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.

Christian County Public Schools is among 13 districts included in the request.
By McKenna Horsley
school bus arrival
Making the rounds at the world-famous horse race is a chance for politicians to be seen ‘like less of a politician.'
By McKenna Horsley
A train of people following Team Kentucky signs walk pass the paddock area of Churchill Downs. Team Kentucky is a Beshear administration slogan. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)
One superintendent said she signed the form "with great disgust and sadness."
By McKenna Horsley
classroom
This year, Kentucky ranks 42nd in the nation for average public school teacher pay at $58,325 despite a 3.6% increase from the previous year. The national average teacher salary is $72,030, according to the 2025 data.
By McKenna Horsley
Students of Olivia Groom get their first look at their preschool classroom on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early Learning Center. (Hoptown Chronicle photo by Jennifer P. Brown)
U.S. Rep. Andy Barr joins former Attorney General Daniel Cameron in the Republican primary to succeed Mitch McConnell.
By McKenna Horsley
andy barr speaking to audience
Veterinary and osteopathic medicine plans will be subject to review process under the new law.
By McKenna Horsley
students walking on Murray State University campus
Kentucky previously started SAFE funds after floods in Eastern Kentucky and tornadoes in Western Kentucky.
By McKenna Horsley
The flooded Bacon Creek in Hart County, Kentucky on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025. (Austin Anthony for the Kentucky Lantern)
Gov. Andy Beshear joined Democratic lawmakers in calling for more transparency in the legislative process.
By McKenna Horsley
Senate Republican Floor Leader Max Wise of Campbellsville and Senate President Robert Stivers of Manchester confer on the next to last day of the 2025 legislative session. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer)
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