Human Race

Devastated

Hurricane Matthew ripped through Haiti in early October, destroying homes and crops, killing at least 1,000 persons, and displacing thousands of others. The full extent of the hurricane’s damage in the poorest country in the Americas was still unknown a week after the storm, with damaged roads limiting access to some of the hardest-hit areas in the southwest. Aid workers also feared a rise in cholera cases, as the flooding had increased the risk of contaminated drinking water. UN soldiers accidentally brought the disease into Haiti in the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake. After leaving Haiti, the weakened Hurricane Matthew hit the southeastern United States, causing severe flooding and killing at least 38.

Appealed

An American pastor, Donald Ossewaarde, is fighting charges in a Russian court that he broke the country’s new anti-evangelism law. Russian authorities arrested the 55-year-old missionary on Aug. 14, charging him with conducting an illegal religious service in his home and advertising a worship service in a public place. Ossewaarde began missionary work in Russia more than two decades ago. Although his fine for breaking the new law amounts to only a little over $600, he is appealing the penalty in the name of religious freedom.

Arrested

Police on Oct. 11 charged four former students of Sylacauga High School with assault in the brutal beating of Brian Ogle, a senior at the Alabama school. Ogle, 17, suffered a fractured skull and brain trauma after multiple people attacked him in an empty parking lot after a high-school football game on Sept. 30. Police say the crime may have been racially motivated. Ogle is white, and the four suspects are African-American males between the ages of 18 and 20. Ogle’s mother told reporters the attack occurred after her son had posted pro-police comments online.

Decided

A federal judge in Maryland ruled in favor of pro-life workers in a free speech case that pitted the city of Baltimore against pregnancy resource centers. The city had passed an ordinance requiring the pregnancy resource centers to post signs saying they did not offer abortion referrals. But U.S. District Judge Marvin J. Garbis on Oct. 4 ruled the requirement violated the centers’ free speech rights. Alliance Defending Freedom said the case created a “persuasive precedent to defend free speech” for other pregnancy centers.

Died

U.K. resident Karam Chand died in late September, one month short of his 111th birthday—ending what was believed to be the world’s longest living marriage. Chand and his wife, Kartari, 103, were married for 90 years, since their wedding in 1925. Family members told the media the couple never argued and had supported each other through long years together that included an immigration from India and the raising of a large family. In an interview last year, the couple explained their methods for a long life and peaceful marriage: healthy food, contentment, and moderation.