JERRY FALWELL JR.

Liberty University Board of Trustees appoints Dr. Dondi Costin as new president of the university and Pastor Jonathan Falwell as the school's chancellor.

Former Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. has filed a nearly $8M lawsuit against the university, claiming that his retirement benefits were wrongfully denied from him.

A new Hulu documentary dives into the sex and scandals surrounding former president of Liberty University Jerry Falwell Jr. and his wife Becki.

Liberty University has hired an executive search firm that will lead a nationwide search to find the university’s next president.

There’s a scripted television series in the works about Former Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. and his family.

In an exclusive Vanity Fair interview, Falwell Jr. and his wife Becki Falwell spoke about their side of the story.

More than 20 people have been tried for their actions during the May 31 riots.

A Lynchburg judge has upheld most of a lawsuit Liberty University filed against its former leader, Jerry Falwell Jr., after an acrimonious parting last year.

Jerry Falwell Jr. is asking a court in Virginia to dismiss a lawsuit Liberty University filed over his headline-grabbing departure last year as leader of the evangelical school his father founded.

Former Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr. took to Twitter on Saturday to respond to a lawsuit that’s seeking tens of millions in damages.

Liberty University is suing Jerry Falwell Jr. The school is seeking millions in damages after an acrimonious breakup with its former leader last year.

In an email obtained by 10 News, staff were reminded about the ongoing investigation into the university's operations during Falwell's tenure and “ensured” Falwell is not influencing the investigation in any way.

Liberty University has announced its new campus pastor just one day after David Nasser said he was resigning. And it’s a name familiar to the campus community.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Some Liberty University students have questioned why Jerry Falwell Jr. has been “absent,” and on Sunday, he provided an explanation. The former Liberty University president said in an Instagram post that he was in New York University’s Langone Hospital last week for the fourth time since August due to clots in his lungs. According to Falwell Jr., his blood saturation levels have been between 77 and 92 for seven months which is below the normal range of 96 to 99. “I didn’t even have the strength to go on TV to refute lies in the press,” Falwell Jr. said. Falwell Jr. was happy to attend the Liberty Mens’ Lacrosse game this weekend and said that he’s been prescribed blood thinners that should dissolve the blood clots within weeks or months.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Jonathan Falwell, a Lynchburg pastor and brother of Jerry Falwell Jr., announced Thursday he has tested positive for COVID-19. Falwell, who currently serves as senior pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church, said he doesn’t have any symptoms. Falwell said he got tested after spending time around a family member who later tested positive.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – After recent events, several universities have revoked President Donald Trump’s honorary degrees. According to Forbes, it’s a move done by all except one: Liberty University. In 2012, Liberty awarded Trump with an honorary doctorate of business. Former Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr., who gave Trump those honorary degrees, released the following statement to 10 News“I’d give him another degree if I was still at LU. That almost never happened before.” Jerry Falwell Jr.Liberty University did not want to comment.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Officials at Liberty University announced Thursday that former university president Jerry Falwell Jr. has dismissed his lawsuit against the university. Falwell Jr. filed a lawsuit in October claiming the university “needlessly injured and damaged his reputation through a series of statements, published in print and spoken in large public forums and streamed online, following his forced resignation from the University.”[‘I must take the necessary steps to restore my reputation’: Jerry Falwell files a lawsuit against Liberty University]In Thursday’s statement, Liberty University officials said, “Falwell’s unilateral and voluntary dismissal was not prompted by any payments, promises, or other consideration from Liberty.”In a statement given to 10 News, Falwell Jr. said, “I’ve decided to take a time out from my litigation against Liberty University, but I will continue to keep all options on the table for an appropriate resolution to the matter.”University leaders said they were “pleased” with Falwell Jr.’s decision to drop the lawsuit and they look forward to the search for a new leader to succeed Falwell Jr.READ THE FULL STATEMENT FROM LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BELOW:“Liberty University announces that Jerry Falwell, who resigned as President of the University in August, has dismissed his lawsuit against Liberty. Falwell’s unilateral and voluntary dismissal was not prompted by any payments, promises, or other consideration from Liberty. The University’s administration and Board of Trustees are pleased that Falwell has dropped his lawsuit and look forward to pressing onward with the work of Liberty’s President and Chancellor Search Committee to find the new leadership to succeed Falwell.”

