Nation in brief

Senator’s brain swells after surgery

Sen. Tim Johnson was experiencing post-surgery swelling in his brain Friday, but his doctors said his recovery was still encouraging. They said he would remain hospitalized until the swelling went down.

The South Dakota Democrat, who suffered a brain hemorrhage Wednesday, remained in critical but stable condition Friday, just short of three weeks before the new Senate is to convene with his party holding control by a single vote. The timing of his return is uncertain, but Democrats would still be in control of the Senate if his recovery period extends into the new session.

The surgery has been described as successful, relieving pressure on the 59-year-old senator’s brain and stopping the bleeding.

Johnson’s doctors also disclosed that when he arrived at the hospital, he was feeling weakness on his right side. They said Friday that condition probably will require physical therapy as part of his recovery.

Fort Worth, Texas

F-35 takes first test flight

The new stealth fighter jet that will replace an aging fleet of military planes experienced a largely successful first flight Friday, with only a minor glitch, Lockheed Martin Corp. officials said.

Jon S. Beesley, chief test pilot for the F-35 joint strike fighter said the plane handled “marvelously,” performed flawlessly and flew better than the simulator. He flew to 15,000 feet, escorted by three jets.

Officials initially said the test flight would last an hour; Beesley flew for 35 minutes.

One of two air data sensors was not operating properly, he said. Although it did not pose a danger, the procedure called for ending the flight at that time, preventing completion of the remaining few tests, including raising the landing gear.