Massachusetts today as holds a special election to replace the U.S. Senate Seat vacated when Sen. Edward Kennedy died last year. The seat was thought to be reliably Democratic, but the Republican in the race, Scott Brown, has been taking the lead in pre-election polls. Brown opposes health care reform and has pledged to vote against health care reform bills in Congress, Wall Street Journal.
Somali pirates released a Greek oil tanker after being paid a reported $5 million ransom. At least 3 pirates died after fighting broke out over distribution of the ransom, Bloomberg.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy responded to complaints by some French officials of the U.S. military’s de facto control of the Port-au-Prince airport by praising U.S. efforts in Haiti, BBC News. Looting has become a growing concern in Haiti. CNN reporter Anderson Cooper says some are breaking into stores to steal food that they plan on selling later, CNN. Refugees are leaving Port-au-Prince for the countryside, New York Times. The story of a woman rescued on day 6, PBS Newshour.