State News-Thursday, Nov. 27

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The contract between The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News and its largest union expires tonight. There could be a strike if no accord is reached by midnight. Union leaders could also keep their members working without a contract. The Newspaper Guild says it might agree to extend the deadline a few days.

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Skepticism is surrounding reports that Wyomissing-based Penn National Gaming is angling to take over casino giant Harrah's Entertainment Incorporated. Analysts are dismissing talk of a possible deal today, noting that Penn's market capitalization is three-point-two (b) billion, compared to Harrah's 14-point-seven (b) billion.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Governor Ed Rendell has signed a package of bills intended to toughen penalties for sex offenders who prey on children. The new law includes a measure that would make changes recommended by a Philadelphia grand jury that investigated abuse by Roman Catholic priests.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Authorities say a man suspected of robbing five women at gunpoint in Philadelphia over the past two weeks appears to have a foot fetish. They say he ordered some of the women to remove their shoes so he could touch their toes. Five women -- ages 21 to 55 -- report they've been robbed and groped by the man in the downtown area.

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) - State police say thieves took equipment for making drivers' licenses in a sophisticated burglary near Wilkes-Barre. It happened late Tuesday night at a driver license center in Hanover Township. Printers and computer equipment were taken, but there was no attempt to take money. The center is scheduled to reopen today.