📱 No more phones on the road

County Expedites Affordable Units

Allegheny County leaders and housing advocates unveiled a plan to create or identify 500 affordable housing units for unsheltered people in the next 500 days. The initiative was in the works for months but a fire that displaced nearly 200 residents from Second Avenue Commons increased the urgency. Funds will come from pandemic relief, tax credits, and financial aid from five foundations. [90.5 WESA]

• 🛏️ The 200 residents are temporarily housed at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center while officials look for a longer term option. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Get The Lead Out

Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority says lead in its water is the lowest in over 20 years. Test results indicated lead levels are four times better than the federal and state safety standard. The samples were taken at high-risk homes with lead service lines. PWSA has been inserting a state-approved additive to its water lines while also replacing thousands of old lead pipes. [WTAE]

• 🚰 More to come: PWSA announced it’s investing another $60 million to replace lead lines in 11 neighborhoods. [PGH2O]

Put The Phone Down

Governor Josh Shapiro has signed a ban on using all handheld devices while driving on Pennsylvania roads. The law also prohibits using the devices while stopped at a red light, but you can use them while parked or through a hands-free device. The law takes effect next June. [TribLIVE]

Win Prizes! Summer Reading for Grownups in Pittsburgh

Summer is here, and it’s the perfect season for curling up in a hammock with a good book. Bellevue librarian Erin Thompson joins us to explain how you can earn rewards for getting lost in a beach read and tips for making the most out of your library card.