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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The Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit scheduled for the Lehigh Valley next week has been postponed due to mechanical issues until later this summer. The military themed, rolling interactive museum is designed to educate the public about service and sacrifice of veterans. -
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency has issued an alert regarding an intermittent 911 outage throughout the Commonwealth.
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Mayor Matt Tuerk called on the county's president judge to “issue a public and unambiguous policy” banning ICE agents from county courthouses, a move he said would “be a major step in restoring trust in government and faith in its fairness.”
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Lehigh County Board of Commissioners have Ok'd a four-year, $34.6 million contract with PrimeCare Medical to serve inmates in their corrections facilities.
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State Senators were urged to vote to fully fund public transportation in the state budget during a rally on Thursday in Bethlehem.
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Lehigh County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday heard from angry and concerned residents regarding the procedures they believe ICE agents are using at the county courthouse.
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Video surveillance cameras will be installed at Whitehall Township parks and recreation areas in an attempt to deter vandalism.
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Whitehall Township will pay close to $900,000 for new radios for its police, fire and emergency services personnel. What hasn't been decided yet is by which means.
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Proposed federal budget cuts would impact programs such as the free summer meal program for children in the Allentown School District.
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A generous donation from a Lehigh Valley native and others funds free swim lessons for children and adults in the River Crossing YMCA's Safety Around Water, or SAW, swim education program.
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When excessive rain falls, the Lehigh Valley can see flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. These area roadways are usually impacted.
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The Lehigh Valley IronPigs will host a cat-centric promotion at their game Saturday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Lehigh Valley Humane Society.
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The National Association of Realtors has agreed to eliminate its rules on commissions. That will have an impact on real estate professionals' fees — and perhaps supply a jolt to the tepid housing market.
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A St. Patrick’s Day Ceremony/Irish Culture Celebration on Friday at Payrow Plaza in Bethlehem kicked off the St. Patrick's Day weekend in the Lehigh Valley.
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The Lehigh Valley ranked first in the nation in economic development projects in 2023 than any similarly sized market, according to Site Selection magazine. The region also ranked fourth in all communities in the Northeast.
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Purchase of an $80,000 used Mack tractor hauler, assessment of fees on credit and debit card payment and release of summer pool fees were among items discussed at the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners meeting on Monday night.
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Three elementary schools in the Lehigh Valley hosted Lehigh Valley Reads events, underscoring the importance of grade-level literacy by third grade.
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At 1 Million Cups-Lehigh Valley event in Bethlehem, prospective entrepreneurs gain knowledge to help them realize their dreams.
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The Lehigh Valley IronPigs' will offer more than 20 new and improved menu items for the 2024 season.
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Demolition began Monday on the 62-year-old Haupert Union Building at Moravian University. A $40 million student union will open in September 2025.
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Scranton-based D&D Realty Group has a tentative $9 million agreement to purchase the PPL Tower Building in Allentown, it was announced on Friday. The company has a history of transforming properties into mixed-use commercial spaces, apartments and other amenities.
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The chemical odor at Sharp Packaging Solutions that sent 54 employees to the hospital on Friday remains a mystery.
