Good morning, Pittsburgh.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library sent nearly half a million free books to Pittsburgh kids from birth to age 5, and the program will continue delivering monthly as Reading Ready Pittsburgh records new enrollments while her family encourages donations in lieu of flowers to honor her wishes.

Today, Pittsburgh-based Eat n' Park distributes free smiley cookies to honor Dolly Parton after her passing on Tuesday.

The restaurant's token gesture celebrates her legacy and offers customers a simple way to smile.

The Bocce House in Fox Chapel now offers indoor bocce courts and a full-service bar to keep the game going during cool, rainy days — the venue hosts tournaments, corporate leagues, and family events to bring locals together.

Pittsburgh’s Jordy Meiselas leads MeidasTouch, a fast-growing independent outlet, as it prepares to launch the book WTF America?! on Oct.

20 (via Hachette) to offer a clear take on today’s media landscape. He credits the local community’s strength for fueling his fight for truth.

Pitt has announced it will replace the Rave Guardian app with the new PittSAFE safety app this fall.

The enhanced app lets users access safety tools like Virtual Walkhome & Friend Walk with a campus-branded design.

Former professor Arthur Brooks spoke to about 100 Pitt community members Tuesday evening at Alumni Hall, reporting that a 30-year survey shows half of young adults feel life lacks meaning due partly to technology and offering a three-step formula for happiness using gratitude, connection (worship).

Community College of Allegheny County microbiology professor Francis Maxin received the Guinness World Record for the longest science instructor career for men during a fall semester event today.

He began teaching in 1966 when the college opened and is now in his 233rd semester.

Allegheny County is awarding $1.7M to community-based organizations (drawn from past opioid settlements) to help fight the opioid crisis today; the funds will support programs such as emergency childcare, street outreach and recovery specialist support amid declining overdose rates.

Residents at Diamond Beach Marina are concerned that ongoing railroad and water projects will permanently block their only road access (temporary closures have already sparked fears), while City Council reviews a resolution to create new agreements with the water authority and railroad.

UPMC donated 229 trauma kits to Pittsburgh police before today to equip patrol vehicles, SWAT, and tactical paramedics with materials for life-saving care.

The donation follows a $35 million EMS upgrade and includes training so officers know how to use and replenish the supplies (officials detailed).

Top high school football players in WPIAL say financial offers are now key in choosing colleges as scholarships and monetary incentives increasingly drive NCAA recruiting, signaling a new trend for local athletes.

The Padres beat the Pirates 3–0 on Wednesday, Aug.

26, with Jackson Merrill and Randy Vásquez leading the win — they avoided a three-game sweep and kept a wild-card spot. The Pirates struggled by leaving 10 runners stranded.

The PIAA overturned WPIAL rulings—restoring eligibility for student-athletes Jance Henry, Tyrone Claytor, and Amaizen Straughters after a month of ineligibility; they can now compete in local sports.