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.

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)
Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher said the education department would continue to discuss possible future funding with lawmakers.
By McKenna Horsley
Gov. Andy Beshear at State of the Commonwealth
McConnell took a couple of public falls in Washington last year.
By McKenna Horsley
Mitch McConnell talking to reporters
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the federal funding freeze could “remain in full force and effect” even after the memo ordering it was rescinded.
By McKenna Horsley
white house
Last week, students on the Kentucky Student Voice Team filed a lawsuit against the state for failing to provide “an adequate and equitable public education.”
By McKenna Horsley
school bus feature
Brown-Forman’s portfolio includes brands Woodford Reserve, Old Forester and Jack Daniel’s. 
By McKenna Horsley
bourbon barrels in distillery
The lawsuit claims the legislature and state education officials are falling short of their constitutional obligations.
By McKenna Horsley
classroom
GOP leaders call the move an "attempt to undermine the majority rule." Democrats say the supermajority is out to silence dissent.
By McKenna Horsley
House Speaker David W. Osborne, R-Prospect, is congratulated by U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove after his swearing in. The speaker’s wife, Loren Hebel Osborne, looks on. (LRC Public Information)
In 2022 the General Assembly passed a new law that eliminated the opportunity for lawmakers to prefile bills — a move some said shut the public out of the legislative process.
By McKenna Horsley
kentucky house floor