Josh Sweigart
@joshsweigart.bsky.social
I'm an investigative reporter and editor for the Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun and Journal-News of Butler County. I coordinate our investigative and solutions-driven coverage. DMs are open for news tips. Support local journalism!
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Josh Sweigart
@joshsweigart.bsky.social
· Dec 30
13 Dayton Daily News investigations that had an impact in 2024
Editor’s note: Every Sunday Josh Sweigart, editor of investigations and solutions journalism, brings you the top stories from the Dayton Daily News and major stories over the past week you may have mi...
daytondailynews.com
I couldn’t be prouder of the investigative journalism the @daytondailynews produced in 2024. Work by our reporters revealed shared challenges and sought solutions, held the powerful accountable and gave a voice to the people. daytondailynews.com/local/13-day...
An amendment to a federal appropriations bill working its way through Congress would pressure the U.S. DOJ to explain what it’s doing to address concerns about illegal labor practices by automotive glass producers tied to the Chinese Communist Party. daytondailynews.com/local/whats-...
What’s going on with Fuyao investigation? Congress wants to know
An amendment to a federal appropriations bill working its way through Congress would pressure the Department of Justice to explain what it’s doing to address concerns about illegal labor practices by ...
daytondailynews.com
November 22, 2025 at 3:41 PM
An amendment to a federal appropriations bill working its way through Congress would pressure the U.S. DOJ to explain what it’s doing to address concerns about illegal labor practices by automotive glass producers tied to the Chinese Communist Party. daytondailynews.com/local/whats-...
The Ohio Senate passed a package of property tax reform measures on Wednesday that total roughly $3.8 billion in tax credits and school and local government revenue reductions. journal-news.com/news/ohio-pr...
Ohio property tax reform: Legislation passed gives nearly $3.8B in reductions
Ohio property owners could see lower tax bills next year as lawmakers passed a slew of legislation aimed at addressing concerns about rapid property tax increases in recent years.
journal-news.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:37 PM
The Ohio Senate passed a package of property tax reform measures on Wednesday that total roughly $3.8 billion in tax credits and school and local government revenue reductions. journal-news.com/news/ohio-pr...
A @journalnews.bsky.social investigation found Middletown city leaders are not enforcing city ordinances meant to hold owners of downtown vacant properties accountable. journal-news.com/news/middlet...
Middletown’s vacant property law unenforced, stalling downtown revitalization
When Mica Glaser-Jones and her husband purchased The Windamere in 2015, they were “full of hope and optimism” for downtown Middletown’s revitalization.
journal-news.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:44 PM
A @journalnews.bsky.social investigation found Middletown city leaders are not enforcing city ordinances meant to hold owners of downtown vacant properties accountable. journal-news.com/news/middlet...
The head of St. Vincent de Paul in Springfield says she asked Sen. Husted's office whether Haitians with asylum or asylum status pending when TPS expires would be “safe” from enforcement and was told, “... no, they’re not going to be safe here.” springfieldnewssun.com/local/tps-en...
TPS ending could spark aggressive immigration action in Springfield, advocates say
Immigration enforcement may be forceful in Springfield when Temporary Protected Status for Haitians ends in February, local advocates alledge.
springfieldnewssun.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:09 PM
The head of St. Vincent de Paul in Springfield says she asked Sen. Husted's office whether Haitians with asylum or asylum status pending when TPS expires would be “safe” from enforcement and was told, “... no, they’re not going to be safe here.” springfieldnewssun.com/local/tps-en...
Wright State University is poised to spend more than $2.2 million in legal expenses in its yearslong legal fight against its own former research funding arm, according to records obtained by the @daytondailynews.com daytondailynews.com/local/wsu-co...
WSU could spend $2.2M on lawsuit with former research arm
Wright State University is poised to spend more than $2.2 million in legal expenses in its yearslong legal fight against its own former research funding arm, according to records obtained by the Dayto...
daytondailynews.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Wright State University is poised to spend more than $2.2 million in legal expenses in its yearslong legal fight against its own former research funding arm, according to records obtained by the @daytondailynews.com daytondailynews.com/local/wsu-co...
