⭐ What to know for Light Up Night

🗳️ Senator Casey Concedes to McCormick

Incumbent Democrat Bob Casey conceded his U.S. Senate race against Republican Dave McCormick after a legally required ballot recount. Republicans will now hold a 53-to-47 advantage, as well as a narrow control on the U.S. House. [New York Times]

💸 CMU Announces Free Tuition Program

Starting next year, new and returning undergraduate students can attend college for free through the CMU Pathway Program if their families earn less than $75,000 per year. They're also offering grants for students whose families make less than $100,000. [90.5 WESA]

🕯️ Battalion Chief Dies Fighting Fire

Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Battalion Chief John Walsh died from a medical emergency while responding to a house fire in the East Hills. Walsh, 60, worked out of Station 8 in East Liberty. Funeral plans haven’t been announced yet. [KDKA]

🦌 Game Commission OKs Sunday Hunting

Pennsylvania bans the hunting of most animals on Sundays, but the Game Commission is making some exceptions Nov. 24 and Dec. 1. (Turkey and migratory birds are still off limits.) A bill to lift the Sunday ban passed the state House this year but sat in the Senate; it’s expected to be reintroduced next session. [Allegheny Front]

‘Tis the season for lots of holiday cheers. Get in the spirit at these pop-up bars around Pittsburgh.

🎄 Blitzen’s at Mellon Square Coffee

📍Downtown

The Omni William Penn is going maximalist this holiday season. Enjoy extravagant tipples, nightcaps on ice, and cocktails that sleigh from celebrity mixologist Julie Reiner. The special 10-drink menu includes two non-alc options. Open 5-11 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays through Jan. 11.

🍹 Krampus Island

📍East Liberty & Squirrel Hill

Need to get away from the gray? Lorelei and Hidden Harbor are collaborating on a tropical holiday pop-up at both locations starting Nov. 29 — with help from The Independent and Golden Age Beer Co. Find something fruity to make your spirits bright on their 12-drink menu.

🍻 Good Cheer at Ruggers Pub

📍South Side

This very merry, very official collaboration with Iron City and I.C. Light is open every day Nov. 29 through Jan. 1, featuring seasonal cocktails and specials like the Tinsel Bomb (Goldschlager and an energy drink), The Swiss Mistress (candy cane vodka, hot chocolate, and marshmallows), whiskey cider, and pudding shots.

🎁 A Very Merry Mixtape

📍Garfield

Get your ticket to experience this North Pole-themed bar with thousands of twinkle lights, dazzling ornaments, and magical immersive sets like Santa’s Workshop, the Sugarplum Candy Lounge, and the White Christmas Forest. It’s open Nov. 23, and sessions before 7 p.m. are open to guests under 21. Entry is $16 plus fees.

• Discount! Use code MERRY20 for 20% off through Nov. 29.

✨ Bridgertahn at Space Bar

📍Downtown

Meet Lady Whistldahn and dance the night away with Regency-era drinks — from classic punches to aromatic brandy blends. Instructors will lead the crowd in the period’s most popular dances. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. A $12 ticket gets you inside, plus one complimentary drink. Open Nov. 22 through Dec. 28.