Tag: journalism awards

Religion News Service, USA Today

As major cities crack down on panhandling, many wrestle with their consciences

In a number of cities, the ordinances are sparking legal battles with civil liberties advocates, who accuse communities of treating the homeless as ‘human blight.’ Third Place, Government Reporting, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service OKLAHOMA CITY (RNS) Driving to his downtown clothing business, Hans Herman Thun finds it impossible to ignore the beggars. They catch his … Continue reading As major cities crack down on panhandling, many wrestle with their consciences

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Religion News Service

Bible Belt state with nation’s highest execution rate considers death penalty flaws

The Oklahoma Death Penalty Review Commission recommends that the moratorium on the death penalty be extended. Third Place, Criminal Justice Reporting, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | For Religion News Service OKLAHOMA CITY (RNS) Most Oklahomans believe the devil is real. State Rep. Mike Ritze thinks that’s why they overwhelmingly support capital punishment, despite highly publicized problems with lethal-injection drugs that prompted state … Continue reading Bible Belt state with nation’s highest execution rate considers death penalty flaws

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

A baptism, then a murder confession

Texas woman gave her life to Christ, owned up to a slaying — and got a life sentence. Second Place, Best Reporter portfolio, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle GATESVILLE, Texas — Lucinda Wilson might have gotten away with murder. Except that she became a Christian and confessed to her crime. Now 48, Wilson has served 20-plus years … Continue reading A baptism, then a murder confession

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle, The Ross News

For third year in a row, Christian Chronicle named top newspaper by Associated Church Press

My Christian Chronicle colleague Chellie Ison reports: CHICAGO — For the third year in a row, The Christian Chronicle has earned top honors in the “Best of the Christian Press” contest, sponsored by the Associated Church Press. The Chronicle was awarded the first-place “Award of Excellence” in the prestigious “Best in Class” category for national and international newspapers. “The Christian Chronicle is consistently well planned, written, … Continue reading For third year in a row, Christian Chronicle named top newspaper by Associated Church Press

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle, The Ross News

Trump coverage wins first-place SPJ award for election reporting

My stories on Donald Trump and other Republican candidates campaigning in Oklahoma City last year earned a first-place award for election reporting. I received the honor in the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists’ 2017 contest. The winning package included the main story “In the GOP primaries, do politics Trump values and character?” along with a column “GOP presidential politics, professional wrestling style” and a related story “Elephant in the pews: Is the … Continue reading Trump coverage wins first-place SPJ award for election reporting

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

In Canada, refugees find love and hope

For these Syrians, church members have become ‘a second family.’ First Place, Feature Article, Associated Church Press Second Place, Best Reporter portfolio, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle ST. CATHARINES, Ontario — Ten-year-old Mohammed and his sister Miriam, 6, shriek with excitement when they hear knocking at the front door. The pint-sized Syrian refugees are expecting Jori Warren, … Continue reading In Canada, refugees find love and hope

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

For kings and queens with special needs, a Night to Shine

Arkansas church rolls out the red carpet at prom-like event. Second Place, Best Reporter portfolio, Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle FORT SMITH, Ark. — Crowns on their heads, the kings and queens flash huge smiles as they emerge from a sleek black limousine. They wear fancy suits and formal dresses and seem to glide up the red … Continue reading For kings and queens with special needs, a Night to Shine

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

MLK Day reading: Black, white and Gray

Civil rights attorney who once challenged Lipscomb University in court receives the Christian university’s highest honor. First Place (part of three-story portfolio), Magazine News Religion Reporting, Religion News Association Second Place, News Story, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr. | The Christian Chronicle NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Forty-five years ago, civil rights attorney and preacher Fred Gray filed a lawsuit that exposed deep divides between … Continue reading MLK Day reading: Black, white and Gray

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.
Christian Chronicle

Young man with autism has a heart for homeless

California church member overcomes fears as he leads ministry that serves the needy. Second Place, Feature Article, Associated Church Press By Bobby Ross Jr.  | The Christian Chronicle CAMARILLO, Calif. — A few miles from the Camarillo Church of Christ, a man with a backpack and a bicycle squats at a busy intersection. Chris Kibbe, who describes himself as between jobs and homeless, holds a … Continue reading Young man with autism has a heart for homeless

Unknown's avatarBobby Ross Jr.