A nationwide survey is confirming what many in Western P-A already believe: Pittsburgh is the best city in the nation when it comes to football fans. For the second year in a row, a WalletHub survey ranked Pittsburgh number one on the list, based on its college and pro teams, ticket prices, stadium accessibility, and fan friendliness and engagement. The survey ranked Pittsburgh significantly ahead of A-F-C North foes Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.

The upcoming primary and general elections in Pennsylvania were the focus of a hearing of the state Senate Majority Policy Committee. A number of election law reforms were enacted in 2019, committee members had questions for state and county officials. The changes included funding for new voting systems, the ability for any voter touse a mail-in ballot, and the registration deadline now 15 days before election day.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A monument honoring voting rights for African American men and women will soon be built on Pennsylvania’s Capitol grounds. The monument will also commemorate former residents of the Old Eighth Ward, a black community in Harrisburg that was demolished to make way for the state Capitol Complex. The multi-purpose monument, called “A Gathering at the Crossroads,” will feature four bronze life-size statues of abolitionists and orators who fought for equal rights. The groundbreaking for the $400,000 monument will be held on March 25 and the dedication is scheduled for June 15. About $290,000 has been raised to date.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 2020

TODAY – CLOUDY SKIES. A FEW FLURRIES OR SNOW
SHOWERS POSSIBLE. TEMPS NEARLY STEADY IN
THE MID-30‘S.

TONIGHT – CONSIDERABLE CLOUDINESS. A FEW FLURRIES
OR SNOW SHOWERS POSSIBLE. LOW – 25.

WEDNESDAY – MOSTLY CLOUDY. HIGH – 36.

Alabama fire chief: At least 8 died in marina boat dock fire
By JAY REEVES Associated Press
The fire chief in Scottsboro, Alabama, says at least eight people were killed in an explosive fire that consumed at least 35 vessels at a marina along the Tennessee River. Chief Gene Necklaus said all eight people who were known to be missing are confirmed dead, and “that number could go up,” because they don’t know how many were on boats that sank. At least seven people were sent to hospitals suffering from exposure to the water or flames. The fire quickly consumed the dock as people were sleeping, cutting off their escape routes and raining debris into the water.

Investigators work scene of Kobe Bryant’s chopper crash
By STEFANIE DAZIO Associated Press
Investigators and coroner’s personnel are working on a rugged hillside outside Los Angeles where a helicopter carrying Kobe Bryant and eight others crashed in foggy conditions considered dangerous enough that local police agencies grounded their choppers. About 20 investigators are on the scene Monday in Calabasas were Bryant’s helicopter crashed Sunday with an impact that scattered debris over an area the size of a football field and killed everyone aboard. The coroner’s office says three bodies were recovered Sunday afternoon. The accident unleashed an outpouring of grief from admirers of the basketball great who spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers.