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A social media stunt involving Pittsburgh's beloved "Star Wars" vending machine has the region up in arms.

Why it matters: Los Angeles-based content creator Braeden Days said last week he took Mt. Washington's "Star Wars" vending machine, prompting a flurry of reactions from locals, including prominent radio personalities.

Critics say the stunt ruined what made the machine special: its authenticity.

Context: The 1999 "Star Wars: Phantom Menace" Pepsi machine has sat outside Mt. Washington's Fire Station 27 for decades, becoming a viral neighborhood landmark and a destination for "Star Wars" fans.

Catch up quick: Last week, Pittsburghers realized the original had been swapped with a hand-painted replica. Days, known for his social media "heists," later posted a video taking responsibility.

In an Aug. 28 video that has since been removed, Days said the machine had been broken for years and questioned what happened to Pepsi's $10,000 donation to the fire station in 2022. 

Previous reporting shows the money was donated to the firehouse, but not specifically for maintaining the retro machine.

Locals quickly flooded Days' post, including 96.1 KISS "Morning Freak Show" co-host Mikey Dougherty. Dougherty said Monday morning that Days privately asked him not to post a video criticizing the stunt.

Days then posted a video Monday alongside the original machine — wearing a Jar Jar Binks mask — saying he plans to repair and return it. He said he has "full permission from the owners." 

"The vending machine has been broken for a couple of years. They were actually going to get rid of it in the next couple of years," he said. "I love Pittsburgh, I love 'Star Wars,' and I didn't want to see this go away."

Days confirmed to Axios Pittsburgh on Instagram that he's from Pittsburgh, but based in LA. He didn't reply to questions about when the machine might return as of late Monday.

Pittsburgh Public Safety, which oversees the fire department, did not respond to a request for comment. 

State of play: Some Pittsburghers weren't mad about the repair but with how it played out — especially Days' apparent swipe at the fire station.

What they're saying: "For people to be in the dark, it's like you took a piece of Pittsburgh, replaced it with a shittier version," said Dougherty on Instagram. "It seemed unnecessary to stress a lot of people out."

Yes, but: Some people supported the stunt.

Instagram user @jessanfrom commented that she had judged Days too quickly and was happy he was repairing it.

"Pittsburg [sic] needed to know that your intentions were honorable so this had to be done. Thank you for stepping up and getting the machine fixed for your city," wrote Instagram user @chomeinthehouse.

For others, the sentiment was simpler: It's just not that serious.

💭 Our thought bubble: The vending machine went viral because it had sat unchanged for more than a decade and felt locked in time.

Its charm represents Pittsburgh's embrace of stasis, whether that's good or bad.

The bottom line: May the force be with anyone who messes with Pittsburgh's nostalgia.

Pittsburgh's beloved "Star Wars" vending machine

"Star Wars" vending machine stunt awakens Pittsburgh's ire

The creator says he'll repair and return the beloved Mt. Washington landmark, but not everyone's happy.

Person wearing a brown dinosaur mask sits on a stool in a cluttered workshop, arms raised. Left: large Star Wars/Pepsi poster; back: TV displaying a VR image; right: red tool chest.

Braeden Days, in a Jar Jar Binks mask and a video fit for a ransom demand, says he’ll repair and return the machine. Screenshot: Braeden Days on Instagram

A social media stunt involving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pittsburgh&#x27;s beloved &quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/27/star-wars-vending-machine-replaced-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="068bae5b-67e9-4eb1-a4b6-3c4042b9e8e7" data-vars-headline="&quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine stunt awakens Pittsburgh&#x27;s ire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/08/27/star-wars-vending-machine-replaced-pittsburgh" target="_self">Pittsburgh&#x27;s beloved &quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine</a> has the region up in arms.Why it matters: Los Angeles-based content creator Braeden Days said <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/content-creator-claims-he-took-mount-washingtons-iconic-star-wars-vending-machine/OX77WMBFO5AXTGNMW6E45AAULE/" data-vars-content-id="068bae5b-67e9-4eb1-a4b6-3c4042b9e8e7" data-vars-headline="&quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine stunt awakens Pittsburgh&#x27;s ire" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/content-creator-claims-he-took-mount-washingtons-iconic-star-wars-vending-machine/OX77WMBFO5AXTGNMW6E45AAULE/" target="_blank">last week</a> he took Mt. Washington&#x27;s &quot;Star Wars&quot; vending machine, prompting a flurry of reactions from locals, including prominent radio personalities.

Culture

News

Pittsburgh's biggest logistics company is getting faster and more efficient thanks to AI help from CMU.

Why it matters: Wexford-based Armada is the region's third-largest private company, and it wants to expand beyond food service logistics.

Driving the news: Armada completed three AI-focused capstone projects last week in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University grad students. The company said in a news release the projects reduced estimate errors, sped up review times, and cut food waste.

Zoom in: One project lowered Armada's ETA prediction error by 53% across 1.76 million shipments.

Another built a system to automate the submission of food safety classifications, which was faster than the manual process by 75%-80%. That sped up the process from days to minutes.

