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 🐺
Couldn't quite squeeze it in yesterday, but over a dozen bipartisan PA lawmakers signed onto a Nov. letter opposing a federal prohibition on state-level AI regulations, including:
December 16, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Couldn't quite squeeze it in yesterday, but over a dozen bipartisan PA lawmakers signed onto a Nov. letter opposing a federal prohibition on state-level AI regulations, including:
Pa.’s Sunday, lawmakers contend with Trump order blocking state AI regulations penncapital-star.com/technology-i...
Pa.’s Sunday, lawmakers contend with Trump order blocking state AI regulations • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Select Pennsylvania laws are at stake following a Trump administration order blocking state AI regulations.
penncapital-star.com
December 16, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Pa.’s Sunday, lawmakers contend with Trump order blocking state AI regulations penncapital-star.com/technology-i...
Premiums for one McKeesport couple are projected to go from $490 to $1,792 if tax credits expire at the end of the year.
Jamie, left, has a rare form of cancer where a single, tumor-suppressing shot (taken every 28 days) costs $36,000 without insurance.
Jamie, left, has a rare form of cancer where a single, tumor-suppressing shot (taken every 28 days) costs $36,000 without insurance.
December 11, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Premiums for one McKeesport couple are projected to go from $490 to $1,792 if tax credits expire at the end of the year.
Jamie, left, has a rare form of cancer where a single, tumor-suppressing shot (taken every 28 days) costs $36,000 without insurance.
Jamie, left, has a rare form of cancer where a single, tumor-suppressing shot (taken every 28 days) costs $36,000 without insurance.
This story required a crash course for this new PA reporter. Grateful for the excellent coverage from other outlets, specifically @angelasink.bsky.social at SpotlightPA!
Three public and private entities will receive subpoenas from a state Senate committee in the coming days after Republicans voted to authorize a probe into taxpayer-funded security upgrades at Gov. Shapiro’s private residence and administrative travel on charter flights.
@wdownard.bsky.social
@wdownard.bsky.social
‘Not playing games anymore’: Republicans subpoena Shapiro flights, private home security upgrades • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Republicans voted to subpoena three entities for records related to gubernatorial home repairs and chartered flights on Tuesday.
penncapital-star.com
December 9, 2025 at 10:48 PM
This story required a crash course for this new PA reporter. Grateful for the excellent coverage from other outlets, specifically @angelasink.bsky.social at SpotlightPA!
State budget sent $5 million to a struggling school district represented by the Pa. House speaker penncapital-star.com/education/st...
State budget sent $5 million to a struggling school district represented by the Pa. House speaker • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Buried in a code bill passed with the 2025-26 state budget is a provision giving a single school district $5 million, outside of the typical formulas that are used to distribute funds to Pennsylvania’...
penncapital-star.com
December 2, 2025 at 8:01 PM
State budget sent $5 million to a struggling school district represented by the Pa. House speaker penncapital-star.com/education/st...
Reposted by Whitney Downard
CALLOUT: I am looking to interview individuals who have sought health care at crisis pregnancy centers, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and want to talk about their experience. The center can be located anywhere. If you or someone you know might be interested, please email or send me a DM.
December 1, 2025 at 8:24 PM
CALLOUT: I am looking to interview individuals who have sought health care at crisis pregnancy centers, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and want to talk about their experience. The center can be located anywhere. If you or someone you know might be interested, please email or send me a DM.
Reposted by Whitney Downard
When we think about what we’re thankful for, the first thing that comes to mind is readers like you.
After all, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star wouldn’t exist without your support.
Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday.
Can we count on you to make a gift that helps us get closer to our EOY goal of $5,000?
After all, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star wouldn’t exist without your support.
Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday.
Can we count on you to make a gift that helps us get closer to our EOY goal of $5,000?
Donate • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
penncapital-star.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:55 PM
When we think about what we’re thankful for, the first thing that comes to mind is readers like you.
After all, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star wouldn’t exist without your support.
Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday.
Can we count on you to make a gift that helps us get closer to our EOY goal of $5,000?
After all, the Pennsylvania Capital-Star wouldn’t exist without your support.
Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday.
Can we count on you to make a gift that helps us get closer to our EOY goal of $5,000?
