ROAD RAGE 101

Colokum Craft Coffee

Use the Promo Code [WSMG15] For 15% of any purchase through June 2026

Boomer Bunker Dischord

Become a Bunker Dweller

Aaron Kickstarter

Help Aaron with his Spicy Kickstarter

559 The Golden Child

NATIONAL DAY: NATIONAL STREAMING FATIGUE DAY — Not officially recognized, but spiritually understood by anyone paying for multiple subscriptions and still saying, “There’s nothing to watch.”

BIRTHDAY: MORRISSEY (1959–STILL LIVING) — Former lead singer of The Smiths known for influential alternative rock music and famously gloomy lyrics.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 1980 — PAC-MAN RELEASED IN JAPAN — One of the most recognizable arcade games in history officially launched by Namco.

41 YEARS

Aimee Bock, founder of Feeding Our Future in Minnesota, was sentenced to more than 41 years in federal prison for orchestrating a $250 million pandemic-era fraud scheme involving federally funded child meal programs. Prosecutors said the nonprofit falsely claimed to serve millions of meals during COVID-19 while funds were diverted for personal enrichment.

THE GOLDEN CHILD

Seattle City Councilmember Katie Wilson faced criticism after supporting positions viewed by critics as hostile toward Starbucks and major employers in Seattle, Washington. Opponents argued progressive leadership policies involving public safety, labor issues, homelessness, and business regulation continue contributing to economic struggles and instability in downtown Seattle.

SMARTER THAN A FIRST GRADER?

A Virginia judge dismissed charges against former Richneck Elementary School assistant principal Ebony Parker, who was accused of ignoring warnings before a 6-year-old student shot teacher Abby Zwerner in Newport News, Virginia, in January 2023. Prosecutors said they could not prove Parker’s actions directly caused the shooting.----

SHOW CREDITS:

Thank you to my co-host, Ken Madden of MaddK Studio

Audio credits and Producer Jason Radosevich Horrible Designs

Cast:

Kate the Duchess of NJ and John Jamingo of theBoomer Bunker

Aaron of I had to Say it

Boomer Bob of the Boomer Bob Show

Lorenzo from Misanthrope Radio 2.0

Cody the Beard as the Last Word.

Supporters:

Steve McShane of the Razor Wire News

Josh Roberts from New Hampshire

and you can always leave a comment by email: [email protected]

Colokum Craft Coffee

Use the Promo Code [WSMG15] For 15% of any purchase through June 2026

Boomer Bunker Dischord

Become a Bunker Dweller

Aaron Kickstarter

Help Aaron with his Spicy Kickstarter

558 No Schlitz!

NATIONAL DAY: National American Red Cross Founder's Day recognizes Clara Barton and the humanitarian organization she launched in 1881.

BIRTHDAY: Mr. T (Still Living) — Actor, wrestler, and permanent symbol of 1980s toughness. Best known for The A-Team and Rocky III, he somehow turned gold chains, mohawks, and yelling into a career that still works almost 50 years later.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 1927 — Charles Lindbergh completed the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic, landing in Paris after flying more than 33 hours alone in the Spirit of St. Louis.

---

NO SCHLITZ!

One of America’s oldest beer brands is reportedly disappearing after 177 years as Schlitz production quietly winds down. Once one of the biggest names in American beer, the Milwaukee classic struggled to compete in the modern craft beer era and changing consumer tastes. Another legacy American brand appears headed for the nostalgia shelf alongside payphones and ashtrays at McDonald’s.

---

SLEEP CHIC

A growing wave of expensive “sleep optimization” trends is convincing Americans to spend heavily on gadgets, supplements, weighted blankets, mouth tape, cooling systems, and bizarre bedtime rituals. Experts say some methods may help while others are little more than social-media wellness theater dressed up as science and luxury self-care.

---

JERSEY CURFEW

Officials in Long Branch, New Jersey imposed a youth curfew after repeated incidents involving large crowds of teenagers causing fights, disturbances, and public safety concerns along the beachfront and downtown areas. Police increased enforcement as city leaders faced pressure from residents and businesses worried about chaos heading into the summer tourist season.

