Episode 457

Mousewitz

Colokum Craft Coffee

457 Mousewitz

NATIONAL DAYS:

NATIONAL MAPLE SYRUP DAY

BIRTHDAYS:

Burt Baskin (1913-1967) - Co-founder of Baskin-Robbins

THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

1965 - The largest newspaper (Sunday NY Times) 50 cents for 946 pages

DAILY HEADLINE:

“Over 300,000 Federal Jobs Eliminated”

Recent data shows that more than 300,000 federal government jobs have been eliminated since the start of President Trump’s second term through layoffs, buyouts, retirements, and hiring freezes. Supporters argue the cuts represent long-overdue downsizing of government, while critics warn of reduced services and long-term consequences. The scale of the reductions raises questions about how much government is too much — and how much is enough

DAILY COMMENTARY:

“When the Rat Cancels the Flight”

A vacation flight was canceled after a massive rat was spotted running through the cabin before takeoff, according to a Fox News travel report. Passengers were removed, the aircraft was grounded, and the airline was forced to deal with an unexpected — and unsettling — safety issue.

Beyond the shock factor, the incident raises uncomfortable questions about aircraft cleanliness, airport pest control, and how something that large made it onto a plane in the first place. For travelers, it’s a reminder that delays don’t always come from weather or mechanical issues — sometimes they come with a tail and whiskers.

FEATURE OF THE DAY:

“The Furry, the Deer, and the Internet”

A viral story claims a South Carolina furry dressed like a deer was injured by a hunter, and for a brief moment, the internet collectively nodded and said, “Yeah, that tracks.” The story spread fast, sparked outrage, and was shared like breaking news — except it wasn’t news at all. It started as satire and immediately escaped into the wild once social media got hold of it.

This feature looks at how a clearly fake story can feel completely believable when it fits a cultural narrative, and how quickly people stop asking questions once the headline confirms what they already want to believe.

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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