Number of deaths in U.S. jumps in ’05

The number of deaths in the United States rose in 2005 after a sharp decline the year earlier, a disappointing reversal that suggests the 2004 numbers were a fluke. Cancer deaths were also up.

Names and faces

Rachael Ray, the syndicated talk-show host, is launching a nationwide search for an enterprising foodie with skills in the kitchen.

• In the news
• Clinton hints: OK to regive returned funds
• The nation in brief
• More from U.S. / World*

13 state students are semifinalists

Thirteen Arkansas high school seniors are among 1,600 high school students nationally to be named semifinalists in the National Achievement Scholarship Program for outstanding black students.

Hijackers killed charter-boat crew

The four missing crew members of a charter boat found drifting and abandoned Sunday in the Florida Straits were shot and killed by hijackers and their bodies thrown overboard, according to one surviving passenger whose account was outlined in an arrest affidavit filed Wednesday in federal court.

• County district OKs budget, finds out pupils fewer
• School site owner sues county
• State Fair to offer fun for all
• More from Arkansas*

Obituaries

Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

• More from Obituaries

Language war

TO FIND some of the more authentic ethnic food available around Northwest Arkansas, it helps to understand words like panaderia or taqueria. Those looking for tres leches cake or some other Mexican finger food will find their search easier if they understand some menus in Spanish. Or just read a storefront sign in español.

Genocide-it’s so yesterday

An opinion piece that ran in our Perspective section a couple of Sundays ago caused a flurry of reaction from some of those in the know. The piece was written by scholar Alex de Waal and Julie Flint, a journalist. It focused on the anarchy in the Darfur region of Sudan. The reaction came from those who have been paying attention to what’s been happening in Darfur.

• Where’s my trickle?
• Eat, drink and be envious
• LETTERS
• More from Opinion*

Genocide-it’s so yesterday

An opinion piece that ran in our Perspective section a couple of Sundays ago caused a flurry of reaction from some of those in the know. The piece was written by scholar Alex de Waal and Julie Flint, a journalist. It focused on the anarchy in the Darfur region of Sudan. The reaction came from those who have been paying attention to what’s been happening in Darfur.

Of lunkers and lore

For those who believe lunker brown trout have all but vanished from the White River below Bull Shoals Dam, I have news.

• LIKE IT IS: New AD needs chance to do things his way
• More from Columnists*

NFL Patriots could be punished

The NFL reportedly is considering punishing the New England Patriots for spying on the New York Jets in their season opener. ESPN.com, citing league sources, reported Tuesday that Commissioner Roger Goodell has determined the Patriots violated league rules Sunday when they videotaped defensive signals by the Jets’ coaches.

NATIONAL LEAGUE: Scott’s triple in 11th puts Cubs game back in Central

Luke Scott tripled home the winning run in the 11th inning and the Houston Astros dropped the Chicago Cubs out of a tie for the National League Central lead, winning 5-4 Tuesday night.

• State sports briefs
• NFL notes
• Jeff Long timeline
• More from Sports*

No buyout yet, but ax is falling at Acxiom

Little Rock-based Acxiom Corp. said Wednesday that it is slashing 266 jobs, including 138 in Arkansas, before its $3 billion buyout — announced in May — is complete.

Supply concerns lift oil to record price

Oil prices rose to a record settlement price Tuesday as traders turned their attention to a government inventory report expected to show tight supplies and shrugged off OPEC’s decision to increase output.

• NEWS IN BRIEF
• Saline County Voice added to Stephens Media properties
• China, U.S. are meeting on trade
• More from Business*

Against the wind

A huge red rock wall looms over us as we pull into the parking lot — the finale of a family drive through Oklahoma and across the culinary portion of west Texas, the width of New Mexico, a sliver of Colorado, then fi nally into the southeast corner of Utah.

HEART & SOUL: Connecting with teens is worthy work

I wish life were not so busy, but it is. So I’ll take what’s true and work with it.

• THE DAD ZONE: Buying car requires auto gene or prayer
• HOROSCOPES BY HOLIDAY
• Book shelf
• More from Features*