Whitney Downard
@wdownard.bsky.social
Statehouse Reporter for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Previously with the Indiana Capital Chronicle. Proud SBU grad and cat mom. #GoBonnies 🐺
Unclear what exactly this means for the 2 million Pennsylvanians who got rely on SNAP each month. On Friday, PA paid out full benefits for a portion of enrollees. penncapital-star.com/2025/11/09/r...
States told by Trump administration to 'undo' full SNAP benefits paid for November • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Following a late Friday emergency ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court, the Trump administration has instructed states that authorized full November nutrition assistance benefits to return a portion, an...
penncapital-star.com
November 9, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Unclear what exactly this means for the 2 million Pennsylvanians who got rely on SNAP each month. On Friday, PA paid out full benefits for a portion of enrollees. penncapital-star.com/2025/11/09/r...
First week and Pennsylvania's already got me working on breaking Friday news 😮💨
Roughly $100M in SNAP benefits restored to Pennsylvanians, per Shapiro penncapital-star.com/food-insecur...
Roughly $100M in SNAP benefits restored to Pennsylvanians, per Shapiro penncapital-star.com/food-insecur...
Roughly $100M in SNAP benefits restored to Pennsylvanians, per Shapiro • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Two million Pennsylvanians rely on SNAP benefits and Gov. Josh Shapiro said funds could be distributed as soon as Friday evening.
penncapital-star.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:46 PM
First week and Pennsylvania's already got me working on breaking Friday news 😮💨
Roughly $100M in SNAP benefits restored to Pennsylvanians, per Shapiro penncapital-star.com/food-insecur...
Roughly $100M in SNAP benefits restored to Pennsylvanians, per Shapiro penncapital-star.com/food-insecur...
Reposted by Whitney Downard
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry urged Congress to end the shutdown.
"The FAA’s decision to limit flights from Philadelphia International Airport is the latest example of how these disruptions directly affect businesses that rely on travel....”
@wdownard.bsky.social
"The FAA’s decision to limit flights from Philadelphia International Airport is the latest example of how these disruptions directly affect businesses that rely on travel....”
@wdownard.bsky.social
FAA limits flights at Pennsylvania’s biggest airport • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Airlines at Pennsylvania's largest airport will trim flights by 10% following a federal order in response to air traffic controller shortages.
penncapital-star.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:26 PM
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry urged Congress to end the shutdown.
"The FAA’s decision to limit flights from Philadelphia International Airport is the latest example of how these disruptions directly affect businesses that rely on travel....”
@wdownard.bsky.social
"The FAA’s decision to limit flights from Philadelphia International Airport is the latest example of how these disruptions directly affect businesses that rely on travel....”
@wdownard.bsky.social
Reposted by Whitney Downard
On Thursday, the FAA ordered airlines to cut 10% of their flights at 40 of the country’s busiest airports, including the Philadelphia International Airport, the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and the Washington Dulles International Airport.
From @wdownard.bsky.social
From @wdownard.bsky.social
FAA limits flights at Pennsylvania’s biggest airport • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Airlines at Pennsylvania's largest airport will trim flights by 10% following a federal order in response to air traffic controller shortages.
penncapital-star.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:37 PM
On Thursday, the FAA ordered airlines to cut 10% of their flights at 40 of the country’s busiest airports, including the Philadelphia International Airport, the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and the Washington Dulles International Airport.
From @wdownard.bsky.social
From @wdownard.bsky.social
First story out!!
Pennsylvanians grapple with surging premiums, expiring subsidies in Pennie Marketplace penncapital-star.com/health-care/...
Pennsylvanians grapple with surging premiums, expiring subsidies in Pennie Marketplace penncapital-star.com/health-care/...
Pennsylvanians grapple with surging premiums, expiring subsidies in Pennie Marketplace • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Growing health care costs for Pennie consumers are at the center of the federal government shutdown, but negotiations are at an impasse.
penncapital-star.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:28 PM
First story out!!
Pennsylvanians grapple with surging premiums, expiring subsidies in Pennie Marketplace penncapital-star.com/health-care/...
Pennsylvanians grapple with surging premiums, expiring subsidies in Pennie Marketplace penncapital-star.com/health-care/...
It's Election Day, Pennsylvania! Though I moved too recently to vote myself ... don't forget to cast your ballot. We'll be tracking how the judicial retention vote shakes out.
For the latest: penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
For the latest: penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
Pa. is prepared for 'incredibly important' municipal elections, Secretary of State Al Schmidt says • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Schmidt, who oversees election administration, urged voters to make a plan to vote if they have not done so already.
penncapital-star.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:17 PM
It's Election Day, Pennsylvania! Though I moved too recently to vote myself ... don't forget to cast your ballot. We'll be tracking how the judicial retention vote shakes out.
For the latest: penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
For the latest: penncapital-star.com/campaigns-el...
So excited to be here!! Can’t wait to get started 😊
A big welcome to @wdownard.bsky.social.
Today was her first day as a member of our team.
