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

Pennsylvania will let stores sell only 159 vape products starting Oct. 19

At Jack's Vape & Tobacco on Linden Street in Bethlehem on Saturday, glass cases were stocked with Geek Bar, Oxbar and other disposable brands not on that list.

Oct. 10, 5:16 p.m.

Pa. Supreme Court denies lawmakers’ request to extend skill games deadline

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Friday denied three lawmakers' request to extend its skill games deadline. Machines can be seized starting Wednesday, and the Legislature does not meet again until Oct. 19.

Oct. 10, 6 a.m.

Jury convicts Allentown man of first-degree murder in 2024 porch shooting

Martinez, 27, of Allentown, was also found guilty of carrying a firearm without a license. First-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life without parole, and Lehigh County Judge Robert L. Steinberg is scheduled to sentence Martinez at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 18, the DA's office said.

Oct. 9, 9:49 a.m.

Civic Theatre of Allentown opens ‘Matilda the Musical’ for 12-show run

As of Thursday night, 959 of the 1,452 seats for opening weekend were booked, as were about 2,500 of the 5,808 seats for the full run, according to Civic's online seat map. Every performance still has seats.

Oct. 8, 10:11 p.m.

Northampton County DA warns Bangor quarry cliff jumpers can be arrested

"This is not only a dangerous and potentially life-threatening activity, but individuals can be arrested and charged for this activity," Baratta said in a media release.

Oct. 8, 4:20 p.m.

Jury convicts Bethlehem man of child sex abuse at retrial

Jose Andres Torres, 32, was found guilty of statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, indecent assault, endangering the welfare of a child and corruption of minors, District Attorney Stephen G. Baratta's office announced Thursday.

Oct. 8, 2:26 p.m.

IronPigs send fans to ticket lottery for Cosmic Baseball’s 2027 return

The team promoted the lottery on Instagram Thursday morning, telling followers to comment "COSMIC" to receive the link. No game dates have been set. The team's release says dates and ticketing information "will be announced soon," and the lottery lists only "Lehigh Valley, PA | Jefferson Park | 2027."

Oct. 8, 12:03 p.m.

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