November 08

Born into the influential Knollys family, Lettice became a lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I. Her secret marriage to Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, led to political scandal and royal displeasure. Despite her exile from court, she maintained her social standing and managed her estates effectively. Lettice was admired for her literary patronage, supporting poets and scholars of the Elizabethan era. Her later marriage to Sir Christopher Blount and enduring friendship with Elizabeth I reflect her resilience. Her life exemplified the complex interplay of love, power, and intrigue in Tudor England.

Princess Augusta Sophia was the sixth child and second daughter of King George III of the United Kingdom and Queen Charlotte. Born at Buckingham House, she grew up during a period of political change and cultural flourishing in Britain. Augusta devoted herself to charitable causes, supporting hospitals and aid societies in London. She also had a passion for music and the arts, hosting private concerts and fostering young talent at court. Despite her royal status, she lived with modesty and formed close bonds with her siblings, especially her sister, the Duchess of Cumberland. Augusta never married, dedicating her life to her family and public service. She witnessed the Napoleonic Wars and the evolving British monarchy, adapting to shifting roles within the royal family. Her quiet but influential presence left a mark on early 19th-century court life.

Ilia Chavchavadze was a central figure in the Georgian national movement of the late 19th century. As a journalist, he founded influential newspapers that promoted the Georgian language and literature. He used his legal expertise to defend political activists and challenge imperial policies. Chavchavadze advocated for social reforms, including land rights and education for peasants. His leadership in the Society for the Spreading of Literacy among Georgians laid the groundwork for modern national identity. Recognized as the 'Father of the Nation', his writings and activism inspired future generations.

Dorothy Day (1897-1980) was an American journalist and social activist known for co-founding the Catholic Worker Movement in 1933. Born in New York City, she began her career as a reporter before converting to Catholicism and dedicating her life to pacifism and aiding the poor. Through her biweekly newspaper, The Catholic Worker, she advocated nonviolence, hospitality for the homeless, and workers' rights. Her houses of hospitality provided food and shelter to thousands during the Great Depression and beyond. Though never formally ordained, Day's spiritual writings and daily practices influenced modern Catholic social thought. She was declared a Servant of God in 2000, the first step toward possible sainthood.

Cedric Belfrage (1904-1990) was an English-American journalist, author, and co-founder of The National Guardian, a progressive weekly newspaper launched in 1948. Born in London, he worked for British newspapers before immigrating to the United States, where he reported on politics and culture. Belfrage championed civil rights and anti-fascist causes, using his publication to critique McCarthyism and Cold War policies. He also wrote spy thrillers under pseudonyms, blending journalistic insight with fiction. Despite facing FBI surveillance and legal challenges, he remained committed to free speech and progressive ideals. His career reflects the turbulent politics of mid-20th-century America.

Joseph James DeAngelo was born on November 8, 1945 and served as a police officer before embarking on a notorious crime spree. Over more than a decade, he terrorized California with burglaries, rapes, and at least 13 murders, earning the moniker Golden State Killer. For years, his identity remained unknown until DNA evidence and genetic genealogy led to his arrest in 2018. In 2020, DeAngelo was sentenced to life in prison without parole. His case highlighted the power of modern forensic techniques and prompted renewed efforts to solve cold cases nationwide. DeAngelo's victims and their families continue to seek healing and remembrance.

Dame Laura Cox is an English lawyer who rose through the ranks of the judiciary to become a Lady Justice of Appeal. She was called to the Bar in the 1970s and gained a reputation in employment and public law. Cox chaired the Employment Appeals Tribunal before her appointment to the High Court in 2002. In 2014, she became the first female Presiding Judge of the Western Circuit. She also led a landmark review on workplace practices and has influenced legal standards on equality and ethics.

Michael D. Brown is an American attorney who served as the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from 2003 to 2005. His tenure at FEMA became highly publicized during the Hurricane Katrina response. After leaving the agency, Brown transitioned into radio broadcasting, co-hosting a nationally syndicated talk show. He has also worked as a consultant on emergency management and disaster response. Brown frequently appears as a commentator on legal and policy issues related to public administration. Over his career, he has authored articles on crisis management and public policy reform.

Patricia Poleo is a Venezuelan journalist celebrated for her investigative reporting on political affairs. She has contributed to major news outlets and hosted television programs focused on current events. Poleo gained recognition for her fearless coverage of government and social issues in Venezuela. Her work has sparked public debate and brought attention to key topics in Latin American politics. As a prominent media figure, she continues to influence journalism with her analytical insights. Poleo remains active in broadcasting and journalism, advocating for press freedom.

David Muir is the anchor and managing editor of ABC World News Tonight. He joined ABC News in 2003 and has covered major global events including the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Known for his in-depth reporting and high-profile interviews, he became the most-watched evening news anchor in the United States. A graduate of Ithaca College, Muir began his career in local television in Syracuse, New York. He has received multiple Emmy Awards and is celebrated for bringing clarity and human interest to complex stories.

Born in Chicago in 1986, Aaron Swartz displayed prodigious talent in computer programming from a young age. At 14, he co-authored the RSS 1.0 specification, which became a foundational web standard. He co-founded Reddit and contributed to Creative Commons, championing open access to information. Swartz’s legal battle over the downloading of academic journals turned him into a symbol for internet freedom and government transparency. His tragic death in 2013 sparked worldwide debate on digital rights and led to reforms in computer crime legislation.

Born in Aldershot, England, Middleton began posting gaming videos to YouTube in 2012 and rapidly grew a global following. Under his channel DanTDM, he became known for his Minecraft content along with gameplay in Pokémon and Roblox. He holds a Guinness World Record for the most views for a dedicated Minecraft video channel. Middleton has published a graphic novel based on his online persona and embarked on international live tours. He continues to create content across gaming and entertainment, influencing millions of fans worldwide.