Tag: human interest

Associated Press, The Ross News

Father-and-son winners: Great Plains Journalism Awards presented

By Bobby Ross Jr. The Great Plains Journalism Awards, an eight-state regional honor presented by the Tulsa Press Club, were announced today. I was excited to win in the News Reporting (Outside the Region) category for my Associated Press story on churches rebuilding after a massive tornado struck Mayfield, Kentucky. The judges said of my story: “Deeply reported, very well-written, full of great voices and … Continue reading Father-and-son winners: Great Plains Journalism Awards presented

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Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged

Bobby Ross Jr. earns two first-place awards, five other Associated Church Press honors

The Associated Church Press “Best of the Church Press Awards,” for content produced in 2022, were announced last week in Chicago. I was blessed to receive seven awards for stories I wrote for The Christian Chronicle and Religion Unplugged: • First Place, International Reporting (Short Format), for “In Alaska, a Russian-speaking church becomes a hub for helping Ukrainians” from Anchorage, Alaska. • First Place, Biographical Profile, for “She’s … Continue reading Bobby Ross Jr. earns two first-place awards, five other Associated Church Press honors

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The Ross News

Thrill of Wrigleyville: Checking off the No. 1 ballpark on my bucket list

By Bobby Ross Jr. CHICAGO — I finally made it to Wrigleyville. For a long time, I’ve dreamed of seeing a game at Wrigley Field — the iconic ballpark with ivy-covered outfield walls that opened in 1914. I had experienced America’s favorite pastime at 19 of the 30 MLB stadiums, plus five former big-league fields (I’ll list all of them below). My family and I even … Continue reading Thrill of Wrigleyville: Checking off the No. 1 ballpark on my bucket list

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Christian Chronicle

In a Mexican resort city, Christians care for homeless ‘angels’

The rescued children aren’t the only ones blessed — so are the American supporters who keep returning. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle COZUMEL, Mexico — Scott Eller steered a rented Nissan March through this bustling Caribbean city as his wife, Andrea, talked about their “home away from home.” Driving away from the cruise ships and sandy beaches that draw thousands to Cozumel, Scott … Continue reading In a Mexican resort city, Christians care for homeless ‘angels’

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Religion Unplugged

God and pot: Both sides cite faith in Oklahoma’s recreational marijuana fight

By Bobby Ross Jr. | Religion Unplugged OKLAHOMA CITY — Michelle Tilley says faith drives everything she does, including her fight to legalize recreational marijuana in her home state. Baptized at age 7 in the First Baptist Church of Comanche, Oklahoma, the longtime Democratic political consultant leads a group that has raised $3.2 million in support of State Question 820, a pro-marijuana initiative that the state’s voters … Continue reading God and pot: Both sides cite faith in Oklahoma’s recreational marijuana fight

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Associated Press

$50M shrine to honor slain priest, first US Catholic martyr

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press OKLAHOMA CITY — The birth of Stanley Francis Rother was by all accounts ordinary, aside from the weather. The Catholic farm boy came into the world during an Oklahoma dust storm. But in life — and in death — he was extraordinary. The 46-year-old priest, shot to death in Guatemala in 1981, became the first person born in … Continue reading $50M shrine to honor slain priest, first US Catholic martyr

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Associated Press

A year later, Texas synagogue hostages cope, carry on

By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Associated Press COLLEYVILLE, Texas — A year ago, Jeff Cohen and three others survived a hostage standoff at their Reform Jewish synagogue in this Fort Worth suburb. Their trauma did not disappear, though, with the FBI’s killing of the pistol-wielding captor, 44-year-old British national Malik Faisal Akram. Healing from the Jan. 15, 2022, ordeal remains an ongoing process. “Let’s be blunt: … Continue reading A year later, Texas synagogue hostages cope, carry on

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Christian Chronicle

‘It’s the same Jesus’

After a three-year pandemic delay, a unity service brings together Christians who worship in English, Korean and Spanish. By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle CHICAGO — To a visitor entering the Northwest Church of Christ this past Sunday, the assembly might have sounded like the Day of Pentecost. Distinct voices praised God in English, Korean and Spanish — all at the same time. The diverse crowd of Christians who … Continue reading ‘It’s the same Jesus’

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Associated Press, Christian Chronicle, Religion Unplugged, The Ross News

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

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