May 28

Born in Buenos Aires in 1763, Manuel Alberti was ordained as a priest and became an influential preacher. He also edited and contributed to the Gazeta de Buenos Aires, engaging readers in revolutionary ideas. Alberti joined the Primera Junta in 1810, Argentina's first independent governing body. He advocated for education reform, social welfare, and the ethical grounding of the new government. His religious background infused his political work with moral and humanitarian principles. Manuel Alberti's role in Argentina's independence movement makes him a key figure in national history.

George Coppinger Ashlin was a prominent 19th-century Irish architect noted for his Gothic Revival church designs. Working alongside J. J. McCarthy, he co-designed St Colman's Cathedral in Cobh, a masterpiece featuring intricate stone carvings and a distinctive spire. Ashlin's portfolio included numerous churches, convents, and public buildings across Ireland and Britain. His designs combined medieval architectural principles with modern engineering techniques for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal. Ashlin's legacy endures in the landmark structures that continue to define Ireland's architectural heritage.

Carl Richard Nyberg was a pioneering Swedish inventor and entrepreneur born in 1858. He invented one of the first practical blowtorches in the 1880s, revolutionizing metalwork and industrial heating applications. Nyberg founded a successful manufacturing business in Stockholm to produce his blowtorch designs and related tools. His innovations earned international recognition and influenced later developments in portable gas-fueled equipment. Beyond the blowtorch, he held patents in various mechanical and chemical processes. Nyberg's contributions laid the groundwork for many modern tools and industrial techniques. He passed away in 1939, leaving a lasting impact on engineering and manufacturing.

Santo Trafficante Sr. was an Italian-American mobster born in 1886 who established and led the Tampa crime family in Florida. He immigrated from Sicily and built a profitable gambling and illegal liquor operation during Prohibition. Trafficante maintained connections with East Coast and Chicago mob figures, strengthening his influence. He was known for his low-profile leadership and ability to evade major convictions. After Prohibition, he diversified into casinos and numbers rackets, amassing substantial wealth. His son, Santo Trafficante Jr., succeeded him as head of the family. Sr. died in 1954, leaving a lasting imprint on organized crime in Florida.

Kaarel Eenpalu was an influential Estonian journalist and statesman born in 1888 who served as Prime Minister of Estonia from 1938 until the Soviet occupation in 1940. He began his career as a newspaper editor, advocating for Estonian independence and national unity. Eenpalu held key government posts including Minister of Internal Affairs, overseeing land reforms and national security measures. As Prime Minister, he navigated diplomatic tensions with the Soviet Union on the eve of World War II. Following the Soviet annexation, he was arrested and died in captivity in 1942. His reforms and writings are remembered for shaping the early Estonian republic and its struggle for sovereignty.

Born in Bratislava in 1889, Richard Réti emerged as a leading chess master and pioneer of hypermodernism, challenging classical ideas by emphasizing piece play over pawn structures. His 1923 book Modern Ideas in Chess introduced revolutionary strategies still studied today. Réti’s tournament successes included a top finish at New York 1924, and his celebrated endgame study, known as the Réti Maneuver, remains a staple of chess composition. Beyond competition, he promoted chess through writing and lectures. Réti died in 1929, but his innovative ideas forever transformed modern chess theory.

William Shawcross, born in 1946, has built a distinguished career as an investigative journalist and non-fiction author. He has penned detailed biographies of political figures and royalty, shedding light on power and governance. From 2006 to 2012, Shawcross served as chairman of the Charity Commission for England and Wales. He has published numerous books on modern history and international affairs, praised for their rigorous research and lucid narrative. Shawcross remains active as a commentator on humanitarian and global political issues.

Martin Kelner, born in 1949, is a versatile English media personality known for his work in journalism, comedy, music, and broadcasting. He has written articles for national newspapers and authored several books spanning humor and non-fiction. Kelner has performed as a stand-up comedian and singer, showcasing his range as an entertainer. On radio, he has presented programs for BBC stations, blending wit with interviews and music features. Kelner’s acting credits include appearances on stage and television, reflecting his multifaceted talents.

Maura Johnston is an American journalist, critic, and academic specializing in cultural and media analysis. She provides critical commentary on music, film, and digital media trends. Johnston has contributed to various national publications with her incisive essays. In academia, she explores the impact of technology on journalism and public discourse. Her work is recognized for its depth of research and engaging writing style.

Abdulaziz al-Omari was born in Saudi Arabia and later associated with al-Qaeda. He participated in the September 11, 2001 attacks by hijacking American Airlines Flight 11. Al-Omari and other hijackers diverted the plane into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. He received training in Afghanistan prior to carrying out the attack. His actions were part of a coordinated terrorist operation that reshaped global security policies.