WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve says the nation's economy continues "to pick up." But, it plans to keep its key interest rate at a record low for an "extended period." The Fed notes that the housing market, a key ingredient to a sustained recovery, also has grown stronger, but warns that joblessness and tight credit could hold back the recovery.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says it hopes this isn't the start of another round of political violence in Iran. Iranian security forces clubbed anti-government protesters in the capital today. The protesters were mounting counter-demonstrations to government-sanctioned rallies marking the 30th anniversary of the U.S. Embassy takeover.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland police are going "bit by bit" through the house where Anthony Sowell (SOH'-wuhl) lived among 10 corpses. The convicted rapist appeared in court this morning wearing a blue paper jumpsuit typically used when an inmate might be a suicide risk. He's being held without bond. He's facing five murder counts and could be sentenced to death if convicted.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation missed opportunities to discover an alleged kidnapping victim held for 18 years. That's the conclusion of the state Inspector General's Office. In a report today, it says the department failed to properly supervise parolee Phillip Garrido. Garrido and his wife were arrested for allegedly holding Jaycee Dugard (DOO'-gard) captive in his backyard.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Department of Agriculture says it's found swine flu in a heard of commercial pigs in Indiana. The USDA says the pigs as well as the people caring for them have recovered. Meanwhile, veterinarians at Iowa State say they've confirmed a case in a cat. They say two people in the same house had flu-like symptoms before the cat became ill.