Your Daily Guide

PA Democrats Win Trifecta

It's official: Democrats flipped the state Senate, winning a narrow 26-24 majority. They will now control the state Senate, state House, and governor’s mansion for the first time since 1993 and are set up to make progress on long-stalled priorities, like raising the minimum wage and increasing funding for public transit.

• How'd they do it? Democrats flipped all four of the state Senate seats they'd been targeting in midterm — all located on the eastern side of the state — which clinched them the win even after losing one seat in Lancaster County.
• They also expanded their majority in the state House. Democrats will hold at least a 111-88 majority; as of this writing, a few races still haven't been called.
• It's been more than a decade since a single party controlled Harrisburg. Republicans won a trifecta in 2010 and held onto it for four years, until former Gov. Tom Wolf took office. [Spotlight PA / 🔒 Philly Inquirer]

What Will Pittsburgh Look Like in 2050?

According to new population projections, the region could have 10% fewer residents, a lot more seniors, and a lot fewer kids. The number of people over 85 is expected to jump by more than 60%, while the number of children under 18 could drop by more than 20%. That could lead to a declining workforce, shrinking tax revenue, and a strain on elder care. But the city of Pittsburgh itself has actually seen modest population growth in recent years. [WESA]

Synagogue Shooter Appeals Death Sentence

Attorneys for the man who killed 11 Jewish worshippers at a Squirrel Hill synagogue in 2018 are asking a federal appeals court to vacate his death sentence, arguing that errors were made during his trial. Even if the death sentence were to be overturned, he would still be required to spend the rest of his life in prison. He was convicted on 63 counts, including hate crimes and religious obstruction, in 2023. [TribLive]

Catch the Burgh on the Big Screen

The locally filmed "How To Rob a Bank" — directed by David Leitch of John Wick fame and starring Pete Davidson — is opening Nov. 13. See if you can spot the Roberto Clemente Bridge, the Carnegie Music Hall, and other iconic locations at a theater near you. [TribLive / Movie Walks]

• A biopic of Milton S. Hershey (creatively titled "Hershey") debuts the day before Thanksgiving, and was also filmed on-location in Pittsburgh and other beautiful PA locales. [The Hershey Company]

Whether you need some extra sides, a pie, or a whole Thanksgiving feast, here’s a cornucopia of holiday takeout options in Pittsburgh.

Bistro To Go

Get a maple glazed turkey, or switch it up with beef tenderloin, herb roasted prime rib, or brown sugar baked ham. Sides include stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and roasted brussels sprouts. Just feeding yourself? Order an individual dinner with all of the goodies for $32 or a vegan version for $35. Pickup is Nov. 24 or 25 in East Allegheny.

Café Momentum

Opt for a full dinner that feeds 6-8 people or just get some help with the fixings. They’ve got all the classic sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, and pumpkin pie. It doesn’t just taste great — Café Momentum helps youth develop culinary and life skills. The deadline to order is Nov. 16, and pickup is Nov. 25 Downtown.

Pane è Pronto

Order the ultimate Italian-American meal kit at Pane è Pronto in the Strip District, ready to reheat and enjoy. Choose between porchetta and gravy or fennel rosemary turkey breast and white wine braised turkey thighs. Each kit includes pumpkin rosemary dinner rolls; cacio e pepe mashed potatoes; sausage, spinach, apple, and pine nut stuffing; and Italian cookies. Feed two for $88 or four for $166. Pickup is Nov. 25.

Mediterra

You can get a whole turkey ready to roast or an already-done, herb-brined bird from Mediterra in Lawrenceville, Mt. Lebanon, Sewickley, or Cranberry — plus sides like sweet and spicy roasted brussels sprouts, stuffing, candied yams, and sweets from their bakehouse. Order by Nov. 19 for pick up Nov. 24 or 25.

Onion Maiden

This Allentown favorite is still closed for renovations, but you can get your fix in with their “Plantsgiving” offerings. Appetizers include kabocha curry coconut soup and roasted beet and carrot ginger miso salad. Try their seitan casserole, and pair with sides like mashed potatoes, candied yams, and mac and cheese. Preorder by Nov. 18 for pickup on Nov. 25.