SPEAKER of the House Mike Johnson (Wikipedia).

After eight weeks of absence during the shutdown of the federal government, the U.S House of Representatives is expected to convene and pass legislation to finally re-open most of the federal agencies.

The Senate has already done so and the House is likely to start up on Wednesday when enough members are present and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) calls the 435-member body into session.

According to the Associated Press, the House will face some major issues including the question of releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Most Democrats and some Republicans are in support of making the files from investigation of the convicted sex trafficker public. Connected to that is the long-delayed swearing in of Democrat Adelina Grijalva, a Democrat who won a special election in Arizona.

Johnson has cited procedural issues for why he hasn’t sworn her in; critics say it’s because she may cast the deciding vote in the release of the Epstein files.

Turkeys don’t fly; will Thanksgiving travel?

The government shutdown has impacted the commercial air travel industry, reducing flights, snarling traffic and perhaps scaring passengers away from flying during the busy Thanksgiving week.

WHEN WILL airline service return to normal? (Shutterstock).

The New York Times is reporting that Sean Duffy, the secretary of transportation, on Tuesday refused to say when he would lift restrictions on flights at 40 of the busiest airports across the nation.

The shortage of air traffic controllers due to the shutdown – many of whom have worked extra shifts without pay for weeks – could lead to “significant issues in the airspace,” said Duffy.

The crisis among those controllers has led to a rise in retirements and some of them seeking outside income due to missing two full paychecks.

An estimated 20 percent of controller positions are vacant, according to The Times.

Weather: Rain is on the way

Clouds will be plentiful for our West Orange County cities for the next few days, followed by rain that is expected to continue from Friday through Tuesday of the coming week. The forecast for Wednesday is for a daytime high of 69 with an overnight low of 58 and cloudy skies. Thursday will warm slightly to 71 (62) with morning clouds and afternoon sun. Rain is expected to roll in on Friday with temps of 67 (58). Saturday will still be rainy and even cooler at 63 (57).

Great Thoughts

“Wise men speak when they have something to say. Ordinary men speak when they need to say something.”
– Various

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”
– Walt Disney

“Listen to many, speak to a few.”
– William Shakespeare