May 11

Catherine Bauer Wurster was a pioneering American architect and urban planner who championed the development of affordable public housing. She authored the influential book "Modern Housing" in 1934, laying the groundwork for federal housing programs. As a policy advisor, she helped shape the United States' housing policies during the New Deal era. Bauer advocated for socially responsive design to improve living conditions for low-income families. Her work established public housing as a key component of urban planning and social welfare.

Born and raised in Leeds, Paxman studied history at the University of Cambridge before joining the BBC in 1972. He became a household name in 1989 when he took over as presenter of "Newsnight," where his tough questioning style set him apart. In 2008, he began hosting the quiz show "University Challenge," gaining a reputation for dry wit. Paxman has written several books, including works on British history and royalty. He retired from "Newsnight" in 2014 but remains an influential figure in British journalism.

Born in 1957, Mike Nesbitt began his career in journalism as a broadcaster with BBC Northern Ireland. He transitioned into politics, serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Strangford from 2011 to 2017. In 2012, he was elected leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, advocating for centrist policies and community reconciliation. Under his leadership, the party gained renewed support in Northern Ireland’s evolving political landscape. Beyond politics, Nesbitt is recognized for his media presence and contributions to public discourse in the region.

Born in 1970 in Memphis, Tennessee, Harold Ford Jr. earned his law degree from Harvard University in 1996. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives at age 26, serving Tennessee's 9th district from 1997 to 2007. Ford became vice chairman of the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee and was considered a rising star in the party. After leaving Congress, he transitioned to finance and media, serving as a managing director and political commentator. Ford remains influential through his writing, speaking engagements, and advocacy on civic engagement.

Ziad Jarrah was born in Lebanon and later studied aeronautical engineering in Germany, where he became involved with extremist groups. He is most infamous for his role as a hijacker pilot in the September 11 attacks, boarding United Airlines Flight 93. Flight 93 was diverted towards Washington, D.C., but crashed in a Pennsylvania field after passengers attempted to retake control. Jarrah's actions on that day led to his death on September 11, 2001. His trajectory from student to terrorist remains a sobering example of radicalization. His life and the story of Flight 93 have been the subject of numerous documentaries and investigations.

Steven Sotloff was an American-Israeli journalist known for his courageous reporting from the Middle East. Born on May 11, 1983, in Miami, Florida, he covered conflicts and humanitarian crises for major publications, including Time magazine. Sotloff's in-depth coverage of the Arab Spring and Syrian civil war earned him respect for his empathy and dedication to truth. In 2013, he was abducted in Syria and later executed by the Islamic State in 2014, drawing global outrage and shining a spotlight on the dangers faced by journalists. His legacy continues to inspire efforts to protect journalists in war zones and uphold freedom of the press. Sotloff's work remains a testament to fearless journalism and the importance of bearing witness to human suffering.

Bobi (May 11, 1992 – October 21, 2023) was a Portuguese Rafeiro do Alentejo who held the Guinness World Record as the oldest dog in history. Living to the age of 31, he surpassed the typical lifespan of his breed by more than a decade. Bobi spent his life on a family farm in the Trás-os-Montes region of Portugal. His longevity was attributed to natural diet, a stress-free environment, and loving care from his owners. He became a global sensation, inspiring celebrations and media coverage honoring his remarkable lifespan.