Justice Department watchdog finds failures in FBI's handling of child sex abuse cases
The Justice Department watchdog says the FBI has failed to report some child sexual abuse allegations to local law enforcement or social service agencies even after changes prompted by its handling of the case against former USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar.
Former Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker sues university over his firing
Former Michigan State University head football coach Mel Tucker is suing the university and school leaders, saying they wrongfully fired him and violated his constitutional rights in response to sexual harassment allegations.
US government agrees to $138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department is paying a $138.7 million to settle more than 100 claims that it badly mishandled allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016.
Lawyers for Nassar assault survivors have reached $100M deal with Justice Department, AP source says
The U.S. Justice Department has agreed to pay approximately $100 million to settle claims with about 100 people who say they were sexually assaulted by sports doctor Larry Nassar.
SafeSport Center announces changes designed to address widespread complaints
The U.S. Center for SafeSport has announced 10 changes to the way it operates in a move it says is designed to increase efficiency and โtrauma sensitivity,โ while addressing complaints that have come from both victims and the accused.
Olympic law rewrite calls for public funding for SafeSport and federal grassroots sports office
A proposed rewrite of the law governing the Olympics in the United States calls on public funding for the embattled U.S. Center for SafeSport while also forming a new government office to oversee grassroots sports that have long been attached to the Olympics themselves.
Liberty University will pay $14 million, the largest fine ever levied under the federal Clery Act
The U.S. Department of Education says Liberty University has agreed to pay an unprecedented $14 million fine after the large Christian school in Virginia failed to disclose information about crimes on campus.
Michigan State trustees approve release of Larry Nassar documents to state official
Trustees at Michigan State University have agreed to release documents related to the schoolโs investigations into now-imprisoned former sports doctor Larry Nassar to the stateโs attorney general.
High-profile attacks on Derek Chauvin and Larry Nassar put spotlight on violence in federal prisons
Recent assaults on two notorious, high-profile federal prisoners have renewed concerns about whether the federal Bureau of Prisons is capable of keeping people in its custody safe.
Derek Chauvin's family has received no updates after prison stabbing, attorney says
An attorney for the former Minneapolis police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd says his family has been kept in the dark by federal prison officials after he was stabbed in prison.
Ex-officer Derek Chauvin, convicted in George Floydโs killing, stabbed in prison, AP source says
Former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin has been stabbed by another inmate at a federal prison in Arizona where he's serving time for the murder of George Floyd.
Forced kiss claim leads to 'helplessness' for accuser who turned to Olympics abuse-fighting agency
Former elite fencer Kirsten Hawkes feels let down by the U.S. Center for SafeSport after filing a complaint to the agency formed six years ago to combat sexual misconduct in Olympic sports.
Michigan State fires coach Mel Tucker for bringing ridicule to school, breaching his contract
Michigan State has fired Mel Tucker, saying the suspended football coach failed to present adequate reasons why he should not be fired for cause after having what he described as consensual phone sex with an activist and rape survivor.
Mel Tucker's attorney: Michigan State doesn't have cause to fire suspended coach over phone sex
Mel Tuckerโs attorney says Michigan State does not have cause to fire its suspended football coach after Tucker acknowledged having phone sex with an activist and rape survivor because he did not โengage in unprofessional or unethical behaviorโ or violate his contract.
Larry Nassar survivor says Michigan State's latest mess shows it hasn't learned from past
Michigan State has stumbled from scandal to scandal, including the sexual abuse attacks by sports doctor Larry Nassar.
Suspended Michigan State coach calls harassment allegations false and outside scope of Title IX
Suspended Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker says allegations of sexual harassment against him are completely false.
SafeSport Center 'in potential crisis' according to panel's survey of Olympic system
A wide-ranging survey into the state of the U_S_ Olympic system leveled criticism at the U_S_ Center for SafeSport, with a draft analysis concluding that feedback collected about the 6-year-old agency โpaints a picture of a center in potential crisis.โ.
Larry Nassar survivors sue Michigan State over alleged 'secret decisions' on releasing documents
Women who were sexually assaulted by former Michigan State University sports doctor Larry Nassar have filed a lawsuit claiming school officials made โsecret decisionsโ about releasing documents in the case.