The last project used an AI model to keep shelves stocked more efficiently, reducing food waste.

What they're saying: Armada CIO Katherine Karolick told Axios she was excited because the projects showed measurable results.

"Collaborations like this allow us to move faster, think bigger, and continue delivering smarter solutions for our customers. Carnegie Mellon is a world leader in AI, and working together is one more way we stay at the forefront of advanced thinking in this area," Karolick said.

State of play: AI is reshaping supply chains, especially in the post-pandemic world that has delivered several supply chain shocks.

Follow the money: The company said it generated about $6 billion in revenue last year, only behind 84 Lumber and Giant Eagle for privately held companies in the region, according to the Pittsburgh Business Times.

Context: Armada moved into a new 90,000-square-foot headquarters in Wexford in May.

What's next: Karolick said the projects were developed for food-service supply chains but noted that their applications could be used in other industries that Armada is looking to expand into, like manufacturing, automotive, life sciences, and health care.

She said it's about "establishing a blueprint for how Armada can leverage AI to drive growth, enter new markets, and position itself as a technology-forward supply chain partner across multiple industries."

Armada gets an AI boost from CMU

Three AI projects cut errors, review times and food waste for the logistics giant.

Modern office with a glass-walled meeting room at center, beige chairs around a table. A curved metal shelving arc runs along the right; plants left; large windows show trees outside, silhouette in glass.

Inside Armada's headquarters in Wexford. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios

Pittsburgh&#x27;s biggest logistics company is getting faster and more efficient thanks to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI help from CMU" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/11/jensen-huang-carnegie-mellon-commencement-ai" data-vars-content-id="204772ed-9a3f-49ff-9f57-fefef7d3c1ad" data-vars-headline="Armada gets an AI boost from CMU" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/11/jensen-huang-carnegie-mellon-commencement-ai" target="_self">AI help from CMU</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wexford-based Armada" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/19/armada-office-expansion-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="204772ed-9a3f-49ff-9f57-fefef7d3c1ad" data-vars-headline="Armada gets an AI boost from CMU" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/05/19/armada-office-expansion-pittsburgh" target="_self">Wexford-based Armada</a> is the region&#x27;s third-largest private company, and it wants to expand beyond food service logistics.

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

Business

Education

If you like coconut and chocolate, then you'll love Lawrenceville's newest bar.

The big picture: Second Story Spirits will open Thursday, serving cocktails and local beers inside a former motorcycle repair shop in Doughboy Square.

Context: The bar was started by five friends who have decades of combined experience working in the local booze industry.

The name is an homage to the group's second act, since it's on the ground floor, co-owner Will Groves told Axios.

Zoom in: The menu is centered on the bar's house-made Chilaca Chocolate and Nam Hom Coconut liqueurs, which are also distributed to bars across the city.

Bottoms up: I tried the Oaxaca Flocka Flame ($12), an old fashioned made with tequila, mezcal and chocolate liqueur. It was smoky, chocolatey and a great sipper.

The Pandan Express cocktail ($11) is made with coconut liqueur, vodka, tamarind and lemongrass.

The frozen espresso martini ($10) is inspired by the frozen Irish Coffee from Erin Rose bar in New Orleans, said Groves.

A frozen brown cocktail pours into a black plastic cup that reads Second Story Spirits. 

Don't leave without trying a frozen espresso martini. GIF: Ryan Deto/Axios

The vibe: Casual with room to mingle inside and out. Nooks offer cozy indoor space, or enjoy the outdoor picnic tables.

Groves likens the space to two-thirds cocktail bar and one-third craft brewery.

If you go: 3354 Penn Ave., Lawrenceville. Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday 4pm-11pm, Saturday 1pm-11pm, Sunday Noon-6pm.

New casual cocktail bar to open in Lawrenceville

Five industry friends are turning a former motorcycle shop into a cocktail hangout.

Close-up of a hand holding a glass with ice and an orange slice, in a lively bar with warm hanging bulbs and blurred patrons in the background.

Sip this Oaxaca Flocka Flame cocktail with some friends in Second Story Spirits' cozy new digs. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios

If you like coconut and chocolate, then you&#x27;ll love Lawrenceville&#x27;s newest bar.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Second Story Spirits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.secondstoryspirits.com/" data-vars-content-id="8041b498-0840-4dd6-b48c-1e23dc36ad29" data-vars-headline="New casual cocktail bar to open in Lawrenceville" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.secondstoryspirits.com/" target="_blank">Second Story Spirits</a> will open Thursday, serving cocktails and local beers inside a former motorcycle repair shop in Doughboy Square.

Food and Drink

The Pennsylvania Turnpike is getting a new exit and interchange in Westmoreland County, the Turnpike Commission announced last month.

Why it matters: Townships like Mt. Pleasant, Unity and Derry in the county are growing, and adding a connection to the turnpike is critical to boost that area's momentum, said PennDOT secretary Mike Carroll.

Zoom in: A diamond-style interchange will be built where the toll road meets Route 981 in Mt. Pleasant Township.

