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 national nonprofit organization, Homes For Our Troops, donated a home to Easton native, retired Marine Corps Cpl. Lasko, on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Wind Gap. Cpl. Lasko lost part of his left leg and sustained a traumatic brain injury during an explosion in Afghanistan in 2004. -
Contrasting points of view are at issue with the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's decision to relocate its headquarters.
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A Northampton County Judge found the Tally Ho Tavern to have implemented necessary remedies to past violations, thereby reversing a ruling by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board denying renewal of its liquor license.
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Allentown City Council unanimously voted on Wednesday night to approve Mayor Matt Tuerk’s ordinance to appropriate $10,000 for an analysis of the embattled parking authority.
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Allentown City Planning Commission on Tuesday gave preliminary final approval for a proposed five-story, 140-room boutique hotel, with ground-bar and restaurant at 949 Hamilton St.
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The Allentown Zoning Hearing Board unanimously approved the demolition of existing buildings at 949-959 Hamilton St. in the Downtown West section of the city, where a five-story hotel, bar and restaurant are planned.
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Richard M. Bodner testified on Friday to the safety measures implemented not only to the existing Bethlehem Landfill but its proposed expansion in Lower Saucon Township.
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Northampton County is approved to join other municipalities and residents who have a legal standing in opposing the proposed landfill in Lower Saucon Township.
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The first of the five championship events at Saucon Valley will be the 2026 U.S. Junior Amateur, followed by the 2032 U.S. Senior Open, 2038 U.S. Women’s Amateur, the 2042 U.S. Senior Open, and the 2051 U.S. Amateur. The U.S. Women's Amateur event will be a first for the club.
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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.
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Residents near a planned land development apartment project on Township Line Road have concerns over potential environmental impacts and increased traffic.
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The Linden Street two-way conversion project was reviewed favorably by the Bethlehem Planning Commission on Thursday night.
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'It's just too tall': Concerns raised over 7-story apartment building in Bethlehem Historic DistrictNo vote was taken Wednesday by the Bethlehem Historic Architectural Review Board on the proposed seven-story, mixed-use building planned for the Historic District.
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Allentown received $1.5 million in grants from the Lehigh Valley Transportation Study to address transportation safety and carbon emissions in the city.
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Fellowship Community's revised sewage facilities plan for its expansion project can be submitted to the state for approval, Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners voted Monday.
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Changes in fare collection are coming this month for LANTA bus riders in the Lehigh Valley.
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Two baby kangaroos from a Central Pennsylvania farm entertained residents at Fellowship Community retirement community in Whitehall Township on Friday.
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Two phases of the Ridge Farms land development project were given extensions by the South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners.
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Six entrepreneurs pitched their projects to judges during StartUp Lehigh Valley event at Musikfest Cafe on Tuesday night.
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Allentown's 111th annual Romper Day celebration was held at J. Birney Crum Stadium on Monday night. About 400 students who participated in the summer playground program exhibited skills including dance and calisthenics.
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Food, drinks, music and an act of kindness kicked off the 42nd Musikfest on Friday night. The 10-day, free music festival will run through Aug. 10.
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Rain stayed away to the delight of visitors on Musikfest Preview Night. The 10-day, free music festival celebrates its 42nd year in Bethlehem.
