Truth Seekers Journal

Crustacean Nation Rises: How Athens is Building a Hockey Empire

The Athens Rock Lobsters return October 25 with new coach Garrett Rutledge, fan-favorite mascot Clawdius, and high hopes after a record-breaking debut FPHL season.

By Milton Kirby | Athens, GA | June 27, 2025

In just one whirlwind year, the Athens Rock Lobsters have evolved from a bold idea into a full-fledged professional hockey phenomenon—electrifying The Classic City with thrilling games, a fan-fueled identity, and an unmistakable mascot named Clawdius. With a playoff run in their debut season and a new head coach leading them into Year Two, the Rock Lobsters’ rise has become one of the Federal Prospects Hockey League’s (FPHL) most captivating stories.

Here’s how the crustacean sensation came to be—and where it’s headed next.

A Hometown Team Born Through Community Voice

The vision for Athens’ first professional hockey team started with a radical idea: let the city name the team.

In early 2024, Scott Hull (Executive President of Athens Pro Hockey) and Britton Briley (President of Ghost Brands) launched a citywide naming contest to engage the Athens community in shaping the team’s identity. The response was overwhelming, with over 9,000 name submissions and more than 800 artwork entries pouring in, fueling a passionate campaign across local media, social platforms, and grassroots outreach.

After narrowing down the choices, two finalists—Classic City Panic and Athens Rock Lobsters—emerged. But the scales tipped dramatically when legendary Athens-based band The B-52s, whose hit “Rock Lobster” put the city on the map, endorsed the latter. Backed by Crush Malibu Music, their approval sealed the deal.

“The moment the B-52s and Crush Malibu Music endorsed the name, we knew it was a perfect fit,” Hull said. “It captured the music, the culture, and the playfulness of Athens. It wasn’t just a team name—it was Athens.”

The First Coach, the First Schedule, and a Statement Win

On June 27, 2024, the Rock Lobsters announced Steve Martinson as their inaugural head coach. A veteran of the game with a proven record of developing winning teams, Martinson’s hard-nosed coaching style made an immediate impact.

By July 3, 2024, the team released its first season schedule to much fanfare. Their debut campaign promised high-energy clashes, fierce rivalries, and a new brand of hockey at The Classic Center Arena.

The season opener came on October 8, 2024, in Monroe, Louisiana, where the Lobsters stunned the Monroe Moccasins with a commanding 7–2 victory. Garrett Milan netted two goals within the first three minutes, silencing the home crowd and kicking off Athens’ season with confidence.

Clawdius Arrives and Crustacean Nation Rises

With the season underway, Athens once again turned to its fans—this time, to name the team’s official mascot. On October 8, 2024, the Rock Lobsters launched a Mascot Naming Contest, offering four finalists: Rocky, Bisque, Griff, and Clawdius.

Over 1,400 votes poured in. On October 25, 2024, during the team’s first home game, Clawdius was officially announced as the winning name with 996 votes. His live debut was delayed until January 2025. Still, by the time the red-costumed crustacean skated into Akins Ford Arena, he was already a legend in waiting.

Clawdius became the team’s rallying icon—dancing, flexing, and pumping up the crowd as Crustacean Nation filled “The Tank” with deafening energy game after game.

Making a Splash in the Inaugural Season

The Rock Lobsters’ debut season in the 2024–25 FPHL campaign exceeded all expectations. Led by high-scoring forward Garrett Milan, who notched his 100th point of the season in the regular season finale, the Lobsters finished as one of the league’s top teams.

That last regular-season game—April 12, 2025, against the Columbus River Dragons—was a signature moment. The Lobsters came from behind to win 5–2, with goals from Milan, Danill Glukharyov, Filip Virgili, Kayson Gallant (netting his 40th of the year), and rookie Hunter Alden, who celebrated his first professional goal in style.

With momentum surging, the Lobsters advanced to the playoffs, drawing Columbus again for the first-round series. Game One was set for April 16 in Columbus, followed by Games Two and Three (if necessary) in Athens. While the postseason run ended earlier than fans hoped, the foundation was firmly set.

A Season That Transcended Hockey

Beyond the scoreboard, the Rock Lobsters forged a deep connection with Athens.

Home games regularly sold out, local businesses partnered on promotions, and fans from as far away as Canada, France, and Switzerland began tuning in to livestreams. The Athens Rock Lobsters became more than a team—they became a movement.

From kids donning foam claws to adults rocking lobster-themed hats, Athens embraced its team in a way few expected from a traditionally football-centric state. Whether cheering in The Tank or watching from home, fans helped turn the Lobsters’ first year into a historic ride.

A New Era: Rutledge Takes the Helm

As the off-season unfolded, the team announced a major change in leadership. On July 1, 2025, the Rock Lobsters will introduce Garrett Rutledge as their new head coach during a special “Tiki Taco Tuesday” event at Live Wire in Downtown Athens.

Rutledge brings a player-first mentality and a relentless drive for excellence. Known for developing young talent and fostering strong locker-room chemistry, he’s seen as the perfect choice to build on Athens’ breakout debut.