That's at the turnpike's mile marker 80.8.

It will be about 15 minutes south of the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport near Latrobe.

Zoom out: The new interchange will sit between the New Stanton and Donegal exits, adding an entrance/exit to this 16-mile gap.

By the numbers: The project will cost between $45 million and $50 million, per the Turnpike Commission.

Tens of millions of dollars have already been committed to this project, Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward said.

What they're saying: The interchange will create easier access to the turnpike for many nearby communities and help businesses and freight companies save money on logistics by opening up use of the Arnold Palmer Airport instead of driving to Pittsburgh, Ward said.

Between the lines: The new interchange is feasible because of open road tolling, which avoids moving cars through traditional toll booths, per a press release.

What's next: The Turnpike Commission estimates a 2031 completion date, spokesperson Marissa Orbanek tells Axios.

New turnpike exit coming to Westmoreland County

The Route 981 interchange will fill a 16-mile gap between exits.

Map excerpt shows Project Location MP 80.8 along the I-70/I-76 corridor near Carpentertown, with a blue label and point marker at the State Route 981 Interchange.

Where the new interchange will go in Mt. Pleasant Township, at the intersection of Route 981. Image: Courtesy of Turnpike Commission

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pennsylvania Turnpike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/02/27/pa-turnpike-eliminate-breezewood-detour" data-vars-content-id="f280431d-e858-4537-b1a1-2131c200e9f5" data-vars-headline="New turnpike exit coming to Westmoreland County" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/02/27/pa-turnpike-eliminate-breezewood-detour" target="_self">Pennsylvania Turnpike</a> is getting a new exit and interchange in Westmoreland County, the Turnpike Commission announced last month.Why it matters: Townships like Mt. Pleasant, Unity and Derry in the county are growing, and adding a connection to the turnpike is critical to boost that area&#x27;s momentum, said PennDOT secretary Mike Carroll.

Transit

The channel that brought you the popular "Hot Ones" is debuting a new miniseries Friday that features the Sheetz menu. 

The intrigue: The new "Fuel Stop Feast" YouTube show will feature two chefs battling it out to create over-the -top creations for Sheetz Freakz. Some of the new items will then be available for purchase at Sheetz. 

Context: Chefs Christian Alquiza and Ian Fujimoto square off in the kitchen and TV personality Adam Richman hosts. 

The three-part series premieres Friday, and episodes drop weekly through Sept. 18.

Dig in: The Lumberjack Breakfast Sandwich combines sausage, bacon, eggs and a honey bun stacked between crispy waffles.

The Pizza Bagel Bunz Burger … uses pizza bagels as buns.

Tater Bomb Nachos are a late-night snack that pile chicken strips, peppers, onions, nacho cheese and crispy jalapeño potato chips over massive tater tots. 

What's next: Watch on First We Feast's YouTube channel. 

Sheetz goes over-the-top on YouTube

First We Feast is giving Sheetz the full food-show treatment with three outrageous dishes.

Two sandwich halves held by hands are being pulled apart, revealing bacon, a meat patty, and pale yellow fillings between light buns.

Some of the new Sheetz treatz that will be available for purchase after the show airs Friday. GIF: Courtesy of Sheetz

Bearded man in a grey blazer in a modern kitchen holds two plates of food—left: burrito-like wrap, right: tall stacked burger—eyes wide and mouth open in surprise.

Host Adam Richman gets to try the new Sheetz creations first. Photo: Courtesy of Sheetz

The channel that brought you the popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Hot Ones&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/09/19/best-day-ever-hot-ones-host-sean-evans" data-vars-content-id="fbf2f0cc-3b27-4e25-b5f3-f5107bd63347" data-vars-headline="Sheetz goes over-the-top on YouTube" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/09/19/best-day-ever-hot-ones-host-sean-evans" target="_self">&quot;Hot Ones&quot;</a> is debuting a new miniseries Friday that features the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sheetz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/28/sheetz-first-pittsburgh-store-banksville" data-vars-content-id="fbf2f0cc-3b27-4e25-b5f3-f5107bd63347" data-vars-headline="Sheetz goes over-the-top on YouTube" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/08/28/sheetz-first-pittsburgh-store-banksville" target="_self">Sheetz</a> menu. The intrigue: The new &quot;Fuel Stop Feast&quot; YouTube show will feature two chefs battling it out to create over-the -top creations for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sheetz Freakz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/23/paul-skenes-sheetz-big-glizzy-hot-dog" data-vars-content-id="fbf2f0cc-3b27-4e25-b5f3-f5107bd63347" data-vars-headline="Sheetz goes over-the-top on YouTube" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/06/23/paul-skenes-sheetz-big-glizzy-hot-dog" target="_self">Sheetz Freakz</a>. Some of the new items will then be available for purchase at Sheetz.

Ryan Deto

Featured stories

Sheetz goes over-the-top on YouTube

Armada gets an AI boost from CMU

New turnpike exit coming to Westmoreland County

"Star Wars" vending machine stunt awakens Pittsburgh's ire

New casual cocktail bar to open in Lawrenceville