Formed to combat Olympic sex abuse, SafeSport center is struggling 6 years after opening
Six years into its mission to remedy the sex-abuse crisis in Olympic sports, the U.S. Center for SafeSport is struggling.
Northwestern joins long list of American universities with a scandal in athletics
Northwestern has been added to a long list of American universities to face a scandal in athletics and may eventually join the trend of making large payouts following allegations of sexual abuse.
Suspect in Larry Nassar stabbing said ex-doctor made lewd remark watching Wimbledon, AP source says
A prisoner suspected of stabbing Larry Nassar at a federal penitentiary in Florida said the disgraced former sports doctor provoked the attack by making a lewd comment while they were watching a Wimbledon tennis match.
Larry Nassar was stabbed in his cell and the attack was not seen by prison cameras, AP source says
Larry Nassar was stabbed in his cell at a federal penitentiary in Florida, out of view of surveillance cameras pointed at common areas and corridors.
Whatever happened to The Karolyi Ranch, former training site for female Olympic gymnasts?
The Karolyi Ranch, a sprawling 1,687-acre property north of Houston that was once the summer training site for female Olympic gymnasts, has a new owner with potentially different interests than gold medals.
Disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar stabbed by another inmate at federal prison
Disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar has been stabbed multiple times during an altercation with another inmate at a federal prison in Florida.
Lies, complaints and Larry Nassar: Takeaways from the records detailing Jeffrey Epstein's final days
Nearly four years after Jeffrey Epstein's death, thousands of pages of records obtained by The Associated Press are shedding new light on the financierโs time behind bars.
New details of Jeffrey Epsteinโs death and the frantic aftermath revealed in records
The Associated Press has obtained more than 4,000 pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epsteinโs jail suicide from the federal Bureau of Prisons under the Freedom of Information Act.
Ethics agency to better protect gymnasts for LA Olympics
The Gymnastics Ethics Foundation was created in 2019 to help protect athletes after the American sexual abuse scandal and it has now published its strategy to set new safeguarding standards with a view to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Sen. Cornyn hosts roundtable to highlight new law protecting child survivors in response to FBIโs Larry Nassar investigation
U.S. Senator John Cornyn joined a roundtable discussion Thursday morning with Houston child abuse prevention advocates, law enforcement, and a survivor of Larry Nassarโs abuse to highlight a new law protecting child survivors at the Childrenโs Assessment Center.
Feds outline new plan for inmates to pay victim restitution
The Justice Department is proposing changes to how it runs federal prisonersโ deposit accounts in an effort to make sure victims are paid restitution, including from some high-profile inmates with large balances.
USA Curling: CEO prioritized athlete safety as head of NWSL
USA Curling says CEO Jeff Plush โacted in accordance with prioritizing the safety of athletesโ during his tenure as leader of the National Womenโs Soccer League.
More coaches named in South Carolina cheerleader abuse suit
A lawsuit alleging the rampant sexual abuse of underage athletes at a competitive cheerleading gym in South Carolina has been amended to name six more coaches as defendants and three more accusers.
Judge asked to approve fund for U-Michigan doc's victims
Attorneys are asking a judge to approve creation of a settlement fund for sexual-assault victims of a University of Michigan sports doctor, a key step in a $490 million deal with more than 1,000 people.
FBI open to settling claims by gymnasts abused by Nassar
The FBI has reached out to attorneys representing Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and other women who say they were sexually assaulted by Larry Nassar to begin settlement talks in the $1 billion claim they brought against the federal government.
Tensions sparking change in US Olympic world, but how much?
Changes are coming at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, sparked by frustration with years of flat revenue and what some portray as heavy-handed management in the wake of sex-abuse scandals that upended the movement in America.
Larry Nassar loses last appeal in sexual assault scandal
The Michigan Supreme Court has rejected a final appeal from sports doctor Larry Nassar, who was sentenced to decades in prison for sexually assaulting gymnasts, including Olympic medalists.
Simone Biles, other women seek $1B-plus from FBI over Nassar
Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and dozens of other women who say they were sexually assaulted by Larry Nassar are seeking more than $1 billion from the FBI for failing to stop the sports doctor.
