Russia’s Biggest Strike Yet — Trump Signals “Stage Two” | Billion-Dollar Jackpots & Billion-Dollar Roads (Ep 528)

Just the Truth Podcast with Joey Hudson

Russia just carried out its largest air assault on Ukraine to date—800+ drones/decoys and missiles targeting Kyiv and striking a government building. President Donald Trump says he’s moving to “stage two” Russia sanctions—potentially secondary sanctions on Russian oil buyers—as Ukraine’s Prime Minister signals support. We break down what “stage two” could mean, how it would choke Kremlin revenue, and whether Europe will follow.

At the US Open Men’s Final, Trump’s appearance reportedly caused VIP gridlock at Flushing Meadows—Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Ben Stiller and more seen waiting in line as the USTA told broadcasters not to air “disruptions.” We unpack the security footprint, crowd reaction, and why big events lock down for a presidential visit.

Two tickets hit the $1.787 billion Powerball jackpot—the second-largest in U.S. history—sold in Texas and Missouri. We run the math on lump sum vs. annuity, federal 37% taxes, state tax differences (Texas no state income tax, Missouri ~4%), estimated after-tax take-home, and lottery winner pitfalls (asset protection, trusts, advisors).

Justice Amy Coney Barrett defends Dobbs v. Jackson in a rare CBS / Norah O’Donnell interview: Dobbs didn’t ban abortion, it returned the issue to the states. We clarify what Dobbs changed, what it didn’t (e.g., contraception/IVF not at issue in Dobbs), and why federalism now drives state abortion laws.

Finally, does South Carolina have more roads than it can maintain? With the 4th-largest state highway system and a $2.76B annual tab, DOT faces a maintenance backlog, 2017 gas tax limits, EV headwinds, and talk of turning smaller state roads over to counties/municipalities. We cover funding gaps (~$1B/yr), the Palmetto State’s growth, and reform ideas.

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#Ukraine #Russia #Trump #USOpen #Powerball #AmyConeyBarrett #Dobbs #Abortion #SouthCarolina #Infrastructure #Roads #Politics #News