The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: The Fight to Keep Men Out of Women’s Sports plus State Department’s Warning in Iran ‘Get Out Now!’
Date: January 14, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Ben Ferguson breaks down two major stories dominating the headlines:

1. The landmark Supreme Court oral arguments on state laws banning transgender athletes (biological males) from women’s sports, a hot-button issue framed as crucial for the future of women’s athletics.
2. The State Department’s urgent warning for Americans in Iran to leave immediately as anti-government protests escalate and repression intensifies, with the U.S. administration considering its response.

Ferguson, known for his direct commentary and conservative perspective, provides inside-the-courtroom details and calls out what he sees as the radicalization of opposing viewpoints. He also analyzes the potential geopolitical fallout from the crisis in Iran.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Supreme Court Oral Arguments: Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports

[02:28 - 13:40]

• Cases in Question

  • Little v. He: Challenge to Idaho’s state law banning transgender girls (biological males) from women’s sports teams.
  • West Virginia v. BPJ: Similar law in West Virginia, with athlete Becky Pepper Jackson as the plaintiff.

• Legal Issues at Stake

  • Do state laws banning transgender athletes from women’s teams violate the Equal Protection Clause or Title IX?
  • If the bans are upheld, similar laws in more than 24 states could be validated; if struck down, it could roll back restriction on transgender participation.

• Supreme Court Dynamics

  • Ferguson describes "radical judges" such as Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Brown as frustrated that more children aren’t identifying as transgender, with Sotomayor allegedly suggesting earlier transition could help set legal precedent.

    “Sotomayor almost went to the point of advocating for parents to transition their kids at a much younger age, because then that could give them what they believe is a legal precedence…” —Ben Ferguson [04:35]

  • Conservative justices seen as grounded in "sanity," focusing on biological difference and fairness.

    • “There is a difference biologically between men and women… Even when it’s done perfectly many times, you still don’t fall within the actual numbers needed to claim you are the opposite sex.” —Ben Ferguson [05:05]

• Arguments from Both Sides

  • Plaintiffs/Transgender Athletes: Argue bans are discriminatory and deny benefits of sports participation. Claim Title IX and federal guidance protect against exclusion based on gender identity.
  • States/Supporters of Bans: Assert separations are for competitive fairness and safety, and that Title IX grants states authority to restrict women’s teams to biological females.

• Memorable Moments and Quotes

  • On the ACLU not being able to define "woman" or "man":

    “The ACLU, in fact, got themselves into a point where they couldn’t even define for the court what the definition of a woman or a man is. That is just how radical the left has truly become.” —Ben Ferguson [10:50]

  • Injury risk and competitive fairness were highlighted:

    “There was the other aspect of the conversation, which the left hopes you never talk about—how many injuries happen because of men playing in women’s sports… We have seen major injuries, career-ending injuries when men play in women’s sports.” —Ben Ferguson [09:25]

• Ferguson’s Prediction

  • He concludes that the conservative majority is likely to uphold the state bans, framing it as a victory for women’s sports and traditional definitions of gender.

2. Crisis in Iran: State Department Evacuation Warning

[13:40 - 16:08]

• Escalating Violence and Deaths

  • Recent protests have resulted in thousands killed; official Iranian counts (“roughly 2,000”) are seen as underestimations, while independent reports and activists suggest numbers as high as 12,000 – 20,000.

    “What we do know now is that it looks like not hundreds but thousands of Iranians have been killed. Reuters is reporting… roughly 2,000 people… Rights groups and activists say… three to five thousand… Claims… nationwide… 12 to 20,000 that have been killed.”—Ben Ferguson [14:31]

  • Widespread communication blackouts, mass detentions (over 18,000 arrested), and targeted crackdowns (e.g., gunshot eye injuries among protesters).

• U.S. Government Response

  • President Trump maintains the U.S. will defend those being attacked and warns of “very strong action” if executions are carried out.

  • U.S. State Department issues stark travel advisories. Americans are urged to depart Iran immediately, noting there is no U.S. embassy and limited means of assistance.

    “If you’re a U.S. citizen currently in Iran, the U.S. State Department guidance is: Leave Iran now. Do not expect U.S. help inside of Iran.” —Ben Ferguson [15:33]

  • Possible departure by land through neighboring countries is advised. Americans unable to leave should “shelter in a secure location, keep a low profile, and establish backup ways to communicate.”

• Geopolitical Uncertainty

  • Ferguson notes that talks between Iran and the U.S. may resume, but indicates that a strong response from the Trump administration is likely imminent.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Court’s Reception to Plaintiff’s Arguments:

  “The numbers were staggering… just how many times when a man decides to act like they are a woman, they’re able to take away gold medals or NCAA championships…” —Ben Ferguson [08:00]

• On Potential Supreme Court Ruling:

  “The takeaway from being in the courtroom is this: the oral arguments suggest clearly that the conservative majority on the court may be sympathetic to the state’s arguments…” —Ben Ferguson [10:30]

• On Iran’s Violent Crackdown:

  “The red line that the president talked about has been crossed… Most are describing live fire and mass arrests, overwhelmed hospitals, and intimidation even of medical staff to save people’s lives…” —Ben Ferguson [14:55]

• On U.S. Evacuation Guidance:

  “If safe to do so, you should even consider departing by land via neighboring countries…” —Ben Ferguson [15:41]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:28] Introduction and framing of top stories
• [03:10] Supreme Court cases overview: Idaho and West Virginia bans
• [05:05] Conservative vs liberal justice reactions
• [07:00] Arguments from plaintiffs and states
• [08:00] Statistical evidence on trans athletes’ success and resulting injuries
• [10:50] ACLU’s definition dilemma in court
• [12:30] Ferguson’s forecast on Supreme Court decision
• [13:40] Iran protests: death toll and blackouts
• [14:31] Detailed breakdown of casualties and detentions in Iran
• [15:33] State Department’s urgent guidance for Americans in Iran
• [15:41] Advice for Americans: evacuation options and self-sheltering

Tone & Delivery

Ben Ferguson’s commentary is unapologetically direct and rooted in a conservative worldview. He repeatedly frames liberal positions as radical and highlights what he sees as logical inconsistencies or failures, especially in courtroom arguments. His reporting on Iran is serious, urgent, and focused on the safety of American citizens and the potential for presidential action.

Summary

This episode delivered detailed courtroom insight on the battle over women’s sports and transgender participation, forecasting conservative judicial victories, while providing urgent information and analysis on the volatile situation in Iran. Ferguson blends personal reporting, legal explanation, and political perspective, offering listeners both information and his unmistakable point of view.