In the May 31 " Explainer," Christopher Beam mistakenly referred to the insured person in an insurance policy as the beneficiary. He also stated that most Japanese insurance companies cover suicide, while U.S. insurance companies almost never do. Companies in both countries tend to offer similar degrees of coverage.

In the May 30 "Today's Papers," Daniel Politi dropped a word from one of Robert Zoellick's former job titles. He is the former U.S. trade representative.

In the May 30 "Drink" column, Field Maloney misquoted James Thurber. Thurber wrote, "It's a naive domestic Burgundy without any breeding, but I think you'll be amused by its presumption," not, "It's merely a naive domestic Burgundy, but I think you'll be amused by its presumption."

In the May 29 "Explainer," the caption on the photograph accompanying the piece had the name of 2006 spelling bee champ Katharine Close misspelled. The incorrect spelling was supplied by Getty Images.

In the May 29 "Medical Examiner," Anne Alstott stated that Deamonte Driver had never seen a dentist. It is more accurate to say he had never had routine dental care. She also stated that homeless shelter staff helped Deamonte's mother find a dentist and oral surgeon. The help came from a public interest lawyer.

In the May 25 "Explainer," Michelle Tsai asserted that an eight ball is about 10 lines of cocaine. While the size of a line depends on personal preference, most users would divide an eight ball into more than 25 lines.

In the May 24 "Today's Blogs," Christopher Beam misidentified the author of a post on the blog Idolator. The post should have been attributed to Maura Johnston.

If you believe you have found an inaccuracy in a Slatestory, please send an e-mail to corrections@slate.com, and we will investigate. General comments should be posted in "The Fray," our reader discussion forum.