Skip to main content
Cloudy icon
77º
WJXT logo

Go to the WJXT homepage

Join Insider
    • News
    • Watch Live
    • Local News
    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • National
    • Politics & Power
    • Politics
    • I-Team
    • Trust Index
    • Community
    • Health
    • Money
    • Education
    • Consumer
    • Entertainment
    • Weird News
    • Weather
    • Weather News
    • Traffic
    • SnapJAX
    • Skycams
    • Alerts
    • Hurricanes
    • Plan and Prepare
    • Georgia
    • St. Augustine
    • Environment
    • Forecasting Change
    • News4JAX+
    • Watch Live
    • News4JAX Insider
    • How To Watch News4JAX+
    • Download News4JAX Apps
    • The Morning Show
    • River City Live
    • Podcasts
    • This Week In Jacksonville
    • Business Edition
    • Solutionaries
    • NEXTGEN TV
    • TV Listings
    • Florida Justice
    • Sports
    • Sports Videos
    • Jaguars
    • Jaguars Stats
    • News4JAGS Podcast
    • Gators Breakdown
    • Gators Stats
    • High School Sports
    • Varsity 4
    • Going Ringside Podcast
    • V4rsity Podcast
    • All Star Athlete
    • Olympics
    • Features
    • News4JAX Insider
    • Florida Justice
    • 4 Your Neighborhood
    • Events Calendar
    • Positively JAX
    • River City Live
    • Deals4JAX
    • News4JAX+
    • Women’s History Month
    • Look Local
    • Travel
    • Jacksonville Image Awards
    • Food & Recipes
    • Live Healthy
    • Contests & Rules
    • Talking Health
    • Pets
    • uSay Voting
    • River City Live
    • Watch River City Live
    • River City+
    • Eats & Treats
    • Beats
    • Wellness
    • Local Spotlight
    • Pets
    • Shopping
    • SnapJAX
    • SnapJAX Stories
    • Breaking News Photos
    • Newsletters
    • Sign Up For Newsletters
    • WJXT
    • Contact Us
    • Help Center
    • Careers at WJXT/WCWJ
    • SnapJAX
    • Meet the Team
    • Advertise with us
    • CW17
    • CW Program Guide
    • Bounce
  • News
  • Weather
  • News4JAX+
  • Sports
  • Features
  • River City Live
  • SnapJAX
  • Newsletters
  • WJXT
  • CW17
News4JAX.com
  • News
  • Weather
  • News4JAX+
  • Sports
  • Features
  • River City Live
  • SnapJAX
  • Newsletters
  • WJXT
  • CW17
  • LIVE
  • BREAKING NEWS

BREAKING NEWS

Weather Authority Hurricane Plan: News4JAX weather team gets you prepared for the 2025 Hurricane Season

JERRY FALWELL


No description available

Anita Bryant, a popular singer who became known for opposition to gay rights, dead at age 84

Read full article: Anita Bryant, a popular singer who became known for opposition to gay rights, dead at age 84

Anita Bryant, a former Miss Oklahoma and popular singer who became known over the second half of her life for her outspoken opposition to gay rights, has died.

No description available

Jimmy Carter and Playboy: How ‘the weirdo factor’ rocked ’76

Read full article: Jimmy Carter and Playboy: How ‘the weirdo factor’ rocked ’76

Jimmy Carter already had drawn months of media scrutiny as a devout Southern Baptist running for president.

No description available

House Speaker Mike Johnson was once the dean of a Christian law school. It never opened its doors

Read full article: House Speaker Mike Johnson was once the dean of a Christian law school. It never opened its doors

Mike Johnson does not typically mention one aspect of his work before being elected to Congress.

No description available

The long, ongoing debate over ‘All men are created equal’

Read full article: The long, ongoing debate over ‘All men are created equal’

“All men are created equal.”.

