Kevin Hardy

Kevin Hardy covers business, labor and rural issues for Stateline from the Midwest.

Utilities sought more than $18 billion in rate increases nationwide during the first half of 2026, potentially raising gas and electric bills for millions of customers already struggling with energy costs.
By Kevin Hardy
electric meter on shingles
More than 4 million Americans have lost SNAP benefits, putting more pressure on food banks and food pantries across the country.
By Kevin Hardy
hand sliding ebt card through processor
The U.S. Mint in Philadelphia struck the last penny on Nov. 12, but pennies were already scarce at that time.
By Kevin Hardy
cash bag feature
At a Louisville gathering of lawmakers from across the U.S. — including Kentucky state Sen. Whitney Westerfield — concerns were raised about deep fakes and misinformation via AI.
By Kevin Hardy
voter walking into polling place on election day
Owensboro and Frankfort are among Kentucky cities that have adopted special downtown districts that allow open carry alcohol under certain restrictions.
By Kevin Hardy
A specially marked cup shows a beer purchased in Raleigh’s Sip n’ Stroll Downtown, a special social district the North Carolina capital created last year that allows open containers of alcohol within strict bounds. States, including Kentucky, are increasingly allowing cities to create these districts in hopes of boosting — or reviving — downtown businesses. (Photo courtesy of the city of Raleigh, N.C.)