Pablo Pledgescobar, Impounded E-Scooters & Shapiro’s Data Center Play

Penn State frats are facing yet another scandal –– this time a cocaine trafficking ring that investigators say involved students, alumni, and one Pittsburgh-area dad. Contributors Sophia Lo and Colin Williams join host Megan Harris to talk about the players, the drugs, and how much money they allegedly made. Plus, the e-scooter crackdown around Pittsburgh is picking up steam again. Pitt has says they’ll impound your scooters, while lawmakers are considering whether PA’s rules for e-scooters and e-bikes need an update. Plus, a win for HIV research and prevention, literal loss of life for local Kratom users, new regulations for Pennsylvania data centers, and a couple chances to see the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. 

And on today’s member’s-only bonus segment, some trip inspiration from Colin’s recent sojourn abroad. Don’t have access yet? Join today (it’s the last day to claim your exclusive City Cast Pittsburgh merch!) at membership.citycast.fm/pittsburgh

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Alleged leader of Penn State drug-trafficking crew 'begged' people not to talk about his involvement [Post-Gazette] 
• Penn State fraternity members, pledges accused in ‘highly-profitable’ cocaine trafficking operation [WTAE] 
• Father charged in suspected cocaine ring at Penn State is Pittsburgh attorney [TribLive]
• Man killed while riding Spin Scooter in Pittsburgh [WPXI]
• E-bike regulations becoming popular in Pittsburgh suburbs [TribLive]
• Marshall updates e-bike ordinance on use in recreation areas [TribLive]
• Shapiro feels heat of election year controversy, toughens Pennsylvania’s data center rules [Post-Gazette]
• Allegheny County hits historic low number of new HIV diagnoses [Pittsburgh City Paper]
• Kratom deaths mount in Pittsburgh region as lawmakers grapple with how to regulate it [Post-Gazette]
• PODCAST: Taxing Pool Tables, School Closure Aftermath & Breweries in Bankruptcy (Bonus Feed) [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• Looking for a Wienermobile near you? [Oscar Mayer Wienermobile]

Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, August 21st episode:

Experience Butler County

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