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...
S.B. 56 now heads to the desk of Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican who has clamored for years now for the state to regulate, and even fully ban, intoxicating hemp products. The bill will go into effect 90 days after his signature. daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-l...
Ohio Senate votes to restrict intoxicating hemp to dispensaries, tweak recreational cannabis law
The Ohio Senate came back from its holiday break Tuesday to rubber-stamp a House-passed bill that tweaks the state’s voter-approved recreational marijuana laws and bans intoxicating hemp products from...
daytondailynews.com
December 9, 2025 at 10:28 PM
S.B. 56 now heads to the desk of Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican who has clamored for years now for the state to regulate, and even fully ban, intoxicating hemp products. The bill will go into effect 90 days after his signature. daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-l...
Is it a coincidence that Stiller wore a Dayton Dragons jacket to a basketball game the day after the @daytondailynews.com published a piece quoting critics of the Ohio film tax credit that awarded Stiller's last movie $2M to film in the Dayton region? www.daytondailynews.com/lifestyles/h...
How Ben Stiller got the Dayton Dragons jacket he wore at a New York Knicks game
The Dayton Dragons jacket Ben Stiller wore during the New York Knicks game against the Utah Jazz Dec. 5 at Madison Square Garden was courtesy of costumer designer Jessica Arthur, sister of Jake Arthur...
www.daytondailynews.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Is it a coincidence that Stiller wore a Dayton Dragons jacket to a basketball game the day after the @daytondailynews.com published a piece quoting critics of the Ohio film tax credit that awarded Stiller's last movie $2M to film in the Dayton region? www.daytondailynews.com/lifestyles/h...
Faber’s office did not respond to questions about why the state auditor agreed to the plea deal, which dropped the charges that could have removed Foley from office — charges Foley previously pleaded “no contest” to but then withdrew his plea. www.daytondailynews.com/local/clerk-...
‘I have learned from my mistakes’: Clerk of Courts Foley pleads guilty to misdemeanor charges, felony counts dropped
A visiting judge on Monday convicted Montgomery County Clerk of Courts Mike Foley on misdemeanor charges.
www.daytondailynews.com
December 9, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Faber’s office did not respond to questions about why the state auditor agreed to the plea deal, which dropped the charges that could have removed Foley from office — charges Foley previously pleaded “no contest” to but then withdrew his plea. www.daytondailynews.com/local/clerk-...
The push from Ohio Republican Sen. Moreno comes as Republicans in the House and Senate struggle to put together their own legislative plan, as Democrats made this the centerpiece of the 43-day government shutdown fight - via @jamiedupree.bsky.social www.daytondailynews.com/local/sen-mo...
Sen. Moreno tries to play dealmaker on health insurance subsidies
As Congress wrestles over what to do about expiring subsidies for Americans who buy insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act, U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno is trying this week to push his party to e...
www.daytondailynews.com
December 9, 2025 at 1:47 PM
The push from Ohio Republican Sen. Moreno comes as Republicans in the House and Senate struggle to put together their own legislative plan, as Democrats made this the centerpiece of the 43-day government shutdown fight - via @jamiedupree.bsky.social www.daytondailynews.com/local/sen-mo...
Robert DeNiro’s “The Alto Knights” was also released this year. The $13.8 million it received from the state is more than the $10 million it reportedly made at the box office. It was partially filmed in the Dayton area. daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-s...
Ohio spent $463K to bring Elf The Musical to the stage for three days
Ohio taxpayers spent nearly half a million dollars bringing Buddy the Elf to the stage for one night in Springfield and two in Akron in November.
daytondailynews.com
December 5, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Robert DeNiro’s “The Alto Knights” was also released this year. The $13.8 million it received from the state is more than the $10 million it reportedly made at the box office. It was partially filmed in the Dayton area. daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-s...
The Congressional Budget Office estimated that in a typical month, this new restriction would lead to 90,000 people becoming ineligible for SNAP nationwide. daytondailynews.com/local/refuge...
Over 1K area immigrants lose SNAP eligibility after federal budget change
More than 1,000 immigrants who are in Montgomery County legally but are not citizens lost eligibility for the federal food assistance program after the passage of the tax and spending bill President D...
daytondailynews.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:39 PM
The Congressional Budget Office estimated that in a typical month, this new restriction would lead to 90,000 people becoming ineligible for SNAP nationwide. daytondailynews.com/local/refuge...
“Andy’s Law” was sparked by the death of Andrew Lansing, a correctional officer who was allegedly assaulted and beat to death by an inmate at the high-security Ross Correctional Institution on Christmas Day last year - via @averykreemer.bsky.social daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-h...
Ohio House wants stiffer mandatory penalties for assault on correctional officers
The Ohio House has voted to approve a comprehensive prison reform bill that features new mandatory minimum sentences for assaulting correctional officers.
daytondailynews.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:38 PM
“Andy’s Law” was sparked by the death of Andrew Lansing, a correctional officer who was allegedly assaulted and beat to death by an inmate at the high-security Ross Correctional Institution on Christmas Day last year - via @averykreemer.bsky.social daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-h...
Abrupt changes in federal funding could result in more than 13,000 Ohioans losing the roofs above their heads, according to groups that combat homelessness. daytondailynews.com/local/federa...
Federal funding change could axe over 1K local permanent housing beds
Abrupt changes in federal funding could result in more than 13,000 Ohioans losing the roofs above their heads, according to groups that combat homelessness.
daytondailynews.com
December 3, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Abrupt changes in federal funding could result in more than 13,000 Ohioans losing the roofs above their heads, according to groups that combat homelessness. daytondailynews.com/local/federa...
Reposted by Josh Sweigart
Ohio Republican senators have passed a bill that would allow and put a display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. This is just one of the recent pieces of legislation that would add more Christianity to the education system.
Ohio GOP to schools: Thou shalt add the Ten Commandments
Ohio Republican senators have passed a bill that would allow and put a display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. This is just one of the recent pieces of legislation that would add more Christianity to the education system.
www.daytondailynews.com
December 2, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Ohio Republican senators have passed a bill that would allow and put a display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. This is just one of the recent pieces of legislation that would add more Christianity to the education system.
U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, says that an alleged follow-up strike against surviving boat passengers in the water after an initial strike would be illegal, if those reports are true. daytondailynews.com/local/turner...
Rep. Turner voices concerns on alleged ‘double-tap’ strike against drug boat survivors
Rep. Mike Turner says follow-up strike to fill survivors from boat attack would be an 'illegal act' for Trump administration
daytondailynews.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:41 PM
U.S. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, says that an alleged follow-up strike against surviving boat passengers in the water after an initial strike would be illegal, if those reports are true. daytondailynews.com/local/turner...
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...