The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Fraud Allegations A reported $9+ billion fraud in Minnesota’s Medicaid and childcare programs. Fraud schemes allegedly involved fake daycare centers, autism centers, and home healthcare providers. Claims that funds were diverted to terrorist groups like Al Shabaab . Actors and Accountability Somali immigrants are the primary perpetrators. Minnesota politicians (e.g., Governor Tim Walz) for a...

1. Minnesota Fraud Scandal:                 Minnesota lets voters 'vouch' for up to 8 others (SEE STORY HERE) Allegations of massive fraud in childcare programs and federal aid schemes in Minnesota, involving Somali-linked organizations. Governor Tim Walz for refused to apologize and instead advocating for welcoming more So...

Scale of Fraud : FBI Director Cash Patel confirmed that the fraud is extensive, describing it as “just the tip of a very large iceberg.” A single dismantled scheme tied to federal food aid programs amounted to $250 million , resulting in 78 indictments and 57 convictions . Broader estimates suggest fraud across multiple programs in Minnesota could total billions of dollars , including...

Massive Fraud Allegations (WATCH NICK's VIDEO HERE!) Minnesota has spent $18 billion on Medicaid over several years, with up to $9 billion allegedly lost to fraud. Fraud reportedly involves fake daycare centers and autism centers receiving millions in state funds without providing services or having children present. Example: Facilities licensed for dozens of children but found empty, with windows...

Legal and Constitutional Battles involving President Donald Trump A recent Supreme Court decision denying the Trump administration's request to federalize Illinois National Guard troops to assist ICE agents in Chicago. The ruling emphasized that the administration failed to identify statutory authority for deploying military forces to enforce laws in Illinois. Details of the majority opinion, conc...

1. Welfare System Fraud and Structural Issues Based on an op-ed by Phil Gramm and John Early in The Wall Street Journal titled “The Biggest Fraud in Welfare” . Key points: U.S. welfare spending has skyrocketed 765% since the mid-1970s, now totaling $1.4 trillion annually . If distributed evenly among the 19.8 million families classified as poor, each would receive $71,000 per year . Th...

Policy Overview Undocumented immigrants can receive a $3,000 “exit bonus” if they leave the U.S. voluntarily by December 31. The program includes free travel arrangements and potential waivers of civil fines. Registration is required via a Department of Homeland Security app. Rationale It is cheaper than formal deportation, which involves legal processes, detention, and transportation...

Hollywood and Media Bias : Cruz argues that the NYT list prioritizes political messaging over storytelling and entertainment. He claims the list reflects elitist, left-leaning Hollywood values and ignores popular, inspirational, or patriotic films. Alternative Film List : Cruz presents his own list of 30 films from the past 25 years that he believes are more representative of quality cinema. His s...

1. Cultural Debate on Santa Claus UK museum’s guidance to “decolonize” Father Christmas. Santa is criticized for being “too white” and “too male.” Suggests changes like: Santa working alongside elves to show equality. Mrs. (Mother) Christmas taking a more prominent role. Removing the “naughty or nice” list, which is framed as colonial and judgm...

Massive Interest Payments on National Debt $1.2 trillion spent on interest payments in 2025 alone, making it the third-largest government expense after Social Security and Medicare. Highlights the unsustainable nature of U.S. borrowing and debt ($38.4 trillion total). Animal Experimentation $13.8 million for beagle experiments involving tick-borne illnesses. $5.2 million for dosing beagles with co...

1. Christmas and Its Religious Significance The discussion begins with warm holiday greetings and reflections on the meaning of Christmas. Emphasis is placed on celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, highlighting its spiritual importance over commercial aspects like gifts and Santa Claus. Ben and the Senator share personal traditions, such as reading Luke Chapter 2 during Christmas dinner, and dis...

Golden Fleet Announcement Trump unveils plans for the construction of two massive battleships , described as: The largest ever built. “100 times more powerful” than previous Iowa-class ships. Part of a new Golden Fleet to revitalize U.S. naval power. Long-term vision: expand to 20–25 ships , boosting American shipbuilding and jobs. Emphasis on national security, military supremac...

