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Kentucky lawmakers consider constitutional amendments for senior property tax relief and pardon limits

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Kentucky lawmakers consider constitutional amendments for senior property tax relief and pardon limits


FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) — Kentucky state lawmakers are considering two constitutional amendments that would require voter approval. One that would impact seniors who own homes by freezing their property tax valuations and one that would limit the governor’s pardon power.

If the bills pass, the proposed changes would need to be placed on the ballot for Kentucky voters to decide.

Property tax relief for seniors

Senate Bill 51 would limit property taxes to protect people who are 65 or older from rising property valuations. The legislation would freeze the taxable value of a home at its worth when the owner turns 65.

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“For instance, if your home is $200,000 when you turn 65 and it goes up to $300,000, you’ll pay the tax on the $200,000 at whatever rate it is. You just won’t pay on that $100,000 that it went up,” Sen. Michael Nemes said.

Lawmakers say they’re considering this measure because of concerns over people on fixed incomes needing to sell their homes because they can no longer afford the taxes. The issue particularly impacts low-income communities.

“We know that for those low income seniors, homeownership is how they build and transfer wealth to the next generation, so when we look at those low income communities, this legislation is particularly important,” Sen. Cassie Chambers Armstrong said.

Some lawmakers have indicated they would prefer the bill not apply to homes worth more than $1 million or $2 million.

Limiting gubernatorial pardon powers

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The second constitutional amendment under consideration would limit the governor’s pardon powers. This proposal has been discussed for years and would restrict Kentucky governors from issuing pardons and sentence commutations 60 days before their election through the inauguration in December.

The bill was first introduced after former Governor Matt Bevin made controversial pardons in his final days in office. Those pardons were given to people convicted of crimes including rape, murder and child abuse.

“We’ve seen previous governors issue pardons that were problematic as well. We’ve seen it federally with presidents in both parties. The fact is this is a totally non-partisan issue. This is just a justice issue,” Sen. Chris McDaniel said.





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Watch: Blast brings down Northern Kentucky bridge

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Watch: Blast brings down Northern Kentucky bridge


COVINGTON, Ky. (WKRC) – The Licking River Bridge was demolished Monday morning in a controlled blast, clearing the way for a replacement structure.

Authorities established a 1,000-foot safety perimeter, closed nearby roads and asked residents to shelter in place before the demolition. The bridge collapsed within seconds of the blast.

“Today we say goodbye to a bridge that has served Kentuckians for nearly a century and we make room for something new. A signature bridge that is safer, stronger and we make room for something new,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “This region, like the rest of the commonwealth, is evolving, it is booming, it’s economy growing every day. What we’re doing together is building our new Kentucky home.”

The Licking River Bridge is now history after crews brought it down with a controlled demolition Monday morning. (WKRC)

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Crews will begin construction on the new bridge after debris removal is complete. The replacement bridge is expected to open in the summer of 2028.



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Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for March 1, 2026

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Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Pick 3 Evening winning numbers for March 1, 2026


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The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Sunday, March 1, 2026 winning numbers for each game.

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Cash Ball

03-07-16-32, Cash Ball: 25

Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.

Pick 3

Evening: 4-5-5

Midday: 3-1-4

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Pick 4

Evening: 3-8-0-2

Midday: 6-2-3-9

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Millionaire for Life

10-11-12-35-56, Bonus: 04

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.



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Woman dies in head-on collision in Bullitt County

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Woman dies in head-on collision in Bullitt County


Kentucky State Police is investigating after a Shepherdsville woman died Feb. 28 in a two-vehicle crash in Bullitt County.

A preliminary investigation shows the crash, which occurred at 7:34 p.m. at the intersection of KY 44 East and Watergate Drive, began when the passenger-side tires of a Toyota Tacoma heading westbound on KY 44 East dropped off the right side of the roadway and onto a steep shoulder, Master Trooper Bryan Washer said in a statement March 1.

The teenage driver “overcorrected, causing the vehicle to cross the centerline into the eastbound lane and into the path of a Ford Escape.”

Due to a head-on collision, the Ford Escape went down a small embankment and overturned on its roof before coming to rest, Washer said. The driver of the Ford Escape, Sarah Weisman, 27, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Bullitt County Coroner’s Office. The driver of the Toyota Tacoma was not injured from the crash.

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Trooper Scott Wheatley and Detective Brad Holloman of the State Police conducted the initial investigation into the crash, Washer said. Holloman continues to investigate.

Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@usatodayco.com or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter



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