----

SHOW CREDITS:

Thank you to my co-host, Ken Madden of MaddK Studio

Audio credits and Producer Jason Radosevich Horrible Designs

Cast:

Kate the Duchess of NJ and John Jamingo of theBoomer Bunker

Aaron of I had to Say it

Boomer Bob of the Boomer Bob Show

Lorenzo from Misanthrope Radio 2.0

Cody the Beard as the Last Word.

Supporters:

Steve McShane of the Razor Wire News

Josh Roberts from New Hampshire

and you can always leave a comment by email: [email protected]

Colokum Craft Coffee

Use the Promo Code [WSMG15] For 15% of any purchase through June 2026

Boomer Bunker Dischord

Become a Bunker Dweller

Aaron Kickstarter

Help Aaron with his Spicy Kickstarter

557 Vegas Heart Attack

DAILY MARKERS

NATIONAL DAY: NATIONAL RESCUE DOG DAY — Celebrates shelter pets finding homes and reminds America that mutts somehow end up being the smartest dogs in the neighborhood.

BIRTHDAY: JOE COCKER (1944–2014) — Legendary blues-rock singer known for his raspy voice, wild stage movements, and unforgettable performance of “With a Little Help From My Friends.”

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 1873 — LEVI STRAUSS PATENTED BLUE JEANS — Blue jeans officially became American fashion, workwear, rebellion, and dad attire all at the same time.

---

HEART ATTACK GRILL HAS VEGAS CORONARY

The What:

One of the locations tied to Las Vegas’ famous Heart Attack Grill has reportedly closed, with ownership blaming rising costs, declining conditions in parts of Las Vegas, and changing tourism patterns. The restaurant became nationally famous for hospital-themed servers and oversized burgers loaded with extreme calorie counts.

The Take:

Only Las Vegas could create a headline where the “Heart Attack Grill” gets taken out by economics instead of cholesterol. Somewhere a tourist in flip-flops and cargo shorts is pouring out a milkshake in remembrance.

---

NYC MAN-EATER MANHOLE

The What:

A 56-year-old grandmother from Westchester County died after falling into an open manhole in New York City while utility work was underway. Investigators are now reviewing safety procedures and how the work zone was secured.

The Take:

At this point New Yorkers aren’t walking through a city — they’re navigating a live-action obstacle course. Between potholes, subway chaos, scaffolding, and now surprise death holes in the sidewalk, Gotham City is starting to feel less fictional every year.

---

SHOT DETECTOR SHOT DOWN

The What:

Officials in Springfield, Massachusetts, voted to deactivate the city’s ShotSpotter gunshot-detection system roughly one week after a major active shooter event. Critics argued the technology contributes to disproportionate policing in minority and migrant communities.

The Take:

This debate basically comes down to one uncomfortable modern question: how do cities balance public safety, surveillance, policing, and community trust all at the same time? Because everybody says they want safer neighborhoods — right up until the methods become controversial.

----

SHOW CREDITS:

Thank you to my co-host, Ken Madden of MaddK Studio

Audio credits and Producer Jason Radosevich Horrible Designs

Cast:

Kate the Duchess of NJ and John Jamingo of theBoomer Bunker

Aaron of I had to Say it

Boomer Bob of the Boomer Bob Show

Lorenzo from Misanthrope Radio 2.0

Cody the Beard as the Last Word.

Supporters:

Steve McShane of the Razor Wire News

Josh Roberts from New Hampshire

and you can always leave a comment by email: [email protected]

Colokum Craft Coffee

Use the Promo Code [WSMG15] For 15% of any purchase through June 2026

Boomer Bunker Dischord

Become a Bunker Dweller

Aaron Kickstarter

Help Aaron with his Spicy Kickstarter

556 One time at Band Camp!

NATIONAL DAY: NATIONAL PLANT A VEGETABLE GARDEN DAY — Perfect timing for backyard gardeners fighting tomatoes, weeds, and rising grocery prices.

BIRTHDAY: PETE TOWNSHEND (1945–STILL LIVING) — Legendary guitarist and songwriter for The Who.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 1997 — THE SIMPSONS PASSED THE FLINTSTONES — The Simpsons became the longest-running primetime animated series in television history.

