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.
-
Gov. Josh Shapiro was in Bethlehem on Tuesday to announce the expansion of the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Older, disabled residents can apply for rebates up to $1,000. State Rep. Steve Samuelson authored the legislation.
-
President Joe Biden spent 4.5 hours in the Lehigh Valley on Friday, touring small businesses and promoting his economic initiatives. He visited Main Street in Emmaus and met with Allentown firefighters at the Allentown Fire Training Academy.
-
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.
-
At its annual meeting, Community Action Lehigh Valley learned it will be the recipient of a $30,000 gift from a fundraiser held by the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce in February.
-
En dos semanas, 75 empresas, organizaciones e individuos aportaron $677,000 para combatir la inseguridad alimentaria en Greater Lehigh Valley.
-
In just two weeks time, 75 businesses, organizations and individuals contributed $677,000 to address food insecurity throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley.
-
The state Public Utility Commission will conduct hearings in December to gather public input on a proposed rate increase by PPL Electric Utilities Corp.
-
Palmerton Area principal Ralph Andrews has declined an offer to become Hanover Elementary School principal, according to an agenda item on tonight's Bethlehem Area School Board meeting.
-
The Downtown Allentown Alliance on Friday launched its Block by Block Ambassadors program in Center City.
-
The $68 million, five-building expansion to the existing high school at 2700 N. Cedar Creek Blvd. will be voted on for final approval by the township board of commissioners in January.
-
The debate over whether Lehigh County Commissioners can approve the formation of a Tourism Improvement District to help struggling hotels in the Lehigh Valley boils down to whether or not it would be violating state law.
-
Four surplus male bison from the Lehigh Valley Zoo will be donated to the Wildlife Restoration Foundation for transfer to a member of the InterTribal Buffalo Council in New York. The recent loss of the dominant male bison at the zoo necessitated the transfer.
-
Despite concerns over potential safety issues regarding tractor-trailer traffic near the proposed Fullerton Terminals distribution center, the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners approved the plan by a 4-3 vote on Monday.
-
Another energized, entertaining and successful annual meeting and awards show of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce had ended.
-
The Christmas tree for Bethlehem's annual display was delivered to Payrow Plaza on Wednesday. The 43-foot-tall spruce was donated by the Simoes family of Bethlehem Township.