McKenna Horsley
@mckennahorsley
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Politics reporter for the Kentucky Lantern | Spalding University MFA 2023 | University of Kentucky 2019 | [email protected]
Joined June 2011
.@AndyBeshearKY told reporters after Fayette Dems rally that the country has “to move past a place to where seven states don’t decide the presidency in the future. We’ll have better government. We’ll have better politics. We’ll have better elections when we get to that point.”
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Moments ago in Louisville, @LtGovColeman said her job “is to be ready” to lead Kentucky if Beshear goes to a higher office. “I wouldn't have accepted (LG) if I didn't think I was ready. And I don't think the governor would have asked me if he didn't think I was ready.”.
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.@AndyBeshearKY on a 2028 presidential run: “We’ll see what the future holds in the future, but right now, my only focus is on this job, is about making sure I continue to stand up for Kentuckians and all Americans, to ensure that their rights are respected.”.
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Gov. Andy Beshear announces a multi-million Margaritaville Resort is coming to Newport on the Levee.
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Break from news tweets because I’m excited about my new office decor
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The @KamalaHQ account posts a Beshear clip for the second time today 🤷🏼♀️.
Gov. @AndyBeshearKY: The problem with JD Vance is he has no conviction. But I guess his running mate has 34
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Ahead of Gov. Walz arrival in Louisville, @RepMcGarvey and @JohnYarmuth are at the airport.
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.@KyDems are speaking against Amendment 2 in a press conference at the Capitol this morning.
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The Huntington City Council votes 7 to 4 to ban conversion therapy for minors within the city.
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I have been taking some time away from work due to my mother’s untimely death. I plan to return next week, but I’m grateful to my @KYLantern co-workers who have stepped up during this time. Here is her obituary, which I was honored to write.
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It’s me. Hi. I’m the third reporter to join @KYLantern by way of @statesnewsroom. I’m excited to return to the Bluegrass State and work with @jamielucke, @ladd_sarah and @liamniemeyer. I’ll cover the 2023 KY Governor’s Race, the statehouse and more. Sign up for our newsletter!.
Hello, Kentuckians. We’re about to fire up a new source of news for you, the Kentucky Lantern.
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NEW: Democrats test whether Andy Beshear’s appeal is transferable — in Kentucky and beyond
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McKenna Horsley, MFA 👩🏼🎓.
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If Godzilla wins, there are going to be so many articles this November with headlines like "Here's why Kentucky has Godzilla on it's 'I Voted' stickers".
The @KYSecState has released the finalists for its "I Voted" sticker contest. You can vote on your pick at the Kentucky State Fair. My pick My money is on Cash's design because how could you not go with that one!
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Time for some ✨personal news✨: . Tuesday, Nov. 29, will be my last day at The Herald-Dispatch. I’ll post more later about my new gig, but I want to take the time to publicly thank my colleagues for their moral support, guidance and friendship since I joined the HD in 2020.
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She likened the hypothetical to other examples of a second in command stepping in, such as Harris now seeking the Dem nomination after Biden ended his candidacy. Coleman also said she is joining Beshear in endorsing the Democratic ticket. Praised Biden as “a good man.”.
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Per pool report from @HannahPinski, Walz said the Louisville fundraiser netted more than $2 million.
Walz makes fundraising stop in Louisville with days left in presidential race
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NEW: A bill that would block Kentuckians from using university-issued IDs to vote has passed out of a Senate committee, prompting @KYSecState to warn members of his party to “be careful not to gratuitously alienate young voters.”
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Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie on his primary tonight. He defeated two GOP challengers for the 4th Congressional District — Eric Deters and Michael McGinnis.
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Here's your first day of session reminder that @KYLantern does not have a paywall and media outlets can republish our work. Also, we have a daily newsletter that is free to read. Also, send your press releases, news tips, etc. to me at mhorsley@kentuckylantern.com. #kyga24.
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Asked Beshear to clarify this. He said a popular vote system would encourage candidates to campaign in all states, not just swing states, lead to less extremism, and would benefit states like KY. “I think to do that, we would ultimately have to abolish the Electoral College.”.
.@AndyBeshearKY told reporters after Fayette Dems rally that the country has “to move past a place to where seven states don’t decide the presidency in the future. We’ll have better government. We’ll have better politics. We’ll have better elections when we get to that point.”
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Congrats to Kentucky’s newest newsroom, @KYLantern! We are celebrating our first few weeks in our Frankfort office today. Here’s to many more months of covering the commonwealth.
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NEW: Beshear says school district speaking against Amendment 2 was ‘just being honest with people’
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Honored to bring 2nd Place in In-depth/Investigative Reporting and Reporting Generated From Public Notice to @heralddispatch at this year’s @WVPress Awards. Congratulations to all winners. Thanks to @FredPaceHD and @HesslerHD for the hype. Now back to reporting!
