McKenna Horsley

McKenna Horsley covers state politics for the Kentucky Lantern. She previously worked for newspapers in Huntington, West Virginia, and Frankfort, Kentucky. She is from northeastern Kentucky.

Lawmakers can override the vetoes when they return to Frankfort next week.
By McKenna Horsley
capitol torunda and lincoln statue
Beshear has already signed some legislation into law.
By McKenna Horsley
classroom
In a week of head spinning alterations to legislation, surprises continued Thursday, the 27th day of the 30-day session.
By McKenna Horsley
Jason Nemes
As the superminority calls for more transparency, the House Republican leader warns the "clock is ticking."
By McKenna Horsley
Rep. Lindsey Burke
Beshear said he’s been having conversations with Canadian officials, urging them to spare Kentucky and focus any retaliatory measures “on places and areas where people aren’t speaking up.”
By McKenna Horsley
Gov. Andy Beshear at podium
Members of the Kentucky House debated for more than an hour Wednesday afternoon ahead of the vote.
By McKenna Horsley
jennifer decker
The new version of House Bill 4 requires an auditor to review universities compliance with the legislation.
By McKenna Horsley
students speaking to legislator
Beshear says "zero politics" has played a role in the federal response.
By McKenna Horsley
From left to right, acting FEMA Director Cameron Hamilton, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler speak to reporters after hearing an update on Kentucky floods. (Photo by McKenna Horsley | Kentucky Lantern)
AG Daniel Cameron has announced he’s running. Rep. Andy Barr says he’s "considering" it.
By McKenna Horsley
Mitch McConnell waving
The bill's sponsor said he “... could not come up with a good definition for tenure that I felt comfortable putting in statute.”
By McKenna Horsley
Rep. James Tipton, R-Taylorsville, says House Bill 424 is not about tenure. Kentucky academics disagree. (Kentucky Legislative Research Commission photo)
In last year’s budget, the Republican-controlled General Assembly set various caps on spending by state agencies when responding to a disaster, before asking the legislature for a new appropriation.
By McKenna Horsley
Gov. Andy Beshear at disaster briefing
As of Monday morning, 175 National Guard soldiers and airmen were active in Kentucky, including members of the Indiana National Guard.
By McKenna Horsley
The flooded Bacon Creek in Hart County, Kentucky on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Austin Anthony for the Kentucky Lantern)