Bus Controversy, New State Slogan & Tips for Tick Season

It’s the Friday news roundup! City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit joins executive producer Mallory Falk and producer Sophia Lo to break down Pennsylvania’s new tourism slogan and share some favorite statewide travel spots. Plus we have a bunch of transit updates – including a permanent discount – and tips to prepare for tick season. (It’s expected to be especially bad this year!) We always cite our sources: Allegheny County residents who use SNAP benefits will be able to get half-price tickets for PRT rides.  Advocacy groups are raising issues with the current stroller policy on PRT buses because open strollers limit spaces for wheelchair users.  Improvements coming to the Red Line will make T stations more accessible for wheelchair users. Be prepared to check for ticks after outdoor activities and learn how to safely remove them if they’ve taken an unwelcome ride inside. Pennsylvania’s new tourism slogan came with a shiny ad voiced by Broad City actress Abbi Jacobson. Now that data from the Negro Leagues has been incorporated into MLB stats, Pittsburgher Josh Gibson officially has the best batting average.  Check out our interview with Josh Gibson’s great-grandson, Sean Gibson, about his work to get Negro League stats counted alongside white players of the same era.  If you enjoyed the interview with Rivers of Steel Director of Historic Resources and Facilities, Ron Baraff, learn more here. WIN SOME MONEY! We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey. It’s just seven minutes long, and anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag! Learn more about our sponsor:  The 65th annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival takes over the Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh from May 31 to June 9. It’s 10 days of free art and music from noon to 9 p.m. daily. Learn more at trustarts.org/TRAF. Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.