Some dare to ask: Does Texas need an income tax?

May 23, 2004, Sunday, BC cycle Some dare to ask: Does Texas need an income tax? BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., Associated Press Writer SECTION: State and Regional LENGTH: 1001 words DATELINE: DALLAS A monster lurks in Texas’ closet – it makes voters scream and politicians hide under their covers. But is it really as scary as most Texans seem to think? A few brave … Continue reading Some dare to ask: Does Texas need an income tax?

Holy smoke! Christian Comedy Night catches on

The Associated Press State & Local Wire April 24, 2004, Saturday, BC cycle Holy smoke! Christian Comedy Night catches on BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., AP Religion Writer SECTION: State and Regional LENGTH: 868 words DATELINE: ADDISON, Texas “Any Billy Graham fans here?” Al Fike grins slyly as he baits a Tuesday night crowd at the Improv comedy club. “Woo-hoo!” a few in the audience … Continue reading Holy smoke! Christian Comedy Night catches on

Payout in Lutheran abuse case totals $69 million

The Associated Press State & Local Wire April 23, 2004, Friday, BC cycle Payout in Lutheran abuse case totals $69 million BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., AP Religion Writer SECTION: State and Regional LENGTH: 896 words DATELINE: MARSHALL, Texas Dozens of thick blue notebooks fill a law office a block from the East Texas courthouse where sexual abuse victims of a former Lutheran minister won … Continue reading Payout in Lutheran abuse case totals $69 million

Sin taxes: political genius or unstable way to fund schools?

The Associated Press State & Local Wire April 17, 2004, Saturday, BC cycle Sin taxes: political genius or unstable way to fund schools? BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., AP Religion Writer SECTION: State and Regional LENGTH: 743 words DATELINE: DALLAS Sin is a politician’s friend. Politicians know that wrapping a tax around a societal vice – be it smoking, gambling or even topless dancers – … Continue reading Sin taxes: political genius or unstable way to fund schools?

Running feeds Texas seminarian’s body, mind, spirit

April 14, 2004, Wednesday, BC cycle Running feeds Texas seminarian’s body, mind, spirit BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR. SECTION: Domestic News LENGTH: 841 words Associated Press Writer AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – In what he calls his “Mother Teresa Run,” Roger Joslin looks for the divine in the faces of everyone he meets. When “Running With Alms,” the Austin seminarian takes along a few dollars to help those in need. In … Continue reading Running feeds Texas seminarian’s body, mind, spirit

Police say shooting deaths of four not random

March 16, 2004, Tuesday, BC cycle Police say shooting deaths of four not random BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., Associated Press Writer SECTION: State and Regional LENGTH: 814 words DATELINE: McKINNEY, Texas As police looked for leads into the shooting deaths of four people, including two high school football players, the victims’ relatives prepared for their funerals A single funeral for Rosa Barbosa and her nephew, Mark Barbosa, was set for … Continue reading Police say shooting deaths of four not random

No doughnuts on Sunday? Churches confront nutrition, fitness

This story appeared on the AP national wire and ran on Page A10 of The Washington Post. The Associated Press March 8, 2004, Monday, BC cycle DIET: No doughnuts on Sunday? Churches confront nutrition, fitness BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., Associated Press Writer SECTION: Domestic News LENGTH: 914 words DATELINE: GRAPEVINE, Texas Sunday morning worshippers at Fellowship Church used to satisfy their spiritual hunger with … Continue reading No doughnuts on Sunday? Churches confront nutrition, fitness

Best-selling Christian author declares: ‘It’s Not About Me’

The Associated Press State & Local Wire March 6, 2004, Saturday, BC cycle Best-selling Christian author declares: ‘It’s Not About Me’ BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., Associated Press Writer SECTION: State and Regional LENGTH: 977 words DATELINE: SAN ANTONIO To millions of readers, he’s a homespun writer whose personal anecdotes help connect ordinary Christians to God. To thousands at his church, he’s an honest, humble … Continue reading Best-selling Christian author declares: ‘It’s Not About Me’

A rarity in Bush Country: Voters split on presidential race

The Associated Press State & Local Wire March 6, 2004, Saturday, BC cycle A rarity in Bush Country: Voters split on presidential race BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., Associated Press Writer SECTION: Political News LENGTH: 889 words DATELINE: DAINGERFIELD, Texas From the regulars at the Hawkins Family Restaurant to the union members who work at Lone Star Steel, folks in this East Texas town tend … Continue reading A rarity in Bush Country: Voters split on presidential race