In passing

Herbert X. Blyden, a former Attica inmate who spent 26 years fighting for prisoners compensation after the 1971 Attica prison uprising in New York state, died of cancer Sunday. He was 61.

Cary Lu, an author, scientist and filmmaker best known for his ability to explain science and complicated technology in plain English, died Tuesday in Kirkland, Wash., from cancer. He was 51.

Decisions

Pay-raise opponents in the House fell short in an effort Wednesday to reverse a $3,100 cost-of-living boost for Congress, virtually assuring that lawmakers’ salaries will automatically rise 2.3 percent on Jan. 1.

This week

Monday: Trial of Terry Nichols in Oklahoma City bombing begins in Denver.

Saturday: Promise Keepers expects thousands of Christian men to attend a six-hour assembly on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.