Author

A native of upstate New York, Whitney previously covered statehouse politics for CNHI’s nine Indiana papers, focusing on long-term healthcare facilities and local government. Prior to her foray into Indiana politics, she worked as a general assignment reporter for The Meridian Star in Meridian, Mississippi. Whitney is a graduate of St. Bonaventure University (#GoBonnies!), a community theater enthusiast and cat mom.
Braun poll shows senator with sizable lead in 2024 governor’s race
By: Whitney Downard - December 7, 2022
An internal poll for U.S. Sen. Mike Braun shows him with a sizable lead over two potential Republican competitors in the race for governor in 2024. Political firm Mark It Red conducted the poll on behalf of the campaign, surveying 1,555 likely Republican voters in mid-November. According to a memo released by the campaign, Braun […]
Indiana nets $15.7M settlement with e-cigarette manufacturer
By: Whitney Downard - December 6, 2022
As part of a multi-state settlement, Indiana will receive $15.7 million from JUUL Labs Inc., an e-cigarette manufacturer, over allegations that the business deliberately marketed its products to minors. Nationwide, most states’ minimum purchasing age for e-cigarettes is 21 — the federal requirement to receive substance abuse block grant funds. Just over a dozen states, […]
Hunger rises following expiration of Child Tax Credit
By: Whitney Downard - December 6, 2022
The number of Hoosier children experiencing food insecurity increased following the expiration of the advanced Child Tax Credit and other pandemic relief measures earlier this year, according to those serving the state’s hungry. “As those supplemental resources came in, those were very vital to families and individuals… and so that did sustain many of them,” […]
Holcomb in hospital with pneumonia
By: Whitney Downard - December 2, 2022
Gov. Eric Holcomb is in the hospital with pneumonia, according to a tweet from his office signed by his press secretary. “(Holcomb) went to the doctor Thursday afternoon thinking it was the flu, but he was diagnosed with pneumonia,” the tweet from Erin Murphy read. “Out of an abundance of caution he was admitted to […]
House announces 2023 committee chairs
By: Whitney Downard - December 2, 2022
House Speaker Todd Huston on Friday released the list of Republican chairs leading the chamber’s committees for 2023, including a few newly appointment members following a slew of representative retirements last year. Eight committees will have new leaders in the upcoming session, not including one committee – Insurance and Financial Institutions – that will be […]
“Family glitch” fix makes insurance cheaper for some Hoosiers
By: Whitney Downard - December 2, 2022
Open enrollment on the federal health insurance marketplace will soon have a fix for the “family glitch,” meaning that thousands of previously ineligible Hoosiers may now qualify for cheaper coverage. The Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI) didn’t have specific estimates for the number of Hoosiers who might be impacted by the change; an estimated 5.1 […]
Braun running for Governor in 2024
By: Whitney Downard - November 30, 2022
Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Braun filed with the Secretary of State’s office Wednesday morning to form a campaign finance committee, launching his candidacy for governor in 2024. “Mike Braun has filed his paperwork to run for governor and will be making an official announcement of his candidacy very soon,” Josh Kelley, Braun’s chief of staff […]
Indiana Chamber: Repairs needed for Indiana’s “leaking” workforce pipeline
By: Whitney Downard - November 30, 2022
Indiana’s workforce pipeline is leaky and in need of repair, according to the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. While businesses have a comfortable tax and regulatory environment, the state’s poor educational attainment and lack of amenities hinders efforts to attract and retain businesses or employees. “Yes, business climate is important and we’re fortunate to be among […]
Fetal remains law upheld on appeal
By: Whitney Downard - November 29, 2022
The 7th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals upheld an Indiana law that requires medical facilities providing abortions to bury or cremate the “fetal remains” following the procedure. “The bodies of unborn babies are more than mere medical waste to be tossed out with trash,” Attorney General Todd Rokita said in a release. “They are human […]
Economic uncertainty expected to slightly dampen charitable giving
By: Whitney Downard - November 25, 2022
Charitable giving in the 2022 holiday season is likely to see the same dip due to economic uncertainty as other for-profit sectors, with some reports finding that consumers are spending less this year on holiday shopping due to ongoing inflation. But one expert says even with inflation and the threat of a recession looming, Americans […]
Tax cuts, education dominate Organization Day
By: Whitney Downard and Casey Smith - November 22, 2022
Leaders of both Republican caucuses floated the idea of exploring continued tax cuts and education investments Tuesday during Organization Day, which marks the beginning of the 2023 legislative session. The day includes swearing in newly elected legislators and formalizes the votes for leaders in the House and Senate chambers. GOP Senate President Pro Tem Rodric […]
Chamber names Eller new health care VP
By: Whitney Downard - November 22, 2022
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce announced that Ashton Eller will be the new vice president of health care policy and employment law following the retirement of Mike Ripley. Eller has spent 14 years with the chamber, most recently as its manager of political affairs. “After casting a wide net and interviewing several great candidates, it […]