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Bob Batz Jr.

@bobbatzjr.bsky.social
900 followers 266 following 684 posts

Journalist. Pittsburgh.

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Reposted by Bob Batz Jr.
The NewsGuild-CWA @newsguild.org · 12h
Fantastic news!!! The Supreme Court declined to hear the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s appeal of a ruling requiring the company to pay back its workers for the cuts to pay, illegally implemented increases in health care costs & more. When we fight, we win!!! ✊✊✊
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Reposted by Bob Batz Jr.
Pittsburgh Progress @pittsburghprogress.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Workers continue to strike at Duquesne Light. IBEW Local 29 began the work stoppage Oct. 1 over numerous issues, including wages and working conditions. Pittsburgh Progress Founding Worker Member Andrew Goldstein shares more from the picket line: pittsburghprogress.com/duquesne-lig...
The graphic reads: Duquesne Light workers strike over wages, working conditions
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
You know what kind of pizza this is.
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Nicely done, @inquirer.com! www.inquirer.com/business/phi...
inquirer.com
Philadelphia Inquirer employees secure new union contract with raises and AI protections
Under the new three-year contract, members will see healthcare costs increase for the first time in 20 years, the union said.
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
In which the Pittsburgh NewsWorks Lab gets into the weeds: www.newsworkslab.com/invasive-wee...
newsworkslab.com
Invasive weeds block out Pittsburgh’s Grand View – NewsWorks Lab
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
New from the Pittsburgh Media Partnership newsroom: www.pghmediapartnership.org/news/pittsbu...
pghmediapartnership.org
Pittsburgh doesn’t use Flock cameras – but license plate readers are already here - PMP Newsroom
Automatic license plate readers have operated in the city for years, while privately owned Flock cameras can also be found around the region
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Reposted by Bob Batz Jr.
Pittsburgh Progress @pittsburghprogress.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The Pittsburgh Progress is now offering online advertising opportunities. If you’re looking to amplify your work or an event this fall, reserve your spot today. Contact advertising [at] pittsburghprogress.com to inquire about rates and special offers.
The graphic reads: NEW THIS FALL: Advertise with the Pittsburgh Progress. Discounts available for unions and cooperatives, along with other monthly incentives. Contact advertising@pittsburghprogress.com.
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Reposted by Bob Batz Jr.
Alison Macrina @flexlibris.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
bring Library Freedom Project to your library to host these classes, or use our free resources at libraryfreedom.org/resources
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Many can relate to Jennifer McCalla in this @publicsource.org essay: www.publicsource.org/pots-long-co...
publicsource.org
I look fine, but dealing with chronic illness is my full-time job
Jennifer McCalla doesn't look sick, but living with long COVID and POTS is a full-time job. She writes about invisible illness and the fight to be believed.
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Reposted by Bob Batz Jr.
Jody DiPerna @jodydiperna.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Some thoughts on the death of Annie Dillard and what her work meant for us, just up at Pittsburgh Review of Books. @jessicamanack.bsky.social pghrev.com/annie-dillar...
pghrev.com
Annie Dillard, American Writer - Pittsburgh Review of Books
My heroes are leaving. The giants are leaving us. It's hard not to feel this way. It's hard not to take it personally, even though death is the way of the
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
The new owners at Pittsburgh's Penn Brewery aren't, it turns out, new: triblive.com/business/pen...
triblive.com
Penn Brewery to get new owners after Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing
Penn Brewery is going to be under new ownership. The brewery is set to be acquired by John Graf, CEO of the Priory Hospitality Group and Grand Hall on Pittsburgh’s North Side, and Eric Heinauer,...
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Uh, OK:
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Really feeling for my fallen comrades at USA Today Co. and McClatchy this week. These cuts may save those companies money but they continue journalism's death spiral.
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Happiest of Labor Days to anyone who fights for labor's rights. That's the only way that labor gets them.
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Today I only labored over some peach cobblers.
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Reposted by Bob Batz Jr.
Pittsburgh Progress @pittsburghprogress.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Founding Worker Member Steve Mellon was in Downtown Pittsburgh to document the sights, sounds and union spirit of the city's annual Labor Day parade. We'll be sharing here throughout the day photos from the event. More coverage coming soon to PittsburghProgress.com.
The graphic reads: Scenes from Pittsburgh's 2026 Labor Day parade.
