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.
-
Nearly 70 years after the late Ernest Kotsch Sr. purchased a grocery store at Third and Union streets in Whitehall Township, Kotsch's Market on MacArthur Road is closing its doors. An auction to sell the contents was held on Monday. -
The late Russell Gackenbach, of Allentown, took the first photos of the atomic bomb drop on Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945.
-
Allentown native Walt Groller learned to play the accordion at age 4 and became one of the premier polka musicians in the world.
-
Rohullah Balkhi and his family fled Afghanistan to escape the oppression of Taliban rule. As they await a decision on their application for asylum in their apartment in Bethlehem, they face devastating challenges at every turn.
-
The annual Kazoo Parade in Nazareth on Saturday celebrated America's military veterans, including Parade Grand Marshal and borough councilman Charles Donello.
-
One the first day of sweet corn sales at Newhard Farms on Friday, the lines were long and the smiles were in abundance.
-
Lehigh Valley International Airport Executive Director Thomas R. Stoudt said Tuesday he is not opposed to additional hotels being built at the airport. A Courtyard by Marriott is slated to open there late in 2025.
-
Cold Nose Lodge, the dog-training, day care and boarding facility in Alburtis, held a groundbreaking ceremony Monday for its long-planned expansion. The addition will include a larger store front, dedicated training and feeding rooms, an expanded grooming room and more office space.
-
The late William Jacob Heller founded The American Flag Manufacturing Co. in Easton in 1887, helping popularize the U.S. flag nationally. Heller is credited as being instrumental in having flags hung at schoolhouses throughout the nation.
-
The dangerously unhealthy air quality in Lehigh Valley from smoke from Canadian wildfires has residents wearing COVID masks again.
-
President Joe Biden is making his second visit to the Lehigh Valley as commander-in-chief. He stopped into Main Street businesses in Emmaus and the Allentown Fire Training Academy in Allentown.
-
Ignoring repeated warnings, some Lehigh Valley motorists find themselves stranded after driving through deep roadway water.
-
A severe rainstorm is expected to cause flooding that may impact roadways throughout the Lehigh Valley.
-
The Rt. Rev. Hopeton Clennon, senior pastor of Central Moravian Church, has died.
-
Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie will celebrate the official opening of its ski season on Sunday at 9 a.m.
-
PPL Electric Utilities offers tips to customers designed to keep them safe and warm during the winter season.
-
Due to its lease not being renewed for 2024, the Pines Dinner Theatre in Allentown will be relocating.
-
Northampton County held a swearing-in ceremony for recently elected council members, others on Tuesday.
-
As 2023 draws to a close, lehighvalleynews.com offers a retrospective of a variety of stories about people, places and things that make the Lehigh Valley special.
-
Canine experts emphasize how dangerous and, in some cases, deadly, human foods can be to dogs.
-
All but one township zoning amendment application were reviewed without issue by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Comprehensive Planning Committee on Tuesday afternoon.
-
Driven by $8.1 billion in manufacturing, the Lehigh Valley's Gross Domestic Product grew to a record $50.2 billion in 2022. The region's economy now ranks above Vermont and Wyoming.
