
<a href="https://www.thestranger.com/slog-am/2025/07/18/80152877/slog-am-northbound-lane-closures-on-i-5-begin-cbs-cancels-colberts-show-big-dumper-signs-ad-deal-with-honeybucket" target="_blank">View original image source</a>.
This weekend kicks off a month-long closure of the northbound lanes on I-5, all in the name of repaving the Ship Canal Bridge. Drivers will want to brace themselves for a barricaded adventure, as this is just the first stage of a project that’ll see intermittent closures until 2027. So if you were planning a spontaneous road trip, you might want to think twice or face the perilous traffic snarl that awaits.
Adding to the drama, Stephen Colbert announced that The Late Show will be coming to a close in May. This news comes hot on the heels of his critique of Paramount Global, CBS’s parent company, for allegedly settling a lawsuit with Donald Trump surrounding election interference claims. Not exactly the best way to end a late-night comedy career—cutting the laughs feels a bit like putting a “closed for repairs” sign on the joke factory.
And speaking of unexpected deals, Cal Raleigh, Major League Baseball’s home run champ known as “Big Dumper,” has signed on with HoneyBucket, the port-a-potty company. Leaning into his nickname while getting paid? Only in sports can you turn a cheeky moniker into a lucrative marketing gig! It’s a little embarrassing, but hey, it sounds like he’s got his business model under wraps.
So, what’s the most ridiculous sponsorship deal you’ve ever heard of? Drop a comment below and let’s share some laughs about the wild world of branding!
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