Political analysts widely predict major gains for the Democrats in the Senate and House of Representatives today. But few think the Democrats will win the nine extra Senate positions they need to have a filibuster-proof "supermajority" in that branch of Congress.

For many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender faculty members, being open about their sexuality doesn't always come so easily. Some simply don't feel comfortable meshing their personal and professional lives, and others report actual discrimination on the job.

"It was an eye-opening experience," said Engineering junior Young Yim of his trip to do bioengineering in southern China this summer with the Engineering school's Global BioMedical Service Program. Now in its third year, GBS takes a group of 12 students and a faculty member to work on medical problems in China each summer.

Quarterback Kyle Olson is officially done for the season. The team confirmed that Olson tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the second quarter of Saturday's 34-27 loss to Brown. That game was Olson's first start of the season after battling with senior Rob Irvin for the top job since training camp.

The one bit of significant news from a conference call featuring all eight Ivy League hoops coaches was the revelation by Columbia's Joe Jones that transfer Brian Grimes had injured his knee five minutes into the team's first practice and will miss the upcoming season.

Going against the stereotype of the apathetic college kid, youth have been more involved in this election than any in recent memory - and experts think they will show up at the polls. This year, youth turnout "will probably surpass 50 percent, and it could be closer to 60 percent," said Peter Levine, research director of CIRCLE, a Tufts-based research group that studies youth political involvement.

After today, nobody will ever pester you to vote - at least for another two years. For those who are voting, consider these tips:  To find your polling location, visit dailypennsylvanian.com/wheretovote or call the Committee of Seventy's toll-free system at 1-866-268-8603.

In just a few hours, we'll finally know the name of the next president of the United States. That name's been a long time coming. The 2008 presidential election has spanned two years and $1.6 billion dollars. It's become a dominating presence in the national airwaves and everyday conversation, and its many twists and turns have resulted in some of the greatest electoral drama in American history.

Cornell quarterback Nathan Ford became the topic of conversation at the biggest watercooler in America. The senior signal caller got a shout-out on last Thursday's episode of The Office on NBC, courtesy of everyone's favorite intensely nerdy paper salesman, Dwight Schrute.

About eight hours before polls open in Pennsylvania, Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden addressed a large rally in South Philadelphia in his last stop on the campaign trail. "In less than 24 hours, we will know who the leader of the free world is," Biden said at the Marconi Plaza at South Broad and Bigler streets.

Tina Fey may do a great Sarah Palin impression, but that doesn't mean Saturday Night Live is the only way young people get their election news. This year, Penn students - and young people across the country - are more engaged in politics than ever before, and they are increasingly turning to online news sources for their political information.

With only four Undergraduate Assembly meetings left this semester, Sunday night's meeting was brief, with the body passing no new proposals. One of the first issues discussed was New Student Orientation, which may undergo some changes in the coming years.

The reaction was the same everywhere. From the bleachers, the Brown sideline and the press box, everyone in attendance at Penn's 34-27 loss to Brown on Saturday had just one question. Who's playing quarterback? The answer was No. 13, Keiffer Garton, a sophomore from Castle Rock, Co.

Penn - along with the rest of the nation - watched the cable news networks with bated breath this evening. And when the outcome of the presidential election were announced at about 11 p.m., Penn students - who voted overwhelmingly for Obama - took the streets in celebration. Hundreds have marched downtown and are converged on City Hall.

The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania affirmed their commitment to expanding the school despite the economic downturn at their annual fall meeting last Friday. The group passed eight proposals that will pour millions of dollars into medical buildings, student housing and the University museum.

Inside the beltway and to politicians around the country, Peter Hart is a highly regarded Democratic pollster conducting surveys for NBC and The Wall Street Journal. But to some Penn students, Hart goes by a different name - Professor. This fall, NBC and the Journal are the principal clients for the Communications professor's polling firm, Hart Research Associates, and Hart has spent much of his time working on questionnaires and analysis and appearing on television to discuss the results.