LYNCHBURG, Va. – A major change is coming to Liberty University. The university’s Board of Trustees announced Monday that one person will no longer serve as the university’s chancellor and president. This is a change from how the university operated under Jerry Falwell Jr.'s leadership, where he served in both capacities. The board named 10 trustees to a president and chancellor search committee and tasked them with starting the planning process for presenting the candidates for the two senior leadership positions. Liberty expects it to take more than a year to find its next president and its next chancellor.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – A Liberty University alumni group is speaking out after former president Jerry Falwell Jr. sued his former employer. The complaint, filed Wednesday in circuit court, includes defamation and breach of contract. Falwell believes the university used false claims against him without investigating. Save71 is an alumni organization advocating for reform at Liberty. Dustin Wahl, co-founder of Save71, says he agrees with Falwell to a degree.

RICHMOND, Va. – Jerry Falwell Jr. has sued Liberty University, alleging the evangelical school founded by his late pastor father damaged his reputation in a series of public statements that followed his resignation as president and chancellor in August amid a series of scandals. This action seeks redress for the damage Liberty has caused to the reputation of Mr. Falwell and his family,” the lawsuit says. Falwell left Liberty in August after Giancarlo Granda, a younger business partner of the Falwell family, said he had a yearslong sexual relationship with Falwell's wife, Becki Falwell, and that Jerry Falwell participated in some of the liaisons as a voyeur. Although the Falwells have acknowledged that Granda and Becki Falwell had an affair, Jerry Falwell has denied any participation. In the lawsuit, Falwell claimed that Liberty “turned on” him after Granda went public with his allegations, forcing his resignation.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Liberty University’s former president and chancellor, Jerry Falwell Jr., has filed a lawsuit against his former employer. The case, filed in Lynchburg Circuit Court, includes claims of defamation and breach of contract. “Other than God and my family, there is nothing in the world I love more than Liberty University,” said Falwell in a statement. “We attempted to meet several times with the Liberty University Board of Trustees Executive Committee but were unsuccessful in doing so. The University would need to read and review a lawsuit before making comment, and as of this moment we have not been served.” Scott Lamb, Liberty University spokesmanBelow is the 29-page redacted lawsuit filed Wednesday in Lynchburg Circuit Court:

LYNCHBURG, Va. – A Lynchburg restaurant is back in business following controversy earlier this year. Fifth & Federal Station has been closed since May, when the restaurant supported a tweet from-then Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. showing a picture of a face mask with the blackface photo from Gov. The owner, Josh Read, declined to go on camera, but told 10 News they regret the tweet. One Lynchburg resident said Thursday it’s nice to have Fifth & Federal back in business. Some other passersby declined interviews, but called Fifth & Federal “racist.”The owner said they’re focusing on strengthening their relationships within the community and invite people to visit to see what they’re truly about.

First responders were called to the Falwell’s house in Bedford County, according to the Huffington Post. According to records and 911 audio obtained by the Huffington Post, Bedford County dispatchers received a 911 call from Becki Falwell in the early morning hours of Aug. 31. According to the report, a responder saw cuts on Jerry Falwell Jr.'s face, including under his left eye, above both eyes and across the bridge of his nose. The responder also recorded in a report that Falwell said he hit his head on a trash can. The report says there was blood there as well as empty alcohol containers.

RICHMOND, Va. Liberty University is opening an independent investigation into Jerry Falwell Jr.'s tenure as president, a wide-ranging inquiry that will include financial, real estate and legal matters, the evangelical school's board announced Monday. Granda said that he had a yearslong sexual relationship with Becki Falwell and that Jerry Falwell participated in some of the liaisons as a voyeur. Although the Falwells have acknowledged that Granda and Becki Falwell had an affair, Jerry Falwell has denied any participation. Jerry Falwell Sr. Some may say that all the signs were there for a long time before last week, the statement said.

