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Lily Burris

Lily Burris is a features reporter for WKMS. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Western Kentucky University. She has written for the College Heights Herald at WKU, interned with Louisville Public Media, served as a tornado recovery reporter with WKMS and most recently worked as a journalist with the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting and baking.

Kentucky livestock, row crop farmers navigate winter weather

Kentucky’s winter storms strained livestock producers with cold stress and calving risks, while insulating dormant wheat — though a late freeze could still threaten crops.
By Lily Burris
farmer with calves

Kentuckians turn out at peaceful ‘No Kings’ protests across state

Thousands turned out across Kentucky for a day of peaceful protest. Many wore inflatable animal costumes, carried signs and chanted protests against the Trump administration.
By Lily Burris
The "No Kings" demonstration in Bowling Green on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. (Kentucky Public Radio photo by Kevin Willis)

Electric vehicle ownership still lags in Kentucky, even as EV, battery projects accelerate

Federal tax credits for the purchase of most electric vehicles, new or used, started in 2023.
By Lily Burris
Mark and Pam Glover, business owners in Paducah, own two electric vehicles, both Teslas. They're a part of the growing population of EV owners in Kentucky. (Photo by Lily Burris | WKMS)

Assessment shows range of needs to address Hopkinsville housing shortage

Housing affordability data showed that more than 4,200 households in Hopkinsville were cost burdened, meaning that more than 30% of their monthly income goes to housing costs.
By Lily Burris
trick Bowen, president of Bowen National Research, presents a housing needs assessment to community members Friday morning at the Hopkinsville Municipal Building. (WKMS photo by Lily Burris)

Hopkinsville, Christian County facing down multiple factors in housing shortage

According to a recent study, the median home sale price in the Hopkinsville area increased by 82.8% from 2014 to 2023, along with a 66.4% increase in average sale price.
By Lily Burris
Hopkinsville Municipal Center

Crop cashed out? Fewer than 1,000 Ky. farms are still growing tobacco 20 years after major reform

As the United States continues to see a decline in the number of smokers, farmers like Christian County's Dale Seay are pulling the plug on their tobacco growing operations.
By Lily Burris
tobacco farm barn

Lawmakers, military officers cut ribbon on first in series of renovated Fort Campbell barracks

Originally built in the late 1970s and the early 1980s, the barracks came into use as the U.S. was transitioning away from using a drafted army.
By Lily Burris
Lawmakers from Tennessee and Kentucky join military officers to cut the ribbon a newly renovated barracks at Fort Campbell military base. (Photo by Lily Burris | WKMS)

Are Kentucky judges disclosing everything they should?

Judges and judicial candidates are expected to file financial disclosures each year in order to limit conflicts of interest. But an analysis by KyCIR revealed that the forms aren’t specific enough and don’t actually reveal much about their financial holdings.
By Lily Burris
election signs in a yard

Sen. Paul proposal would allow coronavirus relief money to be used for disaster recovery

Under the Prioritizing Disaster Relief Act, unspent COVID-19 funds could be used in tornado and flooding recovery efforts.
By Lily Burris
rand paul

Beshear disburses $3M in SAFE Funds to tornado communities

The money can be used to help local governments, nonprofit or public utilities groups, state agencies or school districts.
By Lily Burris
dawson springs tornado damage

OSHA alleges safety violations at Mayfield plant that collapsed in an EF-4 tornado

Officials with the candle factory are contesting the violations, which carry fines totaling $40,000.
By Lily Burris
An aerial photo shows the aftermath of December’s deadly tornado at Mayfield Consumer Products, a candle factory. More than 100 people were trapped when the factory collapsed during the disaster and nine deaths were connected with the collapse. (Photo courtesy of John Hewlett)

Ky. transportation secretary gives update on flood recovery, points to lessons from tornado outbreak

By Lily Burris
rescue boat in flood
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