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Reposted by Bob Batz Jr.
David Dayen @ddayen.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
In NYC, Mayor Mamdani has launched the Office of Worker Power, designed to connect workers who want to unionize with education and resources. Former US Labor Sec Julie Su is overseeing the effort & the executive director comes from the UAW. "When workers can organize, everything changes," said Su.
prospect.org
Mamdani Opens Office of Worker Power - The American Prospect
The new city agency intends to connect workers who want to unionize with resources and organizing contacts, and use worker stories of exploitation to inform policy.
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Jody DiPerna @jodydiperna.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
And breathe. There is still some magic in the world. It is a beautiful planet. We really should try to save it.
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Reposted by Bob Batz Jr.
Jody DiPerna @jodydiperna.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Who me? Just went for a run and near the end, while I was listening to Clear Blue Morning, a butterfly flew alongside me for a second and I burst into tears. On the jogging path. Like an idiot. More thoughts on #Dolly. pghrev.com/dolly-parton...
pghrev.com
Dolly Parton of Appalachia - Pittsburgh Review of Books
What is there left to say about Dolly Parton? About her stupendous talent. About her remarkable philanthropy that should put all of the billionaires and
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Interesting Fallingwater story from Hannah Johansson of Pittsburgh’s new NewsWorks Lab: www.newsworkslab.com/fallingwater...
newsworkslab.com
Fallingwater’s ‘digital twin’ takes 6.8 billion points of light to build – NewsWorks Lab
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Summer Tart.
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Point, @hannaraskin.bsky.social! www.niemanlab.org/2026/08/faci...
niemanlab.org
Facing a “deluge” from AI, this publication will only take pitches by phone
Whether you're a reporter or an editor, your inbox has probably seen an influx of pitches, increasingly written with artificial intelligence. They're likely bad, irrelevant, and annoyingly clogging up...
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
One more piece of Pittsburgh from a recent Canada trip: At the Hockey Hall of Fame, among many other items, a Pittsburgh Hornets AAA jersey.
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Another slice of Pittsburgh in Canada: Bryan Trottier is on a new postal stamp.
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
There’s no one I’d rather share a birthday with than this guy, and I can’t wait to see where he goes from here.
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
The latest from the McKeesport Community Newsroom: Jennifer McCalla paints a profile of prolific Pittsburgh-area muralist Jeremy Raymer: www.monvalleyindependent.com/2026/08/15/s...
monvalleyindependent.com
Spray-paint artist traces spirit of creativity to childhood in Glassport - Mon Valley Independent
Jeremy Raymer has paid tribute to Pittsburgh legends throughout the city.
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
A taste of Pittsburgh in Canada.
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Canadianized banana pudding, chilling.
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Making proper custard for a good pud on the hob.
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
"The terraces also represent a return to an earlier era of aviation when airports were destinations in themselves. People routinely visited airports simply to watch aircraft arrive and depart." blueskypit.com/pittsburgh-i...
blueskypit.com
Pittsburgh International Airport Opens Unique Terrace Available to Public
Airports built in the last 50 years were designed to ...
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Reposted by Bob Batz Jr.
Pittsburgh Progress @pittsburghprogress.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Introducing: the Pittsburgh Progress Preview what we’re all about with a sampling of stories and ways you can get involved, now live on our website. Visit our website to sign up for updates and learn about subscription and membership options: pittsburghprogress.com Hard launch coming fall 2026!
There is an image of a man speaking to a crowd. On the image is the text: We are an online news outlet and Pittsburgh's first modern-era daily news cooperative. In the upper right-hand corner is the Pittsburgh Progress logo.
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Reposted by Bob Batz Jr.
Pittsburgh Progress @pittsburghprogress.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
You fought alongside us during our three-year newsroom strike. You believed in us – and trusted us to tell your stories then. Now we’ve created, with community support, a new way to share your stories. Coming July 27: Preview the Pittsburgh Progress Sign up for updates: pittsburghprogress.com
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
What survives the move? jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/what-survive...
jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com
What survives the move
After 32 years in Pittsburgh , I am curating my life, “choosing what’s worth saving” to tell my story, to my future self and to any descendant who might be interested.
