NEW DEMOCRAT In a seemingly random turn of events, Arlen Spector, the Republican senator from Pennsylvania, has switched to the Democratic Party. If Al Franken wins the battle with Norm Coleman in Minnesota, the Democrats would have a sixty seat filibuster proof majority.

SWINE FLU The swine flu has been detected in seven different nations.

BUDGET NEARING PASSAGE House Democrats prepare for passage of Obama's budget to mark his 100th day in office. The budget allows for use of the controversial procedure of reconciliation to bypass Republican input on healthcare reform.

A BLOW TO HIPSTERS EVERYWHERE The university is mulling over a smoking ban.