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
October 19

Why Pittsburgh's at the Center of the Grocery Store War

For better or worse, Giant Eagle has long been the main grocery store in town — beloved for its sheetcakes, bemoaned for its high prices....

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 18

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Salt Lakers are Adopting Storm Drains — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

How much ownership or responsibility do you feel as a resident of Pittsburgh? In Salt Lake City, people are being asked to “adopt a storm...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 16

Exploding Tick Bombs, Expensive Office Conversions & How Spooky is Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh's slated to get a lot more housing, from new apartments in the Hill District to converted office buildings Downtown to a decom...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 15

Our Favorite Pittsburgh Coffee Shops

Pittsburgh has no shortage of great coffee shops. Some are perfect for getting work done. Others are better for catching up with friends....

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 14

The True Tale of Pittsburgh's Glowing Green Man

There's an urban legend that's left an eerie mark on generations of local kids: a story about a spectre with a glowing green face doomed...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 13

Fall Color, Giant Pumpkins & Pittsburgh's Best Asian Groceries

Fall foliage is starting to pop around Pittsburgh. Host Megan Harris and contributor Sophia Lo share their favorite spots to soak up thos...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 11

‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh

Another Pittsburgh school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a stric...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 9

Shapiro vs. Garrity, a Mafia-Style Toilet Fundraiser & TBD on New Local Taxes

Pittsburgh and Allegheny County officially announced their 2027 budgets and … wow our finances are not looking good. Host Megan Harris an...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 8

Pittsburgh's Indigenous History

Pittsburgh loves to talk about its history — the forts, the steel mills, the immigrants, the neighborhoods. But the story of this place s...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art
October 7

What Pgh Restaurant Would Hold Your Wake? Plus, Measles & Mulan's Cookbook

It's official: an Allegheny County resident just tested positive for measles. It's part of Pennsylvania's ongoing (and worsening) measles...

City Cast Pittsburgh podcast episode art