In November 2024, the grace period Ohio lawmakers want to eliminate allowed for 241 ballots to be counted in Butler County, 57 ballots to be counted in Clark County and 250 in Montgomery County, according to the local boards of elections. daytondailynews.com/local/hundre...
Ohio’s four day post-election grace period is on the chopping block following Senate vote
The Ohio House is set to consider a GOP-backed bill that would eliminate the state’s four-day, post-election grace period for mail-in absentee ballots to get delivered, a period that allowed hundreds ...
daytondailynews.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:18 PM
In November 2024, the grace period Ohio lawmakers want to eliminate allowed for 241 ballots to be counted in Butler County, 57 ballots to be counted in Clark County and 250 in Montgomery County, according to the local boards of elections. daytondailynews.com/local/hundre...
At the @daytondailynews.com we believe everyone deserves a place at the table. Giving to Valley Food Relief helps make that possible. Your gift doesn’t just provide food — it tells our neighbors they are valued, seen, and heard. daytondailynews.com/local/donate...
Donate to Valley Food Relief to help those hungry in our community
Dear Reader,
daytondailynews.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:44 PM
At the @daytondailynews.com we believe everyone deserves a place at the table. Giving to Valley Food Relief helps make that possible. Your gift doesn’t just provide food — it tells our neighbors they are valued, seen, and heard. daytondailynews.com/local/donate...
This story was updated to reflect that the federal intoxicating hemp ban did pass, and reaction from Ohio cannabis industry reps: daytondailynews.com/local/federa...
Federal budget bill’s intoxicating hemp ban will ‘significantly’ impact Ohio’s plan, GOP leader says
Ohio legislative leaders say they’ll be forced to change course on the route to regulate intoxicating hemp in the state, following a provision in the federal budget bill passed this week that places n...
daytondailynews.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:15 PM
This story was updated to reflect that the federal intoxicating hemp ban did pass, and reaction from Ohio cannabis industry reps: daytondailynews.com/local/federa...
The former employee's attorney accuses Clerk Mike Foley of attempting to “weaponize the court system” ahead of Starline testifying in Foley’s criminal trial next month. daytondailynews.com/local/montgo...
Montgomery County clerk of courts drops protection order requests against former employee, activist
Montgomery County Clerk of Courts Mike Foley’s civil protection order petition against two local men has been dismissed, according to court records.
daytondailynews.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:13 PM
The former employee's attorney accuses Clerk Mike Foley of attempting to “weaponize the court system” ahead of Starline testifying in Foley’s criminal trial next month. daytondailynews.com/local/montgo...
Carey said she isn’t sure when she’ll see a full payment, but she doesn’t feel like her government officials “care about the little people.”
“They continue to be paid, build ballrooms and eat while other people are hungry,” she said. www.daytondailynews.com/local/local-...
“They continue to be paid, build ballrooms and eat while other people are hungry,” she said. www.daytondailynews.com/local/local-...
Local families receiving partial SNAP benefits: ‘I’ve been so stressed’
Local residents who received their partial food assistance payments on Wednesday said they felt both surprised and relieved by payments that appeared on their EBT cards.
www.daytondailynews.com
November 12, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Carey said she isn’t sure when she’ll see a full payment, but she doesn’t feel like her government officials “care about the little people.”
“They continue to be paid, build ballrooms and eat while other people are hungry,” she said. www.daytondailynews.com/local/local-...
“They continue to be paid, build ballrooms and eat while other people are hungry,” she said. www.daytondailynews.com/local/local-...
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services announced Monday that it would start sending out payments up to 65% of a household’s normal maximum allotment as early as today. www.daytondailynews.com/local/first-...
First partial SNAP benefits go to Ohioans today as legal fight continues
The first partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments are expected to begin today as a legal fight continues in the U.S. Supreme Court and a political fight continues to end the governm...
www.daytondailynews.com
November 12, 2025 at 3:31 PM
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services announced Monday that it would start sending out payments up to 65% of a household’s normal maximum allotment as early as today. www.daytondailynews.com/local/first-...
The @daytondailynews.com analyzed federal lobbying disclosure forms to see who from our area is buying influence in the nation’s capital. Here are 5 key takeaways from our reporting. daytondailynews.com/local/local-...
