December 16

Born in 1585 into the powerful Della Rovere family, Livia became Duchess of Urbino by marriage. She managed estates and patronized artists and architects, fostering cultural renaissance in her duchy. Livia maintained extensive correspondence with prominent figures of her time, influencing politics indirectly. Her interests included landscape gardens and the decoration of palatial residences. Though not a ruling sovereign, her patronage left a lasting mark on Urbino's artistic heritage. She died in 1641, remembered as a key figure in the cultural flowering of late Renaissance Italy.

In 1920, a woman was rescued from the River Spree in Berlin and later assumed the identity of Anastasia, youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II. Claiming royal lineage, Anderson garnered support from some Romanov relatives but faced skepticism and legal battles in Germany and the United States. Despite years of public appearances and memoirs, medical experts and DNA testing after her death in 1984 disproved her claim. Her story inspired numerous books, plays, and films exploring themes of identity and royal tragedy. Anderson’s enduring mystery highlights the human desire for hope and reinvention.

Lin Zhao was a courageous Chinese writer and dissident whose diaries exposed injustices during the Cultural Revolution. As a Christian convert and former Red Guard, she publicly criticized political abuses, leading to her imprisonment in 1960. Despite torture, she continued writing poems and memoirs on prison walls, inspiring fellow inmates. Accused of counter-revolutionary activities, she was executed in 1968 at the age of 28. After her death, her writings were smuggled out, earning her posthumous recognition as a symbol of freedom and conscience in China.

Morris Dees is an American attorney and social entrepreneur who co-founded the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) in 1971. Under his leadership, the SPLC won landmark legal victories against the Ku Klux Klan and white supremacist groups. He pioneered the concept of using civil litigation to hold hate groups accountable and secure damages for victims. Dees also helped establish the SPLC's educational programs to track and combat extremism across the United States. His work has been both praised for defending civil rights and criticized for his advocacy methods, reflecting his complex legacy.

Lesley Stahl began her career in journalism after graduating from college in 1963. She joined CBS News in 1971 and covered major historical events such as the Watergate scandal and the Iran hostage crisis. As a senior correspondent for 60 Minutes, she has interviewed world leaders and reported on global affairs for over four decades. Stahl has received numerous awards, including multiple Emmy and Peabody awards, for her investigative reporting. She is also the author of several books on journalism and media, reflecting on her experiences in the field.

Tom Stern is an American cinematographer known for his distinctive visual style and his collaborations with director Clint Eastwood. He worked as director of photography on films such as 'Million Dollar Baby', 'Letters from Iwo Jima', and 'Changeling', developing a naturalistic lighting approach that enhances storytelling. Stern began his career shooting commercials and documentary films before transitioning to feature cinematography. His expertise in combining stark realism with emotive imagery has earned him recognition in the industry. Through his versatile work across drama and documentary genres, Stern has become a respected figure in cinematography.

Dame Heather Hallett is a retired English jurist who served as a Lady Justice of Appeal from 2009 to 2017. Prior to that, she was a High Court judge in the Queen's Bench Division, presiding over major criminal and civil cases. She was among the first women to reach the senior levels of the British judiciary, known for her clear legal reasoning and fair judgments. After retiring, Hallett chaired the Infected Blood Inquiry, examining public health issues in the UK. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her services to law and public service. Hallett's career has paved the way for greater gender diversity in the legal profession.

Claudia Cohen was an American journalist and socialite famous for her long-running gossip column on the New York Post's Page Six. Over a career spanning three decades, she cultivated relationships with celebrities and politicians, offering readers an insider's view of New York's social scene. After leaving Page Six, she launched her own media consultancy and remained an influential voice in entertainment journalism. Cohen also supported various nonprofit boards, championing arts and education initiatives in the city. Beloved for her sharp wit and charismatic personality, she left a lasting imprint on the culture of tabloid journalism.

James Mangold (born December 16, 1963) is a film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his diverse storytelling. He directed the biographical drama Walk the Line, earning Academy Award nominations. His filmography includes Cop Land, 3:10 to Yuma, Logan, and Ford v Ferrari. Mangold often blends character-driven narratives with genre elements to create impactful cinema. A graduate of the California Institute of the Arts, he began his career with early independent films. Beyond directing, he writes scripts and produces projects to support emerging filmmakers.

Melanie Sloan (born December 16, 1965) is an American attorney and activist focused on government ethics. She founded Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) in 2003. Under her leadership, CREW filed high-profile complaints to promote accountability in public office. Sloan has served as a law professor and provided commentary on legal and ethical issues. She continues to advocate for transparency and integrity in American politics.

John Morris is a Canadian curler born in 1978 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He skipped Team Canada to Olympic gold at the 2010 Vancouver Games and won silver in 2014 at Sochi. Morris is a four-time Canadian champion and captured world titles in 2008 and 2013. Recognized for his strategic leadership and precise shot-making, he has been a prominent figure in curling for over twenty years. Outside the rink, he serves as a volunteer firefighter in Calgary and leads curling clinics for aspiring athletes.