Can Butler County Flip? Plus TikTok Trouble & North Side Cats
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:
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Fetterman-Proof Senate, Fish Nor Fowl Closure & Page's Ice Cream Truck Crash
The dust has settled after Election Day, and there’s a lot to unpack! Democrats’ big wins have changed the political landscape but nation...

Pittsburgh's Best Thanksgiving Takeout in 2026
Whether you’re hosting a small group, need some backup for a big family, or just want to grab an impressive dish to contribute to the Tha...

Did PA Dems Win a Trifecta?
Pennsylvania Democrats have declared a trifecta, saying they've taken full control of the state House, state Senate, and governor's offic...

What Could Democrats Do With More Control?
It's Election Day, and Pennsylvania Democrats are hoping to win a trifecta for the first time in decades: controlling the state Senate, H...

A Procrastinator's Guide to the 2026 PA Election
Tomorrow is Election Day! If you haven't done your homework yet, host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk are here to guide...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Who Controls Austin’s Autonomous Vehicles? — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
When you think of Waymo, you might not yet think of Pittsburgh. But you should definitely be thinking of Austin, Texas. State law governi...

Your Guide to November 2026 in Pittsburgh
It's officially the season of giving thanks, and while there's plenty to complain about (looking at you, endless construction!), there's...

County Executive Sara Innamorato on New Taxes, Election 'Observers' & Paid Leave's Potential Windfalls
Will the county raise sales taxes to help fund our pension system? Should we be concerned about the federal election monitors arriving at...

Tax the Rich? Plus, Día de Los Muertos & Your Next Favorite Gym
Pittsburgh has a new proposal to tax the rich, Allegheny County’s fully paid parental leave policy is officially law, and local listeners...

Pittsburgh’s Top 10 Restaurants & What Makes Them Great
What makes a restaurant one of Pittsburgh’s best? Is it the food, the service, the atmosphere or something harder to put your finger on?...

