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 26
15 Dayton Daily News investigations that had an impact in 2025
Dayton Daily News reporters delivered hard-hitting investigations in 2025, holding powerful people and institutions accountable, watching your tax dollars and helping you understand what’s really goin...
www.daytondailynews.com
Our @daytondailynews.com reporters delivered hard-hitting investigations in 2025, holding powerful people and institutions accountable, watching your tax dollars and helping you understand what’s really going on in the community. More to come in 2026! www.daytondailynews.com/local/15-day...
Dayton city leaders approved a program that could allow businesses across the city to add a surcharge of up to 5% to customers’ bills to help pay for public development projects. www.daytondailynews.com/local/dayton...
Dayton businesses could charge customers development surcharge under new NCA
Dayton city leaders approved a program that could allow businesses across the city to add a surcharge of up to 5% to customers’ bills to help pay for public development projects.
www.daytondailynews.com
September 17, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Dayton city leaders approved a program that could allow businesses across the city to add a surcharge of up to 5% to customers’ bills to help pay for public development projects. www.daytondailynews.com/local/dayton...
Our story includes a search tool allowing you to see school district test scores for all area districts. www.daytondailynews.com/local/state-...
State report card results show major progress for some local districts
Some local school districts saw big changes in their 2025-2026 report cards compared to previous years, especially among lower-income districts.
www.daytondailynews.com
September 16, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Our story includes a search tool allowing you to see school district test scores for all area districts. www.daytondailynews.com/local/state-...
Flock audit logs analyzed by the Dayton Daily News reveal that law enforcement agencies regularly search local ALPR databases for a variety of traffic-related reasons and infractions. www.daytondailynews.com/local/police...
Police say Flock cameras not used for ‘traffic enforcement’: Here’s what the data says
Police departments across the state and nation say they do not use Flock automated license plate readers for “traffic enforcement.” Flock audit logs analyzed by the Dayton Daily News, however, reveal ...
www.daytondailynews.com
September 14, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Flock audit logs analyzed by the Dayton Daily News reveal that law enforcement agencies regularly search local ALPR databases for a variety of traffic-related reasons and infractions. www.daytondailynews.com/local/police...
Acton’s financial report shows a couple of technology-related holdings like Microsoft, but she holds stock in Iron Mountain, which runs a data center near Dayton - via @morgantrau.bsky.social www.daytondailynews.com/local/politi...
Ohio candidates seeking to regulate data centers both invest in them
Both frontrunners for Ohio governor are adamant about pausing the data center boom, but each is invested in and financially benefiting from the tech hubs they seek to regulate.
www.daytondailynews.com
September 14, 2026 at 12:11 PM
Acton’s financial report shows a couple of technology-related holdings like Microsoft, but she holds stock in Iron Mountain, which runs a data center near Dayton - via @morgantrau.bsky.social www.daytondailynews.com/local/politi...
Our newsroom is hiring! Go here for info (including salary range) for an open position reporting for the Dayton Daily News (aka the best darn newsroom in Ohio): jobs.coxenterprises.com/en/jobs/r202...
All Media Journalist
The Dayton Daily News is seeking an all-media journalist to join our fast-paced newsroom in serving digital and print readers. We’re looking for a journalist who can write breaking news, enterprise an...
jobs.coxenterprises.com
September 11, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Our newsroom is hiring! Go here for info (including salary range) for an open position reporting for the Dayton Daily News (aka the best darn newsroom in Ohio): jobs.coxenterprises.com/en/jobs/r202...
While Trump’s pledge appeared intended to bolster Republicans in the midterms, area GOP candidates actually on the ballot – Moreno is not up for reelection this year – are either silent or less enthused. www.daytondailynews.com/local/sen-mo...
Sen. Moreno pledges bill to pay $5K ‘Trump Dividends’ if GOP wins midterms
Ohio’s U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno says he will lead the charge to pay $5,000 to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans maintain control of the U.S. House and Senate after the November midterm election.
www.daytondailynews.com
September 11, 2026 at 12:09 PM
While Trump’s pledge appeared intended to bolster Republicans in the midterms, area GOP candidates actually on the ballot – Moreno is not up for reelection this year – are either silent or less enthused. www.daytondailynews.com/local/sen-mo...
While Husted was speaking in Dallas — it sounded more like he was stumping for votes in Cleveland, Cincinnati or Columbus - via @jamiedupree.bsky.social www.daytondailynews.com/local/nation...