This time, a former Liberty University student said Becki Falwell, wife of former Liberty president Jerry Falwell Jr., initiated a sexual encounter with him in 2008. [Former Liberty University student says Becki Falwell initiated sexual encounter, Politico reports]A Politico report details the alleged relationship. Friday night, alumni said theyre coming together to pray for the university. Praying for the school board. An independent search committee composed of current and former university officials must be established to find LUs new president.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – A former Liberty University student told Politico that Becki Falwell climbed into bed with him and gave him oral sex one night back in 2008 while he was staying over at the Falwell’s home. According to what the student told Politico, the wife of then-university president Jerry Falwell Jr. initiated the act and he went along with it. I think that you are beautiful just like you are,” Becki Falwell wrote in a message sent in September 2008. Jerry officially resigned as Liberty University president on Tuesday and received a reported $10.5 million severance package in return. After the photo went viral, a GOP lawmaker and former Liberty University instructor called for Falwell Jr. to resign.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – On Tuesday, Jerry Falwell Jr. announced that he had resigned from all of his roles at Liberty University — but that’s not the end for him. Falwell says he signed a 20-page contract in July 2019, and has agreed to not work for a competing university. Hours after Liberty University released a statement saying Jerry Falwell Jr. agreed to resign then reversed course on Monday, he old the Wall Street Journal that he was officially stepping down. After the photo went viral, a GOP lawmaker and former Liberty University instructor called for Falwell Jr. to resign. During Falwell’s leave of absence, Liberty Board Chairman Dr. Jerry Prevo is serving as acting president.

In the political arena, Jerry Falwell Jr. was one of the first people to give an endorsement to now President Trump. After Falwell’s endorsement, Trump tweeted that Falwell was one of the most respected religious leaders in the nation. Falwell continued to actively campaign for Trump and even said he turned down the position of Secretary of Education. Despite all this, 10 News Political Analyst Dr. Ed Lynch said the scandal won’t have any lasting effects in the election. “But none of that is going to be major because Donald Trump is much bigger than Liberty University and Liberty University has had an existence and a great deal of success before anybody took Donald Trump seriously as a presidential candidate.”Lynch said he doesn’t think this will have a major impact on the Trump campaign’s fundraising either.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Effective immediately, Jerry Falwell Jr. is no longer the president and chancellor of Liberty University. “We’re all kind of glad, personally I’m very relieved,” said Liberty student Brooke Snok. The controversy for Falwell started earlier this month when he posted then quickly deleted a photo which later went viral. Reports from Reuters and the Washington Examiner revealed Falwell’s wife Becki allegedly had a years-long sexual affair with their Miami business partner, while Jerry Falwell knew and sometimes watched. Then Tuesday morning, board members met and accepted his resignation.

FILE - In this Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018 file photo, Jerry Falwell Jr., right, answers a student's question, accompanied by his wife, Becki, during a town hall meeting on the opioid crisis at a convocation at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. On Aug. 7, 2020, Falwell stepped down, at least temporarily, from his role as the president of the school. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks during the Republican National Convention from the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. SCOTTISH LEADER WINNING PRAISE Nicola Sturgeons calm and sober response to the coronavirus pandemic is standing in contrast to the sometimes-chaotic approach of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. WE HAVE NO WAY TO FORCE THEM OUT Beiruts massive explosion has fueled widespread anger at Lebanons ruling elite, whose corruption and negligence many blame for the disaster. LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SAGA PERSISTS The evangelical school said Jerry Falwell Jr., embroiled in a sex scandal, had offered his resignation as president but then reversed course.

(AP Photo/Steve Helber)RICHMOND, Va. Jerry Falwell Jr. said Tuesday that he has submitted his resignation as head of evangelical Liberty University. Falwell confirmed his departure in an interview with The Associated Press a day after the school said he had submitted, then rescinded his resignation. Falwell stepped down amid conflicting claims about a sexual relationship Falwells his wife had with a younger business partner. Falwell is the son of university founder the late Rev. Jerry Falwell.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – TUESDAY MORNING UPDATEHours after Liberty University released a statement saying Jerry Falwell Jr. agreed to resign then reversed course, he tells the Wall Street Journal that he is officially stepping down. In a phone call to the Wall Street Journal, Falwell said he had just sent his resignation letter to the university board late Monday night. After the photo went viral, a GOP lawmaker and former Liberty University instructor called for Falwell Jr. to resign. During Falwell’s leave of absence, Liberty Board Chairman Dr. Jerry Prevo is serving as acting president. (Liberty University)Falwell became president in 2007 after his father, Jerry Falwell Sr.‘s death that same year.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – After Liberty University affirmed the terms of President Jerry Falwell Jr.‘s indefinite, paid leave of absence, new information is coming to light about both he and his wife, Becki. Hours after Reuters published its report, Falwell resigned from his roles with Liberty University, according to the Associated Press. On Monday, Reuters published an interview with Giancarlo Granda, who told the news organization about his years-long sexual relationship with Becki Falwell, Jerry’s wife. Granda wasn’t just having sex with Becki Falwell, but was also in business with the couple. On Sunday, The Washington Examiner published a statement from Falwell saying that blackmail led to his recent erratic behavior.