How about giving her a big Pennsylvania 'hello" and a follow?
Today was her first day as a member of our team.
How about giving her a big Pennsylvania 'hello" and a follow?
November 4, 2025 at 1:33 AM
So excited to be here!! Can’t wait to get started 😊
Reposted by Whitney Downard
Really thorough rundown of what’s going on with Indiana Medicaid, by @wdownard.bsky.social
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/09/18/m...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/09/18/m...
Medicaid work requirements delayed until 2027 following federal action • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Work requirements for Medicaid enrollees in Indiana will be delayed until 2027, when such conditions will be imposed nationwide.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
September 19, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Really thorough rundown of what’s going on with Indiana Medicaid, by @wdownard.bsky.social
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/09/18/m...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/09/18/m...
There’s no feeling like finishing a story and getting to immediately delete 37 open tabs. I ~physically~ feel lighter.
September 11, 2025 at 9:00 PM
There’s no feeling like finishing a story and getting to immediately delete 37 open tabs. I ~physically~ feel lighter.
We've now independently confirmed that both GOP caucus leaders met privately with President Donald Trump yesterday. And added more names of attending lawmakers.
Republicans go to Washington D.C., critics rebuff redistricting push
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/08/26/r...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/08/26/r...
Republicans go to Washington D.C., critics rebuff redistricting push • Indiana Capital Chronicle
As dozens of GOP lawmakers attended a conference at the White House, Democrats and voting rights advocates pushed back against redistricting.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
August 27, 2025 at 4:21 PM
We've now independently confirmed that both GOP caucus leaders met privately with President Donald Trump yesterday. And added more names of attending lawmakers.
Anecdotally, I can tell you that the statehouse parking lots seem to be a lot fuller this last two days. And filling up earlier.
No more hybrid schedules for state workers as remote work slashed indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/07/02/n...
No more hybrid schedules for state workers as remote work slashed indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/07/02/n...
No more hybrid schedules for state workers as remote work slashed • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Officials rescinded 8,486 hybrid remote work agreements as Gov. Mike Braun’s push to return state employees to the office takes effect.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
July 2, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Anecdotally, I can tell you that the statehouse parking lots seem to be a lot fuller this last two days. And filling up earlier.
No more hybrid schedules for state workers as remote work slashed indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/07/02/n...
No more hybrid schedules for state workers as remote work slashed indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/07/02/n...
Since Jan. 20, a little over eight people have been arrested each day on average in Indiana — a 74% increase from 2024. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Immigration Arrests Are Up Sharply in Every State. Here Are the Numbers.
Some states have seen immigration enforcement more than triple since President Trump took office, new data shows.
www.nytimes.com
July 1, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Since Jan. 20, a little over eight people have been arrested each day on average in Indiana — a 74% increase from 2024. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Hoosiers will spend more green for their red, white and blue cookouts indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/30/h...
Hoosiers will spend more green for their red, white and blue cookouts • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Hoosiers should expect to pay more for their July Fourth cookouts this year, especially for ice cream and strawberries.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
June 30, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Hoosiers will spend more green for their red, white and blue cookouts indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/30/h...
Reposted by Whitney Downard
Gov. Mike Braun said he doesn't know who came up with the idea that he's exploring a presidential run in 2028, saying he's focused on his current role.
indianacapitalchronicle.com/briefs/braun...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/briefs/braun...
Braun says he has 'no interest' in presidential run • Indiana Capital Chronicle
First-term Gov. Mike Braun told the Indiana Capital Chronicle that he doesn't know where the presidential interest rumor came from.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
June 19, 2025 at 2:19 PM
Gov. Mike Braun said he doesn't know who came up with the idea that he's exploring a presidential run in 2028, saying he's focused on his current role.
indianacapitalchronicle.com/briefs/braun...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/briefs/braun...
Reposted by Whitney Downard
FSSA Chief Mitch Roob gave us a preview of plans and challenges for new Healthy Indiana Plan.
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/18/i...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/18/i...
‘Indiana needs a HIP replacement’, social services secretary says about insurance program • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana's HIP program covers over 712,000 Hoosiers and could be fundamentally altered by a bill moving through Congress.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
June 18, 2025 at 6:02 PM
FSSA Chief Mitch Roob gave us a preview of plans and challenges for new Healthy Indiana Plan.
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/18/i...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/18/i...
50+ state employees laid off as Indiana budget cuts take effect indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/11/5...
50+ state employees laid off as Indiana budget cuts take effect • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana agencies have started laying off dozens of state employees in response to recently enacted budget cuts.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
June 11, 2025 at 8:15 PM
50+ state employees laid off as Indiana budget cuts take effect indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/11/5...
Reposted by Whitney Downard
Indiana GOP Sen. Mike Bohacek charged with DUI months after incident
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/02/i...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/02/i...
