Topic: St. Petersburg Times

The rise of 'redneck TV'

'Duck Dynasty' and other similarly themed TV shows are breaking viewing records and beating popular shows like 'American Idol' in the ratings.

Eugene Patterson, newspaperman worth admiring and civil rights voice, dies at 89

Pulitzer Prize-wining editor and columnist, Eugene Patterson, famous for his moving argument for civil rights in the column, 'A Flower for the Graves,' passed away Saturday. Patterson was editor of the Atlanta Constitution, as well as managing editor of the Washington Post, and editor of the St. Petersburg Times. 

Jordan Davis killed for loud music: mirror image of the Martin case?

Details differ between the shooting of 17-year-old Jordan Davis and unarmed teen Trayvon Martin earlier this year. But in both cases, older armed men initiated arguments with black teenagers and fired deadly bullets when the situation became threatening.

Decoder Wire Chris Christie's star is shining bright. How long can it last?

Polls show Gov. Chris Christie – who is seeking reelection – with sky-high approval ratings, thanks to his handling of hurricane Sandy. Whether that lasts long enough for a presidential bid remains to be seen.

The Paul Ryan budget: 5 go-to sources for understanding it

Looking for in-depth analysis of the Paul Ryan budget plan? D.C. Decoder has compiled a list of excellent sources to help you sort out truth from fiction.

Opinion: In Pennsylvania, the Rosa Parks of voter ID faces down GOP voter suppression

A Pennsylvania court will hear a suit challenging the state's voter ID law, which requires a volume of voter qualification proof not present in a Supreme Court ruling that upheld voter ID. Leading the charge: a 93-year-old black woman. If she loses, Republican voter suppression wins.

Trayvon Martin case draws celebrities, feds join investigation

Trayvon Martin's shooting death is attracting celebrity attention, including Spike Lee, Wyclef Jean, and Mia Farrow. The US Justice Department opened its own probe into the Trayvon Martin case in Florida. 

Veterans Day 2010: how Americans paid tribute

Veterans Day 2010 observances included a charity cross-country 'Gumpathon' and 'code talkers' ringing the bell on Wall Street.

Alex Sink cheats in Florida debate. Will it matter?

During a commercial break in a debate with Florida gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott Monday night, Democrat Alex Sink received a text message from an aide. The 'foul' may be a touchstone for some voters.

Gubernatorial hopefuls Rick Scott and Alex Sink hurl mud in last debate

Florida gubernatorial hopefuls Rick Scott and Alex Sink spent most of their Monday night debate hurling insults at one another.

Zoo Story: Life in the Garden of Captives

Journalist Thomas French takes a darkly humorous look at humans’ paradoxical drive to tame wild things.

A short guide to tools for citizen journalists

Before you sign up as an amateur reporter, here are some essentials.

Fact checking Rush and Rachel

Change pay, change teaching?

One thing holding the teaching profession back is its vastly outdated pay system, say proponents of new compensation plans.

Media truth squads and the ’08 campaign: Any impact?

Reporters aim to check facts behind candidates’ claims, but effect on voters is unclear.

Nonprofit journalism on the rise

At a time of layoffs and budget cuts at traditional newspapers, foundations and donors are funding new journalism ventures.