“Last year proved that hockey belongs in Athens,” said President Scott Hull. “This year, we’re turning up the volume.”

A Return to the Ice: Season Two Begins October 25

The Rock Lobsters’ second season is set to begin with a bang. Opening Night is Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 7:05 PM in Akins Ford Arena. The full schedule for the 2025–26 season is set to be released soon, but fans are already circling their calendars for this can’t-miss clash.

After a season of sold-out games, unforgettable moments, and a playoff appearance, expectations are sky-high. With Clawdius on the ice, Rutledge behind the bench, and Crustacean Nation in full force, Season Two promises more claws, more chaos, and more community.

Looking Ahead: The Future Is Bright (and Red)

The Athens Rock Lobsters have demonstrated what’s possible when a professional sports team prioritizes community. They didn’t just enter a market—they embraced it, empowered it, and now represent it on the national stage.

As the team looks to build on a landmark first year, one thing is clear: the Rock Lobsters are just getting started. From Monroe to the playoffs, from naming contests to standing ovations, this Athens-based hockey franchise has cracked the code on fan engagement and sports entertainment.

So, raise your claws high, Athens. A new season beckons, and the Tank awaits.

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How Much Did Trump’s Strikes Damage Iran?

Despite bold claims of obliteration, U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities face scrutiny as experts warn true damage and uranium status remain uncertain.

By Olivier Knox | US News | June 25, 2025

U.S. warplanes and Tomahawk missiles hit the targets they meant to hit. The stealth bombers then exited Iranian airspace with no losses. Day-after satellite imagery suggested significant damage – it’s not all obvious because one of the sites is burrowed into a mountain.

The United Nations nuclear watchdog agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency, said that even if American bombs did not reach all the way into Iran’s underground facilities, “given the explosive payload utilized, and the extreme vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges, very significant damage is expected to have occurred.”

• The U.S. strikes came after an Israeli campaign targeting top Iranian nuclear scientists, reportedly killing at least 14 of them. Israel also systematically went after the SPND, which is basically a military research and development arm of the Iranian military and is thought to oversee the country’s nuclear program.

On a deeper level, we’re left with a lot of questions: What’s the state of Iran’s nuclear and missile programs? Did Iranian stockpiles of enriched uranium survive? Can the Iranians rebuild? Will they choose to do so? Did the strikes ruin chances of negotiations between Washington and Tehran?

On the last one, Trump said on the sidelines of a NATO summit in The Hague that he expected talks to resume next week.

‘OBLITERATED.’ Or Maybe Not?

In remarks to the nation from the White House, Trump quickly declared the strikes had “completely and fully obliterated” Iran’s principal sites for uranium enrichment – a process central to building an atomic weapon.

Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Iranian facilities had suffered “extremely severe damage and destruction” and that it would take time to assess the actual results.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared “our bombing campaign obliterated Iran’s ability to create nuclear weapons.”

On Tuesday, The New York Times and other outlets reported that a preliminary, classified Defense Intelligence Agency assessment found that the weekend strikes only set back Iran’s nuclear program by a few months, citing officials familiar with the DIA’s findings.

• According to the DIA report, the strikes sealed off the entrances to two of the three principal targets but did not collapse their underground operations.

• The assessment also said Iran moved much of its stockpile of enriched uranium before the strikes. “Some of that may have been moved to secret nuclear sites maintained by Iran,” the Times said.

• U.S. officials pointedly noted that the DIA’s findings were “low confidence.”

• The White House promptly denounced “fake news.” And Trump condemned CNN, MSNBC and The New York Times as “scum.”

But appearing on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, Vice President JD Vance had implicitly acknowledged that some amount of Iran’s uranium stocks was unaccounted for.

“We’re going to work in the coming weeks to ensure that we do something with that fuel,” Vance said. “And that’s one of the things that we’re going to have conversations with the Iranians about.”

The ‘BDA’

Get ready to hear a lot more pundits and officials refer to “the BDA.” That’s “battle-damage assessment.”

To understand the road from here, I reached out to Eric Edelman, a diplomat by training who has served in senior positions at the departments of State and Defense, and is someone I have known for years.

“BDA is always tricky and first reports are not usually reliable,” Eric cautions. But, he says, “‘obliterated’ is not a term that any serious military or intel(ligence) analyst would use.”

“It may be a few weeks or more before people will be able to come to reasonable judgment about how effective the Israeli and U.S. bombing has been on degrading the Iranian program,” Eric says, while noting that experts think Iran’s atomic ambitions have been severely set back.

• A comprehensive BDA will include MASINT (measurement and signature intelligence) to assess damage to Iran’s Fordo site, dug into a mountain. The word Eric used is “subsidence,” which I did not know. It’s basically “how much a given stretch of land caved in.”

• There will also be COMINT (communications intelligence, like intercepted phone calls), SIGINT (signals intelligence, any intercepted electronic messaging).

“The proliferation of open-source intelligence seems to have turned everybody and their brother into an expert but there are a lot of variables at play here and assessments are always tinged with a range of uncertainties,” Eric says.

So now, we wait.