No description available

Ex-Liberty spokesman says he was fired for raising concerns

Read full article: Ex-Liberty spokesman says he was fired for raising concerns

A former spokesperson for Liberty University is suing the evangelical Virginia school after being fired.

No description available

Liberty sues Jerry Falwell Jr., seeking millions in damages

Read full article: Liberty sues Jerry Falwell Jr., seeking 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.

No description available

Hustler founder and First Amendment battler Larry Flynt dies

Read full article: Hustler founder and First Amendment battler Larry Flynt dies

FILE - "Hustler" Magazine publisher Larry Flynt signs a copy of "The People Vs. Larry Flynt" in his downtown Cincinnati "Hustler" store on April 30, 1998. Flynt, who turned "Hustler" magazine into an adult entertainment empire while championing First Amendment rights, has died at age 78. His nephew, Jimmy Flynt Jr., told The Associated Press that Flynt died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2021, of heart failure at his Hollywood Hills home in Los Angeles. In an effort to drum up business, he published a newsletter that became Hustler magazine. He and his fourth wife, Althea, moved to Los Angeles and spent most of their time behind their mansion’s 5,000-pound steel door.

No description available

Falwell sues Liberty, saying school damaged his reputation

Read full article: Falwell sues Liberty, saying school damaged his reputation

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.

No description available

Liberty disputes reports about Falwell severance payment

Read full article: Liberty disputes reports about Falwell severance payment

RICHMOND, Va. – Liberty University said it paid its recently resigned president, Jerry Falwell Jr., the two years' base salary owed under his employment contract Tuesday. “By his pre-existing contract, Mr. Falwell is entitled to two years’ base salary as severance,” the statement said. These accrued retirement payments reflect reasonable terms after 30 years of service to Liberty, with 13 as university president." Liberty's statement also said there was no severance or retirement negotiated in exchange for Falwell's resignation last month. Although the Falwells have acknowledged a sexual relationship between Becki Falwell and Granda, Jerry Falwell has said he had no role in the affair.

No description available

Falwell says he's resigned from Liberty University

Read full article: Falwell says he's resigned from Liberty University

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)

No description available

5 Things to Know for Today

Read full article: 5 Things to Know for Today

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.

No description available

Falwell says he's resigned from Liberty University

Read full article: Falwell says he's resigned from Liberty University

(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.

No description available

Falwell says wife had affair, family faced blackmail attempt

Read full article: Falwell says wife had affair, family faced blackmail attempt

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)

No description available

Falwell says wife had affair, family faced blackmail attempt

Read full article: Falwell says wife had affair, family faced blackmail attempt

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. Falwell has said the photo was taken at a costume party during a family vacation. In his statement, Falwell said he and his wife met the man she had an affair with during a vacation over eight years ago. In that statement, the board said that the decision on whether or not to retain Falwell had not yet been made. Falwell said he was seeking mental health counseling amid the trauma" of the situation and that he remains fully devoted to his wife.

No description available

Liberty University and Falwell: A bond that's hard to break

Read full article: Liberty University and Falwell: A bond that's hard to break

(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.

No description available

Trump faces rare rebuke from GOP for floating election delay

Read full article: Trump faces rare rebuke from GOP for floating election delay

It was a rare rebuke for Trump from his fellow Republicans but one that might not last. Reeves said he opposes any plan to change the election date: I dont personally think a delay in the election at this point in time is necessary." Trump cannot change the election date without the approval of Congress, and policymakers in both parties made clear they would oppose such a move. Trump's ultimate goal, however, may have less to do with the election date than undermining the results of the election if he loses. The Republican president did not deny that he was trying to cast doubt about the election results when asked directly during Thursday's press briefing.

No description available

Distancing from Trump? Some Republicans step up critiques

Read full article: Distancing from Trump? Some Republicans step up critiques

While Trump avoids wearing a mask in public, McConnell said facial coverings are really important until a vaccine is found. 3 Republican in the House, tweeted a picture of her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, wearing a mask with the hashtag #realmenwearmasks. At the same time, Trump has been criticized by some Republicans for inconsistent leadership during the sweeping national protests against police brutality. Jerry Falwell Jr., a Trump confidant and the president of Liberty University, conceded that the president has not been clear enough about his plans. To be sure, Trumps White House has set records for turnover, but efforts to prepare for life after the administration have been taken up in earnest in some corners of the White House complex.

