Author Archives: theobomb

Just notched my first creative publication of the year. Look out for two fresh poems in Main Street Rag later in 2026! In the meantime, you can read my 2025 poem from Bridge Literary Arts Journal, “I miss my yinzer friends,” online now.

RIP Pittsburgh City Paper, 1991–2025. I’ll be looking for opportunities in the new year! By all means reach out at cobawill(at)gmail(dot)com if you’ve got tips, suggestions or opportunities to share.

I won three Golden Quills this year for my spot coverage of a bill to scrutinize our crumbling rail infrastructure, health coverage of UPMC executives’ jetsetting, and my montly Transit Talk column. Congrats to all this year’s winners and finalists!

Starting the new year off strong with news that I’ve been named a finalist for the New American Press Fiction Prize for my (as yet still unpublished) novel Bonn! I plan to put all my creative writing chips in on publishing this and a second book this year, so cross your fingers for me. InContinue reading “Prize finalist”

I’m now on week three of teaching communications students at Point Park University! It’s a different vibe from Pitt, but the students are talkative and insightful. The CV on my About page now reflects this and a few other recent academic experiences as I continue to grow my career as an educator.

I’ve won a Golden Quill for Excellence in Written Journalism: Division 3 Feature! My award this year was for my look back at the decline of Pittsburgh nightclubs. This was a fun article to write and prompted lots of discussion online. Thanks to the Western Pa. Press Club for recognizing my work and that ofContinue reading “Golden Quill”

A new chapter has begun—I’m in week four of editing the news at Pittsburgh City Paper! Beyond coordinating others’ reporting, I’ve already covered music, housing, transgender rights and (of course) craft beer. Look for my byline in online and print articles at pghcitypaper.com, and if you have tips, gossip and/or other local tomfoolery to share,Continue reading “City Paper”

I’m proud to be involved with a Pittsburgh Media Partnership group publishing an ongoing series on regional air quality and mis/disinformation. My two-month investigation of grassroots science methodology came out last week via Ambridge Connection and The Incline. Check it out for an overview of how locals keep watch over industrial polluters and the limitationsContinue reading “Air quality investigation”

It’s been a banner year for trying new things, and that includes my first publication of a poem since college. Said poem is “Sanguine,” a reflection on caring for someone else. It’s available for you to read on Medicine and Meaning, a really unique publication from the University of Arkansas that focuses on medical creativeContinue reading ““Sanguine””