Verdict with Ted Cruz

Verdict with Ted Cruz

Join Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson as they break down the most important news stories of the day and reveal what they mean for you. On "Verdict with Ted Cruz,” you will go behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country.

BONUS POD: Civil War Inside the Democratic Party Erupts Over ICE Enforcement

Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Jan 20 2026

Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton!  If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too.

 

Here’s a sample episode recapping four takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

 

Going After Greenland

 

Reaction to the College Football National Championship, where Indiana defeated Miami in a game Clay Travis and Buck Sexton attended in person alongside President Donald Trump. The hosts describe the atmosphere as overwhelmingly pro‑Indiana despite Miami hosting, highlight Trump’s appearance during the national anthem, and reflect on what they characterize as a renewed sense of public patriotism at major American sporting events.

 

A deep dive into President Trump’s escalating push to acquire Greenland, which Clay and Buck frame as one of the most consequential and unexpected foreign‑policy stories of the moment. They analyze Trump’s comments asserting that Denmark cannot adequately defend the territory, his insistence that the U.S. “has to have it” for national security reasons, and prediction‑market odds placing roughly a 50‑50 chance on American control of at least part of Greenland in the near future. The hosts connect the potential acquisition to U.S. military strategy, Arctic dominance, rare‑earth minerals, long‑term resource access, and historical precedents like the Louisiana Purchase and the Alaska deal.

 

Exploring the U.S. military presence at Greenland’s Pituffik Space Base (formerly Thule Air Base) and NATO reactions, including symbolic European military drills. Clay and Buck argue these gestures have not deterred Trump, who has elevated Greenland as a headline issue ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos. They discuss Trump’s negotiating style—starting with seemingly outrageous positions to force concessions—and speculate on territorial status, sovereignty questions, and whether Greenland’s small population could eventually vote to become a U.S. territory under existing American territorial law.

 

Trump 2.0

 

An evaluation of President Donald Trump’s first year in his second term, marking the one‑year anniversary of Trump’s return to office and the official start of Trump 2.0 Year Two. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton frame this hour as a turning point—from executing the campaign agenda to actively selling Trump’s record ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, which the hosts describe as the final national referendum on Trump’s presidency.

 

Clay outlines eight major accomplishments of Trump’s second term so far, led by the most secure southern border in U.S. history, followed by record‑high stock prices, strong GDP growth, declining inflation despite tariffs, historic murder declines, collapsing fentanyl overdose deaths, falling mortgage rates, and four‑year‑low gas prices. Clay and Buck argue these metrics reflect decisive leadership and policy execution, even as they acknowledge lingering economic frustration among voters due to residual inflation from prior administrations. Listener polls and talkbacks show overwhelming support from Trump voters, with most grading the president’s first year an “A.”

 

Oppression Narratives 

 

A major cultural segment in Hour 2 examines what Clay and Buck describe as modern left‑wing victimhood narratives, sparked by comments made on The View by actress Pam Grier claiming she witnessed lynchings as a child in Ohio. The hosts dissect historical data showing the claim is impossible given Grier’s birth year and Ohio’s documented history. They argue the story reflects a broader media failure to challenge false narratives that reinforce ideological grievance politics, highlighting how such claims go unchallenged on mainstream television.  This discussion expands into a deeper breakdown of historical lynching data, including distinctions between frontier justice, mob violence, and formal definitions used by organizations like the NAACP. Buck emphasizes that lynching history is often misrepresented for political impact, while Clay argues objective reality and historical context must matter in public discourse.

 

Why Greenland Matters

 

A detailed discussion of Greenland and geopolitics, which Clay and Buck describe as one of the most important foreign‑policy themes emerging ahead of Davos. They respond to statements from European leaders, including the European Commission and Danish officials, rejecting any U.S. claim to Greenland. Clay and Buck outline Trump&

BONUS POD: DHS Arrests 10K Criminal Illegals in Minneapolis ALONE!

1. Central Claim of the Narrative

  • Over 10,000 “criminal illegal aliens” have been arrested in Minneapolis alone, with:
    • 3,000 arrests in the past six weeks
    • 70% tied to violent crimes
  • These arrests are attributed to DHS and ICE operations under the Trump administration.

2. Crimes Described

The arrests are said to include individuals accused of:

  • Murder
  • Rape
  • Child sexual offenses
  • Other violent felonies

This is the “worst of the worst” offenders and the arrests are a major public safety victory.


