“‘Someone’s Gotta Tell the Freakin’ Truth’: Jerry Falwell’s Aides Break Their Silence,” Politico
Brandon Ambrosino interviewed more than two dozen current and former high-ranking Liberty University officials and close associates of Jerry Falwell Jr., the school’s president and chancellor, about a culture of self-dealing and the directing of university resources into projects and real estate deals in which his friends and family stand to make personal financial gains. One senior university official is quoted saying, “We’re not a school; we’re a real estate hedge fund. We’re not educating; we’re buying real estate every year and taking students’ money to do it.” — Corey Anderson, design director
“Deaths Tied To People Running Red Lights At 10-Year High,” Wisconsin Public Radio
Another reason to put the cellphone down and buckle up: Our neighboring state 30 minutes away ranks among the worst states in the country for fatal red light running crashes. Wisconsin tallied 22 fatalities in 2017, a 150 percent increase over the 2008-2016 average, according to an AAA report featured on Wisconsin Public Radio. — Jessica Lee, local government reporter
“Toy stories: can a woke makeover win Barbie and Monopoly new fans?” The Guardian
Mattel has released a Rosa Parks Barbie and a Día de los Muertos version, as well as a Ken with a slightly higher BMI. And Hasbro now offers Ms. Monopoly, where women get more money when they pass go. In this piece, André Wheeler wonders whether Hasbro and Mattel will get new love — or will consumers see it as all just for profit? — Susan Albright, managing editor
“The oil industry vs. the electric car,” Politico
Electric cars could be on the verge of a boom the U.S. But the oil industry and groups backed by the Koch empire are trying to stop plans by utilities to build charging stations across the country. Politico reports on a battle over the future of transportation. — Walker Orenstein, workforce and environment reporter
