June 27

Giorgio Costantino Schinas was a prominent Maltese architect and civil engineer born in 1834. He trained in engineering and dedicated his career to designing public buildings, bridges, and urban infrastructure across Malta. Schinas's work blended neoclassical aesthetics with practical engineering principles, contributing to the modernization of Maltese cities. He collaborated with local authorities to improve transportation networks and water management systems on the islands. Many of his structures, characterized by elegant facades and robust construction, remain landmarks today. Through his innovative designs, Schinas helped shape the architectural heritage of Malta during a period of rapid change. He died in 1894, remembered for his vision and lasting impact on his homeland's built environment.

Eugene Augustin Lauste (1857–1935) was a pioneering French-American inventor and engineer who made significant advances in early cinema technology. Working at Thomas Edison’s laboratories in the 1890s, he developed methods for galvanoplastic replication of phonograph recordings and improved the stability of celluloid film stock. Lauste also contributed to experimental sound-on-film techniques and patented processes that influenced later motion picture development. Despite facing patent disputes and being overshadowed by larger studios, his work was instrumental in transitioning cinema from novelty to industry. Lauste’s legacy endures in the technical foundations of filmmaking equipment and printing methods.

Milan Hodža (1878–1944) was a Slovak journalist and politician who held office as the 10th Prime Minister of Czechoslovakia from 1935 to 1938. A former newspaper editor, he championed agrarian reform and economic modernization, working to strengthen parliamentary democracy. As premier, he navigated the nation through rising external threats, advocating for alliances to preserve Czechoslovak independence. After the 1938 Munich Agreement, Hodža went into exile and continued to publish analyses on federalism and national minority rights. His journalistic and political legacies influenced post-war discussions on European integration.

Ángel Maturino Reséndiz (1960–2006), born in Izúcar de Matamoros, Mexico, was known as the 'Railroad Killer' for traveling via freight trains. He was linked to at least 16 murders across multiple U.S. states between 1991 and 1999. His transient lifestyle and use of rail networks made him difficult to track. Captured in Texas in 1999, he confessed to numerous killings and was sentenced to death. After years on death row, Reséndiz was executed by lethal injection in 2006. His case highlighted challenges in tracking transient criminals and the vulnerabilities of overlooked transportation routes.

Joe Jackson was an American talent manager who molded the Jackson 5 into a Motown sensation. Born in Arkansas, he relocated his family to Gary, Indiana, and disciplined his children rigorously to master music and performance. He secured a contract with Motown Records and guided the group to international fame with hits like "I Want You Back" and "ABC." His strict methods sparked criticism and allegations of financial exploitation by his children. In later years, Jackson published a memoir detailing his life and career in show business. Despite controversies, his influence on pop music and the careers of Michael and Janet Jackson remains undeniable.

Elizabeth Jackson was an Australian barrister who transitioned into journalism and joined ABC’s flagship programs including Four Corners and 7.30. She earned multiple Walkley Awards for her in-depth reporting on social justice, Indigenous rights, and public scandals. Jackson’s legal background lent depth to her storytelling, combining rigorous research with compassionate narratives. She also contributed to print media and mentored emerging journalists. Her commitment to media integrity and accountability left a lasting impact on Australian journalism.