April 18

Marie-Josephte Corriveau (1733–1763) became infamous in New France after being convicted of murdering her second husband. Following her execution by hanging in Quebec City, her body was displayed in an iron cage as a deterrent to crime. Local legends transformed her into 'La Corriveau,' a ghostly figure in Quebecois folklore and literature. Her story inspired ballads, plays, and poems that blended fact with myth, cementing her place in cultural memory. Today, Corriveau's tale remains a haunting symbol of early Canadian justice and supernatural lore.

Martha Ripley was one of the earliest female medical graduates from the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, settling in Minneapolis in the late 19th century. In 1886 she established the Maternity Hospital for Women and Children, offering vital care to underserved mothers and infants. Ripley tirelessly campaigned for public health reforms, successfully lobbying for Minnesota's first maternity care legislation in 1897. She operated a free clinic for women unable to afford treatment, demonstrating her commitment to social welfare. Beyond her medical practice, she was an advocate for women's suffrage and community outreach. Ripley's advocacy and clinical innovations laid the groundwork for modern obstetric practices in the region. Her legacy endures in the improvements she brought to maternal and infant healthcare services.

Ernie Pyle was an American journalist best known for his intimate and human-focused reports from the front lines of World War II. Born in 1900 in Indiana, he began his career as a newspaper columnist, gaining popularity for his conversational style. Pyle's dispatches highlighted the daily lives and struggles of ordinary soldiers, bringing the realities of war to readers back home. He traveled with infantry units across Europe and the Pacific, reporting until he was killed by enemy fire on April 18, 1945. Pyle received numerous awards for journalism and his work remains an enduring testament to the power of frontline reporting.

Anne Williams was born in 1951 in Stockport, England, and became a tireless advocate after her son was killed in the 1989 Hillsborough football disaster. She led a long-running legal and public campaign to uncover the truth behind the tragedy, challenging official accounts and exposing police negligence. Williams secured a new inquest that ultimately ruled the victims unlawfully killed, bringing closure to many families. Her perseverance and advocacy reshaped public understanding of the disaster and set a precedent for judicial reviews of mass casualty events. Williams remained committed to justice until her death in 2013.

Guru Dhanapal was a prominent Indian film director and producer in the Tamil film industry. Born in 1959, he made his directorial debut in the early 1980s and quickly became known for his engaging storytelling and commercial successes. He collaborated with leading actors and worked across a range of genres, from drama to comedy. His films often combined strong emotional narratives with memorable music. Beyond directing, he produced several projects, supporting new talents in the industry. His career left a lasting impact on regional cinema, inspiring future filmmakers.

Lyra McKee was a Northern Irish journalist and author known for her fearless investigative reporting. Born in Belfast in 1990, she shed light on the legacy of conflict in Northern Ireland, including paramilitary punishment attacks. Her work appeared in major international publications and earned her several journalism awards. McKee's writing combined personal insight with thorough research, making complex issues accessible. After her tragic death in 2019, she became a symbol for freedom of the press and reconciliation efforts. Tributes in her honor include scholarships and awards that continue to support young journalists.