Nation in brief: Judge denies bail to murder suspect

Cleveland – A registered sex offender, whose Cleveland residence contained the remains of 10 bodies and a human skull stored in a bucket, was ordered held without bond Wednesday as police prepared to tear down the walls of his home in search of more bodies.

At the bond hearing, assistant Cuyahoga County prosecutor Brian Murphy said that Anthony Sowell, 50, could face the death penalty if convicted of the murders.

Judge Ronald Adrine denied bail for Sowell due to the “macabre nature” of the murders that he is charged with committing.

California OKs water upgrades

Sacramento, Calif. – California lawmakers on Wednesday passed an $11.1 billion overhaul of the state’s antiquated water system in a bid to supply a soaring population while preserving a fragile environment.

After a long night of debate, the state Assembly voted in favor of the comprehensive package of water bills and a bond measure to fund them. The Senate also approved.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was expected to sign the five-bill package.

The plan provides funding for new dams, groundwater cleanup, conservation and habitat restoration. It gives Schwarzenegger comprehensive tools to begin restoring the crucial Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and create a stable water supply for cities in Southern California and farmers in the Central Valley.

Cat gets swine flu as two ferrets die

Des Moines, Iowa – A 13-year-old Iowa cat has been infected with swine flu, veterinary and federal officials said Wednesday, and it is believed to be the first case of the H1N1 virus in a feline.

The domestic shorthaired cat was treated last week at Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ames and has recovered, officials said.

The virus also has been confirmed in two ferrets – one in Oregon and the other in Nebraska – but they died.

“We’ve known certainly it’s possible this could happen,” said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention spokesman Tom Skinner.