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Inbox: Among new Beshear administration appointments released this afternoon, @Booker4KY will lead the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based Initiatives and Community Involvement.
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.@GovAndyBeshear has sent a letter to the DEA saying he supports a federal proposal to ease restrictions on marijuana, rescheduling cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.
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Happy birthday to the @KYLantern!. And happy work-iversary to me! Here’s to many more years of Kentucky journalism.
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Me in December: wow I can’t wait to cover a governor race in my home state.Me today:
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The Kentucky Board of Education passed a resolution earlier this week opposing "any legislation or policy that would allocate state dollars to fund schools outside the common system of public schools."
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The Cabell County Commission voted 2-1 to give support to the Cabell-Huntington Health Department harm reduction program. In favor: Morgan and Cartmill. Against: Sobonya. @heralddispatch.
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I found my first official press badge at my parents’ house over the weekend — from Kentucky Youth Assembly 2010. @KYYMCA
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Eastern Kentucky native and musician Tyler Childers is at sound check at the State Capitol.
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.@IngramWCn: “I don’t need anymore caffeine. I need people to call me back.” .Cc: @OHnewsroom.
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“While Kentucky found itself in the national spotlight, it was important for me to showcase voices within our commonwealth.”. ‘Rewarding:’ Kentucky Lantern staff honored with 6 regional awards
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.@healthyky releases Mason-Dixon poll showing more than 71% of Kentucky voters believe businesses and institutions should make decisions on their own diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs without without government interference. By phone, 625 voters were polled. #kyga24
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Someone from back home let me know I recently made the front page of the @ashlandkydaily! . Thanks to all newspapers and media outlets who pick up @KYLantern stories. Our work is free to republish.
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In a statement from an SOS press release, Lillian said: "Thanks to everyone who voted for me, and thanks to my family for the support and believing in me. It just proves that what you put your heart and mind into you can achieve!".
The winner of our first "I Voted" sticker contest is middle schooler Lillian Bonczkiewicz of Carlisle County. The margin, while close, is outside the recanvass threshold and Lizard Man has graciously conceded.
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.@GovAndyBeshear walks into post-election press conference with First Lady Britainy Beshear, Lt. Gov Jacqueline Coleman and First Dog Winnie.
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Side note: A year ago today, I officially started as a reporter at The Herald-Dispatch. I was a copy editor for over a year before that. I'm excited to keep telling stories and serving the community!.
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Lt. Gov. Jaqueline Coleman will not be attending the Fancy Farm Picnic because she will attending an event to support cancer survivors — a cause she says is personal to her because of a recent medical diagnosis.
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NEW: Beshear to attend Democratic governors meeting at White House in person .
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Some personal news: I’m a reporter again! I will cover the city/county beat for @heralddispatch starting next week. Send news tips my way at the email in my bio.
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Protect Our Schools PAC celebrates defeating Amendment 2 in Louisville.
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ICYMI: Conversion therapy has been banned in the City of Huntington.
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Today, the Cabell County Library is celebrating one of their own with a retirement party. Director Judy Rule is set to retire Thursday. She’s worked at the library for over 50 years.
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I will interview former Gov. Paul Patton tomorrow afternoon at the Louisville Book Festival. We will talk about his new book, “The Coal Miner Who Became Governor.”
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who created National Hug a Newsperson Day because I don't think that person knows a lot of newspeople
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Former Gov. Julian Carroll died this morning. Last month, Jack Brammer interviewed Carroll for @KYLantern about his time in politics.
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NEW: Jacqueline Coleman says she’s ‘ready’ to become governor should Beshear get vice president nod
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INBOX: The Kentucky Black Legislative Caucus joins the National Black Caucus of State Legislators in condemning steps taken to remove of three members of the Tennessee House of Representatives.
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As a former newspaper journalist turned online reporter, I’m glad to see my name still in print! Thank you to the Harlan Enterprise.
Spotted in today’s Harlan Enterprise: @KYLantern stories from @liamniemeyer and @mckennahorsley. The Lantern, which can be republished for free under Creative Commons, is such a valuable addition to the Kentucky media landscape.
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"He can’t run for a third consecutive term as secretary of state because of Kentucky law. But Adams, who says that state government fits his style more than more polarized national politics, is considering a run for governor.".
Harvard Law alum and Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams recently won an award for his bipartisan efforts to expand voting rights in the face of fierce opposition.
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.@KYSecState recommends lawmakers require a "civics education course in high school" and "a more robust civics exam to graduate" after releasing the 2023 Civic Health Assessment. Overall, Kentucky got a C. #kyga24
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Target is coming to Frankfort! . It will be part of The Paddocks of Frankfort, a $150 million mixed-use development off I-64 on the westside of the town.
