City Cast Pittsburgh logo
June 9, 2026

Does Our State Bird Suck? Plus, ICE Updates & Vacant Lots

City Cast Pittsburgh

Does Our State Bird Suck? Plus, ICE Updates & Vacant Lots

00:00:00
View all City Cast Pittsburgh episodes

Ever wanted to make public art or host an event in an abandoned lot? City Council is considering a proposal to let residents put vacant lots and underutilized park space to good use. Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk explain the proposal, plus discuss the unannounced visit U.S. Reps. Summer Lee and Chris Deluzio made to Moshannon Valley Processing Center — the largest immigrant detention facility in the northeast, just a couple hours outside of Pittsburgh. Then City Cast's Elizabeth Kauma joins to diss the ruffed grouse as our state bird (game bird?) and make the case for why Pennsylvania should be repped by the scarlet tanager instead. 

Notes and references from today’s show:

  • Pittsburgh seeks to turn its green space, vacant lots to productive uses [TribLive]
  • Adopt-A-Lot Program [City of Pittsburgh]
  • O'Connor to seek state funding to prep city's vacant lots for new housing [Business Times]
  • Two Pa. Democrats become first members of Congress to access Pennsylvania’s largest ICE detention facility [Philadelphia Inquirer]
  • ICE detainee who spoke out about conditions in Moshannon was punished, transferred [Spotlight PA]
  • How many people held by ICE in Pa. have criminal records? Fewer than you might think [PennLive]
  • When Do 'Detention Centers' Become 'Concentration Camps'? Experts Look to History [Marshall Project]
  • ICE has detained hundreds in Pennsylvania in ‘collateral’ arrests, most of whom have no criminal record [P-G]
  • Should the scarlet tanager be our official state migratory bird? [P-G]

Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, June 9th episode:

Pittsburgh CLO

The Frick Pittsburgh

Westmoreland Museum

Athens County Visitors Bureau

Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.

Want more Pittsburgh news? 

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Pittsburgh

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
June 8

Are Pittsburgh Breweries OK?!

Is Pittsburgh's beer scene in trouble? Earlier this year, Fat Head's closed down, and now both Penn Brewery and the Abbey on Butler have...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 7

'Your City Could Be Better': How Las Vegas Saves More Water Than Any Other City — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert cit...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 5

Picklesburgh Abominations, Schenley Park Drama & World Cup Watch Parties

It's been a big week for Pittsburgh public hearings! People turned out to share their passionate takes on the city's revised affordable h...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 4

Where To Get Pittsburgh’s Best Ice Cream

Pittsburgh's ice cream and soft serve shops are opening for the season! Host Megan Harris is with City Cast contributor Meg St-Esprit, an...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 3

Pittsburgh's Secret Stairways

If your summer bucket list involves exploring more of Pittsburgh, consider making a visit to a set of our city steps, aka our first form...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 2

Is Heinz Worth the Hype?

Heinz ketchup has a chokehold on Pittsburgh. From stadiums and museums to our own home pantries, it’s the brand on the table and in any g...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
June 1

Your Guide to June 2026 in Pittsburgh

Summer in Pittsburgh means neighborhood festivals, yard sales, and so much more! This June, we're checking out movie series, signing up f...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
May 31

'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Where would Pittsburgh be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
May 29

Taxing Pool Tables, School Closure Aftermath & Breweries in Bankruptcy

After almost three years of debates and hearings, the Pittsburgh Public Schools board voted to close nine school buildings and make other...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
May 28

The Weird Things You Can and Can't Do in a Pittsburgh Backyard

Want to get a little ambitious with your backyard this summer? Maybe you're thinking of getting a beehive or some chickens, or you've dec...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art