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.

U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell returned to the Senate Monday after a three-month medical absence following a fall and hospitalization, saying he is still recovering but plans to be present for key votes.
By McKenna Horsley
senate floor
Christian County is among the counties highlighted in the report. It says the Christian County Jail averaged 115 people in ICE custody, 82% classified as non-criminal, and that the jail does not identify ICE detainees on its public roster.
By McKenna Horsley
From left to right, U.S. Reps. Delia Ramirez, Gwen Moore and Morgan McGarvey go to a Northern Kentucky jail to see conditions for people being held by ICE in August. (Photo provided by U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey’s office)
The former Kentucky governor was arrested while working as an extra on a Christmas movie filmed at a Bourbon County horse farm. 
By McKenna Horsley
Former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin at his arraignment on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, after being arrested on an outstanding warrant on Thursday. (Pool photo by Matt Stone of the Louisville Courier-Journal)
Drawings from eight finalists appear on the ballot from students across the state. Much like during Kentucky’s regular elections, voters may use a paper ballot to mark their choice and return it to a scanner.
By McKenna Horsley
Raelynn Short, of Allen County, casts a ballot in the 2026 “I Voted” sticker contest at the Kentucky State Fair with help from her mom, Stacey Simmons. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)
U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell has been discharged from a rehabilitation center and will continue recovering at home after a seven-week absence from the Senate.
By McKenna Horsley
U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, left, with his wife, former Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, on Sunday. (Provided by McConnell’s office)
The longstanding event in small Western Kentucky town will bring Republicans and Democrats together.
By McKenna Horsley
Democrat supporters cheer on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, during St. Jerome Picnic in Fancy Farm, Ky. (Austin Anthony for the Kentucky Lantern)
The annual barbecue picnic, a fundraiser for the St. Jerome Catholic Church in Graves County held the first Saturday in August, is a longstanding Kentucky tradition for elected officials and campaigning hopefuls.
By McKenna Horsley
A sign next the the grounds for the annual Fancy Farm Picnic thanks visitors for coming to the Western Kentucky town. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)
The Kentucky governor also penned letter to GOP Senate Leader Thune.
By McKenna Horsley
U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, left, and Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, right, attended Kentucky’s constitutional swearing-in ceremony, Jan. 2, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)
U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell will miss the Fancy Farm Picnic as he continues rehabilitation after a June fall.
By McKenna Horsley
U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, left, with his wife, former Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, on Sunday. (Provided by McConnell’s office)
Adkins, who recently stepped down as a senior advisor to Gov. Andy Beshear, is the second Democrat in the race. Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced her run in April.
By McKenna Horsley
Rocky Adkins announces his 2027 run for governor in Lexington, on July 21, 2026. (Photo by Arden Barnes for Kentucky Lantern)
Pressure is mounting on Gov. Andy Beshear to act over Sen. Mitch McConnell’s prolonged absence, but legal experts say he has little authority unless the seat becomes vacant — and even then, Kentucky’s appointment laws could trigger a court fight.
By McKenna Horsley
beshear and mcconnell
Shaw hosts Kentucky Edition weekly and Kentucky Tonight.
By McKenna Horsley
Renee Shaw portrait