FILE -This Wednesday Nov. 28, 2018 file photo shows Rev. Jerry Falwell Jr., right, and his wife, Becky during after a town hall at a convocation at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. Falwell Jr. says he is seeking help for the "emotional toll" from an affair his wife had with a man who he says later threatened his family. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

(AP Photo/Steve Helber)RICHMOND, Va. – Jerry Falwell Jr.’s future at evangelical Liberty University amid a sex scandal was uncertain Monday, after the school said he had offered his resignation but then reversed course. Falwell agreed to “resign immediately as President of Liberty University today but then instructed his attorneys to not tender the letter for immediate resignation,” according to a university news release distributed late Monday night. The news of Falwell's possible departure followed the publication of news stories about his wife’s sexual encounters with a much younger business partner. Falwell did not return a call from the AP seeking comment, but several news outlets quoted Falwell as saying that he has not agreed to leave the post permanently. Falwell has said the photo was taken in good fun at a costume party during a family vacation.

LYNCHBURG, Va. Suspended Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr. says blackmail led to his recent erratic behavior. He was suspended almost two weeks ago after he posted a controversial photo on Instagram. Calls for Falwell to step downFalwell gave a statement to conservative magazine The Washington Examiner, saying he has suffered depression caused by a former family friend who had an affair with his wife and has been threatening to expose it. In the statement, he says the man began threatening to publicly reveal this secret relationship with Becki and to deliberately embarrass my wife, family, and liberty university unless we agreed to pay him substantial monies ... Over the course of the last few months, this persons behavior has reached a level that we have decided the only way to stop this predatory behavior is to go public.Falwell says hes getting mental health help, along with his wife

LYNCHBURG, Va. Students are moving back in at Liberty University while its leadership continues to evolve with historic changes. Dr. Allen McFarland is the acting chairman of the Board of Trustees and the first African American to serve under that title. McFarland has 30 years of leadership at Liberty University. In a release sent by the university, McFarland said hes excited about the new role. School leaders said its up to the board to decide how long both men will serve in an interim capacity.

(AP Photo/Steve Helber)RICHMOND, Va. Jerry Falwell Jr. has been toppled, at least temporarily, from the presidency of evangelical Liberty University, but whether he will break permanently with the Christian institution that is synonymous with his family name is another matter. Jerry Falwell Sr. into the ministry, took over as president following his fathers death in 2007. The vision laid out by Falwells father rests in part on athletic success, which has improved under his son, who has outfitted the Liberty Flames with top-notch facilities. Adam Laats, a professor at Binghamton University in New York who studies American education, predicted that Falwell would return to Liberty not as president but in another capacity. Harkening back to a sentiment expressed by the elder Falwell, Carson observed: Its not Jerry Jr.s university.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – We now know who will be leading Liberty University for the time being. Liberty Board Chairman Dr. Jerry Prevo accepted the appointment by the Executive Committee of the Board to serve as acting president, the university announced on Monday evening. This decision comes after the university announced Friday that President Jerry Falwell Jr. would be taking an indefinite leave of absence. Prevo has served on the Liberty University Board of Trustees since 1996 and has been the Board Chairman since 2003. He has also stepped aside from his role as Chairman of the Liberty University Board of Trustees for the duration of his service as Acting President of the University.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Liberty University alum Lauren Smith reacted to Jerry Falwell, Jr. taking an “indefinite leave of absence” as university president with a Facebook post. Within a day, her post gained popularity in the Liberty University community. They said it is important for Liberty alums to remember their biblical lessons during Falwell’s time of adversity. It can be judgment or it can be grace.”“This is an opportunity right now to show the rest of the world, who is watching, who Jesus really is and what he’s all about,” Lauren Smith said. “That’s grace, that’s forgiveness, that’s mercy.

