Jesse Helms Dead at 86

Staff / Truthdig Jul 4, 2008 White separatist, U.S. senator, GOP darling and otherwise racist stalwart Jesse Helms died Friday after a bout with both metaphorical and actual heart problems. For his supporters and detractors, Helms' persona as a race-baiting Southern politician defined many debates around civil rights in the 1960s. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Carlin

Mr. Fish / Truthdig Jun 24, 2008 Dig deeper

Gore Vidal Speaks Seriously Ill of the Dead

Gore Vidal / Truthdig Mar 21, 2008 The iconic author objects to Newsweek's obituary of his onetime rival, William F Buckley, a "knightly man" who stood up to "bullies" like Gore Vidal by verbally gay-bashing him on national television. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Everest Legend Hillary Dies

Staff / Truthdig Jan 11, 2008 Sir Edmund Hillary is dead at 88 after suffering a fall. Famous for being the first climber, along with Tenzing Norgay, to reach the summit of the world's tallest mountain, Hillary was also a champion of the Nepalese Sherpas who helped him get there and over the years he built schools and clinics for them. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Merv Griffin’s Bodyguard of Lies

Larry Gross / Truthdig Aug 27, 2007 The not-so-secret gay sex life of Merv Griffin has once again raised the specter of the obituary outing, not to mention the power of prejudice to intimidate even the rich and famous. Dig deeper ( 9 Min. Read )

Kurt Vonnegut Dead at 84

Staff / Truthdig Apr 12, 2007 The iconic writer, who challenged conventional wisdom through 14 novels and numerous essays, died Wednesday from a brain injury. Vonnegut survived a nearly lifelong smoking habit only to succumb to a recent fall in his apartment. He once joked that he would prefer to die in a plane crash on Kilimanjaro and said he would avoid suicide "so as not to set a bad example for my children." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Famed Historian Schlesinger Dead at 89

Staff / Truthdig Mar 2, 2007 Arthur M. Schlesinger died Wednesday from a heart attack at the age of 89. A Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and Kennedy White House fixture, Schlesinger wrote or edited more than 25 books and once referred to George W. Bush's post-9/11 policy as "a ghastly mess." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

A Tribute to Molly

Staff / Truthdig Feb 1, 2007 Robert Scheer remembers the irreplaceable voice and generous spirit of Truthdig's most beloved columnist Anthony Zurcher, a longtime editor and friend, says goodbye and pays tribute to Ivins' life, work and wisdom Plus: Molly Ivins' last column -- a stirring call to action against the war. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

We’ll Miss You, Molly

Staff / Truthdig Feb 1, 2007 Molly Ivins died today at the age of 62. As a veteran journalist and columnist, Molly's sharp tongue and stubborn determination to cut through the bull and fight for what's right touched the lives of millions. America is poorer for her absence. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

E. Howard Hunt Dead at 88

Staff / Truthdig Jan 24, 2007 The aspiring novelist who would ultimately be known for his central role in the disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion and the botched Watergate burglary died in Miami on Tuesday at the age of 88. Dig deeper ( 2 Min. Read )

Doherty of Mamas and Papas Dead at 66

Staff / Truthdig Jan 20, 2007 The Mamas and the Papas' Denny Doherty died on Friday at the age of 66. The singer had suffered a brief illness and was experiencing kidney problems. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Froma Harrop: The James Brown Paradox

Staff / Truthdig Dec 31, 2006 When they said a candle that burns twice as bright burns half as long, they couldn't have been talking about James Brown, whose surprising longevity made fools of the health-conscious. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )