Today's news events make me want to be back in the newsroom. It would be crackling with life. It was assumed that the major story would be the memorial service in Charleston for the state senator who was gunned down in his church last week along with eight others. It had the president giving a moving eulogy and singing "Amazing Grace."

But wait — stop the presses. That's right; the Supreme Court just gave the go ahead for gay marriage. Wait — stop the presses again. One of the escaped murderers has been shot and killed by police in upstate New York.

Today, news directors were jugglers, keeping all the stories up in the air, never dropping one. The networks had a tough choice. CNN, MSNBC and Fox News had to ask themselves, "What does the public want to see? What do they need to know?" They all seemed to switch to the manhunt. A tell-it-now story, to be sure. For the last three weeks, the escaped convicts were a top story, and the hunt is said to have cost New York state a million dollars a day.

Personally, this viewer wanted commentary on the Supreme Court ruling. That and the Charleston memorial are stories that will not be forgotten. They will have lasting impact on society. As for the talking heads, they can still pontificate on these life-changing news stories later in the week.

In soaps news, on June 23, after 37 years, Tony Geary (Luke) exited the "General Hospital" set for the last time. According to set-siders, there was not a dry eye in the house — including Geary's. Geary decided earlier this year to end the role that made him a superstar. In the beginning, Luke was to be a short-time villain, but Gloria Monty (the show's executive producer at the time) saw the magic between Luke and Laura (Genie Francis). The viewers saw it, too. When Luke and Laura wed in 1981, the show garnered over 31 million viewers. At his on-set going away party, it Geary reportedly said if he ever came back to the show it would be to work with the cast and crew.

On his last day, the actor got many sweet tweets and messages.

"To the legend Tony Geary, not just a great actor but a great guy and I'm proud to call him my friend. Today is Tony's last tape day on GH. Sadly I won't be there for the goodbye. My day at Y&R is too complex. But I'll be there in spirit," tweeted Tristan Rogers (formerly Robert on General Hospital and currently Colin on Young and the Restless). Greg Vaughan (Eric Brady of "Days," who previously played Luke's son, Lucky Spencer) posted on Instagram, "Mr. Tony Geary, as one of the many whom adore you, your mark is untouchable! It was a privilege & honor to share the stage beside you as a peer, you as my mentor, and my dear friend, but to portray your son in the 21st decade (sic) of GH, I will always cherish the memories we created. Proud to see you riding off into the sunset! Yours truly, Cowboy."

Jonathon Jackson, who created the role of Lucky, will reprise the role as part of the Luke send-off. Geary's last airdate is in mid-July, when he will bid farewell to the role that has garnered him eight Emmys.

With "Days of Our Lives" marking its 50th anniversary this year, many former fan favorites are returning to the show. Sean Douglas (Jason Cook) and Belle Brady Black (Martha Madison) make a trip back to Salem. Their now-teenaged daughter will be in tow. The trio's episodes will start airing in November,

Rumor has it that "Days" is bringing back a character from the dead. I know; they do it all the time. Here is a little hint: his photo just popped up on a mantel and his character is being mentioned in a major plotline. He has risen from the ashes a dozen times. Can you say, "Stefano"?

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