Here is some bad news taken right from the Poughkeepsie Journal AP story:

Conservative political commentator Robert Novak has announced his immediate retirement after being diagnosed with a brain tumor.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported on its Web site Monday that Novak’s prognosis is “dire.” The 77-year-old Novak told the paper that the tentative plan is for radiation and chemotherapy but details are being worked out with doctors this week.

Novak has been a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times for decades. He announced late last month he has a brain tumor. The revelation came less than a week after he struck a pedestrian with his Corvette and drove away.

* For so many years, Novak has provided the talking points for conservative programming across America. He has been at the center of controversy numerous times and at times becomes the news story. His opinions stir the imagination for anyone who will listen, and on the occasions when he is correct, we know that Washington has lost yet another shingle of integrity.

We all wish Robert a speedy recovery. His is not a challenge unknown for cancer touches every family.