No description available

Evangelical Liberty U rattled by its own racial reckoning

Read full article: Evangelical Liberty U rattled by its own racial reckoning

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.

No description available

3 football players announce plans to transfer from Liberty

Read full article: 3 football players announce plans to transfer from Liberty

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.

No description available

High court decision spotlights GOP divide over LGBT rights

Read full article: High court decision spotlights GOP divide over LGBT rights

WASHINGTON Democrats flooded Twitter and email inboxes this week with praise for the watershed Supreme Court decision shielding gay, lesbian and transgender people from job discrimination. The Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that the Constitution ensures a right for same-sex couples to marry. Kavanaugh voted against this weeks court ruling. The Supreme Court is always a hugely important issue to conservatives, Severino said Tuesday. If the courts ruling wasnt painful enough for Republicans, the opinion was written by Justice Neil Gorsuch, Trumps first Supreme Court appointee.

No description available

Falwell apologizes for tweet that included racist photo

Read full article: Falwell apologizes for tweet that included racist photo

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.

No description available

Black Liberty U. alums rebuke Falwell after blackface tweet

Read full article: Black Liberty U. alums rebuke Falwell after blackface tweet

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 Virginias mask-wearing requirement by invoking the blackface scandal that engulfed the states governor last year. 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. In recent weeks, Falwell has jabbed repeatedly at Northam while downplaying the public health risks of the coronavirus. While your tweet may have been in jest about Virginias Governor, it made light of our nations painful history of slavery and racism, the alumni wrote to Falwell. The rebuke came after an online instructor for Liberty, a black pastor who also teaches at Ithaca College, announced his resignation online in response to the tweet.

No description available

Redskins draft pick from Liberty says he had coronavirus

Read full article: Redskins draft pick from Liberty says he had coronavirus

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.

No description available

Trump's prayer breakfast jibes jolt many faith leaders

Read full article: Trump's prayer breakfast jibes jolt many faith leaders

(AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)NEW YORK, N.Y. – The National Prayer Breakfast - a Washington tradition since 1953 - is by custom a respite from partisan bickering. President Donald Trump shattered that tradition Thursday with aggressive remarks that buoyed his allies but dismayed a wide spectrum of faith leaders. “A bipartisan prayer breakfast is the last place one would expect to find political attacks on opponents,” said the Rev. “I don't like people who use their faith as justification for doing what they know is wrong," Trump said. Toward the end of his remarks, Trump conceded that these issues of faith are not simple.

BACK TO TOP
  • TV Listings

  • Email Newsletters

  • RSS Feeds

  • Contests and Rules

  • Contact Us

  • Careers at WJXT / WCWJ

  • Closed Captioning / Audio Description

  • WJXT Public File

  • WJXT EEO Report

  • WCWJ Public File

  • WCWJ EEO Report

  • Terms of Use

  • Privacy Policy

  • Do Not Sell My Info

  • FCC Applications

Follow Us
Visit our YouTube page (opens in a new tab)
Visit our Facebook page (opens in a new tab)
Visit our Instagram page (opens in a new tab)
Visit our X page (opens in a new tab)
Visit our RSS Feed page (opens in a new tab)
Get Results With OmneOmne Results Logo

If you need help with the Public File, call (904) 393-9801

At WJXT, we are committed to informing and delighting our audience. In our commitment to covering our communities with innovation and excellence, we incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance our news gathering, reporting, and presentation processes. Read our article to see how we are using Artificial Intelligence.


Graham Media Group LogoGraham Digital Logo

Copyright © 2025 News4JAX.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings.

search by queryly Advanced Search