Patriotism, sense of duty bind WWII veteran, Army son killed in Iraq

This story appeared on The Associated Press national wire and was published in newspapers across the U.S., including the front page of the Los Angeles Times. BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., Associated Press Writer SECTION: Domestic News LENGTH: 1614 words DATELINE: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas Esequiel Perez never bragged about his service in World War II. If anything, the soft-spoken veteran downplayed his role. “I didn’t … Continue reading Patriotism, sense of duty bind WWII veteran, Army son killed in Iraq

Los Angeles Times: On Father’s Day, a father pines for his favorite son

World War II veteran couldn’t dissuade him from joining the Army. Last year the staff sergeant went to Iraq. This story appeared June 20, 2004, on the front page of the Los Angeles Times and in newspapers across the nation. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Associated Press Writer CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Esequiel Perez never bragged about his service in World War II. If anything, … Continue reading Los Angeles Times: On Father’s Day, a father pines for his favorite son

25 years later, passions still strong on Southern Baptists’ conservative takeover

June 5, 2004, Saturday, BC cycle 25 years later, passions still strong on Southern Baptists’ conservative takeover BYLINE: By BOBBY ROSS JR., AP Religion Writer LENGTH: 1060 words DATELINE: HOUSTON Back in 1979, the Rev. Jimmy Allen thought the highlight of the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting would be a giant rally at the Astrodome featuring the Rev. Billy Graham. Instead, Allen and other moderate … Continue reading 25 years later, passions still strong on Southern Baptists’ conservative takeover

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