LYCNHBURG, Va. – A GOP lawmaker and former Liberty University instructor is calling for Jerry Falwell Jr. to resign after he posted and deleted a photo from his Instagram account that has many people wondering what happened during his vacation. Congressman Rep. Mark Walker, on Friday, Liberty University announced that Falwell would be taking an “indefinite leave of absence” as president of the university. It was a prop only.”Walker, a former instructor at the Christian university, took to Twitter, saying that the Liberty University community deserves better:Jerry Falwell Jr’s ongoing behavior is appalling. As a Music Faculty Advisory Board Member and former instructor @LibertyU, I’m convinced Falwell should step down. — Rep. Mark Walker (@RepMarkWalker) August 6, 202010 News reached out to Liberty University for comment on Monday evening but has not yet received a response.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – On Friday, Aug. 7, Liberty University announced that Falwell would be taking an “indefinite leave of absence” as president of the university. Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr. is breaking his silence after posting then deleting a questionable photo on Instagram while on vacation. In an interview with the Morningline on WLNI 105.9 Lynchburg, the Liberty University president explained and apologized for posting this picture. It shows Falwell with his pants unzipped, belly showing, part of his beard painted and his arm around a young woman. She couldn’t get her pants zipped and I was like trying to like… I had on a pair of jeans I haven’t worn in a long time and couldn’t get zipped either.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – On Friday, Liberty University announced that Falwell would be taking an “indefinite leave of absence” as president of the university. Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. posted and deleted a photo from his Instagram account that has many people wondering what happened during his vacation. 10 News reached out to Liberty University for comment on Monday evening but has not yet received a response. It’s unclear what the deleted picture was in connection with; however, a Huffington Post article stated it appears to be in connection with a “Trailer Park Boys”-themed party. I tried to look anywhere not-alarming in this Jerry Falwell Jr. photo and I sprained my eyeballs!

LYNCHBURG, Va. Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr. announced that his school has filed a lawsuit against The New York Times. The net proceeds awarded through this lawsuit will be contributed by Liberty University to nonprofit organizations dedicated to supporting people and businesses recovering from the coronavirus pandemic and related economic lockdowns, according to Liberty. Jerry Falwell (@JerryFalwellJr) July 15, 2020The lawsuit is against The New York Times Company, Elizabeth Williamson and Julia Rendleman. Therefore, we are holding the New York Times accountable for their malicious and false reporting and their violation of the measures we took to protect our students. Politically-motivated attacks by the mainstream news media that defame and libel conservatives and Christians should not be allowed in the United States of America and will not be tolerated by Liberty University.

LYNCHBURG, Va. Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. left no doubts about his feelings towards the name of the city where his university is located. I personally support changing the name of the city of Lynchburg. Its been an embarrassment to Liberty University ever since we started, Falwell said in a news release. Falwell said he is indifferent to any new names that have been suggested for the city. An online petition to change the name started last month has been signed by more than 5,300 people.

FILE - In this July 21, 2016, file photo, Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University, speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)RICHMOND, Va. As the nation wrestles with how to do more for racial equality, Liberty University a school whose leadership has said it doesn't have a problem is facing its own tough questions. Indeed, McLaurin and other disheartened Black alumni have limited power to force change. But Libertys reckoning over race comes as its share of on-campus Black students has declined in recent years. Internal documents obtained by AP show Black students made up 13% of Libertys resident undergraduates in 2007 and just 5% last year.

LYNCHBURG, Va. Three football players at Liberty University say they have entered the transfer portal, with two of them citing racial insensitivity by the university's leadership or similar reasons for their decisions. Kei'Trel Clark and Tayvion Land, both sophomore defensive backs, and senior linebacker Waylen Cozad all announced their intentions on Twitter. Clark and Land, who are Black, cited racial or cultural concerns with the leadership at the evangelical school. In it, he praised the coaches and players he worked with, but said his decision was bigger than football.Land specifically cited racial insensitivity displayed by leadership at Liberty. Women's basketball player Asia Todd announced about two weeks ago that racial insensitivity that did not align with my moral compass or personal convictions caused her to leave.