National Republicans give push to Husted at midterm convention
In a difficult election fight at home, U.S. Sen. Jon Husted took his campaign to Texas this week, using a speech before an unusual midterm GOP convention to make his case against Democrats and former ...
www.daytondailynews.com
September 10, 2026 at 2:01 PM
While Husted was speaking in Dallas — it sounded more like he was stumping for votes in Cleveland, Cincinnati or Columbus - via @jamiedupree.bsky.social www.daytondailynews.com/local/nation...
Conserve Ohio announced Tuesday, Sept. 8 that it has so far gathered 130,000 signatures in the group’s quest to force a statewide vote on any new data center project that would consume more than 25 megawatts of energy per month - via @averykreemer.bsky.social www.daytondailynews.com/local/group-...
Group pushes for statewide data center vote on Ohio ballots
A newer grassroots political group in Ohio is behind a handful of citizen-driven proposals that will give local residents — and perhaps even residents across the state — the chance to ban hyperscale d...
www.daytondailynews.com
September 9, 2026 at 12:10 PM
Conserve Ohio announced Tuesday, Sept. 8 that it has so far gathered 130,000 signatures in the group’s quest to force a statewide vote on any new data center project that would consume more than 25 megawatts of energy per month - via @averykreemer.bsky.social www.daytondailynews.com/local/group-...
The Clark County prosecutor declined to file any criminal charges against Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck for an alleged sexual assault incident involving another employee following an investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/no-cha...
No charges against Springfield city manager, Clark County prosecutor says
The Clark County prosecutor declined to file any criminal charges against Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck for an alleged sexual assault incident involving another employee following an investigati...
www.springfieldnewssun.com
September 8, 2026 at 7:25 PM
The Clark County prosecutor declined to file any criminal charges against Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck for an alleged sexual assault incident involving another employee following an investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/no-cha...
This year, the questions this news outlet sent to candidates include a message about why why it’s important for them to participate in this and our other newsgathering efforts. www.daytondailynews.com/local/voters...
Voters Guide questions sent to candidates on statewide, local ballots
The Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun and Journal-News recently sent a questionnaire to more than 100 candidates who will be on the Nov. 3 ballot in southwest Ohio.
www.daytondailynews.com
September 8, 2026 at 6:32 PM
This year, the questions this news outlet sent to candidates include a message about why why it’s important for them to participate in this and our other newsgathering efforts. www.daytondailynews.com/local/voters...
Resident Alisha Lange questioned commissioners about the payments and asked whether they were connected to the controversial Meta data center project approved by the city last year. www.daytondailynews.com/local/eight-...
Piqua paid bonuses in 2025 tied to unnamed $1.2B project
Payroll records revealed recipients included key city officials such as the economic development director, police chief, law director, and several assistant city managers and department directors, som...
www.daytondailynews.com
September 4, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Resident Alisha Lange questioned commissioners about the payments and asked whether they were connected to the controversial Meta data center project approved by the city last year. www.daytondailynews.com/local/eight-...
A Haitian student who died by suicide Monday, Aug. 31 reportedly due to the shame of being forced to wear an ankle monitor and teasing by his classmates entered the U.S. legally in 2024, Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement. www.daytondailynews.com/local/ice-ha...
ICE: Haitian Wright State student who died by suicide on I-70 entered U.S. legally in 2024
A Haitian student who died by suicide Monday, Aug. 31 reportedly due to the shame of being forced to wear an ankle monitor and teasing by his classmates entered the U.S. legally in 2024, Immigration a...
www.daytondailynews.com
September 1, 2026 at 8:01 PM
A Haitian student who died by suicide Monday, Aug. 31 reportedly due to the shame of being forced to wear an ankle monitor and teasing by his classmates entered the U.S. legally in 2024, Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement. www.daytondailynews.com/local/ice-ha...
Judge Rice has had an immense impact on this region in his 46 years on the bench (since being appointed by President Jimmy Carter). www.daytondailynews.com/local/federa...
Federal Judge Walter Rice retires after 46 years on the bench
United States District Judge Walter H. Rice spent nearly six decades on the bench, presiding over landmark cases, mentoring young lawyers and championing second chances for former offenders.
www.daytondailynews.com
August 31, 2026 at 12:12 PM
Judge Rice has had an immense impact on this region in his 46 years on the bench (since being appointed by President Jimmy Carter). www.daytondailynews.com/local/federa...
