WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve says the economy is picking up but still weak. So, it plans to keep its key bank lending rate at a record low for an "extended period" to nurse the recovery along. Stocks ended the day mixed. The Dow rose 30 points to 9,802.

WASHINGTON (AP) — As their $1.2 trillion health care reform bill heads for a floor vote, possibly as early as this weekend, House Democrats are picking up a big endorsement. Officials tell The Associated Press that the AARP will announce its support tomorrow. The seniors' lobby has 40 million members and its backing proved critical to passage of the Medicare prescription drug benefit.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President Barack Obama is pushing to link student test scores to teacher pay and he's offering $5 billion in federal grants as incentive. The grants would be available to states willing to undertake a top-to-bottom overhaul of their education policies and bring them in line with his administration's priorities.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Three senators are going to try to patch together a climate bill that can pass then Senate. Sen. John Kerry is co-sponsor of a measure that would impose mandatory limits on greenhouse gases, but a Republican boycott has it hung up in committee. Kerry's joining with Republican Lindsey Graham, and Independent Joseph Lieberman to take the best pieces from that bill and add measures to build a majority.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government says Toyota is misleading consumers about its investigation into floor mats causing gas pedals to stick. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it's still investigating what it calls a "very dangerous problem." Toyota had said that NHTSA (NIHT'-sah) concluded no defect exists.