RICHMOND, Va. RICHMOND, Va.Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. apologized Monday for a tweet that included a racist photo that appeared on Gov. Falwell, a stalwart backer of President Donald Trump and the son of the late evangelist the Rev. Organizers of last week's alumni letter responded to Falwell's apology with a note of thanks, adding that they are hopeful that healing and reconciliation can" result from it. In late May, Falwell tweeted his opposition to a mask mandate from Gov. Whether Falwell's apology quells what had become a growing tide of criticism of his leadership style and occasionally inflammatory comments remains an open question.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – At the corner of Wards and Wards Ferry Road in Lynchburg, protesters screamed loud and clear with a message. If he didn’t want to wear a mask, he could’ve just said that,” Clator said. Once night fell, the group took their fight up the road to Campbell County where there was no curfew. The group called it a night with plans to continue the cause another day. Lynchburg police reopened Wards Road after several hours.

NEW YORK – Nearly three dozen black alumni of Liberty University denounced school President Jerry Falwell Jr. on Monday, suggesting he step down after he mocked Virginia’s mask-wearing requirement by invoking the blackface scandal that engulfed Gov. In a letter to Falwell, 35 faith leaders and former student-athletes told Falwell that his past comments “have repeatedly violated and misrepresented” Christian principles. More than 30 former African-American Liberty University students are calling on Jerry Falwell Jr. to step down as president of the school. Jerry Falwell, whose legacy the alumni invoked in imploring the younger Falwell to "stop this infantile behavior." In response, Falwell said his comment about the blackface scandal was made in defense of Liberty students, including minorities, who would be affected by tuition assistance cuts proposed by Gov.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Several officers are hurt and two people were arrested after peaceful protests turned violent Sunday night into Monday morning in Lynchburg. — Fifth & Federal (@Fifthandfederal) May 27, 2020The business has since issued a statement apologizing to anyone who thought they were supporting racism. Below is a transcription of the scanner audio embedded above:5:43: “I think we have shots fired. Shayne Dwyer WSLS 10 News is in Lynchburg as police are engaging with demonstrators who have turned violent. When those protests turn violent and threaten the safety of our community, we must take action, as we did tonight.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. tweeted Sunday evening, explaining why he will not apologize for a recent tweet many have called racist. People have asked why I won’t apologize for reminding people of the @vagovernor racist past in a recent tweet. It’s because that same Gov just ended tuition assistance grants for the 27% of @LibertyU online students who are African-American! Sad — Jerry Falwell (@JerryFalwellJr) June 1, 2020Sunday’s tweet comes after his controversial tweets on Wednesday in opposition to Gov. https://t.co/9YKwTrgIDj — Jerry Falwell (@JerryFalwellJr) May 27, 2020After that, a Liberty University online instructor resigned, citing Falwell’s tweet.

LYNCHBURG, Va. A group of armed citizens volunteered as security at the Lynchburg restaurant that was at the center of protests, which turned violent overnight. Fifth & Federal (@Fifthandfederal) May 27, 2020The business has since issued a statement apologizing to anyone who thought they were supporting racism. A number of area militias were asked to come help by the armed citizens working to protect Fifth and Federal, and some are still at the restaurant as of 5:30 a.m. Originally, there were around a dozen armed citizens at the restaurant. Alexander says that if he and the other armed citizens were not there along with the militias, he believes that protesters would have broken in and destroyed the restaurant.

(AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)Your daily look at nonvirus stories in the news:1. FALWELL REBUKED Nearly three dozen black alumni of Liberty University are denouncing school President Jerry Falwell Jr., suggesting he step down after he mocked Virginias mask-wearing requirement by invoking the blackface scandal that engulfed the states governor last year. CENSUS OFF TO STRONG START The U.S. Census Bureau says it has reached its predicted goal for households answering the 2020 census questionnaire on their own 60.5%. FORMER AUBURN FOOTBALL COACH DIES AT 80 Pat Dye took over a downtrodden program in 1981 and turned it into a Southeastern Conference power. In 12 years, he had a 99-39-4 record and Auburn won or shared four conference titles.

Just a way to shine a spotlight on the fact that Democrats are and always have been the real racists in this country. https://t.co/9YKwTrgIDj — Jerry Falwell (@JerryFalwellJr) May 27, 2020Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. is no stranger to controversy and his latest tweet is no different. Ralph Northam’s mask requirement. While stating his opinion about the decision, he shared a picture of a mask he would wear, which features the picture from Northam’s medical college yearbook allegedly showing him in blackface. After initially apologizing and accepting responsibility for his actions, the governor later denied that it was him in the photo.

