>four terrorist attacks have occurred within ten days in the U.S.</li>
<li>All attacks are described as being carried out by radical Islamic terrorists targeting Americans.</li>
<li>The country may be on the verge of a large-scale mass-casualty attack.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. Blame on Open Border Policies
<ul>
<li>The Biden administration is accused of maintaining a &ldquo;wide open border&rdquo;.</li>
<li>Claims are made that millions of illegal immigrants, including terrorists, entered the U.S.</li>
<li>Statistics are cited showing an increase in encounters with individuals on the terrorist watch list after 2021.</li>
<li>&ldquo;Gotaways&rdquo; (unapprehended border crossers) are described as a major unknown security risk.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
3. DHS Funding Controversy
<ul>
<li>Senate Democrats are accused of repeatedly voting against funding DHS.</li>
<li>The speakers argue this effectively:
<ul>
<li>Leaves TSA agents, Coast Guard members, FEMA workers, and DHS analysts unpaid</li>
<li>Weakens terrorism prevention capabilities</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>ICE is noted as already funded, undermining the Democrats&rsquo; stated rationale.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. Criticism of Democratic Leadership
<ul>
<li>Democrats are described as being &ldquo;serene&rdquo; about DHS shutdown risks.</li>
<li>Senator Brian Schatz is singled out as emblematic of this attitude.</li>
<li>The argument suggests Democrats prioritize ideology and opposition to Trump over public safety.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. Specific Terror Attack Examples
<ul>
<li>Austin, TX: A shooter described as a radical Islamist opening fire at a bar.</li>
<li>New York City: Two teens allegedly inspired by ISIS throwing homemade bombs.</li>
<li>Michigan: A vehicle attack at a synagogue/school stopped by armed security.</li>
<li>Old Dominion University: A former ISIS supporter, released early from prison, opening fire and being stopped by a student.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
6. Media Criticism
<ul>
<li>Mainstream outlets, especially CNN, are accused of:
<ul>
<li>Downplaying or mischaracterizing terrorist motives</li>
<li>Avoiding the term &ldquo;radical Islamic terrorism&rdquo;</li>
<li>Failing to hold Democrats accountable</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Examples of allegedly misleading headlines and retractions are cited.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
7. Distinction Between Islam and Islamism
<ul>
<li>Senator Cruz emphasizes a distinction between:
<ul>
<li>Peaceful Muslims</li>
<li>Islamism, defined as a violent political ideology</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>He argues refusing to name the ideology prevents effective counterterrorism.</li>
</ul>
Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-47-morning-update-wit-258481252/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="5">47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson</a> and <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-verdict-with-ted-cruz-56253661/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="4">Verdict with Ted Cruz</a> 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
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America Hit Four Times in Ten Days yet Dems demand DHS to be Dismantled

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/9598cb36-b2d4-492e-be25-b3ff0074130d/transcript

1. Illegal Immigration Data
Illegal immigration has surged to historically high levels, estimating nearly 19 million undocumented immigrants currently in the United States.
This increase primarily to policies enacted during the Biden administration, citing a rapid population growth since December 2020.

2. Data Source Emphasis
The narrative relies heavily on figures from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).
It asserts that Census Bureau methodology changes have undercounted the foreign‑born and undocumented population, suggesting official estimates are deliberately understated.

3. Political Framing
Immigration is framed as a defining issue for the 2026 midterm elections.
Criticize some Republican leaders for considering moderation, portraying such moves as political weakness.
Democrats are depicted as intentionally supporting permissive border policies to reshape the U.S. electorate and power structure.

4. Trump Administration Comparison
The contrast between Biden-era and Trump-era border enforcement:

Trump’s policies are described as decisive, effective, and popular.
Deportation efforts under Trump are framed as economically beneficial, improving wages, lowering housing costs, reducing crime, and stabilizing inflation.

5. National Security Argument
Immigration is portrayed as not just a policy issue, but a national security threat.
The text highlights a sharp rise in encounters with individuals on the terrorism watch list at the southern border from 2021–2024.
It emphasizes concern over “gotaways”—individuals who crossed the border without apprehension—arguing their unknown identities pose serious risks.

