Next week, soaps will be interrupted to air the continuing congressional hearings from the Jan. 6 committee. On June 21-23, the hearings will begin airing at 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The daytime dramas will air the next day. Canada does get "The Young and the Restless" the day before the states, so you can stream those on YouTube or elsewhere online.

When I became a journalist in the Stone Age, I knew that there were two types of journalism: fluff and stuff. I am fluff. Sure, it is fun to know who is dating whom and get storyline updates. If you miss it, no big deal. The big deal is the stuff. That is what journalism is for — to keep you informed, reveal things you did not know. Think the Pentagon Papers, Watergate and what happened on Jan. 6, 2021. It appears America was about to lose its democracy. Reporters would not, could not let that happen. It is called the fourth estate. It keeps an eye on what is happening in all the houses of the government. So, while I love telling you that Anna and Valentin on "General Hospital" are going to finally go on that date, it is not necessary for the survival of our country — but what Congress is telling you this week is. If you think soaps have high drama, the real high drama is being offered by Congress. Watch. Even if you think you do not care, you will be unable to look away once you watch. It is like a train wreck. You do not want to watch but you cannot look away.

The aftermath of Abby's death in "Days of Our Lives" is a master class in what soaps can be. The writing, editing, acting, plotting. It is what I love about daytime drama. Exploring everyone's emotions, making you wonder who killed Abby, her friends, family and enemies dealing with their emotions. We see widowed Chad, Gabi, who loved and hated Abby, Jack and Jennifer all deal with the loss of their beloved daughter. It even took a moment for sub plots, with Tripp deciding to go to Seattle. Even in the middle of death, as we all know, life goes on.

Lucas Adams may be out as Tripp on "Days of Our Lives" but he is not out. He has to do what all actors do: audition. He and a friend are working on a comic book. Most exciting for him is working on his real-life wedding. As for Tripp leaving for the second time in as many years, he admits he was kind of surprised and kind of not. Tripp was connected to Ava, Steve, Allie and was a doctor. I thought he had a lot of stories to tell. Although he did spend a lot of time finding, looking for and losing love. He will be seen on the Peacock network's "Beyond Salem." He was very impressed with the sets. He said everything looked "gorgeous" because the show had a "major budget."

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.