Former Sandusky lawyer chargedHARRISBURG — A lawyer who represented former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky at trial faces new tax-related criminal charges in federal court.The U.S. attorney’s office in Harrisburg said Wednesday that 42-year-old Karl Rominger was charged with attempted tax evasion and failure to file a federal tax return.Prosecutors say charges against the former attorney from Carlisle cover the years 2006 to 2012.He signed a plea agreement last month that’s pending before a judge.

2 former Turnpike workers in troubleHARRISBURG — Prosecutors say two former Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission workers stole hundreds of dollars, falsified work hours and used state vehicles for personal use.Prosecutors say the agency watched two construction managers last year and saw them submit fake time reports and false meal reimbursements. They say the pair also used Turnpike vehicles for personal use.Prosecutors say Sharie Sacco received nearly $6,000 for work she never performed and Stephen Dombek was caught falsifying time reports for more than $2,000 in pay.Sacco worked at the commission’s Quakertown maintenance facility. Dombek worked in Lehigh and Luzerne Counties.Both were charged on Wednesday with tampering with public records, theft, and related offenses. Both are free on $20,000 bail.

Therapy chickens allowed to remainGREENSBURG — A town has decided not to evict a teenage girl’s four pet chickens that her parents say are emotional support animals.Hempfield Township’s zoning board said Tuesday the 15-year-old girl’s two hens and two roosters could stay as long as her parents give up other chickens that live at the home.The family had about 25 chickens living at their home until April, when neighbors complained about the birds. David Downing said the family has reduced their flock to less than 10 and is willing to give away all but the four that live with his daughter.He said his daughter suffers from anxiety and depression and she turns to them for comfort.

Republicans ponder gambling expansionHARRISBURG — Pennsylvania House Republicans are counting votes to see whether there is enough support to revive legislation to expand casino-style gambling to airports, bars, off-track betting parlors and casino-run websites.Republicans said Wednesday that another floor vote could happen next week. The legislation was defeated last month.Republicans tout the legislation as a way to generate money in new gambling taxes to help plug a deficit without raising taxes.