🍂 Happy Tuesday, and welcome to September.

🌦️ Today's weather: Mostly sunny, scattered showers, high near 92.

🎧 Sounds like: "September Gurls," by Big Star.

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Today's newsletter is 991 words, a 3.5-minute read.

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 prank ruined what made the machine special: its authenticity.

Context: The 1999 "Star Wars: Phantom Menace" Pepsi vending 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 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.
• Locals quickly flooded Days' post, including 96.1 KISS "Morning Freak Show" co-host Mikey Dougherty. Dougherty said yesterday morning that Days privately asked him not to post a video criticizing the stunt.

Days then posted a video yesterday alongside the original machine — wearing a Jar Jar Binks mask — saying he plans to repair and return the machine. 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 last night.
• Pittsburgh Public Safety, which oversees the fire department, did not respond to a request for comment.

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

💭 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.

Go deeper

It may not feel like it with extreme heat settling over the region this week, but fall is closing in, bringing film fests, food fests and even a parallel parking championship.

Here are Pittsburgh's top events this month.

• Acrisure Stadium Kickoff and Rib Festival | Sept. 3-7 | North Shore | Times vary | Free
• Soul Food Fest | Sept. 4-6 | Downtown | 11am-10pm | Free
• Pittsburgh Irish Festival | Sept. 11-13 | Carrie Blast Furnaces | Friday 4-11pm, Saturday 11am-11pm, Sunday 9am-5pm | $25+ at the gate
• Clemente Bridge Fest | Sept. 11 | Roberto Clemente Bridge | 3-7pm | $21+
• Pittsburgh Taco Festival | Sept. 12 | The Stacks at 3 Crossings | 12:30-7pm | $6+
• International Jazz Festival | Sept. 17-20 | August Wilson African American Cultural Center | Times vary | Ticketed and free events
• Panda Fest | Sept. 18-20 | Station Square East Lot | Timed ticketing | $17+
• Parallel Parking Championship | Sept. 19 | Strip District | 10am-2pm | Free
• Four Chord Music Fest | Sept. 25-26 | FNB Stadium | Times vary | $250 for 2-day pass

Nine more events

The family of a newborn at the center of a controversy over measles-associated deaths in Lancaster County spoke with The Atlantic about the death of their son.

• The mother, who was not vaccinated, became sick with measles a few weeks ago. The newborn was pronounced dead shortly after delivery.
• The family and midwife assumed measles contributed to the newborn's death. The Lancaster County Coroner said a ruptured spleen caused the death and he didn't believe measles was related. (The Atlantic)

📸 Gov. Josh Shapiro said he supports a ban on Flock security cameras and would sign a bill if it reaches his desk. (X)

🏫 Pittsburgh Public Schools is shifting students at 35 buildings, many lacking AC, to remote learning today through Thursday as temperatures are expected to climb into the 90s. Full list of schools here. (WTAE)

🪩 Allentown-based Bottlerocket Social Hall will open a second venue in Seattle, taking over two shuttered venues while maintaining its growing local presence. (Instagram)

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.

• Axios Pittsburgh got a sneak peek.

Zoom in: The menu is centered on the bar's house-made Chilaca Chocolate and Nam Hom Coconut liqueurs.

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 fun.

The vibe: Nooks offer cozy indoor space, or enjoy the outdoor picnic tables.

Check out more on our Instagram page.

If you go: 3354 Penn Ave., Lawrenceville.

• Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday 4pm-11pm, Saturday 1pm-11pm, Sunday Noon-6pm.

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🧨 Chrissy had a blast at Coyote vs. Acme.

🍕 Ryan was impressed with Cork & Crust in Oakland. Try the cheese-less showcase pie for a pure focus on crusty goodness.

Thanks to Chloe Gonzales for editing this newsletter.