Local companies, governments spend big on D.C. lobbyists: 5 key takeaways from our reporting
Editor’s note: Every Sunday Josh Sweigart, editor of investigations and solutions journalism, brings you the top stories from the Dayton Daily News and major stories over the past week you may have mi...
daytondailynews.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:47 PM
The @daytondailynews.com analyzed federal lobbying disclosure forms to see who from our area is buying influence in the nation’s capital. Here are 5 key takeaways from our reporting. daytondailynews.com/local/local-...
Rep Turner on shutdown: ‘We need to have government working’; @greglandsman.bsky.social opposes deal daytondailynews.com/local/rep-tu...
Rep. Turner on shutdown: ‘We need to have government working’; Landsman opposes deal
U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, said Monday he looks forward to voting to reopen the government as the U.S. Senate works through a deal between Republicans and a group of Democrats.
daytondailynews.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Rep Turner on shutdown: ‘We need to have government working’; @greglandsman.bsky.social opposes deal daytondailynews.com/local/rep-tu...
The emerging agreement in Congress to end a record federal government shutdown also includes a $30 million project at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base sought by both of Ohio’s senators and Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton - via @jamiedupree.bsky.social daytondailynews.com/local/federa...
Federal shutdown deal includes new Wright-Patterson lab project
The emerging agreement in Congress to end a record federal government shutdown also includes a $30 million project at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base sought by both of Ohio’s senators and Rep. Mike Tu...
daytondailynews.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:42 PM
The emerging agreement in Congress to end a record federal government shutdown also includes a $30 million project at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base sought by both of Ohio’s senators and Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton - via @jamiedupree.bsky.social daytondailynews.com/local/federa...
Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, told reporters this week he expects the legislature to come up with a permanent solution before lawmakers take Thanksgiving break, “so we can get it to the governor and we’ll have that issue settled.” daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-l...
Ohio lawmakers eye intoxicating hemp fix, cannabis law update before Thanksgiving
Ohio lawmakers are eyeing a quick and permanent legislative fix to the oft-criticized unregulated sale of intoxicating hemp products in the state after a series of shifts have thrown the legality of t...
daytondailynews.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman, R-Lima, told reporters this week he expects the legislature to come up with a permanent solution before lawmakers take Thanksgiving break, “so we can get it to the governor and we’ll have that issue settled.” daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-l...
Here’s a look at how nine institutions with local ties are spending their money on formal federal lobbying efforts, and what they want. - via @davelevinthal.com daytondailynews.com/local/whos-p...
Who’s paying to influence D.C.? What local governments and companies are spending on lobbyists
WASHINGTON — With the nation embroiled in inter-party warfare and constantly rocked by the Trump administration’s unprecedented political changes, corporations, business groups, educational institutio...
daytondailynews.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Here’s a look at how nine institutions with local ties are spending their money on formal federal lobbying efforts, and what they want. - via @davelevinthal.com daytondailynews.com/local/whos-p...
Area voters decided multiple consequential races and issues on Tuesday. Here are the main takeaways. daytondailynews.com/local/electi...
Election 2025: Key takeaways from Tuesday’s local elections
Area voters decided multiple consequential races and issues on Tuesday.
daytondailynews.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Area voters decided multiple consequential races and issues on Tuesday. Here are the main takeaways. daytondailynews.com/local/electi...
Here is a copy of the proposed map and analysis on how it impacts southwest Ohio: daytondailynews.com/local/spring...
Springfield, Middletown, Troy could change congressional districts in map voted on today
The Ohio Redistricting Commission is scheduled to vote today on a new congressional map that, if passed, would cement congressional districts through 2030.
daytondailynews.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Here is a copy of the proposed map and analysis on how it impacts southwest Ohio: daytondailynews.com/local/spring...
The thaw in trade relations between the world’s two largest economies comes after after months of trade-issue turmoil and found U.S. soybean farmers uncertain if they would have a way to sell this year’s crop. daytondailynews.com/local/area-f...
