The screwworm has arrived in the U.S., and Pennsylvania is taking steps to guard against a creeping invasion.

Why it matters: The parasite is threatening the nation's cattle, a $700 million industry in Pennsylvania.

The big picture: The Department of Agriculture is gearing up for a $1 billion-plus fight against the screwworm, AP reports.

• It'll cost about $750 million to set up a plant to produce and release 300 million sterile male screwworms every week to disrupt natural reproduction.

Driving the news: Pennsylvania has no confirmed cases of the screwworm, but has ordered a quarantine.

• It prohibits livestock and other susceptible animals from entering or staying in Pennsylvania from states affected by the screwworm.
• The quarantine, which took effect this month, is intended to protect the health of 1.6 million cattle throughout the state.

Threat level: The first case of screwworm in the U.S. was detected in South Texas on June 3.

• There are now 12 confirmed cases in the U.S., including 11 in Texas.

Between the lines: The outbreak comes with beef prices near record highs and the cattle herd at its lowest level in 75 years, depressed by a prolonged drought.

• "Given that this possible screwworm outbreak could lead to a larger supply shock on top of an existing supply shortage, prices could increase further," Brandon Parsons, an economist at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, told CNBC this week.

Zoom in: The arrival of the pest on U.S. soil comes a year after the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service lost more than 2,100 employees — roughly 25% of its workforce — as part of the administration's sweeping federal workforce cuts.

The backstory: For decades, the screwworms had been contained in Panama, but starting in 2023, cases began popping up farther north.

Go deeper

Three towering steel columns now stand outside Pittsburgh International Airport's new terminal, linking the traveler experience to the region's landscape and industrial legacy.

Why it matters: Colorado artist Patrick Marold's "Open Columns" is the final permanent commissioned artwork to take its place at the $1.7 billion terminal that opened late last year.

• The 20- to 40-foot cylinders arrive as the airport gains global recognition, including a recent Prix Versailles honor as one of the world's most beautiful airports.

Zoom in: Set between the terminal parking garage and the new terminal, three corten and stainless steel columns form a triangle that creates depth and keeps each structure in sight from every angle.

• Visitors will be able to follow pathways from their cars, weaving through and into the structures, where reflective steel bands frame ever-changing views of the sky.

Between the lines: Keny Marshall, PIT's arts and culture manager, says once lighting is added inside the columns and landscaping is completed later this year, the installation should give travelers another place to pause — much like the outdoor terraces slated to open in the coming weeks.

What's next: Marshall hopes the space will be ready for travelers to visit by the end of the year.

What they're saying

🚭 New vape and smoke shops are banned in Pittsburgh city neighborhood commercial districts and can't be placed 1,000 feet from any elementary or secondary school, after Mayor Corey O'Connor signed a bill yesterday. (Press release)

💨 There's a marginal risk of severe wind today across the region following early morning storms. Wind gusts between 35 and 45 mph are expected, per the National Weather Service. (X)

🐻 A black bear was spotted swimming in North Park Lake on Tuesday. County officials say to give bears space if you spot them. (WPXI)

Thursday

Celebrate Black history and culture at Schenley Park's Juneteenth Skate.

• 📍 Schenley Park Roller Rink, Oakland
• ⏰ 6:30pm-8:30pm
• 💰 Free! Registration required

Friday

Enjoy live music, a parade and family-friendly events at the Western PA Juneteenth Celebration through Sunday.

• 📍 Events span Point State Park and Market Square, Downtown
• ⏰ Times vary
• 💰 Free!

Stay up late for the South Side Street Fest, with live music, vendors, food, bevs and more.

• 📍 East Carson between 12th and 18th streets
• ⏰ 10pm–2am
• 💰 Free entry

Saturday

Watch "The Wiz" under the stars as part of CitiParks' Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park series.

• 📍 Grandview Park, Mount Washington
• ⏰ Begins at dusk (around 8:30pm-9pm)
• 💰 Free!

Float over to Bubblesburgh for live music, food vendors, hands-on activities and millions of bubbles.

• 📍 The Waterfront, Homestead
• ⏰ 1pm-4pm
• 💰 Free!

Alexis here! Popping in to let you know it's my last day at Axios Pittsburgh.

The big picture: I greatly appreciate the time I've had to build this audience in the newsletter and on our social media platforms.

• I joined this team with the promise that I would use this opportunity to reconnect with the city I grew up in through a new lens. I am proud to say I did just that!

Case in point: I discovered new restaurants and Black-owned businesses. I covered the U.S. Open and NFL Draft.

• I started a series that took me to iconic Pittsburgh places I'd never been and joined healthy yinzer debates.
• I told the stories of small communities fighting data centers and volunteers coming together to help a local food bank.
• I got to be a part of the Pirates Pierogi race with Ryan and interview the city's tallest people with Chrissy.

Most importantly, you all came with me for the ride. Thank you for all the likes, shares and engagement.

What's next: I'll continue to try new things in the 412! Keep up with me @alexisjmedia.