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DeKalb County to Host Major Job Fair with 500+ Openings Across Departments

DeKalb County hosts July 10 job fair with over 500 openings, including 250 public safety roles. On-site interviews and same-day offers available. Register now.

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | June 25, 2025

DeKalb County is opening its doors to job seekers with a countywide job fair scheduled for Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, located at 495 N. Indian Creek Drive in Clarkston, GA.

DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson announced the hiring event on Wednesday, emphasizing its importance as part of her administration’s commitment to reshaping the county’s future. “This job fair is one of the ways we’re re-imagining DeKalb,” she said. “It is one of the ways we are investing in people and helping them thrive.”

The county currently has more than 500 positions available across various departments. Of those, 250 vacancies are in public safety roles, including positions in police, fire, and emergency services. County representatives will conduct on-site interviews and same-day job offers may be extended to qualified candidates.

The hiring event is a tangible reflection of our broader workforce development strategy, a key focus outlined during Cochran-Johnson’s recent State of the County address. This strategy is our commitment to making DeKalb a model of community-focused governance and innovation, ensuring a bright future for our workforce.

DeKalb County’s government careers page highlights a workplace culture focused on “collaboration, teamwork, and achievement” and welcomes applicants to a workforce that is “diversified and inclusive.” The site is updated weekly with the latest job vacancies, and residents are encouraged to join the DeKalb talent community to stay informed about new opportunities.

Job seekers are encouraged to explore opportunities in various fields, including engineering, sanitation, public safety, customer service, parks and recreation, finance, and public health.

The job fair is a free and inclusive event, open to all members of the public. While registration is required, it’s a simple step to secure a spot and gain early access to job postings and interview information.

Hot Jobs Available Now

Police Officers & Firefighters
Sanitation Drivers & Technicians
Administrative Support Specialists
Facilities & Grounds Maintenance Staff
Engineers & Project Managers
Health Inspectors & Environmental Specialists

The DeKalb County jobs website is updated weekly, and interested candidates can join the county’s talent community to stay informed about future vacancies.

For more information or to register, visit the DeKalb County Job Fair Registration Page. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with potential employers and explore exciting career opportunities in DeKalb County!

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Trump Allies Rage as Nobel Nomination Is Withdrawn

Donald Trump Jr. blasts Nobel Committee for racism, slamming its decision to honor Obama while denying Trump the Peace Prize despite recent ceasefire efforts.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | June 25, 2025

Donald Trump Jr. set off a contentious debate on Tuesday, accusing the Nobel Peace Prize Committee of racism. His scathing remarks, questioning the Committee’s decision to honor former President Barack Obama while overlooking his father, Donald Trump, sparked a heated discussion.

“Affirmative action is when Barack Obama gets the Nobel Peace Prize instead of Donald Trump,” Trump Jr. posted on X, formerly Twitter, sparking instant backlash and reigniting a long-standing partisan grudge over the international award.

President Donald Trump on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington D.C. on Saturday Photo/Jose LuisIS Magana

The comments came the same day Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) nominated Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his recent diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. “In recognition of his extraordinary and historic role,” Carter wrote in a letter to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, “President Trump deserves this honor.”

Carter’s nomination adds to a growing list of Nobel bids on Trump’s behalf, following similar proposals for his roles in the Abraham Accords, Serbia-Kosovo relations, and various international talks. However, this one came with a twist: it was dropped just as another nomination was being pulled.

Oleksandr Merezhko, a senior Ukrainian lawmaker who nominated Trump last year for his proposed resolution of the War in Ukraine, told Newsweek on Tuesday that he had formally withdrawn his nomination. Merezhko, head of Ukraine’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee, said he had “lost any sort of faith and belief” in Trump’s peacemaking abilities.

“Trump promised a swift resolution to the conflict. That hasn’t happened,” Merezhko explained. “Instead, attention has shifted away from Ukraine entirely.”

Trump, who returned to the White House in January, entered office pledging to end Europe’s largest armed conflict since World War II within 24 hours. Six months later, the War grinds on, and hopes for a negotiated settlement have largely faded. Though the administration has redirected diplomatic energy toward the Middle East, critics point to recent U.S. airstrikes in Iran as contradictory to the “peacemaker” image his supporters are trying to project.

Nonetheless, Pakistan recently backed a nomination of Trump for his role in facilitating a temporary ceasefire between India and Pakistan. His allies argue the breadth of his international engagement—despite the controversies—should qualify him for Nobel consideration.

A History of Nominations, Not Awards

The fight over Trump’s Nobel legitimacy has been building for more than a decade. Obama received the Peace Prize in 2009, just months into his presidency, a decision that was controversial even among his supporters. The Nobel Committee said the prize was awarded for Obama’s “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples,” but even Obama remarked that he was “surprised and deeply humbled.”

Republicans weren’t just surprised—they were furious. Since then, right-wing politicians and media figures have pushed hard for Trump to receive the same honor. He’s been nominated nearly every year since 2018:

In 2018 and 2020, for diplomatic overtures in North Korea and elsewhere.
Three times in 2021—twice for the Abraham Accords between Israel and several Gulf nations and once for brokering a trade deal between Serbia and Kosovo.
Again in 2024, for the same accomplishments.