---

ONE TIME… AT BAND CAMP

Adult summer band camps are seeing increased popularity across the United States as older Americans return to instruments they played in school. Programs highlighted by the Associated Press allow adults to rehearse, perform concerts, and reconnect with music decades after graduation.

---

TRUMP PHONE

Trump Mobile introduced the “T1” smartphone alongside a new wireless service marketed toward conservative consumers. Early reviewers questioned claims that the gold-colored Android phone is fully manufactured in the United States, with critics pointing to similarities between the device and existing overseas-built phones already available on the market.

---

SAN DIEGO MOSQUE SHOOTING

Authorities identified Cain Clark and Caleb Velasquez as suspects connected to a shooting outside a mosque in San Diego, California. One person was injured during the incident, which prompted a major law-enforcement response. Investigators are examining possible motives, including whether the shooting may qualify as a hate crime.

----

SHOW CREDITS:

Thank you to my co-host, Ken Madden of MaddK Studio

Audio credits and Producer Jason Radosevich Horrible Designs

Cast:

Kate the Duchess of NJ and John Jamingo of theBoomer Bunker

Aaron of I had to Say it

Boomer Bob of the Boomer Bob Show

Lorenzo from Misanthrope Radio 2.0

Cody the Beard as the Last Word.

Supporters:

Steve McShane of the Razor Wire News

Josh Roberts from New Hampshire

and you can always leave a comment by email: [email protected]

Colokum Craft Coffee

Use the Promo Code [WSMG15] For 15% of any purchase through June 2026

Boomer Bunker Dischord

Become a Bunker Dweller

Aaron Kickstarter

Help Aaron with his Spicy Kickstarter

555 BBQ Boo Hoo!

NATIONAL NO DIRTY DISHES DAY — A beautiful American tradition where paper plates become acceptable fine dining and everybody agrees the sink can wait until tomorrow.

BIRTHDAY: TINA FEY (1970–STILL LIVING) — 30 Rock, Mean Girls, and some of the sharpest observational humor of the modern television era.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 1980 — MOUNT ST. HELENS ERUPTED IN WASHINGTON STATE — The volcanic eruption killed 57 people.

---

BBQ BAN IN COMMIEFORNIA

Los Angeles City Council member and mayoral candidate Nithya Raman faced backlash after supporting a proposal that would restrict activities such as backyard barbecues and fire pits during Red Flag wildfire warning days in Los Angeles, California.

----

A ROUSING 17 SECONDS

Ronda Rousey returned to MMA for the first time in nearly a decade and defeated Gina Carano in just 17 seconds at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The fight headlined Netflix’s first major MMA card promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.

Rousey won by armbar — the same signature move that helped define her UFC career — and reportedly earned approximately $2.2 million for the fight.

----

TRANSITIONS CONDITIONS

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a legal settlement with Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas, over allegations involving transgender medical treatments provided to minors.

Under the settlement, Texas Children’s Hospital agreed to create what Paxton described as the nation’s first “detransition clinic” for patients who underwent gender-transition procedures. The agreement also requires the hospital to pay $10 million to the State of Texas related to allegations involving Texas Medicaid billing practices connected to transgender treatments for minors.

----

SHOW CREDITS:

Thank you to my co-host, Ken Madden of MaddK Studio

Audio credits and Producer Jason Radosevich Horrible Designs

Cast:

Kate the Duchess of NJ and John Jamingo of theBoomer Bunker

Aaron of I had to Say it

Boomer Bob of the Boomer Bob Show

Lorenzo from Misanthrope Radio 2.0

Cody the Beard as the Last Word.

Supporters:

Steve McShane of the Razor Wire News

Josh Roberts from New Hampshire

and you can always leave a comment by email: [email protected]

Colokum Craft Coffee

Use the Promo Code [WSMG15] For 15% of any purchase through June 2026

Boomer Bunker Dischord

Become a Bunker Dweller

Aaron Kickstarter

Help Aaron with his Spicy Kickstarter

554 Nowhere to Hide!

NATIONAL DAY: International Chihuahua Appreciation Day — A celebration of the tiny dogs with oversized confidence, endless energy, and the remarkable ability to sound like a full-sized security system despite weighing eight pounds.

