Midwest

Gym allegedly allowing biological male into women's locker room faces criminal probe from Missouri AG

Published

1 year ago

August 6, 2024

Gym allegedly allowing biological male into women's locker room faces criminal probe from Missouri AG

A St. Louis branch of Life Time Fitness could be facing civil and criminal liabilities after it allegedly “adopted a policy” allowing transgender women into the female locker rooms, the state’s attorney general announced Friday.

Missouri AG Andrew Bailey told the CEO of Life Time Fitness in a letter that while allowing biological males to enter whatever restroom they choose is popular in corporate policy books, he would not tolerate it under his jurisdiction.

“While it might be considered fashionable in certain corporate boardrooms to pretend that biology is irrelevant, the American heartland still lives in reality,” he said. “Missourians recognize that allowing adult men to openly invade and disrobe in spaces set aside for women and young girls is indefensible and places political correctness above public safety.”

The investigation followed an incident where a 52-year-old transgender woman entered the women’s locker room, to the outrage of some of Life Time’s customers. Some of the staff corrected customers, instructing them to use certain language when discussing the trans person.

PLANET FITNESS HIRES NEW DEI-FOCUSED CEO AMID CONTROVERSY OVER TRANSGENDER LOCKER ROOM POLICY

Life Time Fitness gym in hot water amid Missouri General AG probe. (Fox News Digital )

“Even more concerning is the fact that instead of taking the safety concerns from your gym members seriously, you rudely correct them and insist they call this biological male by the ‘correct pronouns,’” Bailey alleged.

He then said he was looking into criminal charges against them under various statutes after numerous constituents complained to his office, alleging “the gym has actively allowed a biological male to use women and girls’ private spaces.”

The Missouri AG cited a statute of “Trespass in the first degree,” arguing that he had previously established a precedent that a biological male entering a female-only space was a violation of the law.

“[T]he Court confirmed that a male’s presence in a females’ public restroom constitutes criminal trespass,” he said. “When restrooms are separately designated for males and females, one is only permitted to use the restroom designed for his or her gender.”

KIDS’ GENDER CLINIC WHISTLEBLOWER TELLS DR. PHIL REGRETFUL PATIENTS BEGGED TO ‘HAVE BODY PARTS PUT BACK ON’

Additionally, Bailey alleged that – generally speaking – a biological male exposing himself in a female space “may be subject to further criminal liability for multiple sexual offenses, including sexual misconduct in the first degree and the felony offense of sexual misconduct involving a child.”

Life Time gym’s “policies are enabling potentially criminal behavior, and I am writing to assure you that it will not continue on my watch,” the AG warned in a letter. (Adobe Stock)

The Life Time gym’s “policies are enabling potentially criminal behavior, and I am writing to assure you that it will not continue on my watch,” the AG warned. “If you insist on endangering women and young girls in our state, in open defiance of the law, be assured you will face the consequences.”

Fox News Digital contacted Life Time fitness for comment and did not immediately receive a response.

KIDS’ GENDER CLINIC WHISTLEBLOWER TELLS DR. PHIL REGRETFUL PATIENTS BEGGED TO ‘HAVE BODY PARTS PUT BACK ON’

The company previously released a statement which said it was complying with existing state laws.

Female athlete preparing for a workout in a gym locker room. (Adobe Stock)

“At Life Time, we recognize that there are varying opinions regarding locker room access. As a company, we are committed to following the law in every area we operate with respect to public accommodation. When members join Life Time, we review state-issued IDs to confirm their identity. The State of Missouri provides a mechanism for an individual to change their gender designation on their state-issued drivers’ license,” the company said.

“In this instance, the member presented a state-issued drivers’ license identifying as female and, based on Missouri laws, we cannot deny or discriminate on the basis of sex. Therefore, the member is to use Life Time’s women’s locker room.”

Hannah Grossman is a Reporter at Fox News Digital.

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Wisconsin

Wisconsin DHS reaffirms childhood vaccine recommendations after CDC changes

Published

7 minutes ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Wisconsin DHS reaffirms childhood vaccine recommendations after CDC changes

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MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Health Services on Thursday reaffirmed its recommended childhood vaccine schedule after recent changes at the federal level.

Wisconsin vaccine guidance

Local perspective:

On Monday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control announced changes to its childhood vaccine schedule. The DHS said those modifications further stray “from alignment with America’s leading medical associations and organizations.”

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At this time, the DHS said it is not making changes to its vaccine recommendations – including no changes to Wisconsin’s school or child care vaccine recommendations.

The DHS said it continues to endorse the American Academy of Pediatrics schedule and has issued guidance to Wisconsin health care providers reaffirming that recommendation.

What they’re saying:

“The CDC’s new recommendations were based on a brief review of other countries’ practices and not based on data or evidence regarding disease risks to children in the United States,” DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson said in a statement. “This upends our longstanding, evidence-based approach of protecting our children from the viruses that pose a risk in our country.

“Copying another country’s schedule without its health and social infrastructure will not produce the same health outcomes. It creates chaos and confusion and risks the health of Wisconsin’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens.”