With Trump now back in office as the 45th and 47th president, his camp has been even more vocal. This spring’s ceasefire in the Middle East between Iran and Israel offered the latest opportunity. Rep. Carter seized it—promptly submitting his nomination before any GOP rivals could.

The move may also serve Carter’s political interests. The congressman is a declared candidate for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democrat Jon Ossoff. Securing Trump’s endorsement could be crucial in a GOP primary that may include prominent challengers like Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King.

Carter is no stranger to MAGA theatrics. Earlier this year, he introduced a satirical bill proposing that Trump be authorized to buy Greenland and rename it “Red, White, and Blueland.”

Political Theater Meets International Recognition

Critics argue that Nobel Peace Prize nominations have become little more than political tools, citing the ease with which they can be submitted. Any national legislator, university professor, or organization leader can nominate someone for the prize by submitting a formal letter. And while hundreds of nominations are submitted annually, the vast majority never receive serious consideration.

“The fact that someone can nominate Trump doesn’t mean he’s close to winning,” one Nobel historian noted. “Nor does it reflect a consensus about the value of his actions.”

Still, the Trump camp sees a double standard.

“They gave Obama the Peace Prize before he even did anything,” Trump Jr. raged on social media. “My father literally brokered peace in the Middle East, and they ignored him. What else do you call that besides racism?”

That assertion is widely disputed. Historians and peace scholars argue that the committee’s decision to honor Obama may have been aspirational but was rooted in a different era—post-Iraq War, post-Bush presidency—when multilateralism and diplomacy were seen as urgent correctives.

In contrast, Trump’s diplomacy often comes wrapped in saber-rattling rhetoric. It is interwoven with military actions—such as his controversial decision to launch airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites last week. While hailed by some for putting pressure on Tehran, the attacks raised concerns about further destabilizing the region.

What Comes Next?

The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize will be announced in October. Whether Trump’s latest nomination makes the shortlist is anyone’s guess. The committee does not publicly comment on nominations for 50 years, and speculation usually arises only after leaks.

One thing, however, is certain: Trump’s supporters, including his son and allies like Rep. Carter, will continue pressing the case. Their underlying goal may be less about the Nobel Prize and more about reinforcing the image of Trump as a global leader—regardless of whether that vision aligns with global reality.

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Alvin Bragg, Manhattan prosecutor who took on Trump, wins Democratic primary in bid for second term

Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg wins Democratic primary, advancing to face GOP challenger amid high-profile Trump and Weinstein prosecutions and growing national spotlight on criminal justice.

By Jennifer Pelts | Associated Press | June 24, 2025

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, the prosecutor who oversaw the historic hush-money case against President Donald Trump, won Tuesday’s Democratic primary as he seeks reelection.

Bragg defeated Patrick Timmins — a litigator, law professor and former Bronx assistant district attorney — to advance to November’s general election. About 70% of registered Manhattan voters are Democrats.

The first-term incumbent will face Republican Maud Maron, who was a public defender for decades and previously ran for Congress and NYC’s City Council as a Democrat.

Bragg has long been one of the nation’s most prominent prosecutors, spotlighted in TV’s “Law & Order” and other shows. The DA directs about 600 attorneys in one of the biggest local prosecutors’ offices in the U.S.

He raised the office’s profile still further by bringing the hush-money case. His predecessor, fellow Democrat Cyrus R. Vance Jr., spent years investigating various Trump dealings but didn’t procure an indictment.

Bragg decided to focus on how and why porn actor Stormy Daniels was paid $130,000 to clam up about her claims of a 2006 sexual encounter with the married Trump. The payment was made, through the then-candidate’s personal attorney, weeks before the 2016 presidential election. Trump’s company records logged the money as a legal expense.

Trump denied any wrongdoing and any sexual involvement with Daniels. But a jury last year found him guilty of 33 felony counts of falsifying business records, the first-ever felony conviction of a former — and now again — U.S. commander in chief.

rump is appealing the verdict. The Republican president has long derided the case as a political “witch hunt,” and he has kept lambasting Bragg by social media as recently as March.

Bragg, 51, was a civil rights lawyer, federal prosecutor and top deputy to New York’s attorney general before becoming DA. Raised in Harlem and educated at Harvard, he’s the first Black person to hold the post.

His tenure had a rocky start. Days after taking office in 2022, he issued a memo telling staffers not to prosecute some types of cases, nor seek bail or prison time in some others. After criticism from the police commissioner and others, Bragg apologized for creating “confusion” and said his office wasn’t easing up on serious cases.

The matter continued to animate his critics. Trump repeatedly branded Bragg “soft on crime,” and Timmins said on his campaign site homepage that the memo “has brought about increased crime and a perception of chaos in the subway and on our streets.”

Timmins — who has raised about $154,000 to Bragg’s $2.2 million since January 2022 — also pledged to do more to staunch subway crime, keep cases from getting dismissed for failure to meet legal deadlines, and prioritize hate crimes, among other things.

Bragg’s campaign emphasized his efforts to fight gun violence, help sexual assault survivors, prosecute hate crimes and go after bad landlords and exploitative bosses, among other priorities.

