April 09

Jan Letzel (1880–1925) was a Czech architect whose works spanned Europe and Japan. He founded the Letzel & Kaeser firm in Prague and later relocated to Japan, where he designed prominent buildings in Hiroshima and Tokyo. His most famous work in Hiroshima, the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, later became the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome. Letzel’s designs combined Western architectural techniques with local influences, leaving a lasting impression on early 20th-century architecture. After returning to Czechoslovakia, he continued his practice and contributed to domestic architectural developments. His international career illustrates the exchange of artistic and engineering ideas across cultures.

Bill Leonard was born in North Carolina in 1916 and began his journalism career at local newspapers. He joined CBS News in 1948 and rose through the ranks to become network news president in 1959. Leonard championed in-depth reporting and helped launch programs that brought news into American homes. He mentored journalists such as Walter Cronkite and expanded evening news broadcasts. After leaving CBS in 1978, he continued to consult on media ethics and journalism standards. Leonard died in 1994 and is remembered as a pioneer of televised news.

Drew Shafer founded the Phoenix Society for Individual Freedom in Kansas City in the early 1960s, one of the first LGBT rights groups in the Midwest. He organized social events, published a community newsletter, and provided support services for gay men and lesbians before Stonewall. Shafer faced legal challenges and social stigma but remained committed to building a visible and supportive network. He collaborated with allied organizations to advocate for decriminalization of homosexuality and equal rights. Despite limited resources, his grassroots efforts laid the groundwork for later national LGBT movements. Today, Shafer is remembered as a pioneering activist who advanced dignity and community empowerment.

Simon Brown, Baron Brown of Eaton-under-Heywood, was appointed to the High Court of England and Wales in 1987. He was promoted to the Court of Appeal in 1994 and became a Lord of Appeal in Ordinary (Law Lord) in 1998. Brown’s judgments are noted for their clarity, pragmatism, and significant impact on commercial and property law. He served as Chancellor of the University of Exeter, contributing to legal education and scholarship. After retirement from the House of Lords in 2009, he continued to advise on legal matters and write on jurisprudence. His work shaped modern English law and influenced a generation of lawyers and judges.

Stephen Paddock shocked the world on October 1, 2017, when he opened fire on a crowd at the Route 91 Harvest music festival in Las Vegas, Nevada. He killed 60 people and injured over 400, marking the deadliest mass shooting by an individual in U.S. history. A retired accountant and real estate investor, Paddock meticulously planned the attack, targeting concertgoers from his Mandalay Bay hotel suite. Law enforcement found no clear motive, as Paddock left behind no manifesto or explanation. The tragedy prompted national debates on gun control and security measures at large events. His actions left a lasting impact on survivors and reshaped policies regarding active shooter incidents. Paddock died by suicide as police breached his suite. His name remains synonymous with discussions on preventing mass violence.

Ken Kalfus is an acclaimed American writer whose works range from investigative journalism to literary fiction. He has contributed insightful essays and reports to major outlets, including The New York Times. His fiction often blends historical events with nuanced character studies, earning him nominations for prestigious literary awards. He has published multiple novels and short story collections praised for their wit and narrative depth. Kalfus's writing explores themes such as politics, technology, and human resilience. He continues to engage readers through both nonfiction and fiction projects, demonstrating versatility across genres. With a career characterized by both factual rigor and creative imagination, he remains a significant voice in contemporary literature.

Yamina Benguigui is an Algerian-French director and politician born in 1955. She gained recognition with documentaries such as Memoires d'immigres and Femmes d'islam, which explore the lives of North African immigrants in France. Her films highlight cultural identity, integration challenges, and women's experiences. In 2012, she was appointed Junior Minister for Relations with the French Diaspora under President François Hollande. She also served in the French Senate and has been a vocal advocate for diversity and representation in media. Benguigui's career bridges cinema and public service, reflecting her commitment to social cohesion and cultural dialogue.

Seve Ballesteros was a Spanish professional golfer born in 1957. He won five major championships, including three Open Championships and two Masters Tournaments, and was renowned for his creativity and flair on the course. Ballesteros turned professional at the age of 16 and quickly rose to international stardom. He became a Ryder Cup legend as both player and captain, leading Europe to victory in 1997 and 1999. Later, he applied his passion to golf course design, creating courses in Europe and Asia. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2008, he continued to inspire the golf community until his passing in 2011.

Alexander Pichushkin developed an obsession with death after suffering a head injury in childhood. Between 1992 and 2006, he lured victims to Bitsa Park in Moscow and murdered them, often using a hammer or strangulation. Pichushkin earned the nickname 'Chessboard Killer' because he aimed to kill 64 people to fill a 'chessboard' in his mind. He was arrested in 2006 and later sentenced to life imprisonment. His crimes are considered among the most chilling in modern Russian criminal history, drawing attention from criminologists worldwide.

Eric Harris was an American student who, along with Dylan Klebold, carried out the tragic Columbine High School massacre in April 1999, one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. Born in Wichita, Kansas, he planned the attack meticulously, motivated by personal grievances and destructive ideologies. The massacre resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals and injuries to over 20 others, sparking national debates on school safety, gun control, and mental health. Harris’s actions and the subsequent investigation revealed complex psychological factors and led to extensive changes in law enforcement response protocols. His legacy remains a grim reminder of the devastating impact of violence in schools.

Born Thomas Simons in Nottingham in 2004, TommyInnit rose to prominence by creating engaging Minecraft videos and livestreams. He became a founding member of the Dream SMP server, collaborating with other popular creators on immersive roleplay series. With over 10 million subscribers on YouTube and millions of followers on Twitch, he is one of the most-watched gaming personalities. TommyInnit has headlined gaming conventions and charity streams, raising funds for various causes. Known for his quick wit, high-energy style, and relatable humor, he appeals to a global audience of gaming fans. As a young content creator, he continues to expand into merchandise, live events, and brand partnerships.