Pulitzer Prize-winning Civil Rights Columnist Dies
Patterson One of America’s Most Highly Regarded Journalists
Newspaper editor and columnist Eugene Patterson, who helped fellow Southern whites understand the civil rights movement, has died of complications from cancer. A family spokesman says he died Saturday night, surrounded by family and friends at his Florida home. Patterson was 89.
Patterson’s famous column about the 1963 bombing of Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church was considered so moving that Walter Cronkite asked him to read it nationally on the “CBS Evening News.” Here’s a link to the full column: Flower for the Graves.
Patterson was editor of the Atlanta Journal (now the Atlanta Journal-Constitution) when he won a Pulitzer Prize in 1967 for editorial writing. He also served as the managing editor of The Washington Post before coming the St. Petersburg Times (now the Tampa Bay Times) in 1972. Under his leadership, the Times won two Pulitzer Prizes and became known as one of the top newspapers in the country.
Listen to NPR’s remembrance of Patterson.
Wildfire smoke is like smoking ‘half a pack a day.’ Here’s how to protect yourself
As Canadian wildfires spread smoke across the U.S. the air pollution is dangerous to health. But there are ways to protect yourself. Here's what to know.
Texas Democrats walked out to block the GOP. How well has the tactic worked before?
Dozens of Texas Democrats left the state to protest a redistricting map, facing potentially steep consequences. Lawmaker walkouts have had mixed success in the past — so what is there to gain?
Birmingham’s Prince Hall Masonic Temple to be restored as hub of Black-owned businesses
The hall is one of Birmingham’s most significant, but worn, historic buildings. Plans to restore the eight-story, downtown are underway.
Videos of Israeli hostages in Gaza increase pressure on Netanyahu for a ceasefire
New images of emaciated Israeli hostages held in Gaza have horrified Israelis and added pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire with Hamas.
Yosemite employees worked for weeks with no pay before the government hired them
Seasonal employees counting on housing at Yosemite were asked to volunteer for the park while the government was unable to onboard them at the start of the summer.
Teen suicide is on the decline, new federal data shows
The 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health report found that in recent years, depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in teens have declined.
