August 01

Born around 1567, Clément was driven by religious fanaticism during the turmoil of the French Wars of Religion. In August 1589, he gained access to King Henry III's camp by claiming to deliver a message. Clément murdered the king with a concealed dagger and was immediately killed by royal guards. His act accelerated the transition to Henry IV and intensified religious conflicts in France. Radical Catholic factions hailed him as a hero, while others considered him a murderer. Jacques Clément's assassination remains one of the most notorious regicides in European history.

John Riley Banister was born in 1854 in Texas and began his career as a cowboy driving cattle across frontier trails. He later served as a law enforcement officer in the Indian Territory, working as a deputy U.S. marshal to combat outlaws. Banister's knowledge of the terrain and frontier justice helped bring order to the Wild West. After retiring from law enforcement, he shared stories of his experiences, contributing to the mythology of the American frontier. He died in 1918, leaving behind a legacy of courage and dedication to frontier law.

Charles Whitman was born in 1941 in Lake Worth, Florida, and served as a Marine sharpshooter before enrolling at the University of Texas at Austin. On August 1, 1966, he ascended the university tower armed with high-powered rifles and began shooting at people below. Prior to the tower attack, he killed his wife and mother in their home, shocking the nation. Over 96 minutes, Whitman killed 16 people and wounded 31 in what became one of the first mass sniper incidents in U.S. history. He was shot and killed by Austin police officers during the attack. Investigations later revealed he had a brain tumor that may have impacted his behavior. Whitman's actions led to increased focus on campus security and mental health awareness.

Doris Fleeson was born in 1901 in Herington, Kansas, and began her journalism career at a small-town newspaper. She moved to Washington, D.C., where she became one of the first female political reporters to earn access to the White House. Fleeson wrote a widely syndicated column, Between You and Me, offering sharp analysis of national politics and personalities. Her perceptive reporting and engaging style won acclaim from readers and peers alike. She covered major events such as the New Deal and World War II, providing a unique female perspective in a male-dominated field. Fleeson received the Women's National Press Club award in 1946 for her contributions to journalism. She died of a stroke on August 1, 1970, leaving behind a legacy of pioneering achievement for women in media.

Kevin Lynch was a member of the Provisional IRA incarcerated in Maze Prison for arms possession. In 1981, he joined the hunger strike protesting the withdrawal of political status for prisoners. He endured 71 days on hunger strike before his death on August 1. Lynch’s sacrifice drew international attention to the Northern Ireland conflict. He is remembered as a symbol of resistance and the struggle for prisoners' rights.

Al Aronowitz was born in 1928 in Paterson, New Jersey. He rose to prominence writing for the New York Post and other publications, covering the burgeoning rock scene. He famously introduced The Beatles to Bob Dylan in 1964, a meeting that shifted popular music's lyrical depth. Aronowitz interviewed countless music legends, championing artists like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. His candid, immersive style captured the spirit of 1960s counterculture and the dawn of modern rock journalism. Later in life, he taught and lectured on music history, preserving firsthand accounts of rock's golden era. He died in 2005, remembered for his role in shaping music writing and rock history.

Born in Lares, Puerto Rico in 1919, Lebrón was a prominent member of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party and a teacher by profession. In 1954, she led an armed delegation into the U.S. Capitol, firing shots to draw attention to Puerto Rico's colonial status. Convicted of attempted murder and other charges, she served 25 years in prison before being granted clemency in 1979. After her release, Lebrón continued to advocate for independence, becoming a symbol of radical political protest. Her actions and unwavering commitment to her cause sparked debate on colonialism, national identity, and the limits of political dissent.

Born in 1945, Rodney H. Pardey rose to prominence as a cash game specialist on the American poker circuit during the 1970s and 1980s. His calm demeanor and sharp reading of opponents made him a feared competitor at the felt. Pardey competed in numerous World Series of Poker events, cashing in both tournaments and high-stakes ring games. He often shared tables with legends like Doyle Brunson and Stu Ungar, contributing to what many call the golden age of poker. Beyond playing, Pardey authored articles on game theory and mentored several rising stars in the poker community. He passed away in 2020, leaving a lasting impact on the game and its culture.