3. Accusations Against Minnesota Leadership:

  • Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
  • Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey

of the following:

  • Failing to protect public safety
  • Undermining federal immigration enforcement
  • Encouraging hostility toward ICE
  • Obstructing law enforcement through public statements

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating both officials for allegedly impeding federal law enforcement, though it acknowledges:

  • The investigation is in early stages
  • No subpoenas or charges are confirmed

4. Allegations of Massive Financial Fraud

  • At least $19 billion in fraud tied to Minneapolis alone
  • Federal investigators are conducting large‑scale financial investigations
  • Some funds went to terrorist organizations (e.g., Al‑Shabab)

5. This Federal Case also includes:

Ties to the Feeding Our Future organization:

  • Is a real federal investigation in Minnesota
  • Involves approximately $250 million in alleged pandemic-era food program fraud
  • Has resulted in charges against 70 individuals (between 2022–2024)

6. Media Bias Argument

  • CBS and CNN are deliberately misleading the public
  • Journalists are accused of:
    • Lying about arrest numbers
    • Downplaying criminal activity
    • Framing DOJ actions as “intimidation”

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Iran Revolution-Why this is Different...Trump is not Obama

1. Role of Popular Uprising

  • Millions of Iranians are described as actively protesting against the ruling clerical regime.
  • The movement is portrayed as organic, domestic, and secular, not Islamist or anti‑Western.
  • Economic collapse is identified as the primary catalyst rather than a single political trigger.
  • Protesters are framed as the legitimate engine of change, with the U.S. positioned as a supporter rather than the instigator.

2. Economic Collapse as a Destabilizer

  • Hyperinflation and currency collapse (rial exceeding 1,000,000 to the dollar) have crippled daily life.
  • Bazaar closures, labor strikes (notably in energy), and widespread shortages are presented as systemic stressors.
  • Low global oil prices weaken Iran’s primary revenue source, limiting the regime’s ability to fund repression and foreign proxies.

3. U.S. Policy Contrast: Trump vs. Obama/Biden

  • There is a sharp contrast between:
    • Obama/Biden: Characterized as conciliatory, passive, and supportive of engagement (e.g., Iran nuclear deal).
    • Trump: Portrayed as deterrence‑focused, confrontational, and openly supportive of regime change.
  • Trump’s public endorsement of a “new government” in Iran is framed as unprecedented and strategically consequential.

4. Deterrence Without Occupation

  • We reject a large‑scale military invasion.
  • Instead, we support:
    • Targeted military strikes (e.g., nuclear facilities, IRGC leadership)
    • Covert operations
    • Clear deterrent threats against mass repression
  • The killing of Qasem Soleimani is highlighted as a key inflection point that shattered regime confidence.

5. Iran’s Strategic Weakness

  • Iran’s air defenses and regional influence are described as severely degraded.
  • Hezbollah, Hamas, and other proxies have been decapitated or weakened.
  • The regime is increasingly isolated as allies (Venezuela, Syria, Russia) face their own crises.

6. Internal Regime Fractures

  • The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is portrayed as a potential kingmaker or coup actor.
  • The text suggests the IRGC:
    • Controls vast economic assets
    • Is deeply unpopular with the public
    • May abandon the clerical leadership to preserve its own power
  • A coup becomes likely if U.S. pressure and labor strikes converge.

7. Information Control and Fear

  • Internet shutdowns and communication blackouts are signs of regime panic.
  • Supreme Leader Khamenei fears internal reform more than outright confrontation, drawing parallels to Soviet collapse.

9. Broader Geopolitical Context

  • Iran’s situation is linked to potential domino effects in Venezuela and Cuba.
  • Energy independence and low oil prices are framed as key U.S. national security tools.
  • The moment is compared to the fall of the Berlin Wall, suggesting a possible systemic collapse of authoritarian regimes without U.S. ground wars.

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Regime Change Isn’t a Dirty Word, a Meeting with Machado & the Soldiers Who Changed a Hemisphere Week In Review

1. Support for Regime Change Without “Boots on the Ground”

  • Regime change can be morally and strategically justified when it leads to the fall of tyrannical or hostile regimes (e.g., Soviet Union, Iran).
  • Strongly distinguishes between:
    • Non-military or indirect regime change (diplomatic pressure, moral support, rhetoric, economic pressure)
    • Full-scale military invasions, which the speaker opposes based on lessons from Iraq and Libya.
  • Frames “regime change” as a concept unfairly discredited due to past U.S. military failures.

2. Historical Analogy: Reagan and the Cold War

  • Ronald Reagan is a model:
    • “Peace through strength,” rebuilding the military without large-scale invasions.
    • Moral clarity and public rhetoric (e.g., “evil empire,” “tear down this wall”) are catalysts for systemic collapse.
  • The power of words and leadership signaling can inspire dissidents inside authoritarian regimes.

