Why overfly?...Public option mullings...Indiana conviction

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Federal investigators want to know why a Northwest Airlines jet went 150 miles beyond its destination last night over Minnesota. The crew says it was involved in a heated discussion. Fighter jets were put on alert at two locations.

Washington (AP) A public option is reportedly getting serious consideration in health care talks between the White House and the Senate. But two Democratic senators say they've been told that individual states could drop out of the system.

HARRODSBURG, Ky. (AP) A former chairman of the Federal Reserve thinks it will be a while before the jobless rate drops much. Paul Volcker says it's taken years to get into this situation, and it will be a "considerable slog" climbing out.

WASHINGTON (AP) The White House is brushing off criticism from former Vice President Dick Cheney that the administration is taking too long to firm-up its Afghan policy. The White House says the previous administration sat on a troop request.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) A 31-year-old man has been convicted in Indianapolis in the murders of seven members of one family more than three years ago. Desmond Turner, who waived his right for a jury trial, faces up to life in prison without parole.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 10-22-09 1843CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list