Influenza has reached epidemic levels in 49 states. The Center for Disease Control is shut down. So is the National Institute of Health.

An author I know was scheduled to be at the Smithsonian for a book signing and presentation. She’s in Washington, but she’s not signing or presenting. Her agent is looking for an alternate location.

Republican Senator Ron Johnson is still babbling on about Hillary’s email server. Dear Senator; there are more pressing matters at the moment.

What’s happening with DACA, and are the immigrant Dreamers safe from deportation for now?

The Senate has reached a deal! And now they keep on talking, but not saying a thing. Cue the trombone with the waa-waa mute, a la Charlie Brown’s teacher in Peanuts.