Area farmers react to China’s pledge to buy U.S. soybeans
Area farmers say they hope a new deal that will see China purchase U.S. soybeans again for at least the next three years will mean the end of economic uncertainty.
daytondailynews.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:01 PM
The thaw in trade relations between the world’s two largest economies comes after after months of trade-issue turmoil and found U.S. soybean farmers uncertain if they would have a way to sell this year’s crop. daytondailynews.com/local/area-f...
DeWine will sign an executive order directing ODJFS to give $7 million to several Ohio food banks and up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits to more than 63,000 Ohioans who are at or below 50% of the federal poverty level. daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-t...
Ohio to use up to $25M for food assistance during federal SNAP delay
Ohio will provide up to $25 million in support for food assistance to help families that may soon be affected by the anticipated suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.
daytondailynews.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:36 PM
DeWine will sign an executive order directing ODJFS to give $7 million to several Ohio food banks and up to $18 million in emergency relief benefits to more than 63,000 Ohioans who are at or below 50% of the federal poverty level. daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-t...
“A Jeep plant in Toledo is being expanded by Stellantis because of tariffs,” Moreno told reporters off the Senate floor. “Why the heck would we ever reverse that? That’s insane.” - via @jamiedupree.bsky.social www.daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-s...
Ohio senators Husted, Moreno defend Trump tariffs as some Republicans defect
Even as President Donald Trump was announcing trade deals during a trip to Asia, there were signs of dissent bubbling back on Capitol Hill among Republicans over Trump’s use of tariffs, as the Senate ...
www.daytondailynews.com
October 30, 2025 at 5:57 PM
“A Jeep plant in Toledo is being expanded by Stellantis because of tariffs,” Moreno told reporters off the Senate floor. “Why the heck would we ever reverse that? That’s insane.” - via @jamiedupree.bsky.social www.daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-s...
Ohio lawmakers vote down proposal to cover federal food stamp lapse with state funds daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-l...
Ohio lawmakers vote down proposal to cover federal food stamp lapse with state funds
Ohio lawmakers on Wednesday contemplated authorizing the state to pay for food stamps and other federal subsidies before federal funding lapses on Nov. 1, though ultimately nothing was done.
daytondailynews.com
October 29, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Ohio lawmakers vote down proposal to cover federal food stamp lapse with state funds daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-l...
Nearly 150,000 area residents are at risk of their food assistance being cut off if the federal government shutdown drags into November. And the shutdown could impact health education and child care services - via @sydneydawes.bsky.social daytondailynews.com/local/food-c...
Food, childcare aid for 150K area residents in jeopardy as federal shutdown drags on
With no end in sight to the government shutdown, three federal programs could see a halt to funding that provides food, health education and childcare services to thousands of local residents.
daytondailynews.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Nearly 150,000 area residents are at risk of their food assistance being cut off if the federal government shutdown drags into November. And the shutdown could impact health education and child care services - via @sydneydawes.bsky.social daytondailynews.com/local/food-c...
Area school board candidates in the Nov. 4 election sought and received endorsements from a national conservative political organization intent on wiping DEI and critical race theory teachings from public school classrooms, among other goals. daytondailynews.com/local/state-...
State, national PACs play role in local school board races
Five area school board candidates in the Nov. 4 election sought and received endorsements from a national conservative political organization intent on wiping DEI and critical race theory teachings fr...
daytondailynews.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Area school board candidates in the Nov. 4 election sought and received endorsements from a national conservative political organization intent on wiping DEI and critical race theory teachings from public school classrooms, among other goals. daytondailynews.com/local/state-...
“These threats are serious against my life,” Foley told a judge. “I’m scared for myself and my family. I shouldn’t have to look over my shoulder at the court, at my house, or when I’m out in public.” See the video here: daytondailynews.com/local/video-...
VIDEO: Clerk of Courts says he fears for his life, family’s safety
Two petitions for civil protection orders for the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts will be addressed at a hearing in Dayton next week, with two emergency requests — filed after the public official sa...
daytondailynews.com
October 23, 2025 at 7:59 PM
“These threats are serious against my life,” Foley told a judge. “I’m scared for myself and my family. I shouldn’t have to look over my shoulder at the court, at my house, or when I’m out in public.” See the video here: daytondailynews.com/local/video-...