BIRTHDAY: Rob Gronkowski (1989–Still Living) — Former NFL superstar tight end known for his dominance with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as well as his larger-than-life personality on and off the field.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 1973 — The United States launched Skylab, America’s first space station, marking a major step forward in long-duration space exploration and orbital science research.

---

FET FED UP

Senator John Fetterman publicly criticized far-left political figures in Seattle, including officials associated with openly socialist and communist positions, calling some of the rhetoric and policies “absolute insanity.” His comments are drawing attention because they represent growing divisions inside the Democratic Party itself over how far left the party should move.

----

UC PARTIES TOO HARD… LITERALLY

Students and residents near UC Santa Barbara are on edge following reports of a horrifying violent assault involving rape and strangulation near the campus area. Authorities continue investigating the incident while concerns over student safety and nightlife culture are once again under national scrutiny.

---

BLUE BURGLAR BUNGLES BANK BOUNTY

Bay Area authorities arrested alleged bank robbery suspects after investigators reportedly used one suspect’s bright blue hair as a key identifying feature. Police say the suspects were quickly located following witness descriptions and surveillance footage from the robbery investigation.

----

SHOW CREDITS:

Thank you to my co-host, Ken Madden of MaddK Studio

Audio credits and Producer Jason Radosevich Horrible Designs

Cast:

Kate the Duchess of NJ and John Jamingo of theBoomer Bunker

Aaron of I had to Say it

Boomer Bob of the Boomer Bob Show

Lorenzo from Misanthrope Radio 2.0

Cody the Beard as the Last Word.

Supporters:

Steve McShane of the Razor Wire News

Josh Roberts from New Hampshire

and you can always leave a comment by email: [email protected]

Colokum Craft Coffee

Use the Promo Code [WSMG15] For 15% of any purchase through June 2026

Boomer Bunker Dischord

Become a Bunker Dweller

Aaron Kickstarter

Help Aaron with his Spicy Kickstarter

553 Poopie Porch Present

---

FROM LIPSTICK TO GOLF BALLS: EVERYTHING COSTS MORE

The What: Inflation continues hitting Americans everywhere from grocery stores to sporting goods aisles, with rising costs now impacting everyday products ranging from cosmetics to golf balls. While overall inflation has cooled compared to previous peaks, consumers are still feeling the squeeze as manufacturers quietly raise prices or shrink product sizes to maintain profits.

The Take: Americans are developing a new hobby called “staring at the receipt in disbelief.” At this point inflation isn’t just hurting luxury purchases — it’s slowly turning ordinary middle-class habits into “maybe next paycheck” decisions.

---

MAINE TO TEXAS REFUGEES GET A RUDE PORCH PRESENT

The What: A Texas couple who reportedly relocated to Maine over climate concerns received an unpleasant surprise when they discovered a stranger had apparently slept and defecated on their porch. The bizarre incident quickly spread online, fueling sarcastic commentary about idealized views of relocation and the realities of growing homelessness and public disorder issues across the country.

The Take: Every place has its problems. Some people flee heat, politics, taxes, or crowds only to discover human chaos is basically America’s most renewable resource. Turns out there’s no magical ZIP code where weirdness stops happening.

---

SNAP THEM UP

The What: A large-scale food stamp fraud investigation tied to Minnesota has sparked outrage after authorities alleged millions of dollars in SNAP benefits were improperly obtained or misused. Critics argue weak oversight and government inefficiency allowed the scheme to flourish for years while taxpayers footed the bill.

The Take: Government programs always sound compassionate in theory — until someone discovers the cash register has been left open for years. Stories like this fuel public frustration because honest people struggling to buy groceries watch fraudsters game systems with little accountability.

----

SHOW CREDITS:

Thank you to my co-host, Ken Madden of MaddK Studio

Audio credits and Producer Jason Radosevich Horrible Designs

Cast:

Kate the Duchess of NJ and John Jamingo of theBoomer Bunker

Aaron of I had to Say it

Boomer Bob of the Boomer Bob Show

Lorenzo from Misanthrope Radio 2.0

Cody the Beard as the Last Word.

