Episode Details

A proposed TikTok ban just cleared the House, and Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering their own statewide restrictions on the video app. We’re wondering what a ban could mean for Governor Josh Shapiro, a “prolific poster” with a few viral TikToks under his belt. Producer Sophia Lo joins host Megan Harris to break down the latest legislation and scroll through the governor’s posts. Plus, a professional TikToker analyzes Shapiro’s account for us.

Thanks to Chris Vazquez, audience engagement producer at The Marshall Project, for sharing his insights on Shapiro’s social media.

Plus, it’s primary Election Day in Pennsylvania. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check your polling place here, or listen to our voting guide on your way to vote!

Here are a few of the stories we talked about in today’s episode:

• Over the weekend, the House passed a bill that would ban TikTok if the parent company, ByteDance, doesn’t sell the app. 
• Now that the bill has passed the House, here’s what might happen next in the Senate – and how TikTok could respond.
• PA billionaire Jeff Yass has a connection to the national ban; he has a big stake in ByteDance. 
• Friend of the pod Stephen Caruso reported on why Pennsylvania’s attempts to regulate social media haven’t been successful.
• Watch with us! We reviewed Shapiro’s lottery and Béyonce TikToks, and you can find more from the governor on his account.

Learn more about our sponsors: 

• City of Asylum is hosting International Jazz Poetry Month from May 2 – 23 at Alphabet City. 
• The Pittsburgh Opera is presenting The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson, April 27 through May 5, at the Byham Theater.

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