The Fina Mendoza Mysteries follow the adventures of the 10-year-old daughter of a congressman, investigating mysteries in the U.S. Capitol.

All of Washington is shut down for the storm of the century. Meanwhile, Californians Fina and her sister Gabby learn the joys...and the downsides of snow.

In Episode 8 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries, Fina asks:

Is there anything in the paper about the bird that pooped on the president, Papa?

PAPA: Not a word. The news cycle has moved on.

What's a news cycle?

Click HERE to read more about the News Cycle in our Facts Behind the Fiction blog.

Season 2 of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries podcast is based on the book State of the Union, by Kitty Felde, published by Chesapeake Press. You can get an autographed copy of State of the Union, at the website Chesapeakepress.org. That's also where you can find out more about the cast and crew of The Fina Mendoza Mysteries and a free download of the 56-page Teacher's Guide to the book and the podcast just by signing up for our newsletter. Every week, that newsletter includes the facts behind the fiction in the Fina Mendoza Mysteries.

Amy Solano - Fina Mendoza

Monica Vigil - Gabby

Steven Cuevas - Papa

Christine Avila - Abuelita

Laura Segal - Congresswoman Mitchell

Mindy Shaw - the voice on the zoo recording

Susan Valot - Ms. Greenwood

India Scalione - Becka

Ian Muchiri - Michael

Mark Muchiri - Brian, Mica Scalione - Margaret

Leo Schodorf - Mason

Isla Schodorf - Cara

Steve DeVorkin - Senator Something

Andrea Felix-Cervantes is our stage manager. Our music is written and performed by Andrew Barkan, and our logo designer is Imelda Hinojosa. And special thanks to Katherine LaVictoire for her clarinet contribution and Steven Leigh Morris for the sounds of snow.

And now you can get the Spanish version of State of the Union called Estado de la Union, translated by Jorge Flores Gonzales. Forward Clarion just gave it a five star review, calling Fina an "intelligent and precocious heroine who uses her critical thinking skills and keen observational senses to suss out information on the Chickcharney and the other mysteries in her daily life." Get your copy now!