His office, meanwhile, has been enmeshed in a string of high-profile cases in recent months.

The office is using a post-9/11 terrorism law to prosecute UnitedHealthcare CEO killing suspect Luigi Mangione, lost a homicide trial against Marine veteran and Republican cause célèbre Daniel Penny in a case that stirred debate about subway safety and self-defense, and retried former movie mogul Harvey Weinstein on sex crimes charges.

Mangione, Penny and Weinstein all pleaded not guilty.

Bragg unexpectedly inherited the Vance-era Weinstein case after an appeals court ordered a new trial. In a jumbled outcome, jurors this month convicted Weinstein on one top charge, acquitted him of another and didn’t reach a verdict on a third, lower-level charge — which Bragg aims to bring to trial a third time.

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Wilma Rudolph: How a Girl Who Couldn’t Walk Became the Fastest Woman in the World

Wilma Rudolph overcame polio to become a triple Olympic gold medalist and global icon—breaking barriers in sports, civil rights, and women’s history.

By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | June 23, 2025

Born prematurely on June 23, 1940, in a segregated town without electricity or running water, Wilma Glodean Rudolph faced unimaginable odds. As the 20th of 22 children, she battled polio, scarlet fever, and double pneumonia before age six. Doctors said she’d never walk again. Her mother said she would. Wilma believed her mother, and her unwavering faith and resilience continue to inspire us all.

By the age of 11, she had removed her leg brace and was walking unaided. By the age of 16, she was an Olympic medalist. By the age of 20, she was a global icon.

Wilma Rudolph courtesy Wilma Rudolph Foundation

At the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Rudolph earned a bronze medal in the 4×100-meter relay, becoming the youngest member of the U.S. track-and-field team. But it was her performance four years later in Rome that immortalized her.

At the 1960 Summer Olympics Rudolph became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Games—triumphing in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4×100-meter relay events. Her fluid style, blistering speed, and steely determination earned her the nickname “The Black Gazelle.” She was the fastest woman in the world.

Televised worldwide, her achievements catapulted her into the pantheon of sports legends, joining fellow Olympians Muhammad Ali, Oscar Robertson, and Rafer Johnson. But Rudolph’s victories transcended track. When her hometown of Clarksville attempted to honor her with a segregated celebration, she refused to attend. Her stand for equality led to the town’s first integrated parade and banquet, a testament to her enduring impact on civil rights.

Rudolph was a trailblazer for Black and female athletes. She broke gender barriers at events like the Millrose Games and boosted women’s track-and-field visibility across America. She won the 1961 Sullivan Award as the nation’s top amateur athlete, became a two-time Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year, and later served as a goodwill ambassador to French West Africa.

After retiring from track in 1962 at the height of her fame, Rudolph earned her degree from Tennessee State University and turned to coaching and youth advocacy. She founded the Wilma Rudolph Foundation, supporting young athletes nationwide.

Her life-inspired documentaries, a TV movie starring Shirley Jo Finney and Cicely Tyson, and countless children’s books. In 1977, she published her autobiography, Wilma.

Rudolph’s legacy lives on in the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, where she was inducted in 1983, and the International Sports Hall of Fame, where she was inducted in 1980. Tennessee State University also honors her, naming its indoor track and dormitory in her honor. We are all appreciative of the lasting impact she has made on the world of sports and civil rights.

In July 1994, following her mother’s death, Rudolph was diagnosed with brain and throat cancer. She died at home in Brentwood, Tennessee, on November 12, 1994, at age 54.

More than an Olympic champion, Wilma Rudolph redefined what it meant to overcome. “My doctor told me I would never walk again. My mother told me I would. I believed my mother,” she once said. And the world has believed in her ever since.

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6 Unknowns After Trump Strikes Iran

Trump’s strike on Iran raises global stakes, questioning nuclear impact, retaliation, diplomacy, U.S. war powers, and MAGA unity in a potential turning point for his presidency.

By Olivier Knox | US News | June 23, 2025

President Donald Trump went all in this weekend on the biggest gamble of his second term: A direct military strike on Iran, aimed at destroying – or at least setting back – that country’s nuclear program. Here are six questions the historic attack raises.

1. How Effective Was It?

Trump says the American strikes “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s main facilities for uranium enrichment – the process of making fuel potent enough for nuclear bombs.

But neither Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth nor Gen. Dan Caine, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, would say whether Iran retained the ability to make a nuclear weapon. Caine said the Iranian facilities had suffered “extremely severe damage and destruction” and that it would take time to assess the actual results. That’s not just a Pentagon job: The International Atomic Energy Agency, should it gain access to the sites, could also weigh in.

2. Does Iran Retaliate?

The American strikes, like the Israeli attacks that preceded them, came at a time when Iran is historically weak. Most of its regional proxies – Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon – have been bloodied, raising doubts about their ability to retaliate on Tehran’s behalf.

But the roughly 40,000 U.S. military personnel on the ground in the region could still face threats from Iran-aligned militias in Syria and Iraq, as well as the Houthis in Yemen, who withstood a U.S. military campaign earlier this year.