Indiana GOP Sen. Mike Bohacek charged with DUI months after incident • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Republican Indiana Sen. Mike Bohacek was arrested for a January drunk driving incident that remained under wraps for months.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
June 2, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Indiana GOP Sen. Mike Bohacek charged with DUI months after incident
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/02/i...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/02/i...
Braun also reappointed someone who has already served three terms for another year. It's unclear how this meshes with the state law prohibiting trustees from serving a fourth term.
Braun reverses course, removes elected IU trustees for his appointees indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/02/b...
Braun reverses course, removes elected IU trustees for his appointees indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/02/b...
Braun reverses course, removes elected IU trustees for his appointees • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Three alumni-elected IU Board of Trustees members were removed to make way for new Braun appointees, a u-turn from prior comments.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
June 2, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Braun also reappointed someone who has already served three terms for another year. It's unclear how this meshes with the state law prohibiting trustees from serving a fourth term.
Braun reverses course, removes elected IU trustees for his appointees indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/02/b...
Braun reverses course, removes elected IU trustees for his appointees indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/02/b...
Guess I can't say "Will write anything but sports" anymore
Play ball! Love for the game fuels sports complex development across Indiana indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/02/p...
Play ball! Love for the game fuels sports complex development across Indiana indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/02/p...
Play ball! Love for the game fuels sports complex development across Indiana • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana cities are pouring public dollars and resources into sports complexes, but who are they shutting out?
indianacapitalchronicle.com
June 2, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Guess I can't say "Will write anything but sports" anymore
Play ball! Love for the game fuels sports complex development across Indiana indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/02/p...
Play ball! Love for the game fuels sports complex development across Indiana indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/06/02/p...
“When Gov. Daniels was in office, I used to tell people that Indiana residents were buying a Cadillac and getting a Chevrolet,” Roob said. “Unfortunately, today, we’re no longer driving Chevrolet. We are driving a used Kia.”
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/05/30/f...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/05/30/f...
FSSA secretary: Braun administration ‘inherited a mess’ • Indiana Capital Chronicle
FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob detailed Medicaid policy issues and child care during an event in Indianapolis on Friday.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
May 30, 2025 at 5:12 PM
“When Gov. Daniels was in office, I used to tell people that Indiana residents were buying a Cadillac and getting a Chevrolet,” Roob said. “Unfortunately, today, we’re no longer driving Chevrolet. We are driving a used Kia.”
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/05/30/f...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/05/30/f...
Came back from vacay with this follow-up yesterday on SUN Bucks, which state officials say wasn't prepared for during the gubernatorial transition. Plus, the $3.7M administrative price tag appears to have sunk the program for hungry schoolchildren.
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/05/29/b...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/05/29/b...
State: insufficient planning, funding pauses summer meals program • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Officials with the Braun administration pointed to Gov. Eric Holcomb as the reason Indiana opted out of a student summer meals program.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
May 29, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Came back from vacay with this follow-up yesterday on SUN Bucks, which state officials say wasn't prepared for during the gubernatorial transition. Plus, the $3.7M administrative price tag appears to have sunk the program for hungry schoolchildren.
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/05/29/b...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/05/29/b...
Reposted by Whitney Downard
Strategic legislative revisions aid renewed Indiana drive for tolling
Strategic legislative revisions aid renewed Indiana drive for tolling • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Hoosier leaders are eyeing tolling as a way to head off an impending transportation infrastructure funding shortfall and make improvements.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
May 19, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Strategic legislative revisions aid renewed Indiana drive for tolling
Binx begs to be held whenever I have a meeting while working from home. Once he successfully steals my lap, he makes sure to completely block my screens to make working impossible.
May 15, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Binx begs to be held whenever I have a meeting while working from home. Once he successfully steals my lap, he makes sure to completely block my screens to make working impossible.
And here ... we ... GO!!!
Final day of the 2025 legislative session indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/04/24/f...
Final day of the 2025 legislative session indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/04/24/f...
Final day of the 2025 legislative session • Indiana Capital Chronicle
The 2025 legislative session is coming to an end, and the Indiana Capital Chronicle team will be chronicling its last day here.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
April 24, 2025 at 2:46 PM
And here ... we ... GO!!!
Final day of the 2025 legislative session indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/04/24/f...
Final day of the 2025 legislative session indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/04/24/f...
An especially cryptic conference committee on SB140 (PBM ownership):
"I learned some new things this morning that should have been public before ... we have to go back to the drawing board," per Sen. Charbonneau. "I apologize but things happened that should not happen."
????
"I learned some new things this morning that should have been public before ... we have to go back to the drawing board," per Sen. Charbonneau. "I apologize but things happened that should not happen."
????
April 22, 2025 at 7:17 PM
An especially cryptic conference committee on SB140 (PBM ownership):
"I learned some new things this morning that should have been public before ... we have to go back to the drawing board," per Sen. Charbonneau. "I apologize but things happened that should not happen."
????
"I learned some new things this morning that should have been public before ... we have to go back to the drawing board," per Sen. Charbonneau. "I apologize but things happened that should not happen."
????