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.
-
A Thursday morning panel discussion at Univest Public Media Center in Bethlehem focused on a new statewide report showing that early childhood care teachers earn less than $12 an hour and are planning to leave the industry for higher-paying jobs. -
Fifty-seven residents and entities in and around Lower Saucon Township received status this week to join a legal battle against the proposed expansion of the Bethlehem Landfill.
-
Lower Saucon Township residents opposing the landfill expansion who received party status are permitted to ask questions of witnesses, present evidence, make arguments, and are allowed to participate in an appeal.
-
Bethlehem Freedom High School's new Wellness Center is an area where students dealing with any type of emotional issue can go to either decompress alone and/or speak to one of four on-site therapists.
-
For a second consecutive month, Allentown Parking Authority board members heard from residents on Wednesday who complained the parking ordinances are unfair and need to be amended. Complaints ranged from a perception of unfairness and, in some instances, predatory treatment by employees issuing parking tickets.
-
The proposed new roller coaster project at Dorney Park cleared another hurdle by receiving unanimous approval from the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission on Tuesday afternoon.
-
DeSales University welcomed two members of the Pennsylvania Department of Education on Friday as it announced the state's awarding of two grants totaling nearly $200,000 to benefit projects in its education department.
-
Allentown City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved the construction of a 49-unit apartment building and parking garage on West Hamilton Street. The complex would house primary occupants 55-and-older and adults with disabilities. Representatives of the neighboring music school voiced concerns about increased traffic and the safety of students, parents, and staff.
-
The Allentown City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved plans for the construction of the Archer Music Hall on Hamilton Street.
-
Andre Reed, the Allentown native, Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver, and four-time Super Bowl participant, offers advice to Eagles' young starting quarterback Jalen Hurts on how to deal with nerves during the game.
-
The 28th annual Lights in the Parkway, an Allentown holiday tradition, will be held on the Lehigh Parkway from Friday, Nov. 29 through Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. Visitors can drive through more than a mile of enchanting holiday displays featuring between 175,000-200,000 LED lights.
-
Worries over anticipated tractor trailer traffic around a proposed distribution facility along Main Street have slowed the plan in Whitehall Township.
-
The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual meeting and awards luncheon at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem on Thursday.
-
The City of Bethlehem erected a 45-feet-high Christmas tree at Payrow Plaza on Wednesday. The annual tree-lighting ceremony will be Friday, Nov. 29.
-
Area Democrats held an election watch party at the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown.
-
Republican state Rep. Zachary Mako was well on the way to defeating Democrat Joseph Lenzi to win a fifth term representing the 183rd House District.
-
Vietnam veteran and former Steelers running back Rocky Bleier was the keynote speaker at the Lehigh Carbon Community College veterans fundraising event at Glasbern Inn in Fogelsville on Monday night.
-
The wife and sons of the late and former Allentown Fire Dept. Fire Marshal Jeffrey Tomczak had the remainder of their home mortgage paid off last week by a national organization that advocates for first responders and military veterans. Tomczak died in July from service-related cancer at age 44.
-
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at The Hamilton at Grand Plaza in Allentown on Wednesday. The eight-floor building has been transformed into condominiums for purchase and apartments for rent on Hamilton Street in the downtown area.
-
The Athena Awards were presented during a luncheon at ArtsQuest Center on Tuesday. The awards honor women who provide valuable service to improve the quality of life for others in the Lehigh Valley and who actively assist other women in realizing their full leadership potential.
-
The Interfaith Temple and The Enlightenment Circle hosted an “Embrace Unity: A Call for Peace” event at the Delta Hotel in Allentown on Monday.
-
Salisbury Township native Tim Mayza has overcome injury and being released to earning a spot on the New York Yankees' World Series roster.