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Hero (interviewed by one of my heroes, Adam Reinherz): jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com/the-exit-int...
jewishchronicle.timesofisrael.com
The exit interview: Rabbi Hazzan Jeffrey Myers
'As I grade myself, whatever that number is, I gave my best and I'll let everyone else give their score. Whatever that number is, I accept it. I recognize I'm human.'
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
This is cool!
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
From @pitairport.bsky.social's Blue Sky News: "I hope it gives the person the same kind of wonder I get when I look out of an airplane window." blueskypit.com/final-art-pi...
blueskypit.com
Final Art Piece Installed as Part of New Pittsburgh International Airport
The last piece of a sweeping transformation of public art ...
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
neilcosgrove.substack.com/p/venetoulis...
neilcosgrove.substack.com
Venetoulis Steps into It
On April 14th, less than three weeks prior to the planned cessation of publication of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, came the announcement that the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism had purchase...
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Love this line in Michele Dula Baum's profile of Pitt's Maggie McDonald: "(There is a reason her profile is the only piece of writing in this magazine to employ the Oxford comma structure.)" www.publichealth.pitt.edu/about/pitt-p...
publichealth.pitt.edu
Faculty: Maggie’s Way | School of Public Health
Because it’s only rightBy Michele Dula BaumAs in any organization, there are people at the University of Pittsburgh whom everyone knows and people who know everyone. Margaret C. “Maggie” McDonald, PhD...
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Reposted by Bob Batz Jr.
MLive @mlive.com · 09/05/2026
14 rotating food trucks and four dates are set to bring free family fun and a variety of different cuisine to this seasonal hot spot.
mlive.com
Popular Michigan food truck festival draws thousands every summer; dates, grub announced
14 rotating food trucks and four dates are set to bring free family fun and a variety of different cuisine to this seasonal hot spot.
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Reposted by Bob Batz Jr.
Will Bunch @willbunch.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
I'm just totally shocked and appalled by this. I thought the Baltimore Banner folks who bought the P-G were good human beings. I was wrong
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
My latest for goodness: This Peters Realtor kicks butt: www.post-gazette.com/life/goodnes...
post-gazette.com
‘A competitive drive’: This real estate agent is sold on the hard work and rewards of jiu jitsu
good leverage
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Reposted by Bob Batz Jr.
Abbey Rhodes @abbeyr28.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
This woman is so smart and cool under pressure. Imagine being confronted by these goons who are too cowardly to even show their faces.
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Did you hear, before the NFL Draft last night, Pittsburgh's rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing"? There's a saga behind it that goes back weeks, and years, and more than a century to 1900. Here's the story: www.post-gazette.com/sports/2026-...
post-gazette.com
The NFL was looking for strong voices. These Pittsburghers provided the lift.
The National Football League was looking for some Pittsburgh talent to help open the NFL Draft with the song many people know as “Lift Every Voice...
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Still looking for your place to watch the NFL Draft with other fans? We got you: www.post-gazette.com/sports/2026-...
post-gazette.com
Gather with other fans at these NFL Draft watch parties
If you think you’re going to be anywhere close enough to the Draft Theater and Main Stage at Acrisure Stadium to see any of next month’s NFL...
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Welcome to Pittsburgh, NFL Draft visitors! Have a local beer at one of these nearby breweries and taprooms: www.post-gazette.com/sports/2026-...
post-gazette.com
Draft glass is always full at these breweries and taprooms
If you’re looking for a place to have a draft during the NFL Draft, you’ll have plenty of picks. Several breweries and taprooms aren’t...
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
Truth Serum.
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
The Iron is flowing as the new Pittsburgh Brewing Downtown Taproom opens: www.post-gazette.com/business/dev...
post-gazette.com
Pittsburgh Brewing Co. returns to the city — at least for now
Downtown’s landmark Alcoa Building is famously made of aluminum, but the crowd gathered Wednesday afternoon was there for Iron.  The Iron City...
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Bob Batz Jr. @bobbatzjr.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Work.
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Reposted by Bob Batz Jr.
🖌 Myandra sez: 🖍 Impeach the MF'er soon. We're waiting. @myandra.bsky.social · 11/04/2026
This is tragically beautiful.
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Jody DiPerna @jodydiperna.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
It was hard for me to pick just one poem by Jan Beatty, but here we are. This is Dropping Blotter Acid at the Slag Dump (two pages), which probably should win an award just for the best title ever. From her tremendous collection, Jackknife. Happy Poetry Month, yinz!
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