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Controversial Democrat mayor under investigation after wild tirades, police raids, lavish spending

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Controversial Democrat mayor under investigation after wild tirades, police raids, lavish spending

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Democratic Mayor Tiffany Henyard of the small Village of Dolton, Illinois, has made national headlines in recent weeks for being accused of weaponizing police in retaliatory business raids and spending taxpayer money on luxurious trips. Now she is facing investigation by the Dolton Trustees as well as the FBI.

In a special meeting Thursday night, a four-trustee majority “voted unanimously to call for an investigation into Henyard and what they say is the misuse of funds,” FOX 32 reported. Dolton Trustees slammed the mayor for having “disgraced this entire village” and being a “stain on our community.”

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Earlier this week it was reported that the FBI is investigating the mayor, as six individuals have reportedly spoken to the agency about her alleged misconduct, including “business owners, a former village employee and one or more public officials.” 

The self-proclaimed “Super Mayor,” who insists “God chose me” and met with President Biden in January, has been said to engage in such wild antics it is like a “real life Parks and Rec situation.” But her multitudes of alleged misdeeds could finally be catching up to her.

DEMOCRATIC MAYOR ACCUSED OF ANTICS SO WILD SHE DESERVES HER OWN TV SHOW: ‘REAL LIFE PARKS & REC SITUATION’

Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard has faced numerous controversies in the past few weeks since she met with President Biden, ranging from fiery tirades in public meetings to allegedly weaponizing police against businesses that refused to donate to her causes of choice. (Village of Dolton YouTube channel )

Henyard and her allies’ history of suspicious taxpayer spending

From first-class flights to Las Vegas to beauty vendors, Henyard is frequently called out by her colleagues for questionable spending of taxpayers’ money, possibly for her own benefit. She makes $285,000 from her positions both as Dolton mayor and Thornton township supervisor.

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Henyard reportedly has a $224,000 a year salary as township supervisor alone, but has put forth an ordinance to cut the salary of any non-incumbent supervisor to $25,000.

Municipal attorney Burt Odelson, said to represent Henyard’s political opposition, condemned this as “so illegal in so many ways,” telling FOX 32 such conduct “violates so many tenets of the law.” 

Aside from her personal income, the way she allegedly uses the town’s money has been a consistent source of controversy. While Henyard has denied using village credit cards, WGN Investigates said it obtained copies of the township’s credit card statements indicating village officials spent more than $24,000 at restaurants during a 12-month span, as well as $3,741 just on Henyard taking a round trip flight to Las Vegas. 

Henyard is also well-known for using a makeup artist, hairdresser and stylist before public appearances and photoshoots. Residents complain she puts up town billboards to promote herself personally, and she has produced music videos that feature city workers, such as police dancing or boosting her image by being in the background as she lip-syncs songs. 

Tiffany Henyard gets her hair and makeup professionally done.  (stylemebrandon | Instagram/screenshot)

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CONTROVERSIAL MAYOR POSTS VIDEO WITH BIDEN JUST DAYS AFTER RIPPING COLLEAGUES FOR ‘ATTACKING ON A BLACK WOMAN’

Accusations of weaponizing police raids, political retaliation

On Tuesday, a Dolton-based U-Haul rental and trucking business owner named Lawrence Gardner told FOX 32 he went to the FBI out of frustration that the Village of Dolton would not renew his business license. He claims he has suffered from harassment, a raid on his business and was shut down by Dolton police. Gardner believes it is retaliation after he refused to donate to a civic event sponsored by Henyard.

FOX 32 reported Wednesday that multiple bars in the town were raided by police the day after the news team visited the businesses amid allegations their licenses were being held up for political reasons. The raids reportedly occurred mere hours after FOX 32’s report about the alleged FBI investigation into Henyard’s conduct was released.  

Employees and owners of the bars reportedly claimed “it’s part of an ongoing campaign of harassment by Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard” and that “Their business licenses have been stripped by Dolton, but they’ve continued to operate with a state license.”

Tammie Brown, a Dolton Trustee, was quoted in the same report as saying the raids were a warning to other businesses, “I’m sure that they were asked to donate [to Henyard], make a donation, and most likely they didn’t make a donation. So you don’t get a chance to stay open if you don’t pay the queen’s ransom.”

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Dolton, Illinois Mayor Tiffany Henyard poses with her local police force in a music video. (Village of Dolton music video)

The Village of Dolton defended the legitimacy of the raids in a statement to FOX 32, arguing both businesses had their liquor licenses previously revoked, and had “a history of violent incidents.”

Spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on personal police security

In addition to the raids and music videos, Henyard’s use of the police as her personal security has been a source of controversy as well. 

Henyard spends hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on security, which effectively takes police officers off the streets who should be protecting the town, Dolton Trustee Brittney Norwood said.

“I think that she spends the money on security because she just loves it. She likes the thought of being surrounded by police officers. I think it makes her feel more important,” Norwood said. “The police are simply working under her instructions, but it’s also sad. It’s sad because we need the police patrolling the streets, and they’re with her instead.”

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Former Dolton Police Chief Robert Collins, who was fired by Henyard, also slammed the mayor for maintaining a security detail of “several officers” whom he argues could be out fighting crime, but are instead “sent out to run errands, do pick-ups, do drop-offs.”

Cancer charity crackdown and questions

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is reportedly cracking down on “The Tiffany Henyard CARES Foundation” which, per the acronym, stands for Cancer And Remission Empowering Survivors.

