Obama Administration To Investigate Penn State

The U.S. Department of Education has announced that it will look into whether officials at Penn State University committed wrongdoing in their handling of sexual misconduct allegations against former football coach Jerry Sandusky.

Sandusky, who years ago served as defensive coordinator under legendary head coach Joe Paterno, was charged last week with sexually abusing a number of young boys during his time at the university. It was later revealed that officials in the athletic department knew of at least one alleged incident in 2002 involving Sandusky sodomizing a 10-year-old boy inside a campus shower facility, but failed to report anything to the police.

Last night, Paterno, the legendary coach who won a pair of titles and helped grow Penn State football into a national powerhouse during his 46 years at the helm, was abruptly fired by the school’s board of trustees who are trying desperately to bury the scandal. In addition to Paterno, who is the all-time winningest coach in the history of major college football, school president Graham Spanier was fired, as well.

In a statement released Wednesday, the DOE said it will look into whether the university violated the Clery Act, which requires colleges and universities to annually disclose the number of on-campus criminal offenses that are reported. According to the statement, Department officials sent a letter to the university notifying it of the investigation.

“If these allegations of sexual abuse are true then this is a horrible tragedy for those young boys,” said Education Secretary Arne Duncan. “If it turns out that some people at the school knew of the abuse and did nothing or covered it up, that makes it even worse. Schools and school officials have a legal and moral responsibility to protect children and young people from violence and abuse.”

Geoff Holtzman
Geoff Holtzman is Talk Radio News Service's Deputy Bureau Chief. As one of TRNS's primary correspondents, he helps cover the White House and Capitol Hill. Geoff also covered the 2012 presidential campaign, following the candidates to Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and elsewhere. In the process, he learned that not all Motel 6's are created equal. Follow Geoff on Twitter @Geoff_Holtzman.

Most Adults Arrested In 5 Major Cities Tested Positive For Drugs

The percentages range from 62 percent in Atlanta to as high as 86 percent in Chicago.

Obama Addresses Military Sexual Assault In Commencement Speech

“Those who commit sexual assault are not only committing a crime, they threaten the trust and discipline that makes our military strong,” Obama said.

Poll: Clinton Would Beat Paul, Rubio In Hawkeye State

In the hypothetical 2016 matchup, Clinton leads Paul by 46 to 42 percent and Rubio by a wider 48-37 percent margin.

Washington Bridge Collapses

A truck reportedly hit the I-5 bridge and prompted the collapse, but Washington’s Governor said an investigation will be launched to confirm the cause.

The Excuses Are Getting Silly In Washington Scandals

The excuses we hear about the Washington scandals are insulting–or perhaps entertaining.

TRNS News Notes- Friday, May 24

Obama Counterterror Speech
IRS: Lois Lerner on Leave!
Holder Signed Off on Rosen Warrant: Report
Benghazi: 13 More Interviews?
Oklahoma Tornado: Latest