On Monday, Iran said it had fired a volley of missiles at the al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, home to thousands of U.S. troops. Qatar said its air defenses intercepted the rockets. There were no reports of deaths or injuries.

Iran’s parliament has approved a measure endorsing the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point for international trade, according to Iranian state media. If Tehran successfully shuts it down, it could lead to higher gas prices and disrupted supply chains in Europe and the United States.

In the past, American decisionmakers told me they worried about Iranian retaliation in the form of terrorist attacks. That’s a huge question mark here – and it would sharply escalate the conflict.

3. Are the U.S.-Iran Talks Dead?

Did the U.S. attack kill off prospects of nuclear negotiations with Iran? Or did it create the conditions for coercive diplomacy?

Asked whether diplomacy was still an option, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters in Istanbul: “This is not the case right now.”

In the aftermath of the strikes, senior American officials played down the prospects the attack was just the start of a broader military campaign – while retaining that as an option.

“This is most certainly not open-ended,” Hegseth said.

But the enemy gets a vote. And American warnings of, “If they hit back, we’ll hit back harder” makes this open-ended.

4. What Will Russia and China Do?

Russia and China were central to the diplomacy that yielded a nuclear deal with Iran under President Barack Obama. Trump ripped it up, saying he would quickly get a better deal. He did not, which is part of what got the world to the current volatile moment.

Iran’s foreign minister headed to Moscow on Monday to seek help from Russian President Vladimir Putin, Reuters reported. It was not immediately clear what sort of assistance Tehran wants.

China has condemned the attacks. So did Putin. But the real question is if they object enough to take practical action.

5. Is Congress Out of The ‘War’ Conversation?

Every White House I have covered – from the last days of President Bill Clinton onward – has had a testy relationship with Congress when it comes to which branch of government decides whether, when and how young Americans will be hurled into military conflict abroad.

The Constitution vests Congress with the power to declare war or authorize the use of military force. It also declares that the president is commander in chief of the armed forces.

I have not yet seen a formal administration notification to Congress laying out the legal justification for striking Iran. What will they formally invoke?

But Trump is hardly the first president to sideline Congress in matters of war. More on that in tomorrow’s newsletter.

6. Will MAGA Fissure?

After condemning his predecessors’ “forever wars” and repudiating the neocon blueprint that led to open-ended interventions in the Middle East, Trump has now delivered the neocon dream project: A military attack to try to neuter Tehran’s nuclear program and possibly precipitate regime change.

Some of his most fervent supporters had warned in the run up to this weekend’s strikes that this would amount to an “unforgivable betrayal” of his voters.

Will the movement fissure? Probably not. Trump has proved time and time again that Republicans may kvetch a bit but will eventually line up behind him.

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Monster Jam Athens: High-Flying Trucks and Hometown Cheers

Monster Jam roared into Athens, GA, with thrilling competitions, fan-favorite trucks like Grave Digger, and a weekend full of stunts, racing, and high-flying action.

By Milton Kirby | Athens, GA | June 24, 2025

The sound of roaring engines, flying dirt, and thunderous applause filled the air as Monster Jam took over Athens, Georgia from June 20–22, delivering a high-octane weekend of competition that left fans on the edge of their seats. Hosted at the Akins Ford Arena at the Athens Classic Center, six of the sport’s top drivers battled in multiple events across three action-packed days, culminating in a series of unforgettable performances.

The field included Grave Digger (Krysten Anderson), El Toro Loco (Armando Castro), Rammunition/Ramdemption (Kurt Kraehmer), Raminator (Mark Hall), Terminal Velocity (Jon Zimmer Jr.), and Zombie (Jon Zimmer Sr.)—all fan favorites in the Monster Jam universe.

Friday Night Fireworks: El Toro Loco Charges Ahead

Friday’s opening competition set the tone for the weekend, with El Toro Loco’s Armando Castro taking the overall event win with a total of 17 points. Castro thrilled the crowd by earning:

9.178 points in the 2 Wheel Skills Challenge,
8.504 points in the Monster Jam Freestyle Competition,
and a decisive racing win over Terminal Velocity in the JCB Racing finale.

It was a powerful start for El Toro Loco, which bulldozed through the course with signature flair and control.

Saturday Belonged to Terminal Velocity

The Zimmer family made Saturday their own, with Jon Zimmer Jr. piloting Terminal Velocity to back-to-back overall event wins in the afternoon and evening shows, scoring 16 and 17 points, respectively.

His standout stats:

9.249 and 9.565 points in Freestyle,
9.438 and 9.108 points in 2 Wheel Skills Challenges.

While Grave Digger edged out Terminal Velocity in JCB Racing, Zimmer Jr.’s consistency and high scores earned him top honors for both sessions.

Sunday: Grave Digger Reigns Supreme

On Sunday, the momentum shifted to Krysten Anderson and Grave Digger, who swept both afternoon and evening events with 14 points in each performance. A staple of the Monster Jam legacy, Anderson delivered standout runs that included:

8.458 and 9.001 points in Freestyle,
6.282 and 5.791 points in 2 Wheel Skills,
and a dominant win over El Toro Loco in Sunday’s afternoon JCB Racing heat.

