BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A woman dying of ALS implores her caregiver husband to return to flying when she is delivered beyond the clouds.
A Christmas tree tossing contest in Bethlehem raises thousands for charity.
Special needs students learning life-changing vocational skills.
An Allentown park renamed for an ailing retired arson dog.
An Afghani family that escaped Taliban terrorism prays to be granted asylum.
These are but a few of the many humanistic stories told by the staff of lehighvalleynews.com this year.
In addition to reporting on municipal meetings, local government and holding those in power accountable, our reporters delivered a variety of stories — some offbeat and others that touched the heart and soul.
Below are links to many.
We thank you for reading and for your continued support of community-based journalism at lehighvalleynews.com.
Julian Abraham
Jan. 11: Worker trapped 8 hours underground finally freed in painstaking Allentown rescue
Nov. 21: 'I just need a little help, I don't ask for much': This Lehigh Valley food bank is serving over 1,000 turkey dinners
Jason Addy
Oct. 4:Judge's legacy: Allentown set to rename park after former Arson Dog of the Year in his final day
May 29: One by one, nearly 50 trumpeters sound taps in solemn 3-mile-long Memorial Day salute
Molly Bilinski
Sept. 11: Aliens confirmed? Not exactly, but Lehigh Valley instructor sees ‘forward momentum’ toward disclosures
Nov. 20: Meet the Lehigh Valley man who's been tracking 40 years of climate change from his backyard
Jay Bradley
May 22: Emerging high school e-sports highlight teamwork, skills — and a new horizon of competition
Aug. 20:‘A cause of frustration’: Truck traffic has tormented Alburtis. Is relief in sight?
Jim Deegan
March 19: 20 years ago, he was among the very 1st casualties of the Iraq War. ‘It just hurt so much when he was killed.’
June 17: ‘He was selfless’: Even in death, this beloved Pa. fire training instructor is still teaching
Ryan Gaylor
Oct. 15: 80 dogs for 80 years: Pack of pups help woman with Alzheimer’s celebrate sweetest of birthdays
Nov. 12: ‘Our main concern was that we’re next’: Israeli family returns to 2nd home in Lehigh Valley
Phil Gianficaro
July 4: 'Sometimes, I cry myself to sleep': An Afghan family hopes for asylum from Taliban tyranny
Oct. 1:Creating a college experience for these folks is something special
Micaela Hood
Feb. 9: Fundraising efforts at Syrian church underway for earthquake relief
Sept. 28: UFO landing: Bethlehem mayor says extraterrestrials are friendly, invites them to Festival UnBound
Olivia Marble
Aug. 12: The story of Iron Menace: How a pandemic fizzle resulted in Dorney’s big investment
Aug. 20: Pride Parade comes to Allentown for 1st time in almost 20 years
John J. Moser
ArtsQuest had a stellar 2023, as Musikfest and Christkindlmarkt had record attendance, and Oktoberfest just missed it
Aug. 21: Coca-Cola Park taking another swing at the concern business. See what’s ahead
Sarah Mueller
Aug. 18: Bethlehem students receive home visits for new school year
Oct. 2: ‘Amazingly Abled’: Salisbury High students make soap to learn life skills
Brian Myszkowski
June 23: Purr-fect ending: South Side Easton finds missing cat Mustache from Maine
Oct. 21: Drag Queen Story Hour brings puppets and pageantry to Easton Book Festival
Grace Oddo
Aug. 29:'Yule' be enjoying the speed of the holiday creep. Or not
Oct. 28: In Eagles country, Bills Backers of the Lehigh Valley support their team, as well as local causes
Will Oliver
Aug. 19: Doggie Dip Days; Pooches make a splash in Allentown
Aug. 21: For Musikfest artists Maltas Con Leche, music is something you can hear and see
Tom Shortell
Jan. 22: 40 years later, Rep. Robert Freeman still has public policy on the brain
Dec. 16: Timber! Bethlehem’s annual Christmas tree toss raises almost $2,300 for charity
Stephanie Sigafoos
Oct. 23: Pilot shares love for classic WWII-era biplane 2,000 feet above the Slate Belt
Nov. 24: There are no price tags at this Christmas tree farm, where donations help fight pediatric cancer
Brittany Sweeney
March 21: Blind musician and 2-time kidney recipient shares transplant journey
Oct. 5: Local doctor has more than 31 pairs of pink shoes for a purpose