Washington Redskins rookie receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden said Wednesday he tested positive for the new coronavirus in March and has fully recovered. Gandy-Golden said in a statement that he tested positive during NFL draft training on March 24, had mild symptoms and was cleared on April 7. The site makes reference to a graduated student who tested positive for the coronavirus on March 24 but was not on campus during the two weeks prior. "Prior information that the graduated student came to an on campus clinic was incorrect," it said. “First things first, you definitely want him to be safe,” Redskins defensive lineman Jonathan Allen said on a video call with reporters.

NEW YORK – Liberty University has pushed for criminal trespassing charges against two journalists who pursued stories about why the evangelical college in Virginia has remained partially open during the coronavirus outbreak. Liberty's security forces investigated the journalists following publication of their articles, collecting witness accounts that they were on campus without permission, Falwell said. The Times story was headlined, "Liberty University Brings Back its Students, and Coronavirus Fears, Too." Liberty is particularly upset at the Times, disputing the newspaper's contention that nearly a dozen Liberty students were sick with symptoms that suggested COVID-19. Murphy said the Times' story described contradictory statements by university leadership and personal attacks against critics of Liberty's policy.

The article’s author, Elizabeth Williamson, is a feature reporter for the New York Times. Our story is based on interviews with Liberty University staff members, students, and regional officials including the mayor of Lynchburg, Va. Monday morning, the New York Times article was updated to say a student had tested positive. Tweedy says her office is still receiving phone calls from the community and students after the New York Times article. We’ve attached below Liberty’s statement regarding the NY Times article and their FAQ sheet:

Falwell said Tweedy’s criticism of his response to the coronavirus contradicts what he was previously told. Jerry Falwell, Jr. (WSLS)“She and the city manager said they were going to send out a statement thanking us,” said Falwell. In her statement Tuesday, calling the decision reckless, Tweedy said she has never supported the idea of bringing students back. About 2,000 students returned to campus after spring break, a small fraction of the number of students typically there. What the university will do about refunds for the students who did not return had not been decided Tuesday, but Falwell said the university is weighing all options.

While most churches around Hamilton County decided to cancel services because of concerns over the disease, Redemption to the Nations stayed open. But the minority view of faith leaders who chafe at suspending in-person services while coronavirus infections climb across the country is raising concerns. The First Amendment safeguards religious freedom, and 21 states have separate religious freedom laws designed to shield expressions of faith. “But if you’re just imposing the same burden on everybody, for reasons completely unrelated to religiosity of the behavior, that is likely to be permissible even” under state-level religious freedom laws, he said. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – UPDATE:In a tweet, Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr. said the school is moving classes to larger rooms, gyms, arenas, even outside when weather permits. (3/4) — Jerry Falwell (@JerryFalwellJr) March 15, 2020As several colleges and universities have decided to move classes online because of the growing coronavirus concerns, Liberty University is going another route. On Friday, university president Jerry Falwell Jr. said students will be allowed to go home for spring break Saturday and will come back to campus but with modifications. On Tuesday, the school called off international trips for students studying abroad for spring and summer semesters. Should anything change, university officials say they’ll notify students and staff on the school website.

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. – Liberty University President Jerry Falwell and West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice held a news conference to announce their support for any Virginia counties wanting to join West Virginia. “If you’re not truly happy with where you are, we stand with open arms to take you from Virginia or anywhere you may be,” Jim Justice, West Virginia governor, said. “There are so many great things about West Virginia and we’re on the verge of moving in a way you can’t fathom. “And they’re using their power to strip away the God-given right held by every person in the state,” Falwell said.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Jerry Falwell Jr. has a lot to say about what’s taking place in Richmond. Liberty University’s president believes Democrats in Richmond are disconnected with central Virginians. Falwell is talking about the gun control bills Virginia Democrats proposed and sent to the Senate earlier this week. When Monday comes, he hopes for a peaceful rally and for everyone to follow the gun ban in place. Falwell says the university has not made arrangements to have students attend Monday’s rally.

