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 Lehigh Valley Planning Commission on Thursday voted to accept recommendations of its Comprehensive Planning Committee for a Bethlehem apartment complex and three area warehouses. -
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.
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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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The Coalition for Appropriate Transportation moved into a 2,500-square-foot space at the new Walnut Street parking garage in Bethlehem. Advocates say it will enhance the alternative transportation cooperative's outreach and mission.
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Residents of South Whitehall Township voiced their opposition to a proposed 5-million-square-foot data center near Parkland High School.
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La instalación de 15,100 pies cuadrados se construiría en terrenos consolidados en 1415 y 1425 Lehigh St.
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The 15,100-square-foot facility would be constructed in consolidated lots at 1415 and 1425 Lehigh St.
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A total of 44 one- and two-bedroom apartments will be offered at the Walnut Street location.
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The project would consist of a Lehigh Valley Health Network medical facility and 190 residential units near Lehigh Street and MacArthur Road.
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As America approaches its 250th birthday in 2026, we take a look back at the role Allentown played in hiding the Liberty Bell from British troops during the Revolutionary War.
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Jessica "Jess" Lee, 67, served PBS39 viewers in the Lehigh Valley for nearly a half-century. The Bethlehem native and Liberty High alum died Thursday after a battle with cancer. She joined the station in 1980.
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Subclade K, the new flu variant, emerged after U.S. pharmaceutical companies developed their vaccines for the current flu season.
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Taylor Stakes and Lee Christman were sworn in as new board members.
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Lehigh County Commissioner Geoff Brace was re-elected as board chairman for a sixth year during the commissioners' reorganization meeting Monday.
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Families of children who are patients at Lehigh Valley Health Network were treated to a toy giveaway on Tuesday morning.