Though Grave Digger fell to Zombie in the final JCB Racing showdown Sunday evening, Anderson’s overall performance sealed a triumphant finish to the weekend.

Fan Meet-and-Greet in Winder

Before engines fired up in Athens, fans got a close-up look at the magic behind the machine. On Thursday, June 19, Krysten Anderson and the legendary Grave Digger truck made a special appearance at Akins Ford in Winder, GA.
Hundreds of fans lined up to meet Anderson, pose with the iconic 12,000-pound truck, and grab autographs before the action began.

What’s Next: Monster Jam World Finals in Salt Lake City

The excitement doesn’t stop in Georgia. The 2025 Monster Jam World Finals are set to take place July 4–5 in Salt Lake City, Utah—the first time the finals will be held in the Beehive State.

Highlights include:

Thursday, July 3: Pit Party and Monster Jam Awards Ceremony (4:00–6:00 p.m.), followed by Qualifying at 7:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: Championship-level racing, freestyle competitions, and appearances from superstar trucks like Megalodon, Sparkle Smash, and of course, Grave Digger.

Tickets include access to the biggest Pit Party of the year, where fans can meet drivers, explore trucks up close, and enjoy interactive, family-friendly activities.

Terminal Velocity 2 Wheel Challenge

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Village at Legacy to Deliver Community-Focused Housing at Legacy Park

Village at Legacy brings 132 affordable apartments to Decatur’s Legacy Park, offering low-income families modern housing, green space, and community-focused amenities in two phases.

132 new units to serve low-income families in two-phase community development

By Milton Kirby | Decatur, GA | June 20, 2025

A new chapter in affordable housing is unfolding in Decatur, Georgia. The Decatur Housing Authority (DHA), in partnership with the City of Decatur and nonprofit developer Preserving Affordable Housing, Inc. (PAHI), has broken ground on the Village at Legacy Apartments—a two-phase development that will ultimately provide 132 affordable housing units for low-income families within the scenic Legacy Park.

Located on the former United Methodist Children’s Home property—77 acres purchased by the city in 2017—Legacy Park was master planned through a robust community engagement process. The plan included a clear vision for affordable housing, which is now becoming a reality in the South Housing Village through this public-private collaboration.

A Vision for Inclusive Growth

“The Village at Legacy is more than just housing—it’s a step toward inclusive growth, equity, and community-building in Decatur,” said Doug Faust, Executive Director of the Decatur Housing Authority. “We’re proud to partner with the City and PAHI to create a neighborhood where families of all income levels can thrive.”

Each of the two construction phases comprises 66 units, resulting in a total of 132 units upon completion. Phase I is expected to wrap up in summer 2025, while Phase II will break ground later this year and open in late summer 2026.

The development features a mix of duplexes, townhomes, and garden-style apartments, offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans ranging from 660 to over 1,200 square feet. Monthly rents will vary between $1,000 and $2,000 depending on unit size, with income qualifications required. Residents must demonstrate a gross monthly household income of at least 2.5 times the rent, or roughly between $2,500 and $5,000.

Community-Centered Design

The Village at Legacy is designed to do more than just meet housing needs. It’s built to nurture community.

A centrally located clubhouse will include a business center, art room, and teen lounge. Outdoor amenities, including a barbecue pavilion, green space, and raised garden beds, will provide residents with areas for relaxation and gathering. The grounds also feature pet-friendly walking trails and easy access to Legacy Park’s nature trails and open fields.

DHA will provide on-site management and a resident experience coordinator to facilitate support services. A dedicated maintenance team will ensure timely service requests and upkeep.

“This project combines affordable housing with lifestyle amenities and thoughtful design,” said a PAHI spokesperson. “It shows what’s possible when we reimagine affordable housing as an asset that strengthens neighborhoods.”

Strategic Investment

The Village at Legacy was made possible through a mix of local and state investment. Both phases are supported by Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) awarded by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Equity and debt funding for Phase I is provided by Hudson Housing Capital, Advantage Capital, and Bank of America. Additional support is provided by the City of Decatur and DHA.

In a long-term ground lease, the City of Decatur retains ownership of the land, ensuring long-term affordability and stewardship over the site’s future.

A Desirable Location

Legacy Park is situated just minutes from Decatur Square, offering convenient access to top schools, healthcare services, and major employers. Nearby institutions include Emory University, Agnes Scott College, and Winnona Park Elementary. Job opportunities are plentiful with employers like Emory Healthcare, Delta Air Lines, and Davis Manufacturing within commuting distance.

Residents can also enjoy local dining favorites such as Kimball House and The Iberian Pig, or explore the Fernbank Museum of Natural History and Georgia Aquarium. Retail options range from boutique shops to big-box stores, and transit is easily accessible via South Columbia Drive (GA-155), East College Avenue (US-278), and I-285.

Welcoming Home for All

Each apartment includes modern kitchens, spacious living areas, and washer-dryer connections. Select units feature private balconies or patios. The apartments are designed with comfort and convenience in mind, and our pet-friendly policy means that four-legged companions are also welcome.

Leasing is currently underway for Phase I, with move-ins expected to begin later this summer.

