PA--Pennsylvania News Digest

Good afternoon! Here's a look at AP's general news coverage today in Pennsylvania. For questions about the state report, contact the Philadelphia bureau at 215-561-1133.

A reminder this information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories, digests and digest advisories will keep you up to date.

Some TV and radio stations will receive shorter APNewsNow versions of the stories below, along with updates.

For up-to-the minute information on AP's coverage, visit Coverage Plan at newsroom.ap.org.

TOP STORIES:

CELLPHONES-DRIVING BAN

HARRISBURG — A divided Pennsylvania House on Wednesday voted to ban the use of hand-held phones for all drivers to make calls, although police would not be allowed to stop motorists for that reason alone. By Mark Scolforo. UPCOMING: About 350 words.

ELECTION 2020-BIDEN

WASHINGTON — Billionaire businesswoman Penny Pritzker, a major Democratic fundraiser and former commerce secretary under President Barack Obama, has endorsed Joe Biden for president. The former vice president's campaign announced her endorsement on Wednesday. Pritzker's support could give Biden a considerable fundraising boost. By Brian Slodysko.

UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR-MISSPENT GRANTS

PHILADELPHIA — A former university professor in Philadelphia who allegedly spent federal grant money on strip clubs and other personal expenses has been charged with theft. Prosecutors in Philadelphia announced the charges against Chika Nwankpa on Tuesday.

IN BRIEF:

FATAL CRASH — Authorities say a one-vehicle crash in western Pennsylvania killed two people and injured two others.

TRAINING-SHOOTING-MAN PARALYZED — A Pennsylvania man was charged in a shooting during a training exercise that left another man paralyzed from the neck down, police said.

SCHOOL THREAT-INDICTMENT — A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for sending an online message to a suburban Cleveland high school student in 2018 about a shooting he warned would occur the next day.

PHILADELPHIA AIRPORT-BIOMETRIC SCREENING — Philadelphia International Airport will soon begin testing biometric screening on some international flights.

SPORTS:

BKC—T25-WICHITA STATE-TEMPLE

PHILADELPHIA-- No. 16 Wichita State plays Temple at Liacouras Center. By Aaron Bracy. UPCOMING: 650 words, photos. Game starts at 9 p.m. EST.

BKC—PENN STATE-MINNESOTA

MINNEAPOLIS — Penn State, after falling out of the AP Top 25 following consecutive losses, tries to get back on the winning track with a game against Minnesota at Williams Arena, where the Gophers have not lost a Big Ten game this season. By Brian Hall. UPCOMING: 700 words, photos. Game starts at 8 p.m. CST.

BKN—76ERS-NETS

PHILADELPHIA -- The Brooklyn Nets visit the Philadelphia 76ers. By Dan Gelston. UPCOMING: About 605 words photos. Game starts at 7 p.m. EST.

HKN—PERSISTENT PENGUINS

PITTSBURGH — Sidney Crosby returned from a two-month layoff stressing the need to simply fit in on a Pittsburgh Penguins team that remolded itself during his absence. The captain's brilliant return during a rout of Minnesota on Tuesday highlighted how far the Penguins have come ... and hinted at how far they can go. By Will Graves. SENT: About 960 words, photos.

HKN—FLYERS-BLUES

ST. LOUIS — The Philadelphia Flyers visit the St. Louis Blues.

FBN—HALL OF FAME-CENTENNIAL CLASS

Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue has made the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his fifth attempt. Tagliabue and former New York Giants general manager George Young made it as contributors. Ex-Dallas Cowboys safety Cliff Harris and former Cleveland receiver Mac Speedie completed the centennial class announced Wednesday. The class of 10 senior candidates, three contributors and two coaches are part of the hall's celebration of the NFL's 100th season.By Barry Wilner. SENT: About 960 words.

___

If you have stories of regional or statewide interest, please email them to [email protected]. If you have photos of regional or statewide interest, please send them to the AP state photo center in New York, 888-273-6867. For access to AP Newsroom and other technical issues, contact AP Customer Support at [email protected] or 877-836-9477.