Updates cause problem

[Kevin]

Yes. Ubuntu started ok.
Did second update last nite - "Software Updater"- 
"Software.................is up to date."
Did third try this morning - same result.

I'm not sure looking at the syslog will tell me anything. More than 
likely the command
to shut down is missing, if indeed it is a visible command.

* sudo apt full-upgrade would upgrade to 19.10 or 20.04.
Neither is a practical solution.

-- 
Kevin

Ubuntu 18.04.3
Registered User