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit www.villageatlegacy.com, call (404) 270-2151, or email info@villageatlegacy.com.

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Investors brace for oil price spike, rush to havens after US bombs Iran nuclear sites

A U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear sites could send oil prices higher, trigger a rush to safety, and impact global markets, inflation, and the U.S. dollar.

Suzanne McGee, Saqib Iqbal Ahmed and Lewis Krauskopf Reuters | June 22, 2025

A U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday could lead to a knee-jerk reaction in global markets when they reopen, sending oil prices higher and triggering a rush to safety, investors said, as they assessed how the latest escalation of tensions would ripple through the global economy.

The reaction in Middle East stock markets, which trade on Sunday, suggested investors were assuming a benign outcome, even as Iran intensified its missile attacks on Israel in response to the sudden, deep U.S. involvement in the conflict.

U.S. President Donald Trump called the attack “a spectacular military success” in a televised address to the nation and said Iran’s “key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated”. He said the U.S. military could go after other targets in Iran if the country did not agree to peace.

Iran said it reserves all options to defend itself, and warned of “everlasting consequences”. Speaking in Istanbul, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran was weighing its options for retaliation and would consider diplomacy only after carrying out its response.

Investors said they expected U.S. involvement would cause a stock market selloff and a possible bid for the dollar and other safe-haven assets when major markets reopen, but also said much uncertainty remained.

“I think the markets are going to be initially alarmed, and I think oil will open higher,” said Mark Spindel, chief investment officer at Potomac River Capital.

“I think the uncertainty is going to blanket the markets, as now Americans everywhere are going to be exposed. It’s going to raise uncertainty and volatility, particularly in oil,” he added.

One indicator of how markets will react in the coming week was the price of ether, the second-largest cryptocurrency and a gauge of retail investor sentiment.

Ether was down 8.5% on Sunday, taking losses since the first Israeli strikes on Iran on June 13 to 13%.

Most Gulf stock markets, however, seemed unconcerned by the early morning attacks, with the main indexes in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait up slightly or flat. Israel’s Tel Aviv main index was at an all-time high.

How will oil prices and inflation be affected?

A key concern for markets would center around the potential impact of the developments in the Middle East on oil prices and thus on inflation. A rise in inflation could dampen consumer confidence and lessen the chance of near-term interest rate cuts.

Saul Kavonic, a senior energy analyst at equity research firm MST Marquee in Sydney, said Iran could respond by targeting American interests in the Middle East, including Gulf oil infrastructure in places such as Iraq or harassing ship passages through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz lies between Oman and Iran and is the primary export route for oil producers such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq and Kuwait.

“Much depends on how Iran responds in the coming hours and days, but this could set us on a path towards $100 oil if Iran respond as they have previously threatened to,” Kavonic said.

While global benchmark Brent crude futures have risen as much as 18% since June 10, hitting a near five-month high of $79.04 on Thursday, the S&P 500 has been little changed, following an initial drop when Israel launched its attacks on Iran on June 13.

Jamie Cox, managing partner at Harris Financial Group, said oil prices would likely spike before leveling off in a few days as the attacks could lead Iran to seek a peace deal with Israel and the United States.

“With this demonstration of force and total annihilation of its nuclear capabilities, they’ve lost all of their leverage and will likely hit the escape button to a peace deal,” Cox said.

Economists warn that a dramatic rise in oil prices could damage a global economy already strained by Trump’s tariffs.

Still, any pullback in equities might be fleeting, history suggests. During past eruptions of Middle East tensions, including the 2003 Iraq invasion and the 2019 attacks on Saudi oil facilities, stocks initially languished but soon recovered to trade higher in the months ahead.

On average, the S&P 500 slipped 0.3% in the three weeks following the start of conflict, but was 2.3% higher on average two months following the conflict, according to data from Wedbush Securities and CapIQ Pro.

In the most severe case, global oil prices jump to around $130 per barrel, driving U.S. inflation near 6% by the end of this year, Oxford said in the note.

All eyes on the dollar

An escalation in the conflict could have mixed implications for the U.S. dollar, which has tumbled this year amid worries over diminished U.S. exceptionalism.

In the event of U.S. direct engagement in the Iran-Israel war, the dollar could initially benefit from a safety bid, analysts said.

“Do we see a flight to safety? That would signal yields going lower and the dollar getting stronger,” said Steve Sosnick, chief market strategist at IBKR in Greenwich, Connecticut. “It’s hard to imagine stocks not reacting negatively and the question is how much.”

Jack McIntyre, portfolio manager for global fixed income at Brandywine Global Investment Management in Philadelphia, said it was uncertain whether U.S. Treasuries would rally after the U.S. attack, largely due to the market’s hypersensitivity to inflation.

“This could lead to regime change (which) ultimately could have a much bigger impact on the global economy if Iran shifts towards a more friendly, open economic regime,” said McIntyre.

What will this mean for the US dollar?

An escalation in the conflict could have mixed implications for the U.S. dollar, which has tumbled this year amid worries over diminished U.S. exceptionalism.

In the event of U.S. direct engagement in the Iran-Israel war, the dollar could initially benefit from a safety bid, analysts said.

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