Supporters:

Steve McShane of the Razor Wire News

Josh Roberts from New Hampshire

and you can always leave a comment by email: [email protected]

Colokum Craft Coffee

Use the Promo Code [WSMG15] For 15% of any purchase through June 2026

Boomer Bunker Dischord

Become a Bunker Dweller

Aaron Kickstarter

Help Aaron with his Spicy Kickstarter

552 Death and Taxes

DAILY MARKERS

NATIONAL DAY: National Hospital Day — A day recognizing hospitals, nurses, doctors, support staff, and healthcare workers who keep the medical system running, often under stressful and demanding conditions.

BIRTHDAY: George Carlin (1937–2008) — Legendary stand-up comedian and sharp-edged social critic famous for his fearless observational humor, counterculture commentary, and the iconic routine “Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television.”

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 1994 — *Pulp Fiction* premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, launching Quentin Tarantino into mainstream Hollywood fame and redefining independent crime cinema for an entire generation.

---

IN CASE OF DEATH… BREAK GLASS

The What: Reports indicate North Korea has expanded its military doctrine to include automatic nuclear retaliation protocols if Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un is killed during an attack or assassination attempt. The announcement comes amid rising tensions involving Iran, Russia, China, and growing instability across multiple global hotspots.

The Take: Nothing says “stable world leadership” quite like building a planetary dead-man’s switch. The frightening part isn’t just the weapons anymore — it’s the increasing number of governments openly discussing scenarios where humans are intentionally removed from the decision-making process entirely.

---

STATE GAS TAXES: THE NEVER-ENDING ROAD TRIP ROBBERY

The What: New comparisons of state and federal gas taxes are once again reminding drivers just how wildly fuel costs vary across the country. California continues to sit near the top of the list thanks to layered state taxes, environmental fees, and regulatory costs that push prices far above the national average.

The Take: Americans used to judge road trips by mileage. Now we judge them by whether we need a small personal loan before filling the tank. At some point people stop asking “Why is gas expensive?” and start asking “Where exactly is all this money going?”

---

FIVE GUYS… FEWER GUYS

The What: Five Guys is reportedly closing multiple California locations as financial pressures continue hitting fast-food chains across the state. Rising labor costs, operational expenses, inflation, and shifting consumer spending habits are creating serious challenges even for once-booming restaurant brands.

The Take: California keeps proving that eventually somebody has to pay for “progress,” and increasingly it’s the businesses and customers splitting the check. When burgers, fries, and a drink start approaching steakhouse pricing, people begin reconsidering how badly they really wanted the fries.

----

SHOW CREDITS:

Thank you to my co-host, Ken Madden of MaddK Studio

Audio credits and Producer Jason Radosevich Horrible Designs

Cast:

Kate the Duchess of NJ and John Jamingo of theBoomer Bunker

Aaron of I had to Say it

Boomer Bob of the Boomer Bob Show

Lorenzo from Misanthrope Radio 2.0

Cody the Beard as the Last Word.

Supporters:

Steve McShane of the Razor Wire News

Josh Roberts from New Hampshire

and you can always leave a comment by email: [email protected]

Colokum Craft Coffee

Use the Promo Code [WSMG15] For 15% of any purchase through June 2026

Boomer Bunker Dischord

Become a Bunker Dweller

Aaron Kickstarter

Help Aaron with his Spicy Kickstarter

551 Weekend Hangover

NATIONAL DAY: National Eat What You Want Day — A guilt-free celebration dedicated to tossing the diet aside for 24 hours.

BIRTHDAY: Sabrina Carpenter (1999–Still Living) — Singer, songwriter, and actress who first gained attention on Disney’s Girl Meets World.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 1858 — Minnesota officially became the 32nd state admitted to the United States.

----

$15… REALLY? (Calmatters.org)

California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing criticism after backing away from a pilot program that would have increased jury duty pay from the current $15 per day to roughly $100 per day. The rollback comes as California struggles with major budget shortfalls, forcing lawmakers to scale back or reconsider expensive programs across the state. For many Californians, the move highlights how disconnected the current jury compensation system remains from real-world living costs.

