Flatow, 'Science Friday' settle claims over grant

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Federal prosecutors say the National Public Radio show "Science Friday" and host Ira Flatow have settled civil claims that they misused money from a nearly $1 million federal grant aimed at boosting the show's reach to younger listeners.

The settlement was announced Tuesday by Connecticut U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly and Inspector General Allison Lerner of the National Science Foundation. "Science Friday" and Flatow didn't admit any wrongdoing in the settlement.

The agreement calls for Flatow and the show to pay nearly $146,000 to resolve alleged violations of federal law. They also agreed to not participate in federal grant programs for one year.

Flatow and his lawyer didn't immediately return messages Tuesday.

Authorities say Flatow and the show inappropriately used grant money for "unallowable and unsupported" costs, but didn't elaborate.