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.
-
More than 350 young students throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley participated in a mural painting event at Lehigh Valley Children's Center in Allentown on Thursday.The completed mural will appear on an exterior wall of the new Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown. The center is slated for a May 22 opening. -
Mack Defense, a subsidiary of Mack Trucks, provides heavy duty vehicles to not only the U.S. military but allied militaries around the world. David C. Hartzell Sr., president and CEO of Mack Defense, discussed the company's commitment during a Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce event.
-
A proposed warehouse project in Allen Township was reviewed and advanced by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's Comprehensive Planning Committee on Tuesday afternoon.The committee found several issues with a proposed apartment complex in Bethlehem and a proposed mobile home park in Palmer Township.
-
Dr. Debra D. Esernio-Jenssen, a Lehigh Valley Health Network physician facing multiple lawsuits over alleged child abuse misdiagnoses, has announced her retirement. Separately, Lehigh County announced it will create a new "community centered" Child Advocacy Center.
-
When excessive rain falls, the Lehigh Valley can see flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. These area roadways are usually impacted.
-
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs will host a cat-centric promotion at their game Saturday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Lehigh Valley Humane Society.
-
The National Association of Realtors has agreed to eliminate its rules on commissions. That will have an impact on real estate professionals' fees — and perhaps supply a jolt to the tepid housing market.
-
A St. Patrick’s Day Ceremony/Irish Culture Celebration on Friday at Payrow Plaza in Bethlehem kicked off the St. Patrick's Day weekend in the Lehigh Valley.
-
The Lehigh Valley ranked first in the nation in economic development projects in 2023 than any similarly sized market, according to Site Selection magazine. The region also ranked fourth in all communities in the Northeast.
-
Purchase of an $80,000 used Mack tractor hauler, assessment of fees on credit and debit card payment and release of summer pool fees were among items discussed at the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday night.
-
The Lehigh Valley’s Gross Domestic Product grew to a record $55.7 billion in 2023, according to government data released this month.
-
The site would accommodate 30 tractor-trailer loading docks, 148 employee parking lot spaces and 44 tractor-trailer parking spaces.
-
Residents expressed anger toward the township board of commissioners for an 86% increase in annual garbage collection fees in Whitehall Township.
-
Let's Go Coffee Co. in Emmaus held its grand opening Friday. The business offers a wide selection of coffees and gluten-free baked goods.
-
Co-sponsored by the Whitehall-Coplay School District and the Zephyr Pride Foundation, the “Shop with a Cop” program teamed 23 children from less fortunate backgrounds with 26 members of law enforcement as they shopped for clothing or toys for family members.
-
In celebration of its 90th anniversary, the Allentown Art Museum this week installed on its windows on 5th Street vinyl representations of popular works from its collections.
-
Emmaus residents could see an increase in their property taxes in 2025. Emmaus Borough Council is set to discuss the proposal at its next meeting on Monday, Dec. 16.
-
A large part of the $2.6 million increase in Whitehall Township's proposed $33.7 million budget is because of the escalating cost of garbage collection.
-
One family's show of caring for another down on their luck from many years ago embodies the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
-
The eighth annual Bob Price Memorial Turkey Drive was held at Coca-Cola Park on Friday. More than 2,000 turkeys were donated by area businesses and residents to help feed those in need in the Lehigh Valley.
-
A former Plainfield Township supervisor implored the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission to review a 1988 impact study before giving its approval to a zoning amendment request to expand the Grand Central landfill operated by Waste Management.
-
Community Action Lehigh Valley celebrated its 60th anniversary of assisting low-income folks on Wednesday.
