Phil Gianficaro
General Assignment ReporterA native of northeastern Pennsylvania, I've been a journalist for more than four decades. I've reported on events like the pope's visit and the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, local appearances by Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, covered the Flyers in the Stanley Cup finals, and the Eagles in the playoffs. However, the stories that have touched me most involve ordinary folks in our community. A 12-year-old boy getting the better of cancer; Holocaust survivors sharing horror stories they know the world needs to hear again and again; a little girl from Bucks County who grew up to become Miss America. These are the stories I'm committed to finding and sharing with our readers. About me: Married with a son and a daughter in college. Golf when I can. Morning coffee's a must; Favorite quote from my late mother: "There are givers and takers in this world, which do you want to be?" Contact me at PhilG@lehighvalleynews.com or 267-222-0540.
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A land developer's request of the DEP to have Lowhill Township amend its sewage plan was viewed unfavorably during a project review by a committee of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. -
Cedar Crest College held ribbon-cutting ceremonies at its $2.5 million, all-weather turf softball field on Friday.
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United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain and U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, PA-07, will headline a rally to help elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 10:30 a.m. in Allentown.
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A proposal to build 73 apartments at the Fellowship Community senior living community received final approval from the Whitehall Township Planning Commission on Wednesday night.
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At a Miller-Keystone Blood Center event in Allentown on Wednesday night, Sofia Groves thanked blood donors whose generosity helped save her life.
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A local Wreaths Across America organization is seeking donations so it can purchase and place 1,700 wreaths on the graves of veterans at Resurrection Cemetery in Wescosville.
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Community commemorations of the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel were held in the Lehigh Valley on Monday night. The message was for the release of more than 100 hostages.
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Despite it being a Republican hotbed, Democratic challenger Joseph Lenzi believes he can defeat incumbent Rep. Zachary Mako in the 183rd District.
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Occasional light drizzle did nothing to keep the crowd away from the opening night of the 14th Oktoberfest at SteelStacks on Friday night. The festival runs through the weekend and again Oct. 11-13.
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The Lehigh Valley Manufacturing Forum on Thursday in Allentown served as a premier event for manufacturing professionals, suppliers, service providers, and stakeholders to discuss the evolving landscape, challenges and opportunities within the Lehigh Valley's thriving manufacturing sector.
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Days before Christmas, the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation teamed up with The Salvation Army and Ashley Furniture to help Allentown families recently displaced by fires. The effort provided beds, toys and essential items to children and parents.
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In its review, the LVPC said the data center proposal lacks specificity needed to fully review the project in Upper Macungie Township.
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Parkland High School's planned $68 million, five-building expansion project is expected to begin early in 2026 and be completed by August 2028.
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'Better able to save a life': New pre-hospital blood program makes EMS more equipped to help injuredA pre-hospital blood program cooperative between Allentown and Miller-Keystone Blood Center equips EMS to give blood — whole blood or components like red cells and plasma — to severely bleeding patients at the scene or in the ambulance.
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Groundbreaking for a 72-unit apartment expansion was held at Fellowship Community senior independent living in Whitehall Township on Friday.
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South Whitehall Township Planning Commission reviewed a plan for an Islamic Center along Ridgeview Drive. Members raised concerns about traffic and recommended a study.
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Community Bike Works, en Easton, celebra el 30.º aniversario de su programa Earn a Bike. Las familias de escasos recursos del Lehigh Valley pueden calificar para recibir una bicicleta inscribiéndose en línea o de forma presencial para el programa de mentoría de 24 horas.
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Community Bike Works in Easton is celebrating the 30th year of its Earn a Bike program. Low-income families from the Lehigh Valley can become eligible to get a bike by signing up online or in person for the 24-hour mentoring program.
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Lehigh Valley residents attended a state Public Utility Commission hearing on Tuesday to oppose a proposed rate increase by PPL Electric Utilities. It would be the first rate increase in almost a decade.
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Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners approved a $36.7 million budget for 2026 Monday. Several residents attended the meeting to oppose the real estate tax increase, the first in the township since 2019.
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El Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrador de los Centros de Medicare y Medicaid, habló en el Greater Lehigh Valley Healthcare Summit, mientras afuera protestaban.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, addressed the Greater Lehigh Valley Healthcare Summit on Friday. His appearance was met with protesters outside.
