May 29

Born in Belmont County, Ohio. He built a reputation as a skilled carpenter and woodworker. In 1862 and 1870, Balsley patented designs for the folding stepladder. His invention improved safety and portability for domestic and industrial use. Balsley's folding ladder design became a standard in households and workplaces. He founded a company to manufacture his ladders, enjoying commercial success. He died in 1895, leaving a lasting innovation that remains in use today.

Born in 1937 in Laurel, Mississippi, Charles W. Pickering earned his law degree at the University of Mississippi School of Law. He worked in private practice and held local prosecutorial positions before being nominated by President George H.W. Bush in 1991 to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi. Confirmed by the Senate, he presided over a variety of civil and criminal cases for over a decade. In 2004, President George W. Bush nominated him to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit amid contentious Senate debates. After serving on the appellate bench, Pickering retired from active service in 2009 and returned to private practice. He has since remained active in legal education and continues to write and speak on judicial philosophy and civil rights. Known for his conservative rulings and commitment to the rule of law, he has had a lasting impact on federal jurisprudence in the South.

Peter Smith was born in 1939 in Sydney and began his broadcasting career in radio during the late 1950s. He transitioned to television in the 1960s, becoming the voice behind promotional segments and station identifications for major Australian networks. Smith's warm tone and distinctive delivery made him a household name, particularly on Channel Nine. Over five decades, he lent his voice to sports coverage, entertainment programs, and news bulletins. He also hosted radio shows, interviewing celebrities and covering cultural events. Recognized for his contributions, Smith received numerous industry awards. His career has influenced a generation of announcers in Australia.

Bob Simon joined CBS News in 1967 and became a foreign correspondent covering conflicts around the world. He reported from hotspots in the Middle East, Balkans, and Soviet Union, earning acclaim for his in-depth storytelling. In 1996, he joined the news magazine 60 Minutes, where his compelling interviews and war-zone dispatches won multiple Emmy Awards. Simon's fearless approach and empathetic reporting brought global events into American living rooms for decades. His career spanned over 40 years at CBS, cementing his legacy as one of television journalism's most respected figures. He died in a car accident in New York City in 2015, leaving behind a lasting impact on broadcast journalism.

John Hinckley Jr. is an American who became infamous for his attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan on March 30, 1981. Motivated by an obsession with actress Jodie Foster, Hinckley fired multiple shots at the presidential motorcade in Washington, D.C., wounding the president and three others. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity and was confined to psychiatric hospitals for decades. Over the years, Hinckley underwent treatment and legal appeals, leading to conditional releases beginning in the 2010s. His case sparked debates over criminal responsibility and mental health in the United States justice system. In 2022, courts lifted many restrictions, allowing Hinckley to live with family under certain conditions.

Carol Kirkwood is a Scottish meteorologist renowned for her engaging weather presentations on BBC Breakfast. She began her career at the Met Office before joining the BBC in 1993 as a broadcast assistant and later trained as a weather presenter. Kirkwood has been a familiar face on morning television since the late 1990s, delivering forecasts with warmth and clarity. She is a member of the Royal Meteorological Society and regularly speaks about the importance of understanding weather and climate. Outside broadcasting, Kirkwood has participated in charity events and published books on weather for general audiences.

Natalie Nougayrède, born in 1966, began her career at the French daily Libération before joining Le Monde, where she covered international news and politics. In 2013, she became the first female editor-in-chief of Le Monde, steering the paper through the digital transition and reinforcing its investigative journalism. Nougayrède has reported from conflict zones and interviewed heads of state, earning acclaim for her depth of analysis and commitment to press freedom. After leaving Le Monde in 2014, she served as a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and contributed to various international publications. She continues to write and lecture on media ethics, European politics, and the challenges facing journalism in the digital age. Nougayrède's impact on modern journalism is marked by her efforts to adapt traditional media to contemporary demands.

Hida Viloria (born May 29, 1968) is an American author and intersex human rights activist. They wrote the memoir 'Born Both,' sharing their experiences growing up intersex. Viloria has worked with global organizations like GATE and interACT to advance intersex equality. They have presented at the United Nations and U.S. Congress on issues of medical ethics and bodily autonomy. Viloria received the International Advocate for Equality Award for their advocacy in 2012. As a speaker, they raise awareness about gender diversity and social acceptance.

Natarsha Belling (born May 29, 1970) is an Australian journalist and news presenter. She began her career reporting for Seven News before anchoring programs such as Today Tonight and Weekend Sunrise. Belling has covered major events including federal elections and natural disasters. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New England. In addition to broadcasting, she supports charitable causes and media ethics initiatives. Belling is recognized for her engaging on-screen presence and commitment to accurate reporting.

Erica Garner was born in 1990 in Brooklyn, New York, and became an activist after the 2014 death of her father, Eric Garner. She founded the group 'We Will Not Go Back' to oppose police brutality and advocate for accountability. Garner spoke at protests worldwide and addressed the United Nations on human rights issues. She worked with legislators to advance bills aimed at police reform and community oversight. Erica’s sudden death in 2017 at age 27 cut short a powerful voice, but her impact continues to inspire movements for change.