5 stories to follow: Dec. 12

Here's your daily look at five stories we're following:

1. N.J. cop's disability: A former New Jersey Transit police officer is collecting a police disability pension of nearly $46,000 per year after a staple injury to his hand led to a ruling that he was "totally and permanently disabled" and no longer able to handle a gun or perform other job duties. But a video of Christopher Onesti, now a Drexel Hill resident, at a firing range has surfaced, raising questions about the disability payments.

2. Child-protection bills: A package of bills meant to bolster Pennsylvania's child-protection laws is now headed to Gov. Corbett after legislators approved the measures Wednesday.

3. Cell phones on flights: The Federal Communications Commission officially starts debate today over whether to permit phone calls on planes. The agency has banned in-flight calls for decades.

4. Out-of-state medical pot: A bill that would allow New Jersey residents to buy edible medical marijuana from licensed out-of-state dispensaries is slated to be introduced in the New Jersey Assembly today.

5. Villanova prof's slaying: Philadelphia police are investigating the slaying of a retired Villanova University astronomy and astrophysics professor. Carol Ambruster was found stabbed to death in her Germantown apartment, and police say they are still searching for solid leads.