Bits & Pieces: iHeartMedia WWYZ/Hartford is a finalist for two Connecticut Broadcasters Assn. Awards: Radio Station of the Year and Best Community Initiative, the latter for its St. Jude Radiothon. Winners will be named during an Oct. 7 ceremony at Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. Tickets here.

WRVC Media WKWS/Charleston, WV morning host Robb Reel made back-to-school special for seven kids and their parents by picking them up in a limo, serving breakfast, then dropping them off at their schools – all while broadcasting live

Dierks Bentley is calling on fellow pilots to join him in the Special Olympics Airlift, which mobilizes hundreds of civil aircraft to transport athletes and coaches to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota’s Twin Cities next June. "As a pilot, it’s an incredible way to use aviation for good," he says. "And as a person, it’s a chance to connect with some truly inspiring athletes.”

Kix Brooks and Jordan Davis are serving as mentors for Shreveport venue Louisiana Grandstand's Artist Ambassador Program, which pairs a mentor with a local artist for a calendar year. Mentees were chosen by a board of advisors made up of music industry insiders.

Kelsea Ballerini's Kelsea Central fan club is celebrating her birthday by establishing the Dibs Forever Home Fund – named for the singer's dog – at Nashville's Pet Community Center clinic. The fund ensures that dogs whose families are facing financial hardship receive high-quality veterinary care. A donor is matching all contributions up to $10k.