The state of Ohio and local governments have doled out billions in tax breaks to some of the world’s biggest companies to lure construction of massive data centers that have stoked controversy in local communities, a Dayton Daily News investigation found. www.daytondailynews.com/local/trilli...
Trillion-dollar tech companies getting billions in state, local tax breaks
The state of Ohio and local governments have doled out billions in tax breaks to some of the world’s biggest companies to lure construction of massive data centers that have stoked controversy in loca...
www.daytondailynews.com
August 28, 2026 at 12:13 PM
The state of Ohio and local governments have doled out billions in tax breaks to some of the world’s biggest companies to lure construction of massive data centers that have stoked controversy in local communities, a Dayton Daily News investigation found. www.daytondailynews.com/local/trilli...
Republican candidate for Ohio governor Vivek Ramaswamy’s plan could cost southwest Ohio governments and schools roughly $609.8 million collectively and statewide nearly $4.6 billion. www.daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-g...
Ohio governor race: Ramaswamy’s tax rollback could cost local governments
Both Ohio gubernatorial candidates are light on details regarding their plans to give to property taxpayers relief, but it appears Republican candidate Vivek Ramaswamy’s plan could cost southwest Ohio...
www.daytondailynews.com
August 26, 2026 at 5:11 PM
Republican candidate for Ohio governor Vivek Ramaswamy’s plan could cost southwest Ohio governments and schools roughly $609.8 million collectively and statewide nearly $4.6 billion. www.daytondailynews.com/local/ohio-g...
Nearly 30,000 additional Ohioans are expected to take a driver’s education course this year compared to last year, after a change in Ohio law in September 2025 requiring anyone under the age of 21 to take driver’s ed classes to get their license. www.daytondailynews.com/local/30k-mo...
30K more Ohioans have to take driver’s ed: Some schools stepping up
Nearly 30,000 additional Ohioans are expected to take a driver’s education course this year compared to last year, after a change in Ohio law in September 2025 requiring anyone under the age of 21 to ...
www.daytondailynews.com
August 26, 2026 at 12:17 PM
Nearly 30,000 additional Ohioans are expected to take a driver’s education course this year compared to last year, after a change in Ohio law in September 2025 requiring anyone under the age of 21 to take driver’s ed classes to get their license. www.daytondailynews.com/local/30k-mo...
Montgomery County commissioners approved a $3 million settlement in a Dayton man’s lawsuit against a sheriff’s deputy who shot him at Possum Creek MetroPark in 2020 - via @sydneydawes.bsky.social www.daytondailynews.com/local/county...
County approves $3M settlement with man shot by sheriff’s deputy
Montgomery County commissioners approved a $3 million settlement in a Dayton man’s lawsuit against a sheriff’s deputy who shot him at Possum Creek MetroPark in 2020.
www.daytondailynews.com
August 25, 2026 at 8:23 PM
Montgomery County commissioners approved a $3 million settlement in a Dayton man’s lawsuit against a sheriff’s deputy who shot him at Possum Creek MetroPark in 2020 - via @sydneydawes.bsky.social www.daytondailynews.com/local/county...
The new committee, co-chaired by Rep. White is looking at Ohio's youth group home placement process. www.daytondailynews.com/community/mo...
Montgomery County epicenter of youth group homes: State doesn’t know why
State leaders don’t have immediate answers to why Montgomery County houses a disproportionate number of residential group homes for delinquent youths or what can be done to address the local burden th...
www.daytondailynews.com
August 25, 2026 at 12:12 PM
The new committee, co-chaired by Rep. White is looking at Ohio's youth group home placement process. www.daytondailynews.com/community/mo...
Reporters with the Springfield News-Sun and the Dayton Daily News last week drove hundreds of miles chasing down tips about reported ICE activities in Springfield and monitoring federal immigration enforcement activities. Here's what they saw. www.daytondailynews.com/local/on-the...
On the ground: What reporters saw tracking ICE operations across Springfield
Reporters with the Springfield News-Sun and the Dayton Daily News in the last week spent several hours and drove hundreds of miles chasing down tips about reported ICE activities in Springfield and mo...
www.daytondailynews.com
August 24, 2026 at 7:43 PM
Reporters with the Springfield News-Sun and the Dayton Daily News last week drove hundreds of miles chasing down tips about reported ICE activities in Springfield and monitoring federal immigration enforcement activities. Here's what they saw. www.daytondailynews.com/local/on-the...
