Nick Swartsell, WVXU
Longform Investigative ReporterExpertise: Housing, social issues, the justice system, transportation
Education: Miami University, University of Texas
Contact: nswartsell@wvxu.org
Favorite Tri-State Neighborhood: Every spot has so many great stories to tell. Especially the ones with good food.
Highlights
- A decade of experience reporting in-depth stories from Greater Cincinnati's many diverse communities
- Winner, SPJ Sigma Delta Chi award for public service journalism
- Host of the short-run podcast Crosley at the Crossroads
- Once joined colleagues at a previous job in trying dog treats for a story (verdict: just OK)
- Still can't dunk a basketball on a regulation rim but poor guy will never stop trying
Experience
Nick has reported from a nuclear waste facility in the deserts of New Mexico, the White House press pool, a canoe on the Mill Creek, and even his desk one time. Before his time at WVXU, he had bylines in The New York Times, The Dallas Morning News, Vice News, the Texas Tribune, Cincinnati's CityBeat and other publications. He's always looking for an excuse to bring his camera along.
You can find him at @nswartsell on Twitter.
Education
Nick is a graduate of Miami University in Ohio and the University of Texas.
About WVXU
The central pillar of Cincinnati Public Radio’s local network — accounting for the lion’s share of its 211,000 listeners each week — 91.7 WVXU is among the most reliable media institutions in the Tri-State region. Our mission is to always be a trusted, independent source of journalism, music and culture, empowering a vibrant, engaged and informed community.
Why trust us
Our team of reporters and editors have decades of experience writing and reporting the news. Our first responsibility is to our listeners and readers. There is no connection between our funding and editorial decisions. When we do cover a funding partner, a disclosure will be mentioned on-air and online. We take pride in our work, editing and fact-checking every story. If an article warrants a correction, we will immediately correct it and explain the correction for complete transparency.
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Two peregrine falcons nested in a specially made box outside a window at the Mercantile Library for several years. Last year, they had to move due to construction. -
The data collected from the Department of Homeland Security by the Deportation Data Project shows more than 1,300 people have been removed from Ohio by federal immigration officials. Roughly 1,100 have been removed from Indiana and about 800 from Kentucky. -
The quasi-public development authority purchased the 194 single-family rental properties from California-based Raineth Housing in 2021. It has since sold many of them to first-time homebuyers. -
Thomas Brian Niehaus pleaded guilty to one count of malicious use of fire in federal court Thursday in connection with the July 2025 incident. The charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison. -
Literally. Part of the new, larger signage is reflective. The new signs designed by DAAP students and faculty also feature clearer numbers and letters, better wayfinding information, braille, and QR codes for real-time bus updates. -
Incumbent Gary Moore and his challenger, Boone County Commissioner Chet Hand, gave their plans for addressing a number of issues facing Boone County. -
McConnell told reporters in Northern Kentucky that regime change in Iran is essential. He didn't address a Tuesday post by President Donald Trump promising "a whole civilization will die tonight" if Iran doesn't agree to a ceasefire and open up the Strait of Hormuz. -
The April 6 order by the high court could clear the way for the removal of the former Cincinnati City Council member's public corruption conviction. -
On May 5, Warren County GOP primary voters will choose between a long-tenured incumbent and his challenger, who currently sits as mayor of Lebanon. -
Incumbent Commissioner Claire Corcoran is being challenged by small business owner Luiza McQueen.
