Editor-in-Chief

Jai Smith

Jai Smith is the founder and editor-in-chief of Lehigh Daily, an independent, reader-funded news outlet covering Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, Pennsylvania. Since launching it in June 2024, he has reported on Lehigh Valley government, development and community life, and he shoots the photos and video and builds the site himself. He has spoken on Lenfest Institute panels about local news, appeared on WHYY, and works with Free Press on Pennsylvania legislation to fund local journalism. He lives in Bethlehem.

349 articlesSince 2024

Latest from Jai Smith

BASD names Jennifer Cierech next Calypso Elementary principal

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The Bethlehem Area School District on Thursday announced the appointment of Jennifer Cierech, a longtime district educator, as the next principal of...

May 15, 2:51 p.m.

Bethlehem police investigating fiery crash at New and Elizabeth that hospitalized three

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Three people were hospitalized Thursday afternoon after a two-vehicle crash at New Street and Elizabeth Avenue tore down two utility poles, set...

May 14, 5:41 p.m.

Grandma Chicken PicaPollo opens second location on Bethlehem’s South Side

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A Dominican-style fried chicken restaurant has opened its second Lehigh Valley location on the city’s South Side, taking over a Brodhead Avenue...

May 12, 1:29 p.m.

Northampton County Council rejects Dixie Cup TIF for second time, 6-3

EASTON, Pa. — Northampton County Council on Thursday night rejected a proposed Tax Increment Financing district for the redevelopment of the former Dixie Cup factory...

May 8, 10:11 a.m.

Allentown woman arrested in fatal wrong-way DUI crash on Pennsylvania Turnpike

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — An Allentown woman charged in a fatal 2025 wrong-way crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike was taken into custody Wednesday in Northeast Philadelphia,...

May 6, 7:28 p.m.

Gerlach to host virtual town hall ahead of May 19 House District 22 primary; Tiburcio to canvass

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Allentown City Councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach will host a virtual town hall Thursday evening ahead of the May 19 Democratic primary in Pennsylvania’s...

May 6, 4:28 p.m.

Lehigh professor calls Pennsylvania’s Character.AI lawsuit a ‘practical’ first step as Lehigh Valley lawmakers back Shapiro action

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Pennsylvania has sued the artificial intelligence company Character.AI, alleging its chatbots posed as licensed psychiatrists and other medical professionals in violation of...

May 5, 6:35 p.m.

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