Recorder may not help solve alarming question: How did pilots overshoot landing by 150 miles?

WASHINGTON — Were the pilots distracted? Catching up on their sleep? Federal investigators struggled to determine what the crew members of a Northwest Airlines jetliner were doing at 37,000 feet as they sped 150 miles past their Minneapolis destination and military jets readied to chase them. Unfortunately, the cockpit voice recorder may not tell the tale.

Billionaire charged in insider trading case is sued in NJ by victims of Sri Lankan rebels

NEW YORK — A billionaire hedge fund manager charged in a $25 million insider trading case was sued by victims of violence in Sri Lanka who say he helped finance separatist rebels notorious for suicide bombings.

Kresge Foundation awards $43.7 million to groups helping poor in US, South Africa

TROY, Mich. — Michigan’s Kresge Foundation says it’s responding to the economic crisis by giving $43.7 million to nonprofit groups that help the poor.

National Science Foundation authorizes $29M for initial plan for underground lab in western SD

The National Science Foundation has authorized about $29 million to develop a preliminary plan to turn a 1 1/2-mile-deep former gold mine in western South Dakota into the world’s deepest laboratory.

Gates Foundation gives $10M to Smithsonian’s Museum of African American History and Culture

WASHINGTON — The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is giving $10 million to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture planned for the National Mall in Washington.

Bill Gates pushes for more focus, advancements in agriculture to help hungry, poor in Africa

DES MOINES, Iowa — The world can make huge strides in reducing hunger and poverty by helping the world’s poorest farmers become more productive, Microsoft Inc. co-founder Bill Gates said Thursday.

Census director: Foreclosures will add challenges, costs to next year’s decennial census

LOS ANGELES — Foreclosures will make it tougher and more expensive to get an accurate census count next year as families move in with relatives or are left homeless, the Census Bureau’s director said Tuesday.

Australia’s iconic koala dwindling due to habitat loss, stress-related disease

CUDLEE CREEK, Australia — The koala, Australia’s star symbol, is dying of stress.

Senator’s staff questions ACORN use of donations

WASHINGTON — The embattled community activist group ACORN appears to be collecting charitable contributions through affiliate organizations that it then uses for impermissible lobbying and political activity, says the Republican staff of the Senate Finance Committee.