3. Iran as an Active Enemy of the United States

  • Iran is fundamentally different from prior dictatorships:
    • Actively funds terrorism targeting Americans
    • Governed by a theocratic regime portrayed as irredeemable
  • Open U.S. rhetorical and moral support for Iranian protesters and dissidents.
  • Acknowledges uncertainty and risks following a revolution but argues the status quo is worse.

4. Venezuela: Engagement With María Corina Machado

  • A bipartisan Senate meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado following her meeting with President Trump.
  • Highlights her strategic emphasis on:
    • U.S. unity
    • Avoiding partisan attacks on Trump
  • She is an effective, pragmatic opposition leader acting in Venezuela’s national interest.
  • Strong ties between U.S. senators and Venezuelan communities, especially in Florida and Texas.

5. Trump’s Role in Global Opposition Movements

  • Donald Trump’s leadership and rhetoric is a motivating force behind opposition movements in:
    • Iran
    • Venezuela
    • Cuba
  • These three countries are simultaneously nearing potential regime collapse or elections.
  • Claims this could represent the most significant geopolitical shift since the fall of the Berlin Wall, while acknowledging high risks.

6. Military Operation Against Maduro (U.S. Arrest)

  • A recent military raid targeting Nicolás Maduro:
    • Maduro described as being protected by Cuban military forces
    • Operation allegedly resulted in:
      • No American fatalities
      • Multiple enemy combatant deaths
  • The Senator visited three wounded U.S. soldiers recovering in San Antonio.
  • Emphasizing:
    • Their bravery
    • Their role in “changing the Western Hemisphere”
    • Symbolic gestures (retrieving bullets/shrapnel as mementos)

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Inside the Room with the Heroic Soldiers Wounded in the Maduro Raid & with Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado

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.

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Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Jan 15 2026

Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton!  If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too.

 

Here’s a sample episode recapping four takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

 

 You're Fired!

 

Clay and Buck open with breaking news of another ICE-involved shooting after agents were attacked during an arrest operation. The suspects—identified as Venezuelan illegal immigrants with final deportation orders—reportedly assaulted an officer, prompting him to fire in self-defense. This follows a string of violent confrontations and protests targeting federal agents, with ICE vehicles vandalized and weapons stolen from government vehicles. The hosts warn that Minneapolis has become the epicenter of Resistance 2.0, echoing the chaos of the 2020 BLM riots, and argue that President Trump must act decisively to prevent nationwide unrest.

 

The conversation intensifies as Clay and Buck analyze Trump’s Truth Social post threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act if Minnesota officials fail to stop organized attacks on federal law enforcement. They frame this as a defining moment for Trump’s second term, contrasting his current posture with what they call the missed opportunity to crush BLM riots in 2020. Buck emphasizes that Democrats are weaponizing immigration enforcement as a political wedge, portraying ICE as “Gestapo” and encouraging obstruction—language that, they argue, incites violence against officers. Clay underscores the stakes: Trump cannot afford to break faith with voters on border security, making Minneapolis a “crucible decision” for his presidency.

 

The Left Wants to Abolish ICE

 

Clay and Buck open with sharp analysis of Rep. Shri Thanedar’s renewed call to abolish ICE, reviving a radical slogan first championed by AOC during Trump’s first term. They argue that Democrats’ strategy is clear: dismantle enforcement while keeping immigration laws on the books to avoid openly admitting their open borders agenda. This, they contend, is part of a long-term plan to reshape America’s demographics and political landscape.

 

The hosts highlight Trump’s historic success in reversing decades of migration trends, noting that net migration turned negative in 2025 for the first time since the 1920s. Approximately 2.6 million illegal immigrants left the country through deportations and self-removal, a stark contrast to Biden’s border surge that saw monthly inflows soar to 200,000. Clay and Buck frame this as proof that Trump’s enforcement policies are working, even as Democrats and media allies attempt to undermine ICE operations by portraying agents as brutal and lawless. They warn that rhetoric from figures like Hakeem Jeffries—accusing ICE of “brutalizing American families”—is fueling hostility and setting the stage for violence against federal officers, echoing the chaos of 2020’s BLM riots.

 

Gov't Makes Things Expensive 

 

The conversation then pivots to Trump’s new “Great Healthcare Plan,” unveiled by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, which emphasizes affordability and transparency. The plan aims to permanently lower prescription drug prices, redirect subsidies from insurers to consumers, mandate public price disclosures to eliminate surprise bills, and hold insurance companies accountable with clear rate comparisons. Clay and Buck stress that Trump learned from Republicans’ 2018 midterm losses over healthcare and is now positioning affordability—alongside housing and credit card interest reform—as a cornerstone of his economic message. They argue that Trump’s proactive approach on healthcare and cost-of-living issues could resonate deeply with voters, contrasting his market-driven solutions with Democrats’ push for government control.

