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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During a taping of "Business Matters" at WFMZ on Wednesday, Adam and Luke Jaindl, of Jaindl Land Co., gave an update on their project at Lehigh Valley Town Center in Lower Macungie Township. -
Whitehall Township Mayor Joseph J. Marx's proposed $36.7 million 2026 budget includes a real estate tax millage increase of 0.90.
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The Lehigh Valley International Airport on Friday debuted GoodMaps, a smartphone-driven, audio guidance app for passengers with physical and emotional challenges.
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Proposals to increase the size and daily solid waste at the Grand Central Sanitary Landfill in Plainfield Township were reviewed by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission on Thursday night.
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Proposals have been received by Lehigh Valley Planning Commission for work on Route 22 project.
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The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley held groundbreaking ceremonies for its facility expansion on Wednesday in South Whitehall Township.
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The Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Wednesday held a news conference to announce yet another fan-friendly amenity — cabana seating — that will be available for the start of the 2026 season at Coca-Cola Park.
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The Bethlehem data of St. Luke’s recently completed triennial Community Health Needs Assessment was released at Nitschmann Middle School on Monday.
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The Nazareth branch of the River Crossing YMCA announced a $9 million renovation project that will begin in April 2026. The project is $1.5 million short of its goal.
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Sketch plans for an athletic complex for Allentown Central Catholic High School were reviewed by the Whitehall Township Planning Commission on Wednesday night.
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Days before Christmas, the Michael Ann & Saquon Barkley Hope Foundation teamed up with The Salvation Army and Ashley Furniture to help Allentown families recently displaced by fires. The effort provided beds, toys and essential items to children and parents.
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In its review, the LVPC said the data center proposal lacks specificity needed to fully review the project in Upper Macungie Township.
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Parkland High School's planned $68 million, five-building expansion project is expected to begin early in 2026 and be completed by August 2028.
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'Better able to save a life': New pre-hospital blood program makes EMS more equipped to help injuredA pre-hospital blood program cooperative between Allentown and Miller-Keystone Blood Center equips EMS to give blood — whole blood or components like red cells and plasma — to severely bleeding patients at the scene or in the ambulance.
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Groundbreaking for a 72-unit apartment expansion was held at Fellowship Community senior independent living in Whitehall Township on Friday.
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South Whitehall Township Planning Commission reviewed a plan for an Islamic Center along Ridgeview Drive. Members raised concerns about traffic and recommended a study.
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Community Bike Works, en Easton, celebra el 30.º aniversario de su programa Earn a Bike. Las familias de escasos recursos del Lehigh Valley pueden calificar para recibir una bicicleta inscribiéndose en línea o de forma presencial para el programa de mentoría de 24 horas.
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Community Bike Works in Easton is celebrating the 30th year of its Earn a Bike program. Low-income families from the Lehigh Valley can become eligible to get a bike by signing up online or in person for the 24-hour mentoring program.
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Lehigh Valley residents attended a state Public Utility Commission hearing on Tuesday to oppose a proposed rate increase by PPL Electric Utilities. It would be the first rate increase in almost a decade.
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Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners approved a $36.7 million budget for 2026 Monday. Several residents attended the meeting to oppose the real estate tax increase, the first in the township since 2019.
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El Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrador de los Centros de Medicare y Medicaid, habló en el Greater Lehigh Valley Healthcare Summit, mientras afuera protestaban.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, addressed the Greater Lehigh Valley Healthcare Summit on Friday. His appearance was met with protesters outside.