Today's PA rabbit hole took me into city classes and the interesting tidbit that Philly, Pittsburgh and Scranton are the only places required to have police departments and I'm just having a really hard time processing all of this
December 1, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Today's PA rabbit hole took me into city classes and the interesting tidbit that Philly, Pittsburgh and Scranton are the only places required to have police departments and I'm just having a really hard time processing all of this
Reposted by Whitney Downard
“Our housing stock is old,” said Cliff Clark, director of Cameron County Community and Economic Development. “One of our goals is to try to improve the housing stock … we’re doing, I think, a very good job making houses that aren’t otherwise marketable, desirable.”
From @wdownard.bsky.social
From @wdownard.bsky.social
Pennsylvania’s home repair program left out of state budget, despite high demand • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The Whole Home Repair Program doesn't yet have a state-funded successor, dubbed PA Home Preservation Program, despite its popularity.
penncapital-star.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:32 PM
“Our housing stock is old,” said Cliff Clark, director of Cameron County Community and Economic Development. “One of our goals is to try to improve the housing stock … we’re doing, I think, a very good job making houses that aren’t otherwise marketable, desirable.”
From @wdownard.bsky.social
From @wdownard.bsky.social
Reposted by Whitney Downard
Pennsylvania is hoping to secure its own slice of a $50 billion rural health fund in the face of federal Medicaid cuts, with a focus on bolstering a beleaguered workforce and expanding health access for more than two million people.
@wdownard.bsky.social breaks down the 67-page application.
@wdownard.bsky.social breaks down the 67-page application.
Pa.’s rural health application reveals priorities in federal funding request • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Pennsylvania applied for $1 billion in rural health care funding over five years, focusing on workforce development and technology.
penncapital-star.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Pennsylvania is hoping to secure its own slice of a $50 billion rural health fund in the face of federal Medicaid cuts, with a focus on bolstering a beleaguered workforce and expanding health access for more than two million people.
@wdownard.bsky.social breaks down the 67-page application.
@wdownard.bsky.social breaks down the 67-page application.
I love reading technical reports for nuggets like this:
November 20, 2025 at 5:55 PM
I love reading technical reports for nuggets like this:
An aspect of yesterday's story I didn't get to: who's responsible for student cellphones if they're confiscated? www.inquirer.com/education/ph...
November 18, 2025 at 2:27 PM
An aspect of yesterday's story I didn't get to: who's responsible for student cellphones if they're confiscated? www.inquirer.com/education/ph...
Reposted by Whitney Downard
In the last two weeks, you might have noticed the new byline “Whitney Downard” on the Pennsylvania Capital-Star site:
“I love diving into any intersection between government and the people it serves.”
Be sure to give @wdownard.bsky.social a follow and welcome her to our little corner of the world.
“I love diving into any intersection between government and the people it serves.”
Be sure to give @wdownard.bsky.social a follow and welcome her to our little corner of the world.
Meet our newest reporter – Whitney Downard • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
In the last two weeks, you might have noticed the new byline “Whitney Downard” on the Pennsylvania Capital-Star site without much explanation. I suppose that means I’m overdue for an introduction.
penncapital-star.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:35 PM
In the last two weeks, you might have noticed the new byline “Whitney Downard” on the Pennsylvania Capital-Star site:
“I love diving into any intersection between government and the people it serves.”
Be sure to give @wdownard.bsky.social a follow and welcome her to our little corner of the world.
“I love diving into any intersection between government and the people it serves.”
Be sure to give @wdownard.bsky.social a follow and welcome her to our little corner of the world.
My welcome column is out, I'm covering two committees simultaneously and I've got my Red Bull. Must be a session day 💪
November 17, 2025 at 2:16 PM
My welcome column is out, I'm covering two committees simultaneously and I've got my Red Bull. Must be a session day 💪
Reposted by Whitney Downard
“We want to make sure our children are protected from bad actors,” said Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery). “Children are now targeted in ways we never thought possible.”
From @wdownard.bsky.social
From @wdownard.bsky.social
Bill seeks to close ‘loophole’ for AI-generated child sexual abuse materials • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The bill requires mandated reporters to report AI-generated child sexual abuse materials on the heels of two school-related controversies.
penncapital-star.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:18 PM
“We want to make sure our children are protected from bad actors,” said Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery). “Children are now targeted in ways we never thought possible.”
From @wdownard.bsky.social
From @wdownard.bsky.social
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.