Mario Batali acquittal underscores perils of #MeToo cases
Legal experts and victimsโ advocates say celebrity chef Mario Bataliโs acquittal on sexual assault charges underscores the inherent difficulties of prosecuting such cases nearly five years into the #MeToo era.
USC settles case with men who say campus doctor abused them
The University of Southern California has settled a lawsuit with 80 former students โ mostly gay and bisexual men โ who accused a male doctor of sexual misconduct.
Sex abuse case in snowboarding exposes flaws in reporting
When former members of the U.S. snowboarding team sought help reporting sexual-abuse allegations against a longtime coach, they were met with conflicting information that left them unsure of where to turn.
Suit alleging UCLA doctor sex abuse settled for over $100M
The University of California has agreed to pay more than $100 million to settle allegations that several hundred women were sexually abused by a former UCLA gynecologist.
Abuse victims see inequity in payouts at 2 Michigan schools
Two former University of Michigan football stars who stand to receive as much as $500,000 each through the schoolโs sexual abuse settlement with more than 1,000 students say the per-victim payouts should be much higher.
EXPLAINER: How will U. of Michigan assault settlement work?
A $490 million deal to settle claims of sexual assault against a University of Michigan doctor will be handled in a similar way to the $500 million agreement worked out in 2018 by Michigan State University and the victims of Larry Nassar.
Larry Nassar victims reach $380 million settlement with USA Gymnastics, US Olympic Committee
USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee have reached a $380 million settlement with hundreds of victims of sexual abuse.
Smiling Simone Biles claims cover of People magazine in December; Also featured: icon Dolly Parton, Sandra Oh, and National Teacher of the Year
At the end of a tumultuous 2021, Houstonโs own Simone Biles has claimed the cover of People magazine as one of the People of the Year.
![Senator John Cornyn introduces bill to help child abuse victims following Larry Nassar investigation](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/wIVq-wpi3Cnf770rD5z3YBYoKEQ=/800x450/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/10-14-2021/t_39c8eecbe07041d1b9b9742b750785a2_name_image.jpg)
Senator John Cornyn introduces bill to help child abuse victims following Larry Nassar investigation
Larry Nassar, the doctor for Team USA Gymnastics, is now a convicted sex offender.
![Suits against Ohio State over sex abuse by doc are dismissed](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/ap2jrqsCYSTZSlkmUqx_n-XvmCg=/800x576/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/2PGOWZV5VFBI7HI4ASKEXLCJYQ.jpg)
Suits against Ohio State over sex abuse by doc are dismissed
A federal judge has dismissed some of the biggest unsettled lawsuits filed by men who say Ohio State University officials failed to stop decades-old sexual abuse by now-deceased team doctor Richard Strauss.
![โWe sufferedโ: Most powerful things Simone Biles, other star gymnasts said in Senate hearing](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/2DaFpYYhK9frVwnitSDHUQdcqPg=/800x544/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/IINMFCYV5RGWZKLIBLS3MVSFAM.jpg)
โWe sufferedโ: Most powerful things Simone Biles, other star gymnasts said in Senate hearing
Four prominent female gymnasts testified on Wednesday at a Senate hearing regarding the FBIโs mishandling of sexual abuse allegations against former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.
![Biles: FBI turned 'blind eye' to reports of gymnasts' abuse](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/6OoMm0Usc3mRgIMytmKszdg0hZA=/800x511/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/YSDBL5ITQ5HSNA5X7EWLJM74XI.jpg)
Biles: FBI turned 'blind eye' to reports of gymnasts' abuse
Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles has told Congress that the FBI and gymnastics officials turned a โblind eyeโ to USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassarโs sexual abuse of her and hundreds of other women.
Watch live: Simone Biles to testify before Senate about Larry Nassar
Gold medalist Simone Biles and other star gymnasts are testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee for the investigation into Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics doctor who was accused of sexually assaulting hundreds of girls and women.
