FOX San Antonio - FOLLOW UP STORIES
By: Robert Price
Hundreds turn out to say goodbye to 24-year-old Jessica Ghawi.
The San Antonio native was one of twelve people killed during last week's Colorado theater massacre.
Saturday Ghawi's family held a public memorial service for her at Community Bible Church.
For the hundreds in attendance, it was a time to celebrate, to share stories, and remember Jessica Ghawi.
"She never gave up on her dreams,” said friend Jacob Garza. “She never had 'no' in her heart. She never lived without passion."
Just twenty-four, the aspiring sports journalist had already established an impressive network of contacts in the industry, and many of them were in the crowd.
"Was there anybody that Jesse didn't know?", asked Fox San Antonio Sports Director Chuck Miketinac.
"She was helping pave the path for future women, for future female sports journalists," said relative Lila Ibrahim.
It was her career path that took her to Colorado, and her love of sports that led her to her hockey player boyfriend.
Throughout the service, the focus remained on Jessica and her life; not her tragic death, not her accused shooter.
"If this coward could have done this with this much hate, imagine what we can do with this much love," said Jessica’s brother Jordan Ghawi.
There were tears, but also plenty of laughs, mostly involving stories of her clumsiness.
"This girl kept getting up, over and over again through her life," said Pastor Robert Emmitt.
In all, fifteen people from across the country spoke publicly about Jessica. Some had only known her for a few years -- in newsrooms and sports arenas, through her internships -- as she worked to achieve her dream.
"And she became family,” said radio host Nate Lundy. “She became my little sister.”
"I am a better individual, a better family man, and indeed a better citizen of this planet for having her in my life," said friend Darrel Rubin.
"You should not live with regrets,” said Jordan Ghawi. “Take what my sister had to say. Follow her and her actions and chase those dreams."
"When you're up there in Heaven, covering hockey up on God's glorious, beautiful frozen hockey rink, don't forget to turn your mic on,” said friend J.C. Carpenter. “And try not to fall on the ice, kid."
TEXAS NEWS
Senate passes budget, deal reached on education
May 25, 2013 22:08 GMT
By CHRIS TOMLINSON Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- The Texas Senate has passed a budget, lawmakers have reached a deal on public education changes and Gov. Rick Perry will soon receive a bill requiring drug screening for unemployment benefits.
The Texas Legislature worked Saturday to wrap up regular business before the end of the 83rd Legislative session on Monday.
The Senate approved spending $94.6 billion in general revenue, an 8 percent increase in the two-year budget. That's less than the rate of population growth plus inflation.
The top education policy writers also announced an agreement to cut the number of standardized tests needed for high school graduation from 15 to five. They also changed curriculum standards.
The Legislature has also given final approval to a requirement some people must take a drug test for unemployment benefits.
FOLLOW UP STORIES LIST
TEXAS HEADLINES
Senate passes budget, deal reached on education
Texas man charged in deaths of mother, stepfather
Official: Woman killed in San Antonio flooding
Dozens rescued from flooded San Antonio area
Texas authorities searching for escaped prisoner
High-water rescues reported in San Antonio area
Perry, Texas Legislature honor fallen soldiers
Perry, Texas Legislature to honor fallen soldiers
BUSINESS NEWS
US durable goods orders rise 3.3 percent in April
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. orders for long-lasting manufactured goods rebounded in April, buoyed by more demand for military and civilian aircraft and an increase in business investment.
CONSUMER INFO
BC-US--Dow Record-Three Personal Stories, 1st Ld-Writethru,1173
Dow Record: Three tales of ups, downs and changes
AP Photo FX102, FX103
Eds: With BC-US--Dow Record. Adds photos.
By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ
AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the Dow first crossed 14,000, investors were overjoyed. ...
SCIENCE/TECH NEWS
IN THE NEWS: RESTAURANT FLAP LEADS TO INTERNET MELTDOWN
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- It isn't exactly to curry favor with your restaurant customers -- even if your specialty isn't curry.