Big picture view:

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said the CDC will continue to recommend that all children are immunized against 10 diseases for which there is international consensus, as well as chickenpox.

The updated schedule is in contrast to the CDC child and adolescent schedule at the end of 2024, which recommended 17 immunizations for all children. On the new schedule, vaccines – such as those for hepatitis A and B, meningitis, rotavirus and seasonal flu – are now more restricted. They are recommended only for those at high risk or after consultation with a health care provider.

What they’re saying:

“President Trump directed us to examine how other developed nations protect their children and to take action if they are doing better,” Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said. “After an exhaustive review of the evidence, we are aligning the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule with international consensus while strengthening transparency and informed consent. This decision protects children, respects families, and rebuilds trust in public health.”

The Source: The Wisconsin DHS released information about its childhood vaccine recommendations. Information about the CDC changes is from LiveNOW from FOX with contributions from The Associated Press.

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Midwest

Noem puts Newsom on notice, vows California probe after Minnesota fraud bust

Published

4 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Noem puts Newsom on notice, vows California probe after Minnesota fraud bust

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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem warned California Gov. Gavin Newsom that federal investigators are headed west after uncovering what she described as massive fraud in Minnesota public programs.

“We’re going to come to you, Governor Newsom, and we’re going to arrest every single individual that has ties to this kind of stealing of taxpayer dollars, and we will hold them accountable,” Noem said on “Jesse Watters Primetime” on Tuesday.

“We’ll bring them to justice.”

MINNESOTA FRAUD CASES, EXPLAINED: HOW HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS ALLEGEDLY SLIPPED THROUGH STATE PROGRAMS

Secretary Kristi Noem said she intends to investigate fraud in California under Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom. (Nelvin C. Cepeda/The San Diego Union-Tribune; Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images)

Noem’s warning came one day after President Donald Trump called California “more corrupt than any place,” including Minnesota. Newsom responded Monday, saying he welcomes “partnering” with the president on the issue.

“If he has some unique insight and information, I look forward to partnering with him. Can’t stand fraud, can’t stand waste and abuse,” he told MS NOW.

Recent Homeland Security operations in Minnesota revealed widespread fraud tied to public assistance programs and saw “hundreds and hundreds” of arrests.

Noem said she thinks the scandal is “just the tip of the iceberg.”

“It is leading us to networks all over the country and overseas, and we’re gonna follow every single one of them.”

The fraud, which Noem called “unprecedented,” involved criminals allegedly siphoning money meant for Medicaid and developmental services to fund “luxury homes and vacations.”

She accused Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz of ignoring warnings from state employees who raised concerns about fraudulent businesses and nonprofits collecting government funds, and said Democrats attempted to cover it up.

NEW YORK REPUBLICANS CALL FOR INDEPENDENT FRAUD INVESTIGATION FOLLOWING MINNESOTA REVELATIONS

Secretary Kristi Noem claims Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz ignored state employees raising red flags about fraud. (Christopher Mark Juhn/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The largest case, known as the “Feeding Our Future” scandal, centers on a Somali-linked nonprofit accused of exploiting federal child nutrition programs. More than 70 defendants have been charged to date.

Additional cases involve alleged fraud in Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services program, an early autism services program, and the Integrated Community Supports program, which provides assistance and training to people with disabilities living independently in the community.

The investigations are being led by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, according to the Justice Department.

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Noem said the Minnesota operations also led to arrests for violent crimes, including murder and sexual assault.

“We arrested a murderer, someone who was extorting money in other countries and also sexual assault perpetrators, individuals who were attacking children,” Noem said.

Fox News Digital’s Charles Creitz contributed to this report.

Max Bacall is an Associate Editor for the Flash/Media/Culture team at Fox News Digital.

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Detroit, MI

Former Detroit Tigers starting pitcher is Rockies’ first signing of winter

Published

6 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Former Detroit Tigers starting pitcher is Rockies’ first signing of winter

DETROIT — Former Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen has signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Colorado Rockies.

It’s the first signing of the offseason for the Rockies under new president Paul DePodesta. The deal includes a $9 million club option for 2027.

It’s the fifth straight winter that Lorenzen has signed a one-year deal following a seven-season tenure with the Cincinnati Reds.

Lorenzen, who turned 34 this week, signed a free-agent deal with the Tigers before the 2023 season. He made 18 starts and was selected for his first appearance in the All-Star Game before being dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies at the trade deadline for infield prospect Hao-Yu Lee.

After a strong start with his new team that included a no-hitter, Lorenzen was moved to the bullpen and pitched sparingly in the postseason.

He found a quiet reception on the free-agent market, agreeing to a discounted one-year deal with the Texas Rangers before the 2024 season. He was traded to the Royals at the deadline and pitched well down the stretch, going 2-0 with a 1.57 ERA in 28 2/3 innings with his new team.

He re-signed with the Royals in 2025 and put together another solid season, posting a 4.64 ERA in 141 innings with 127 strikeouts and 39 walks.

Colorado is known as an unforgiving home for pitchers, and the Rockies lost a league-worst 119 games in 2025.