City Cast Pittsburgh logo
August 18, 2026

Can Butler County Flip? Plus TikTok Trouble & North Side Cats

City Cast Pittsburgh

Can Butler County Flip? Plus TikTok Trouble & North Side Cats

00:00:00
View all City Cast Pittsburgh episodes

A special election in Butler County could be a bellwether for Pennsylvania Democrats ahead of the midterms in November. Host Megan Harris and City Cast Pittsburgh contributor Sophia Lo are talking about the candidates and why you should probably pay at least a little attention regardless of where you live. Also, the state is taking TikTok to court, Pittsburgh’s getting a wave of new local media outlets, and PRT’s latest draft for the bus line “refresh” is live. Plus, we’re sharing your recommendations for vintage shopping, groceries, and a hidden gem in Highland Park — and a few end-of-summer events to plan for this week!

Not sure about your voter status? Check your registration and find your polling place ahead of the general election Tuesday, Nov. 3. 

Notes and references from today’s show:

  • Democrats and GOP face off in special election for Butler County House seat [WESA]
  • Vacant Cranberry-area state House seat up for grabs in special election [TribLive]
  • Special election in Butler County tests voter mood ahead of November [Public Source]
  • Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday sues TikTok over youth addictiveness and exposure to mature content [WHYY]
  • AG Dave Sunday sues TikTok for ‘misrepresenting’ suitability for Pennsylvania teenagers [Pennsylvania Capital-Star]
  • The Menschen newspaper platforms Pittsburgh’s unhoused people [TribLive
  • This new media cooperative invites the community to join us on our journey of creation [Pittsburgh Progress]
  • Pittsburgh, PA's art scene magazine, est. 2023 [Petrichor]
  • Tune in tonight for Pittsburgh Regional Transit’s last scheduled public information session on its bus line refresh [PRT

Find more details about the Pittsburgh Cat Walk, Garlic Fest & Flower Fest at  pittsburgh.citycast.fm/events

If you enjoyed today's interview with Tess Rowser, the Marketing Manager of the Water Lantern Festival, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, August 18th episode:

Experience Butler County

uTest

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
August 20

Allegheny County’s Giant Tax Reset, Explained

Allegheny County has been ordered to reassess every residential and commercial property in the county — about 550,000 — for the first tim...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
August 19

The Bartenders' Guide to Pittsburgh Dive Bars

Who knows a great bar better than the people who’ve worked behind one? Pittsburgh bartenders Aubrey Halliburton and Lisa Considine, co-ow...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
August 17

Where To Shop Vintage, Thrift, Consignment & Flea

Pittsburgh is a great hub for thrift, vintage, consignment, and flea market shopping — whether you’re hunting for a perfectly broken-in j...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
August 14

Red-Light Cameras, Dirty Rivers & Pittsburgh’s Cutest Potato

Pittsburgh’s red-light cameras are officially here — and so are some new reasons to be nervous about the river water you’re maybe swimmin...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
August 13

The Tiki Bar Reddit Can’t Stop Talking About. Plus, Yemeni Coffee & RIP Bryant Street

Downtown's new tiki bar has a volcano, a sunken fire pit, and a drink menu that admits it was made with AI. Host Megan Harris and interim...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
August 12

Can Waymo Crack Pittsburgh?

Have you had a Waymo sighting lately? It suddenly seems like these robotaxis are everywhere. Pittsburgh has been a testing ground for aut...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
August 11

Restaurant Week, '90s Nostalgia & Cathy's 100th Birthday

One of Pittsburgh's most iconic buildings is 100 years young. Host Megan Harris and audience development manager Rachel Carlson share wha...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
August 10

Pittsburgh's Grocery Store Showdown

Giant Eagle has long been the main grocery game in town — it's celebrating 95 years in the Burgh with special merch — but that's about to...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
August 7

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

As much as you love Pittsburgh, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have co...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
August 6

Pittsburgh’s Measles Risk, Explained

Measles cases are ⁠on the rise in Pennsylvania⁠. We just notched 200 cases, with more than 45 reported in the last week alone. This is es...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art