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| | Beware Tick ‘Larval Bombs’ | You may’ve heard about people and pets in Pittsburgh stepping on “tick larval bombs,” a cluster of hundreds of tiny ticks that can stick to skin, fur, and clothing. Our very own executive producer Mallory Falk was the victim of one such “explosion” after her dog Zero (we love you Zero!) stepped on one. She had to use a lint roller to remove the ticks from Zero’s fur. [🔒 Post-Gazette] | - Can larval ticks transmit diseases? Yes, but the chance of a human acquiring pathogens from tick larvae is much lower compared to being bitten by an adult tick. [PA.Gov]
- Blacklegged ticks (aka deer ticks) are native to North America and found here in Western PA. They spread Lyme disease and the more serious anaplasmosis. This year, Allegheny County recorded nearly 1,400 cases of Lyme disease and over 160 cases of anaplasmosis. Both are treatable with antibiotics and can be stopped if caught early. [CDC / 🔒 Post-Gazette]
- There’s a new bloodsucker in town: the invasive Asian longhorned tick. Scientists are still studying whether they can transmit diseases to humans, but there are documented cases of these guys infecting cattle in the U.S. [PA.gov]
- To prevent tick bites, use insect repellent and spray your shoes and clothing with permethrin. And as always, check yourself for ticks after spending time in the woods. [City Cast Pittsburgh]
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| What Else Pittsburgh's Talking About |
|  | Scientists spun the lunar lander at high speeds to test for unexpected wobbles. It passed! (NASA) |
| Pittsburgh-Built Lunar Lander Prepares for Launch | The Griffin-1 lunar lander — assembled in Pittsburgh by aeronautics company Voyager Technologies (formerly Astrobotic) — is one step closer to touching down on the moon. After stress-tests at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, it’s set for liftoff later this year. NASA says Griffin is integral to its goal of establishing a base for astronauts on the moon by 2030. [NASA / 🔒 Post-Gazette] | | PA Hydrogens Hub in Limbo | Two proposed hubs, including one in Western PA, face an uncertain future under the Trump administration. The facilities were meant to capture emissions from fossil fuel plants and produce hydrogen that could power vehicles and create products like ammonia for fertilizer. They were championed by Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sen. Dave McCormick. [Inside Climate News] | | | Lawrence Hall To Close by End of Year | The owners cited rising costs as a factor for why the food hall on Butler Street is shutting its doors after less than three years in business. The facility faced legal challenges over a requirement to provide parking in a tightly packed, dense neighborhood — another potential argument for abolishing parking minimums. [Instagram / 🔒Business Times / BikePGH] |
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| The Best Coffee Shops for Every Occasion |
|  | Redstart Roasters takes its claim as a bird-friendly coffee shop seriously: they’ve got lots of (stuffed) feathered friends around the space! (Mallory Falk / City Cast Pittsburgh) |
| Oct. 18 - 24 is Pittsburgh Coffee Week. To get you in the mood, we’re sharing our favorite spots to get caffeinated (or enjoy an herbal tea) — whatever the reason or time of year. | | | Redstart Roasters | 📍 East Liberty | Long wooden tables and lots of natural light make this the perfect spot to get some work done with the help of a cup of certified bird-friendly coffee. Redstart gets its beans from farms that provide a good habitat for migratory birds. You'll see lots of themed decor throughout the space, including a bunch of felt birds to keep you company while you respond to Slack messages. — Mallory Falk, executive producer | | Best for Socializing | | De Fer Coffee & Tea | 📍 Strip District | De Fer has a special place in my heart for socializing because it’s where I went on my first date with my now-fiancé. But even without the sentimental attachment, it’s one of my favorite places to meet up with friends. The coffee is excellent (they roast their own beans), the breakfast sandwiches are delicious, and the big industrial-style space is perfect for hanging out. — Marla Kauffman, creative producer | | Best for Taking Yourself on a Date | | Commonplace Coffee, Mexican War Streets | 📍 North Side | What’s better than a little caffeinated drink with a book in a magic garden? When I feel like I want to get out of town but only have time to cross a bridge, this is the spot for me. The inside is cozy and bright, and the tables outside and across the street are a nice extension of the space. Plus, there’s often a food truck, and it’s a quick walk to the Mattress Factory, City Books, or Allegheny Commons Park. – Emma Honcharski, audience development manager | | |
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My coffee rec is 61C Cafe because there’s 1) always open seats, 2) self-service water, 3) plenty of outlets to plug into, and 4) free wifi. What more could you want? |
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