![Justice Dept. bolsters monitoring of federal inmate accounts](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/pngWRNYcuATknwQb9_ZUbe6bFC4=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/HPQNUADAKRAYPBZRKLZPM5J3XM.jpg)
Justice Dept. bolsters monitoring of federal inmate accounts
The Justice Department is directing the federal prison system implement new procedures to monitor government-run prison deposit accounts that have at times been used by inmates to shield themselves from paying debts and for suspicious or illegal activity.
![Texans QBโs sex assault cases highlight concerns amid #MeToo](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/tfDswpibMnEs6WGptPg-c2PCX98=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/MXCLBOVVVJFXBMIX6PTE73M53I.jpg)
Texans QBโs sex assault cases highlight concerns amid #MeToo
Lawyers fighting sexual assault allegations against Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson face a predicament: Defending their client means working to discredit the claims of 22 women who are more likely to be believed four years into the #MeToo movement.
![USOPC leader: 'Thrilled' Biles felt safe to make decision](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/-7lLtVbfZEAB7Dz-QN87lJp6TKw=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/L55MFBX275HMTOMBPPI6QHQJUI.jpg)
USOPC leader: 'Thrilled' Biles felt safe to make decision
In a way, the massive upheaval that has upended the U.S. Olympic world over the past five years reached its crescendo in the moment Simone Biles shockingly called it a night during the gymnastics team finals.
![At least 100 US athletes unvaccinated as Olympics begin](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/FtElHSxXNkzlgD5RcE65GF6q13I=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/R6IA5DYEV5DLJNEUZDDHH4LNIA.jpg)
At least 100 US athletes unvaccinated as Olympics begin
About 100 of the 613 U.S. athletes descending on Tokyo for the Olympics are unvaccinated, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committeeโs medical chief said hours before Friday nightโs Opening Ceremony.
![Watchdog: FBI mishandled Nassar-USA Gymnastics abuse case](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/kLroAimTr7n4XZjR5_TAoX9mxgo=/800x593/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/RTWS2ISXQJBHDDSEE6LMPEGH4I.jpg)
Watchdog: FBI mishandled Nassar-USA Gymnastics abuse case
The FBI made significant errors in investigating sexual abuse allegations against former USA Gymnastics national team doctor Larry Nassar and didnโt treat the case with the โutmost seriousness."
![Athletes abused by late doctor demand U-Michigan probe](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/DXADF3ziexUnk5g_mWRC-MzrsCE=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/K53WMKNCMRBGFMZVQLLVTPVCTA.jpg)
Athletes abused by late doctor demand U-Michigan probe
Former athletes are urging the University of Michiganโs governing board to launch a full investigation of sexual abuse committed by a late doctor and how the school failed to stop him during his decades on campus.
![Investigation reports toxic culture in Australian gymnastics](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/LzxbrusZlcxlx8wUolIb5bKqsVc=/800x529/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/TLUDH6PPHBBQDIX2XV3D2LCOHY.jpg)
Investigation reports toxic culture in Australian gymnastics
An independent review into gymnastics in Australia has heard evidence of a toxic culture that contributed to physical, emotional and sexual abuse of young athletes.
![Michigan attorney general ends campus probe tied to Nassar](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/1--8GRpnxF0mBNkOa8aI2BcQJOA=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/TBEG7653CFBPREL4UT2FOMZHJQ.jpg)
Michigan attorney general ends campus probe tied to Nassar
(AP Photo/David Eggert, File)LANSING, Mich. โ The investigation of Michigan State University's handling of disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar is over because the university has refused to provide thousands of documents related to the scandal, Michiganโs attorney general said Friday. Dana Nessel's announcement came after the university said it would not change its position that the documents are protected by attorney-client privilege. โThe universityโs refusal to voluntarily provide them closes the last door available to finish our investigation,โ Nessel, a Democrat, said. Nassar was a campus doctor who is now serving decades in prison for sexual assault and child pornography crimes. Former gymnastics coach Kathie Klages was convicted of lying to investigators when she said she didn't get complaints about Nassar.
