radioNOVO News KY News Roundup for July 16, 2026

RNN KY ROUNDUP 07/16/26               The Kentucky Attorney General's Office is planning to pursue the death penalty against the suspect in the deadly Berea bank robbery.  AG Russell Coleman announced the state indictment on murder and fleeing or evading counts against 19-year-old Brailen Weaver yesterday.  Weaver is accused of entering a U.S. Bank branch on Chestnut Street back in April and immediately shooting two employees before taking off with cash.  He has been criminally indicted in federal court as well.               The Kentucky Attorney General's Office is claiming the Fayette County Public Schools Board of Education violated open meetings laws last month.  In a ruling released yesterday, the AG's Office says the board did not give a sufficient public explanation before entering the closed session during which Superintendent Demetrus Liggins was placed on administrative leave.  The attorney general does say, however, the discussion held in private is allowed under state law and the actions of the board will be permitted to stand.  Attorneys for Liggins requested the review, saying the board should be ordered to reverse the decision to place the superintendent on leave.           Officials are looking into an apparent drowning on Lake Cumberland yesterday.  The Russell County Coroner's Office says a man's body was recovered in the Caney Fork Creek area around 5:30 p.m.  The deceased person has been identified as 28-year-old Joshua Wethington, of Casey County.  His remains are being taken to the state medical examiner's office for an autopsy.            Officials are warning residents after a skunk found in Scott County tested positive for rabies.  The WEDCO District Health Department reports the animal was found in the community of Stamping Ground on July 7th.  Those who live in the area are advised to make sure pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations and to avoid any animals that are acting abnormally.  Potential exposure to the illness should be reported to WEDCO's environmental division.            Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman is formally endorsing Charles Booker for U.S. Senate.  Booker announced he had Coleman's support on social media yesterday, thanking her for her leadership and focus on the people of Kentucky.  Booker is the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate seat that will be vacated by Mitch McConnell with his retirement at the end of the year.  Republican Congressman Andy Barr is running against Booker in the general election.