Correcting a previous payroll “oversight” resulted in Fairborn’s city manager being one of the region’s highest paid local government executives in 2025, according to the @daytondailynews.com #PayrollProject www.daytondailynews.com/local/fixing...
Fixing payroll error spikes Fairborn city manager pay: Payroll Project
Correcting a previous payroll “oversight” resulted in Fairborn’s city manager being one of the region’s highest paid local government executives in 2025, according to the Dayton Daily News Payroll Pro...
www.daytondailynews.com
August 24, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Correcting a previous payroll “oversight” resulted in Fairborn’s city manager being one of the region’s highest paid local government executives in 2025, according to the @daytondailynews.com #PayrollProject www.daytondailynews.com/local/fixing...
We have a team of reporters tracking ICE activities on the ground in Springfield this week as dozens of Haitians have been taken into custody. www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/ice-ac...
ICE activity ramps up in Springfield today: Dozens in detention this month
Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities continue to ramp up in Springfield this week, with News-Sun reporters witnessing multiple ICE operations Thursday, Aug. 20.
www.springfieldnewssun.com
August 20, 2026 at 7:39 PM
We have a team of reporters tracking ICE activities on the ground in Springfield this week as dozens of Haitians have been taken into custody. www.springfieldnewssun.com/local/ice-ac...
Our #PayrollProject found 442 state of Ohio employees pulled in overtime in excess of $50,000; 28 had overtime over $100,000; and three had OT totaling more than $200,000 each. www.daytondailynews.com/local/ohio/5...
500 state workers paid more than Ohio governor, some with six-figure OT: Payroll Project
More than 500 state employees made more than Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine last year, many bolstered by massive overtime payments, according to a Dayton Daily News Payroll Project analysis of
www.daytondailynews.com
August 20, 2026 at 5:55 PM
Our #PayrollProject found 442 state of Ohio employees pulled in overtime in excess of $50,000; 28 had overtime over $100,000; and three had OT totaling more than $200,000 each. www.daytondailynews.com/local/ohio/5...
A Dayton Public Schools audit obtained by the Dayton Daily News found improper use and lacking oversight concerning school district credit cards. www.daytondailynews.com/local/credit...
Credit card misuse, overspending at Dayton schools found in audit
A Dayton Public Schools audit obtained by the Dayton Daily News found improper use and lacking oversight concerning school district credit cards.
www.daytondailynews.com
August 20, 2026 at 12:18 PM
A Dayton Public Schools audit obtained by the Dayton Daily News found improper use and lacking oversight concerning school district credit cards. www.daytondailynews.com/local/credit...
The details of the encounter raise questions about tactics being employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, experts say, during an apparent enforcement push in the region targeting Haitian residents. www.daytondailynews.com/local/immigr...
‘Immigration check’ of U.S. citizen in Springfield leads to arrests: ICE tactics questioned
A Haitian American says he was stopped for an “immigration check” and threatened by federal immigration officials in Springfield, leading to five of his passengers being taken into custody.
www.daytondailynews.com
August 19, 2026 at 11:42 AM
The details of the encounter raise questions about tactics being employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, experts say, during an apparent enforcement push in the region targeting Haitian residents. www.daytondailynews.com/local/immigr...
The city of Xenia paid 96 employees over $100,000 in 2025, many of whom reached that threshold with considerable overtime payments, according to the
@daytondailynews.com
#PayrollProject www.daytondailynews.com/local/xenia-...
@daytondailynews.com
#PayrollProject www.daytondailynews.com/local/xenia-...
Xenia’s highest paid city employees: Payroll Project
The city of Xenia paid 96 employees over $100,000 in 2025, many of whom reached that threshold with considerable overtime payments, according to the Dayton Daily News Payroll Project.
www.daytondailynews.com
August 18, 2026 at 2:29 PM
The city of Xenia paid 96 employees over $100,000 in 2025, many of whom reached that threshold with considerable overtime payments, according to the
@daytondailynews.com
#PayrollProject www.daytondailynews.com/local/xenia-...
@daytondailynews.com
#PayrollProject www.daytondailynews.com/local/xenia-...