6. Crime and Public Safety Focus
A significant portion centers on criminal activity by undocumented immigrants, especially:

Violent crime
Gang affiliation
Sexual crimes against children
ICE enforcement statistics are used to argue that most arrests involve individuals with criminal records, countering claims that enforcement targets non‑criminal migrants.

7. Child Protection Narrative
Child safety, citing large numbers of arrests for child sexual offenses in specific regions (notably Houston).
These cases are used to argue that strict immigration enforcement directly protects families and communities.

8. Media Criticism

Terrorism-related border encounters
Crimes committed by undocumented immigrants
Positive outcomes of enforcement actions

9. Public Opinion and Polling
CNN polling data is cited to claim that:

Republicans now hold an advantage over Democrats on immigration and border security
Democrats are in a weaker position on immigration than during Trump’s first term
Immigration is now a winning issue for Republicans.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson 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

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1. Illegal Immigration Data
<ul>
<li>Illegal immigration has surged to historically high levels, estimating nearly 19 million undocumented immigrants currently in the United States.</li>
<li>This increase primarily to policies enacted during the Biden administration, citing a rapid population growth since December 2020.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. Data Source Emphasis
<ul>
<li>The narrative relies heavily on figures from the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR).</li>
<li>It asserts that Census Bureau methodology changes have undercounted the foreign‑born and undocumented population, suggesting official estimates are deliberately understated.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
3. Political Framing
<ul>
<li>Immigration is framed as a defining issue for the 2026 midterm elections.</li>
<li>Criticize some Republican leaders for considering moderation, portraying such moves as political weakness.</li>
<li>Democrats are depicted as intentionally supporting permissive border policies to reshape the U.S. electorate and power structure.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. Trump Administration Comparison
<ul>
<li>The contrast between Biden-era and Trump-era border enforcement:
<ul>
<li>Trump&rsquo;s policies are described as decisive, effective, and popular.</li>
<li>Deportation efforts under Trump are framed as economically beneficial, improving wages, lowering housing costs, reducing crime, and stabilizing inflation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. National Security Argument
<ul>
<li>Immigration is portrayed as not just a policy issue, but a national security threat.</li>
<li>The text highlights a sharp rise in encounters with individuals on the terrorism watch list at the southern border from 2021&ndash;2024.</li>
<li>It emphasizes concern over &ldquo;gotaways&rdquo;&mdash;individuals who crossed the border without apprehension&mdash;arguing their unknown identities pose serious risks.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
6. Crime and Public Safety Focus
<ul>
<li>A significant portion centers on criminal activity by undocumented immigrants, especially:
<ul>
<li>Violent crime</li>
<li>Gang affiliation</li>
<li>Sexual crimes against children</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>ICE enforcement statistics are used to argue that most arrests involve individuals with criminal records, countering claims that enforcement targets non‑criminal migrants.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
7. Child Protection Narrative
<ul>
<li>Child safety, citing large numbers of arrests for child sexual offenses in specific regions (notably Houston).</li>
<li>These cases are used to argue that strict immigration enforcement directly protects families and communities.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
8. Media Criticism
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>Terrorism-related border encounters</li>
<li>Crimes committed by undocumented immigrants</li>
<li>Positive outcomes of enforcement actions</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
9. Public Opinion and Polling
<ul>
<li>CNN polling data is cited to claim that:
<ul>
<li>Republicans now hold an advantage over Democrats on immigration and border security</li>
<li>Democrats are in a weaker position on immigration than during Trump&rsquo;s first term</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Immigration is now a winning issue for Republicans.</li>
</ul>
Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-47-morning-update-wit-258481252/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="5">47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson</a> and <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-verdict-with-ted-cruz-56253661/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="4">Verdict with Ted Cruz</a> 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
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America’s Open Door Era: Watchlists, Walk‑Ins, and What Slipped Through

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5a91f2d6-fd8f-4e84-a762-b3ff0073f48a/transcript

Shutdown Breakdown: Ferguson & Cruz on What’s Really Happening

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