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In the Senate, sisters Sen. Adrienne Southworth and Rep. Courtney Gilbert sing “My Old Kentucky Home” to open the last day of this legislative session. #kyga24
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.@HuntingtonMayor delivered a $500,000 check from @huntingtoncity to Facing Hunger Foodbank this morning. The organization serves about 130,000 people monthly.
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Leather pants are in this legislative session.
I absolutely must give credit where credit is due. A major shout-out to @mckennahorsley for breaking the leather-pants-as-business-attire-on-the-Senate-floor ceiling. Thanks to her courage, the rest of us can have confidence in our leather-inclusive 'fits.
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Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell was asked about the Mayorkas impeachment during a press gaggle in Shelbyville a few minutes ago.
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Gov. Beshear’s PAC, In this Together, announced a few endorsements this morning in federal and Kentucky elections.
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Sad update to this: Rep. Lamin Swann’s mother has released a statement this morning about his death. He was a freshman Democratic lawmaker from Lexington.
A statement from @LaminForKY’s mother, Pam Dixon, on a recent hospitalization of the representative. Swann is from Lexington.
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New from me: As politicians put a spotlight on gender-affirming medical care, advocates say the lives of trans Kentuckians — especially those of the commonwealth’s trans youth — are on the line. #kygov
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I just told @ladd_sarah about Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, and it's dog mayor and she's so mad I didn't tell her sooner.
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“@statesnewsroom in West Virginia will be dedicated to serving as a government watchdog, covering policy, politics, and other stories of statewide interest.”. Link:
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.@FayetteDemocrat is hosting an election rally at The Burl in Lexington starting in a few minutes. Speakers include @AndyBeshearKY and @JColemanKY.
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I’m in Louisville awaiting the start of @AndyBeshearKY’s election night party. Follow the @KYLantern team for more!.@liamniemeyer @ladd_sarah @JamieLucke . Polls start closing at 6 p.m.
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Kentucky attorneys can *again* serve as poll workers in the primary election next month to receive two credit hours toward keeping their law licenses annually, per @KYSecState.
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‘Profile in Courage:’ Kentuckian Michael Adams honored for protecting election integrity .
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KY's Gov. Andy Beshear is the most popular Democratic governor, according to a new @MorningConsult poll. He's second overall to VT's Republican Gov. Phil Scott.
NEW: We've published our latest governor and senator approval ratings. Governors: Senators:
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quick someone call the guy who drove to every margaritaville.
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In AG Daniel Cameron's press conference this morning, I asked him if he thought gender-affirming care for adults should be banned in Kentucky. @Karolina_Buczek asked the follow-up. Here's the transcript. #kygov
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Inbox: Gov. Andy Beshear was elected to serve as the states’ co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission. The federal co-chair is Gayle Manchin.
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Hey, I have a byline in West Virginia again.
A federal judge has blocked new Title IX rules, including those aimed at protecting LGBTQ+ students from discrimination in K-12 schools, and sided with Republican attorneys general in several states — including West Virginia, reports @mckennahorsley.
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The HD is a very special newspaper and I am honored to have been part of it as a reporter and copy editor. I am also thankful to readers in our community who have supported me by reading my work, sharing it with others or taking time to send me a note of gratitude.
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Latest on the #Louisville shooting from @KYLantern . The shooter bought an AR-15 on April 4. Under KY state law, that gun will be sold again, @LouisvilleMayor said.
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Gov. Beshear on MSNBC fully endorses VP Harris for president. Says she’s “smart and strong” but also “kind and has empathy.”. Beshear also contrasts her with GOP side, going after Vance a little for comments on pregnancy arising from rape inconvenient.
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Senate just gaveled in, but was supposed to meet an hour ago. Were they looking for Kate Middleton? 🤔 #kyga24.
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Louisville Democrat announces bid to primary Grossberg in 2026
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Story
NEW: Jacqueline Coleman says she’s ‘ready’ to become governor should Beshear get vice president nod
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.@KyDems announced this morning that Beshear endorsed Democratic Caucus Chair @CherlynnForKY's reelection campaign.
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.@KeturahHerron was recognized at tonight’s @RacingLouFC game for being the first openly gay state representative in Kentucky. It’s the team’s Pride Night. Herron, a Democrat, is the only candidate in the 35th Senate District.
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Judge rules Kentucky’s charter school law unconstitutional
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Tonight, Gov. Andy Beshear and Attorney General Daniel Cameron will appear at the @KyChamber Gubernatorial Forum. #kygov
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Former President Donald Trump on the #kygov race via Truth Social. Trump endorsed AG Daniel Cameron early on in the race.
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