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. spoke out against gun control measures supported by Virginia Democrats during an interview on a conservative radio show on Monday. During an appearance on Todd Starnes’ conservative podcast, ToddCast, Falwell said he’s never seen people more “energized” over any other issue in Virginia than in the current debate over gun rights. Starnes went on to say that these rights are “under attack" as Virginia Democrats advance with gun control measures in the General Assembly. “I’m pretty sure I’m gonna call for civil disobedience if the Democrats go through with this," Fallwell said. I mean, that’s how the Civil Rights Act got passed, was civil disobedience...

LYNCHBURG, Va. – Donald Trump Jr. paid a visit to the Hill City on Wednesday. Trump made Liberty University one of his stops as he is pushing his new book, “Triggered.”The president’s son said his book exposes what the “left” does to smear and keep conservatives out of mainstream media. The panel included Trump Jr., his girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle, Liberty president Jerry Falwell Jr., and his wife Becky. “’You should put this down on paper’ and you hear that once or twice and you’re like ‘eh.’ You hear it over and over and over and now it’s like now I got to do it,” Trump Jr. said. “It’s pretty exciting because it’s cool that our school is able to pool some big-name speakers,” freshmen Joseph Keller said.

MIAMI - Jerry Falwell Jr. has settled a federal lawsuit involving a Florida real estate venture. The Miami Herald reports that Falwell has agreed to pay Gordon Bello an undisclosed amount of money. Falwell is the president of Liberty University, an evangelical Christian school in Lynchburg, Virginia. Bello claims he and his father, Miami builder Jett Bello, pitched Falwell on the hostel idea after being introduced by a high school friend of the younger Bello. Falwell denies promising Gordon Bello anything.

LYNCHBURG, Va. - Liberty University's latest milestone in its $1 billion expansion is now complete. The new School of Business, which cost $33 million to construct, had its grand opening ceremony Wednesday morning. Liberty University leaders, including President Jerry Falwell Jr. and School of Business Dean Dave Brat, helped cut the ribbon on the building. "I'm so proud this building is front and center on the highway because that's what built this school: entrepreneurism and a willingness to take huge risks." Brat says the new addition will boost the university's goal of developing business leaders with a Christian conscience.

LYNCHBURG, Va. - The accrediting body that oversees Liberty University says it has asked the college for more information about recent news reports that have questioned President Jerry Falwell Jr.'s leadership style and personal business interests. Janea Johnson is a spokeswoman for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. She told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the commission sent Liberty a letter asking it to respond to recent "vast" reports. Johnson declined to provide details about the letter, which Liberty spokesman Scott Lamb says the university hasn't received. Falwell has previously told AP that the news reports stem from an "attempted coup" orchestrated by disgruntled former board members and employees.

"I would have to see the full thread to see what I was talking about," he told CNN. Falwell told CNN on Friday that he was not bothered by the protests. Falwell told CNN that the emails had been "stolen," and defended his comments about Liberty's chief of police. Responding to the e-mail about a student's emotional and physical health, Falwell told CNN: "I don't know about the others (emails). "I think it's all a political-based attack by people who wanted to run the school for themselves," Falwell told CNN on Friday.

They're advocating for more transparency, and for Jerry Falwell Jr. to be held accountable. Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.

"There is no self-dealing at Liberty University," Falwell said. The article was reported and written by Brandon Ambrosino, who describes himself as a graduate of Liberty University. Jonathan Falwell, aside at Liberty University. Jerry Falwell Jr. said Liberty University bought the church and its K-12 school in 2017 for $22 million. "We wanted to help my brother out, and the board saw it as a good investment for the university," Falwell said.

LYNCHBURG, Va. - Jerry Falwell Jr., the president of Liberty University, allegedly told Hill.TV that he has started sharing information with the FBI for what he's alleging was a "criminal conspiracy" against him by former board members at the university, The Hill reports. The FBI will allegedly be in Lynchburg at Liberty to review university documents and continue the investigation, according to The Hill. Falwell allegedly accused his former Liberty colleagues of sharing his emails with reporters in an effort to "damage his reputation," The Hill is reporting. Falwell Jr and his attorneys allege that the emails in the Politico piece were stolen as part of the conspiracy, The Hill reports. Fal well Jr. allegedly told Hill.TV that the email leak was "the result of a failed effort among former board of director members to oust him from control," according to The Hill.