Epstein File Release The files include photos of former President Bill Clinton in compromising contexts: On Epstein’s private plane with unidentified individuals. In a pool with Ghislaine Maxwell and other women (faces redacted). In a hot tub with a redacted woman. The commentary argues that if these were photos of Donald Trump, media coverage would be relentless, but Clinton’s involve...

To our listeners a GREAT THANK YOU! Without you this would not be possible. We thank EACH and every one of you for making Verdict what it is today and supporting this show. Much more to blow you away in 2026 so keep listening, and keep sharing!                          &nbsp...

Operation Hawkeye A large-scale U.S. military strike targeting ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites across more than 70 locations in Syria. Ordered by President Trump in response to an ambush that killed two U.S. service members and a civilian interpreter. Objective: Deliver a “declaration of vengeance,” not a declaration of war. Military Details Use of precision munitions...

1. Immigration and Housing Mass immigration under President Biden increased rental demand and housing prices. Trump’s deportations and border enforcement are lowering rents and home prices. Median age of first-time homebuyers is rising above 40 (highest since WWI). Wharton study: “Every 1% population increase → rents up 1%.” Recent rent declines (−1.1% YoY, −5.2%...

Inflation Drop as a Surprise Inflation fell sharply to 2.7% , described as a “tumble” rather than a gradual decline. This is a direct contradiction to warnings from economists and political opponents who predicted Trump’s policies would cause inflation to spike. Energy Dominance Major factor behind falling inflation. Trump administration rolled back federal barriers, accelerated...

Border Security Illegal immigration reportedly dropped by 99%. $100 billion invested in border security infrastructure (wall, technology, personnel). Claimed economic benefits: reduced housing costs and rents due to deportations. Working Families Tax Cut (formerly “One Big Beautiful Bill”) Permanent extension and expansion of Trump-era tax cuts. Specific provisions: No taxes on tips, o...

Economic Agenda Promises of major tax relief starting in 2026: No tax on tips, overtime, and Social Security for most Americans. Projected savings: $11,000–$20,000 per family annually. Anticipated largest tax refund season ever next spring. Emphasis on record investment inflows , job creation, and tariff leverage. Goal: “Greatest economy in history.” Military Support Announcement...

Lack of Probable Cause Internal FBI emails reportedly show that agents, particularly from the Washington Field Office, did not believe they had sufficient evidence to justify a search warrant. Agents suggested alternative approaches, such as negotiating with Trump’s attorneys, rather than conducting a raid. DOJ Pressure and Decision Despite internal resistance, DOJ leadership pushed forward....

1. Foiled Terror Attack in Los Angeles Incident: FBI arrested five suspects allegedly planning coordinated New Year’s Eve bombings in Los Angeles. Group: Identified as the Turtle Island Liberation Front , described as a radical pro-Palestinian, anti-American extremist group. Details: Planned attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at five locations. Four suspects arrested in Lucern...

Crime Data Manipulation in Washington, D.C. Investigations by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the House Oversight Committee revealed that crime statistics were deliberately misclassified by the Metropolitan Police Department. The outgoing police chief, Pamela Smith, allegedly pressured commanders to report lower crime figures, downgrade serious offenses, and even retaliated against those who...

President Trump’s Address Expressed condolences for victims of all three attacks. Confirmed details: Australia: 11 dead, 29 wounded in an anti-Semitic attack; praised a heroic bystander who disarmed a shooter. Brown University: 2 killed, 9 injured during an exam review session; suspect is a 24-year-old man from Wisconsin, detained with two handguns. Syria: 3 U.S. service members killed, 3 in...

Tragic events highlighted Rob Reiner & spouse killed in Los Angeles, allegedly by their son, who reportedly struggled with addiction and mental illness; attribution is said to be from “People magazine,” with police not yet confirming details. Brown University shooting : 2 dead, 9 injured in an economics exam-prep class; a suspect was later found at a hotel south of Providence; moti...

Fraud Allegations Claims Somali-American individuals and organizations misappropriated billions in taxpayer funds , especially COVID-era aid programs like school meal initiatives. References the Feeding Our Future scandal, estimating losses at $300 million and citing lavish spending (luxury cars, Maldives honeymoon, $270k cash box). Federal Investigations States the Treasury Department, IRS, and F...