Your Daily Guide

PA Families Need $250K to ‘Live Comfortably’

Singles need close to $100,000 and families an estimated $247,936 to live comfortably, according to a report using data from the MIT Living Wage calculator. Meanwhile, the median income for workers in the commonwealth is $39,373. [TribLive]

• Over the next five years, affordability restrictions for more than 9,700 PA units will expire. The state is building a searchable database of these properties to track their expirations. Advocates hope it will help them and local officials keep units affordable, either with funding or by finding a new buyer for the properties. [Spotlight PA]
• PA businesses are struggling to compete with out-of-state options amid rising utility costs. GOP lawmakers say the solution is to tap into natural gas, though the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict has contributed to increased fuel costs, too. [Penn Capital-Star / Fortune]

We’ll Never Get High Speed Rail

Every time Amtrak announces something new, Pittsburghers make a fuss over high speed rail. Axios’ Ryan Deto says it’s a nonstarter. He’s on today’s podcast explaining why we should be happy with new trips to Harrisburg and NYC, plus why PA geography makes it sort of impossible to speed up an East-bound train. [City Cast Pittsburgh / Axios Pittsburgh]

Forever Chemicals On Farms

PFAS chemicals are getting into drinking water in part via a wastewater treatment byproduct called biosolids that’s used as fertilizer. While PA has moved to regulate PFAS, it hasn’t banned biosolids. [Allegheny Front]

• You can comment on new state requirements about how to handle biosolids through Sept. 2. [PA.gov]

Point Park Housing Students at Wyndham

Up to 64 upperclassmen out of the university’s 775 students will stay at the Downtown hotel during the fall semester. Last year, 90 freshmen lived at the Wyndham. The school hopes to eventually acquire the former YWCA building for housing and a student union.

• Pitt’s in the same boat. The university’s forthcoming 420-bed dorm at Fifth and Ruskin won’t open til 2028, so some students are staying at the Hampton Inn, Pennsylvania Apartments, and Wellington Apartments. [TribLive]

We’re back with recommendations from City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors 📣 This is a regular spot in the newsletter where members get to shine a light on their favorite local businesses, organizations, and events.

• 🤗 Matthew F. wants to shout out two ways to meet new friends in town: PGH Social Club and the Allegheny HYP Club! “PGH Social Club does a great job hosting events for young people in the city to make friends and build community. Allegheny HYP Club has one of the coolest venues I've ever been to. They offer great networking opportunities and offer a quiet oasis in the heart of downtown.”

Want to share your own shoutout?

Thanks to our new members Gabrielle G., Savannah S., Jenna P., Nick S., and Rayden M. Welcome to the Neighborhood!