 

Should We Buy Greenland?

 

Updates on President Trump’s Greenland acquisition push, following high-level meetings between U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials at the White House. Clay and Buck explain Trump’s rationale for pursuing Greenland as a long-term national security asset, citing its strategic Arctic location, potential mineral wealth, and historical parallels to Seward’s purchase of Alaska and the Louisiana Purchase. They argue that Greenland could be critical for monitoring nuclear submarine activity and countering Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, framing Trump’s vision as a ce

BONUS POD: Iran Threatens Trump w Assassination plus Doctor can't answer 'Can Men Get Pregnant?'

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.

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Legendary Coach Bruce Pearl One-on-One: Hoops, NIL & Anti-Semitism in America

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.

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Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck with Ted Cruz

Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton!  If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too.

Here’s a sample episode recapping four takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

TX Sen. Ted Cruz Joins the Show!

Clay highlights encouraging data showing core inflation dropping to 2.6%, its lowest level since March 2021. The hosts explain why this trend signals progress toward the Federal Reserve’s 2% target and could lead to lower interest rates in 2026. They also discuss affordability challenges and debate proposals like capping credit card interest rates at 10%, with Senator Ted Cruz joining the show to warn about unintended consequences that could hurt low-income Americans by restricting access to credit.

The hour concludes with a deep dive into Iran’s escalating protests against the Ayatollah’s regime, featuring an extended interview with Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Cruz calls the uprising a potential “Berlin Wall moment,” predicting the Islamic theocracy could collapse within weeks following its humiliating defeat in the recent 12-day war with Israel. He praises President Trump’s strong stance in support of Iranian freedom and outlines strategies ranging from cyber operations to limited kinetic strikes against regime forces, while stressing the importance of keeping the revolution authentically Iranian. Cruz also reveals that Elon Musk has activated Starlink over Iran to help protesters bypass government censorship, underscoring the role of technology in modern resistance movements.

 

Buck's Crazy Credit Card Story

 

From cultural flashpoints, the discussion moves to economic policy and affordability, spotlighting Trump’s proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for one year. Clay questions whether a president can legally impose such a cap, while Buck recalls predatory practices like shifting due dates and punitive APR hikes that previously triggered regulatory crackdowns. Senator Ted Cruz warns that such caps could backfire by restricting credit access for high-risk borrowers, pushing them toward payday lenders or worse. Listener calls enrich the debate: one caller warns that temporary caps could encourage larger balances only to reset at 20% later, echoing pitfalls of adjustable-rate mortgages; another shares a teachable moment with her grandson about compound interest and minimum payments, underscoring the need for financial literacy in schools. Clay contextualizes Trump’s move as part of a broader populist strategy to address affordability concerns heading into the 2026 midterms, alongside proposals to curb institutional home purchases.

 

Financial Literacy Isn't Taught at School

 

The hour opens with a candid discussion on financial literacy and mortgage realities, as Clay explains how most homeowners misunderstand amortization tables. For the first decade of a 30-year mortgage, nearly all payments go toward interest rather than principal, leaving many Americans unaware of how little equity they build early on. The hosts argue that schools fail to teach essential financial skills—such as understanding compound interest, credit card debt, and mortgage structures—leaving consumers vulnerable to predatory practices. This ties into their broader critique of systemic financial inequities and the need for transparency in lending.

 

The conversation then shifts to Trump’s economic agenda, highlighted by his speech at the Detroit Economic Club. Clay and Buck analyze Trump’s populist proposals, including a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10% and restrictions on institutional investors buying single-family homes. They debate the feasibility and impact of these measures, noting that while Trump’s plan may face legal hurdles, it resonates politically by addressing affordability concerns. Buck shares personal anecdotes about credit card companies’ predatory tactics, reinforcing why Trump’s stance on consumer protection is striking a chord with voters. The hosts also explore how housing shortages are exacerbated by illegal immigration and corporate ownership of residential properties, driving up prices and squeezing middle-class families.

 

SCOTUS Trans Athlete Arguments

 

From economics, the hour pivots to a landmark Supreme Court case on transgender athletes in women’s sports, featuring an interview with Jennifer Sey, founder of XX-XY Athletics and former Levi’s executive. Sey, who spoke at a rally on the steps of the Supreme Court alongside Riley Gaines, calls the case a fight for r