![USC agrees to $852 million payout in sex abuse lawsuit](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/ChMW6Y9xxu6ozBZXf_rkCxVYYx0=/1600x1159/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/YTPVXUWRVFGXBKBVLMDHGFYFPE.jpg)
USC agrees to $852 million payout in sex abuse lawsuit
The University of Southern California has agreed to an $852 million settlement with more than 700 women who have accused Tyndall, the college's longtime campus gynecologist, of sexual abuse, officials announced Thursday, March 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)LOS ANGELES โ The University of Southern California has agreed to an $852 million settlement with more than 700 women who have accused the collegeโs longtime campus gynecologist of sexual abuse, the victimsโ lawyers and USC announced Thursday. AdโI am deeply sorry for the pain experienced by these valued members of the USC community," USC President Carol L. Folt said in a statement. Separately, USC earlier agreed to pay $215 million to settle a class-action lawsuit that applies to about 18,000 women who were patients of Tyndallโs. The individual payouts to those victims range from $2,500 to $250,000, and were given regardless of whether the women formally accused Tyndall of harassment or assault.
![Former U.S. gymnastics coach dies by suicide after being charged for alleged sex crimes in Michigan](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/qiSlaSozjwuFjSQHxfUkZIT2sp4=/1600x1329/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/OUDE7ZN37JC77JESCVYVCTJNEY.jpg)
Former U.S. gymnastics coach dies by suicide after being charged for alleged sex crimes in Michigan
FILE - In this March 3, 2012, file photo, gymnastics coach John Geddert is seen at the American Cup gymnastics meet at Madison Square Garden in New York. Prosecutors in Michigan filed charges Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, against Geddert, a former U.S. Olympics gymnastics coach with ties to disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar. "This is a tragic end to a tragic story for everyone involved," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. Nessel earlier announced that Geddert was charged with a bushel of crimes, including sexual assault, human trafficking and running a criminal enterprise. On his LinkedIn page, Geddert described himself as the โmost decorated womenโs gymnastics coach in Michigan gymnastics history.โ He said his Twistars teams won 130 club championships.
![Viral and vital, college gymnasts finding their voice](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/1KwxK89wZZ5NWvFJk2QvKCs9mfQ=/1600x710/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/X2WE6MM6KJA2ZMNTQGR4FZYNOI.jpg)
Viral and vital, college gymnasts finding their voice
The social justice movement in college athletics has popped up in most unusual place: gymnastics. From UCLA to Pittsburgh, Black gymnasts and the programs they represent are using their platform to empower and uplift. Her experience at Arkansas was simply reflective of the culture at large in the sport at the time. From Pittsburgh to California, female gymnasts are using their platform to empower, educate and bring light to causes they believe in. โPersonally I would say (gymnastics) is a predominantly white sport,โ Ward said.
![Pilots say they, too, were molested by Univ. of Michigan doc](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/Qn6RwMe7dgTlM_0Lk7DyB5pjUt4=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/CJES4V3UFJHN3B6AGAIH4ZASM4.jpg)
Pilots say they, too, were molested by Univ. of Michigan doc
Some pilots have emerged as victims of Anderson, a deceased doctor who worked for decades at the University of Michigan. (Robert Kalmbach/Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan via AP, File)DETROIT โ A cargo pilot who regularly needed health checkups to keep his license contacted a University of Michigan doctor in 2000. He said Anderson told him to undress, put on a medical gown and get on a table, instead of simply checking the man's vision, hearing and heart. AdSince then, another category of victims has emerged: pilots in southeastern Michigan who needed physicals to get or maintain a license. There was no reason to cover this up.โIn 2003, five years before his death, Anderson told the government that he was retiring because a stroke had greatly affected his right hand.
![11 podcasts you should be listening to](https://www.click2houston.com/resizer/AH1geOyIDC1gRwn5i6trYuMRMOM=/1600x1137/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/IPQNH7TQPVDSTL3NBGFCS3GP6M.jpg)
11 podcasts you should be listening to
โSpace Curiousโ was created to inspire everyone -- from those with a mild interest in space exploration to the space fanatics. In season two, youโll learn about Curtis Flowers, a man who has been tried six times for the same crime. Youโll learn about all of that. Podcasts, by the way, are really easy to access -- even if youโre not very tech-savvy. You can typically go to the podcastโs website (which are all linked above), hit โplayโ on the episode of your choosing, and itโs as simple as that.