🌎 On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, listening to the survivors while we can 🔌

It’s important to hear the stories and fight the hate. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged It’s Jan. 27, which is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Today’s commemoration marks the 78th anniversary of the 1945 liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. The United Nations “urges every member state to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and millions of other victims of Nazism.” Telling their stories: Toby Levy, now 89, was one … Continue reading 🌎 On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, listening to the survivors while we can 🔌

🍼 March For Life coincides with 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade 🔌

Seven months after Roe’s overturning, abortion fight moves to statehouses. Good morning, Weekend Plug-in readers! We open with Dolly Parton, who celebrated her 77th birthday Thursday and gave the world a gift: a new song. “I had a dream about God standing on a mountain, looking down on us, saying ‘Don’t make me have to come down there,’” she said of her inspiration. Give it … Continue reading 🍼 March For Life coincides with 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade 🔌

🕎 At the anniversary of Texas synagogue hostage crisis, a new report on antisemitism 🔌

Think hostility or prejudice toward Jews is fading in America? Think again. “Classical fascist” antisemitic views are widespread in the U.S., according to a new survey by the Anti-Defamation League. Religion writer Michelle Boorstein details the findings for The Washington Post. At the same time, rising antisemitism in the U.S. is seeping into the workplace, Bloomberg’s Arianne Cohen reports. “It’s not just high-profile incidents,” Cohen’s story notes. … Continue reading 🕎 At the anniversary of Texas synagogue hostage crisis, a new report on antisemitism 🔌

🚀 Launching the new and improved Weekend Plug-in 🔌

The best roundup of religion news you’ll find anywhere. Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. I’m your Weekend Plug-in columnist, and I’m excited to launch the fourth year of this popular newsletter. Each Friday, Plug-in aims to highlight … Continue reading 🚀 Launching the new and improved Weekend Plug-in 🔌

Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2022

By Bobby Ross Jr. OKLAHOMA CITY — I’m a journalist, so I have no choice but to do a year-end list, right? When I look back on 2022, a few special moments stand out. Crying happy tears as my son Keaton married Paige, the love of his life. Joining my granddaughter, Norah, at her first Texas Rangers game — a big deal in our family. … Continue reading Year in review: My Top 10 stories of 2022

Weekend Plug-In year in review: The best religion journalism of 2022

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. Earlier this week, veteran religion journalist Kimberly Winston invited me to talk about the year’s top religion stories for an upcoming feature on Interfaith Voices’ “Inspired” … Continue reading Weekend Plug-In year in review: The best religion journalism of 2022

7 holly jolly Christmas reads: Enjoy the final regular Weekend Plug-In of 2022

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. (ANALYSIS) Santa Claus is coming to town! Next week, in fact. With Christmas and New Year’s on the way, this marks the final regular edition of … Continue reading 7 holly jolly Christmas reads: Enjoy the final regular Weekend Plug-In of 2022

Faith and politics: 5 key religion storylines in the 2022 midterm elections

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged Editor’s note: Every Friday, “Weekend Plug-in” features analysis, fact checking and top headlines from the world of faith. Subscribe now to get this newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Got feedback or ideas? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at therossnews@gmail.com. COZUMEL, Mexico — I spent much of the past week on a Caribbean cruise, enjoying a vacation with my family. Upon my return to the U.S., … Continue reading Faith and politics: 5 key religion storylines in the 2022 midterm elections

Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists honors Bobby Ross Jr. with five awards

LAWTON, Okla. — I’ve been blessed to win a number of awards from the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists over the last 30 years. In 2021, I was surprised to win the first-place prize for best reporter. This past weekend, I was honored to place in five categories in the 2022 awards, given for work produced last year. The winners were announced in a ceremony … Continue reading Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists honors Bobby Ross Jr. with five awards