November 16

Jürgen Kröger was a German architect active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was known for designing churches and public buildings in a historicist style, blending traditional forms with modern requirements. His works contributed to the architectural landscape of northern Germany and included numerous ecclesiastical structures. Kröger's attention to detail and structural harmony left a lasting legacy on the communities he served.

Born in 1899 in New York, Mary Margaret McBride started her career as a newspaper reporter before transitioning to radio. In the 1930s she launched her own talk show—becoming one of the first hosts to engage listeners in personal and topical interviews. Known for her warm, conversational style, she attracted millions of listeners nationwide. Merging journalism and entertainment, she wrote columns and books, championing everyday voices. McBride's influence helped shape the modern talk radio format. She remained a beloved media personality until her death in 1976.

Eddie Chapman was born in 1914 in Burnopfield, England, and became a notorious safecracker before World War II. Recruited by Germany as a spy, he worked under the codename 'Fritz' but offered his services to British intelligence as double agent 'Zigzag'. Chapman fed disinformation to the Abwehr while carrying out missions in Europe. Awarded the Iron Cross by Germany and later an MBE by Britain, he epitomized wartime espionage complexity. His daring exploits inspired books and films exploring loyalty and intrigue. Chapman died in 1997, leaving behind a legacy of one of history's most famous double agents.

Salvatore 'Totò' Riina was a notorious Italian crime boss who led the Sicilian Mafia (Cosa Nostra) with extreme violence. He orchestrated a brutal campaign against rival clans and the Italian state, including bombings that killed judges and civilians. Riina rose to power by eliminating his enemies and instilling fear within the organization. Captured in 1993 after decades on the run, he was sentenced to multiple life terms for murder and terrorism. His reign left a dark legacy in Italy's fight against organized crime.

Elizabeth Drew is a veteran American journalist whose reporting has covered six presidential administrations from Johnson to Clinton. She has written for The New Yorker, Washington Monthly, and other major publications, known for her insightful political analysis and interviews. Drew authored best-selling books on presidential power and American political culture, including studies of Lyndon B. Johnson and Bill Clinton. A frequent commentator on television and radio, she has influenced public understanding of political processes. Her career spans decades of shaping political journalism and commentary.

Born in 1959, Glenda Bailey rose through the ranks of fashion journalism to become editor-in-chief of renowned magazines, including Harper's Bazaar US. Under her leadership, circulation and influence soared, and she championed emerging designers and cultural trends. Bailey has been honored with awards for editorial excellence and has served as a judge for international fashion awards. Her career spans writing, photography, and speaking engagements at global fashion events. She continues to shape the industry with her keen eye for style and editorial vision.

Born in 1959, Dr. Francis M. Fesmire pioneered protocols for rapidly diagnosing heart attacks in emergency settings. His research on accelerated diagnostic protocols changed clinical practice, improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital stays. Fesmire published extensively in leading medical journals and lectured worldwide on emergency cardiology. He received multiple awards for clinical research and was revered by colleagues for his commitment to patient care. Until his passing in 2014, he continued to mentor young physicians and contribute to advancements in cardiac emergency medicine.

Born in São Paulo in 1963, William Bonner began his journalism career in radio before transitioning to television. He joined TV Globo in 1986 and became the main anchor of the flagship news program Jornal Nacional in 1996. Bonner has also worked as a publicist and founded his own media consulting firm. Known for his clear delivery and journalistic integrity, he has won multiple awards in Brazilian broadcasting. He has published essays on media ethics and frequently appears as a commentator on national current affairs. He remains one of the most respected figures in Brazilian journalism.

Omar Mateen was born on November 16, 1986, in New Hyde Park, New York, to Afghan immigrant parents. He worked as a security officer in Florida and became radicalized by extremist ideology. On June 12, 2016, Mateen attacked the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State during a 911 call, and opened fire on patrons. The siege lasted approximately three hours before law enforcement stormed the venue and fatally shot him. His actions resulted in 49 fatalities and over 50 injuries, making it one of the deadliest shootings in modern U.S. history. The attack sparked nationwide debates on terrorism, gun control, and LGBTQ+ safety. Mateen’s legacy remains a tragic example of homegrown violent extremism.