Lehigh County News

A crowd gathered — and cheered — as Luani the otter at Lehigh Valley Zoo made his Super Bowl LVII pick during the 12th annual Otter Bowl a day before the big game between the Eagles and Chiefs.

Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin said police recovered a semiautomatic handgun from the man, as well as shell casings believed to have been fired from the weapon. No officers were hurt, but a projectile nicked an officer's bulletproof vest, Martin said.

Lehigh County Coroner Dan Buglio said the official pronouncement will be completed by the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Police are stepping up DUI enforcement for Super Bowl weekend. Each year, there’s a spike in the number of car crashes immediately following the Super Bowl than what is typical for a Sunday night.

Some spoke about the need for recovery houses, and others spoke about the potential harm it could bring to the children.

Monkey Knife Fight 2023, described as “the hardest charity ride you'll ever love to hate” is happening on April Fools' Day, and that is no joke.

Parents aren't the only ones frustrated. One bus driver says students acting out causes drivers to quit, creating high turnover rates. A number of school districts are negotiating new bus driver contracts.

Students gathered to cheer for the Emmaus High School graduate who joined the Eagles at the start of the season. The team is in Arizona getting ready to play the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII.

Michelle Graupner, a South Whitehall Township Democrat, hopes to become Lehigh County's second clerk of judicial records.

St. Luke's University Health Network opened 6 pediatric specialty labs across the Lehigh Valley. The labs are designed to make children and their caregivers feel more at ease when receiving services.

A new resource for children with autism and their families opened in Bethlehem Township. The clinic offers evaluations that can lead to a diagnosis and treatment programs.

Upper Macungie Township’s newly adopted 2023 budget does not change the real estate tax.

Alleged unauthorized spending sparked the concept of the possible need, and forensic audits are typically done when there are specific allegations of misconduct, according to the district's solicitor and business manager. At least one school board member voiced early opposition to the audit.

The Grinch will be signing autographs and taking photos with shoppers amidst live music, games, gift wrapping, a photo wall and more.

Carol Birks discussed safety, learning and retention at a town hall meeting Wednesday at Hays Elementary School.

South Whitehall Township commissioners unanimously appointed Penn State University student Jacob Roth to fill their vacant position.

Lowhill Township supervisors denied a land development plan for one of three proposed warehouses in the township.

There’s solidarity brewing in Whitehall, where Lehigh County lawmakers will join local Starbucks workers at a “sip in” Tuesday afternoon. The “sip in” is the latest coordinated action in which Starbucks workers are engaging as they look to unionize themselves and their stores across the country.

Lehigh County commissioners are evaluating a proposal that would create a new program for individuals recently released from prison by engaging them before release and following them to ensure they stay employed and do not reoffend.

A driver was pulled over shortly after noon Monday, and ran into the woods before being arrested along I-78, police said.

South Whitehall Township's Board of Supervisors may appoint a new commissioner at their special meeting on Wednesday.

With winter here, drivers should be aware of a Pennsylvania law passed earlier this year that requires them to clear snow and ice off their vehicles before hitting the road.