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 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.
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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.
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Another energized, entertaining and successful annual meeting and awards show of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce had ended.
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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.
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Potential tractor-trailer safety issues at a proposed Fullerton Terminals distribution center near Range Road were addressed by the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners during a workshop session Monday.
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The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation have launched a $500,000 fundraising campaign to strengthen food access and deliver rapid relief to families in need.
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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.
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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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Michael Keim was elected Monday as chairman of the board of directors of Lehigh Valley Public Media. Keim is president of Univest Bank and Trust and chief operating officer of Univest Financial Corp.
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About 450 career and technical education students from the Greater Lehigh Valley competed at the SkillsUSA Council District 11 Championships at Agri-Plex at Allentown Fairgrounds on Wednesday.
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Rep. Joshua Siegel announced on Friday he will seek a second term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Siegel, 29, represents the 22nd Legislative District, which includes parts of Allentown and Salisbury Township.
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IronPigs Charities/Phillies Winter Caravan was held at ArtsQuest on Thursday night. This year’s total of $71,500 increases the overall total to more than $1.3 million since 2007. Combined with the IronPigs’ Baseball contributions, $2.4 million in cash has been raised since its inception.
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Joshua Nathaniel Colon, 22, of Bethlehem, is charged with first degree aggravated assault in the Aug. 2022 non-fatal shooting of Jathaniel Lopez at Musikfest in Bethlehem.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Ignoring repeated warnings, some Lehigh Valley motorists find themselves stranded after driving through deep roadway water.
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A severe rainstorm is expected to cause flooding that may impact roadways throughout the Lehigh Valley.
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The Rt. Rev. Hopeton Clennon, senior pastor of Central Moravian Church, has died.
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Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Macungie will celebrate the official opening of its ski season on Sunday at 9 a.m.
