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...
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-...
Ohio’s GOP senators emerged from a White House lunch with President Donald Trump this week fully unified in this political showdown. - via @jamiedupree.bsky.social daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-r...
Ohio Republicans stick with Trump as shutdown drags on
If national Democrats thought that Republicans in Congress would crack under the political weight of a government shutdown, there’s little evidence of that on Capitol Hill. Ohio’s GOP senators emerged...
daytondailynews.com
October 23, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Ohio’s GOP senators emerged from a White House lunch with President Donald Trump this week fully unified in this political showdown. - via @jamiedupree.bsky.social daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-r...
The mayor’s position is considered part-time and pays about $86,500 annually. The city has about 1,900 employees and a general fund budget of about $230 million. Dayton is the sixth largest city in Ohio. daytondailynews.com/local/dayton...
Dayton Mayor’s race: Candidates have different visions, priorities for the city
Although they sit just a few feet apart on the dais at City Hall, Mayor Jeffrey Mims Jr. and city Commissioner Shenise Turner-Sloss sometimes seem worlds apart on issues and what they think is best fo...
daytondailynews.com
October 23, 2025 at 12:33 PM
The mayor’s position is considered part-time and pays about $86,500 annually. The city has about 1,900 employees and a general fund budget of about $230 million. Dayton is the sixth largest city in Ohio. daytondailynews.com/local/dayton...
The update is necessary, attorney Charles Rowland of Dayton DUI told this outlet, because the state’s current testing procedures for a motorists’ THC content can find them guilty of driving impaired even if they haven’t ingested marijuana in a month. daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-s...
Ohio Senate votes to change how drivers are tested for marijuana-related OVIs
The Ohio Senate has unanimously approved a bill that would update the state’s OVI laws when it comes to marijuana.
daytondailynews.com
October 21, 2025 at 1:32 PM
The update is necessary, attorney Charles Rowland of Dayton DUI told this outlet, because the state’s current testing procedures for a motorists’ THC content can find them guilty of driving impaired even if they haven’t ingested marijuana in a month. daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-s...
The summer’s high-profile assassinations of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and conservative commentator Charlie Kirk hit close to home for Ohio’s state lawmakers, some of whom had added security details after Hortman was killed. daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-l...
Ohio lawmakers deal with threats, decry political violence
daytondailynews.com
October 20, 2025 at 3:21 PM
The summer’s high-profile assassinations of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and conservative commentator Charlie Kirk hit close to home for Ohio’s state lawmakers, some of whom had added security details after Hortman was killed. daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-l...
Officials with the clerk of courts office claim Foley filed civil protection orders against former employee Tyler Starline (a former Huber Heights councilman) and activist David Esrati (a former congressional candidate) over alleged murder threats. daytondailynews.com/local/clerk-...
Clerk of courts alleges murder plots by witness in criminal case against him, local activist
Officials with the Montgomery County Clerk of Courts allege death threats were made against Clerk of Courts Mike Foley by a main witness in the state’s ongoing criminal case against Foley and by a com...
daytondailynews.com
October 20, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Officials with the clerk of courts office claim Foley filed civil protection orders against former employee Tyler Starline (a former Huber Heights councilman) and activist David Esrati (a former congressional candidate) over alleged murder threats. daytondailynews.com/local/clerk-...
If you are impacted by the shutdown, we would like to hear from you. Please fill out our survey. daytondailynews.com/local/are-yo...
Are you impacted by the federal shutdown? We want to hear from you
We know from our previous reporting that federal, civilian employment makes up a huge share of our local workforce. And as the shutdown drags on, many of them aren’t getting paid.
daytondailynews.com
October 18, 2025 at 3:51 PM
If you are impacted by the shutdown, we would like to hear from you. Please fill out our survey. daytondailynews.com/local/are-yo...
What exactly is intoxicating hemp, and how is it different than products that were legalized with the passage of the Issue 2 recreational marijuana measure? Here’s what you need to know. daytondailynews.com/local/intoxi...
Intoxicating hemp: What is it and why are state officials, businesses concerned?
Ohioans are still able to have and use “intoxicating” hemp, and measures by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s administration to temporarily halt the sale of these products are up in the air.
daytondailynews.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:47 PM
What exactly is intoxicating hemp, and how is it different than products that were legalized with the passage of the Issue 2 recreational marijuana measure? Here’s what you need to know. daytondailynews.com/local/intoxi...
Ray Marcano: "The city should meet with local leaders to discuss whether to call in the National Guard in the most dangerous neighborhoods.: www.daytondailynews.com/ideas-voices...
MARCANO: Dayton violence discussion needs to include all options, including calling in National Guard
Legaci Deshawn Taylor won’t experience her first crush. She’ll never feel the heartache of early love. She won’t graduate from college, land her dream job, and gently cuddle with her children.
www.daytondailynews.com
October 16, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Ray Marcano: "The city should meet with local leaders to discuss whether to call in the National Guard in the most dangerous neighborhoods.: www.daytondailynews.com/ideas-voices...
School districts that rarely see a contested race and historically have had to appoint people to the board to meet their numbers are now seeing more people campaigning than open seats. We asked 162 school board candidates why they are running. daytondailynews.com/local/what-d...
What drives someone to run for school board? Report cards, taxes, ‘woke ideology’: Election 2025
Races for area boards of education are among the most competitive in the Nov. 4 election, with seven or more candidates vying for three or four open seats on school boards in Montgomery, Greene, Butle...
daytondailynews.com
October 16, 2025 at 1:16 PM
School districts that rarely see a contested race and historically have had to appoint people to the board to meet their numbers are now seeing more people campaigning than open seats. We asked 162 school board candidates why they are running. daytondailynews.com/local/what-d...
Politicians love announcing major groundbreakings for employers who say they will create thousands of good paying jobs. But those press conferences come at a price. @thomasgnau.bsky.social looked into whether billions in Ohio incentive programs pay off. daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-g...
Ohio gives companies billions in tax breaks. It it worth it? 7 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
October 13, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Politicians love announcing major groundbreakings for employers who say they will create thousands of good paying jobs. But those press conferences come at a price. @thomasgnau.bsky.social looked into whether billions in Ohio incentive programs pay off. daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-g...
“The absolute goal is to chill the ability of the public to get information when it comes to law enforcement and police violence, plain and simple. They want to restrict that access and make it as difficult as possible,” a local attorney said. daytondailynews.com/local/after-...
After $7M jail death payout, sheriff’s office to charge up to $750 for jail video
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Dayton Police Department are both charging for labor costs to produce most video records requests — $75 per hour, the maximum permitted under an Ohio law tha...
daytondailynews.com
October 13, 2025 at 12:36 PM
“The absolute goal is to chill the ability of the public to get information when it comes to law enforcement and police violence, plain and simple. They want to restrict that access and make it as difficult as possible,” a local attorney said. daytondailynews.com/local/after-...