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.

As assets shrink, charitable givers pull back on donations to popular funding accounts

As charities prepare for year-end donation drives, the worst recession in decades has given pause to the philanthropist next door.

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.

Violinist Joshua Bell gives charity concert for Jewish History Museum in Poland

WARSAW, Poland — The U.S. violin virtuoso Joshua Bell helped raise funds Wednesday for a Jewish History museum in Poland with a charity concert at Warsaw’s Opera House.