----

CALIFORNIA TRANS VOLLEYBALL GOES TRACK! (New York Post)

Controversy is growing after a transgender California high school athlete who previously competed in volleyball reportedly transitioned into track and field competition and immediately began dominating events. The story has reignited national debate over fairness, biological advantages, and the future of women’s sports competition rules.

----

AOC: CUTE… BUT DUMB AS A BOX OF HAMMERS? (Not the Bee)

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is taking heat online after claiming the American Revolution was essentially a revolt against “the billionaires of their time.” Critics blasted the comment as historically shallow and politically performative, while supporters argued she was simplifying economic frustration with elite ruling classes.

----

SHOW CREDITS:

Thank you to my co-host, Ken Madden of MaddK Studio

Audio credits and Producer Jason Radosevich Horrible Designs

Cast:

Kate the Duchess of NJ and John Jamingo of theBoomer Bunker

Aaron of I had to Say it

Boomer Bob of the Boomer Bob Show

Lorenzo from Misanthrope Radio 2.0

Cody the Beard as the Last Word.

Supporters:

Steve McShane of the Razor Wire News

Josh Roberts from New Hampshire

and you can always leave a comment by email: [email protected]

Colokum Craft Coffee

Use the Promo Code [WSMG15] For 15% of any purchase through June 2026

Boomer Bunker Dischord

Become a Bunker Dweller

Aaron Kickstarter

Help Aaron with his Spicy Kickstarter

550 Jury Duty: You're Welcome!

DAILY MARKERS

NATIONAL DAY: JURY DUTY SURVIVOR DAY

BIRTHDAY: BRUCE MAGEE

THIS DAY IN HISTORY: THE GOVERNOR ISSUES A STAY OF EXECUTION

---

WELCOME TO THE JURY THRONES

Jury duty sounds simple until you actually walk into the room. Hundreds of strangers quietly sitting together like contestants waiting to be voted off an island. Some people looked terrified, others annoyed, and a few seemed oddly excited to participate in the legal version of “The Price is Right.” After days of observation from the audience section, the moment finally came — getting called into the actual jury box. Throne #3. Front and center. Suddenly this was no longer a spectator sport.

The weirdest part of jury duty is how quickly normal people start feeling like suspects themselves. Every answer feels dangerous. Every question sounds like a trap. You start mentally reviewing your entire life while trying not to look too interested, too disinterested, too biased, too emotional, or too alive. It’s civic duty mixed with hostage negotiation energy.

---

THE HOT SEAT

The questioning process felt less like “getting to know the jury” and more like surviving an interrogation spotlight. Lawyers digging through opinions, experiences, biases, and life history while everyone pretends this is perfectly normal behavior for a Tuesday morning. The irony? Sitting there knowing a youthful misdemeanor history existed somewhere in the distant past while now being asked to help determine justice in a courtroom.

America is strange. One chapter of your life can make you feel permanently judged, yet decades later the same system may ask you to represent fairness itself. That contradiction hits hard. Jury duty becomes less about the case and more about realizing people are never fully the worst thing they once did… even if they still expect to be treated that way.

---

THE STAY OF EXECUTION

Just when it looked like full jury service was about to become reality, the dismissal came suddenly. After being seated, questioned, processed, and mentally preparing for “The Green Mile” march into civic responsibility, it was over in minutes. Released back into society like a prisoner receiving a last-second pardon from the governor.

The relief was immediate, but so was the frustration. Missing work, burning PTO, losing income, rearranging life, and getting compensated with what feels like arcade prize tickets exposes the biggest problem with jury duty — the financial punishment for doing your civic obligation. Everyone says jury service is important until it’s time to compensate people like it actually matters.

---

SHOW CREDITS:

Thank you to my co-host, Ken Madden of MaddK Studio

Audio credits and Producer Jason Radosevich Horrible Designs

Cast:

Kate the Duchess of NJ and John Jamingo of theBoomer Bunker

Aaron of I had to Say it

Boomer Bob of the Boomer Bob Show

Lorenzo from Misanthrope Radio 2.0

Cody the Beard as the Last Word.

Supporters:

Steve McShane of the Razor Wire News

Josh Roberts from New Hampshire

and you can always leave a comment by email: [email protected]