The Chicago Tribune on Thursday reported that Henyard’s charity “has been told by the Illinois attorney general’s office to stop soliciting or accepting contributions, and that it must register with the state.” The same outlet summarized that the mayor was told her charity “is not in good standing and states the attorney general has sent multiple letters advising, among other things, that it is not registered with the state.”

The letter reportedly warned that “to avoid further action by this office,” the charity must file a registration statement, copies of financial reports and a list of the organization’s officers and/or directors by March 13.

Wild tirades and ‘abusive’ rhetoric towards other officials

Henyard is also infamous for her fiery rhetoric toward the town’s trustees in public meetings.

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Fox News Digital reported that Henyard slammed her fellow officials at a meeting in early February about her spending when she declared, “You all forget I’m the leader. They want to hear from the mayor. You all ain’t learned that yet. The mayor, not the trustees that don’t do nothing. They only run their mouth. You all don’t do no work, no work!”

Later during the meeting, Henyard proclaimed, “Y’all got false narratives out there, and y’all should be ashamed of y’all selves. Y’all Black. Y’all are Black! And y’all sitting up here beating and attacking on a Black woman that’s in power. Y’all should be ashamed of y’all selves.”

Norwood told Fox News Digital in an interview, “I feel as if I’m in a dictatorship.” 

She added, “The way she talks [to the trustees] I sometimes feel as if I’m in a mentally abusive relationship… I’ve learned to expect her to be disrespectful. She’s like a bully.” 

Norwood is party to a lawsuit that accused the mayor of actions that amounted to “fraud,” according to a complaint reviewed by Fox News Digital. 

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Henyard was sued for alleged financial wrongdoing by Dolton Trustees on Dec. 23.

“The Defendant’s actions as alleged constitute a fraud upon the residents and taxpayers of the Village,” the lawsuit states. It added, the extent of the financial wrongdoing could be more extensive than is currently alleged as Henyard was allegedly concealing the information from the trustees. 

Henyard, the Village of Dolton, and police department did not respond to requests for comment.

Fox News’ Hannah Grossman contributed to this report.

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Minnesota

Will Timberwolves, Wild make Minnesota sports history Thursday night?

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Will Timberwolves, Wild make Minnesota sports history Thursday night?


Thursday has a chance to be a historic night for the Minnesota professional sports scene.

The Timberwolves and Wild both have home playoff games, both lead 3-2 in their best-of-seven series and each can advance on the same night with a victory. If the Timberwolves and Wild both lose, they had back on the road for decisive Game 7s.

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Timberwolves have 2 chances to close out Nuggets

The backstory:

The Minnesota Timberwolves host the Denver Nuggets at 8:30 p.m. Thursday in Game 6 on ESPN, with a chance to end Denver’s season. The Timberwolves had a 3-1 lead, but lost Game 5 125-113.

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The Timberwolves committed 25 turnovers, and allowed 125 points without Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo.

“I thought we had a soft mentality,” Timberwolves’ coach Chris Finch said after Wednesday’s practice at Mayo Clinic Square.

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Aside from the turnovers, Jaden McDaniels had two early fouls as the Timberwolves started slow. Nuggets’ role players Spencer Jones and Cam Johnson also combined for 38 points.

Game 6 – What’s at stake

Why you should care:

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The Timberwolves have another chance to eliminate the Nuggets, but this time can do so on their home floor in front of what will be a raucous crowd at Target Center. If they win, the Timberwolves advance to the Western Conference Semifinals for the third straight year.

If they lose, they head back to Denver for a Game 7. The team knows what’s at stake.

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“We’ve got to come out, have fun, stay together. That’s what I told the guys. The game is going to swing, that’s basketball. It’s all about staying together and sticking to the game plan. I’m excited to play in front of the best fans in the world,” guard Ayo Dosunmu said.

“Obviously a lot is at stake, but it’s basketball. This is the moment you dream about,” center Rudy Gobert said. “It’s huge having the home crowd, but it’s basketball. At the end of the day, it’s on us to bring it.”

If the Timberwolves advance, they’ll face the San Antonio Spurs, who eliminated the Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday night.

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Wild host Dallas Stars for Game 6 Thursday

Dig deeper:

Over in St. Paul, the Minnesota Wild host the Dallas Stars in Game 6 Thursday night at Grand Casino Arean. Puck drop is set for just after 6:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on TNT as well as FanDuel Sports Network.

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The Wild can end the Stars’ season with a win, after earning a 4-2 win at Dallas in Game 5. Michael McCarron scored what ended up being the game-winning goal at the 7:47 mark of the third period, which gave the Wild a 3-1 lead. Up 3-2, Kirill Kaprizov sealed the game with an empty-net goal.

Does the Wild’s mentality or approach change with a potential closeout game Thursday night? John Hynes says no.

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“I just think it’s the mindset we’ve had as a group – you take each game for what it is. Each game has been highly-competitive, tomorrow night isn’t going to be any different,” Hynes said.

What’s next:

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If the Wild lose Game 6, they will head back to Dallas for a decisive Game 7. The Wild is looking for its first playoff series win since 2015. If they advance, they face the Colorado Avalanche.

Minnesota TimberwolvesMinnesota Wild



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Missouri

Missouri City police bust chop shop operation, discovering at least 10 stolen cars, officials say

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Missouri City police bust chop shop operation, discovering at least 10 stolen cars, officials say


MISSOURI CITY, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities say police officers busted a major automotive chop shop operation in Missouri City on Tuesday, discovering multiple stolen vehicles and parts.

According to the Missouri City Police Department, officers responded to a “suspicious vehicle call” at a local business on Tuesday at 12:04 p.m., where a neighbor reported that a box truck without license plates dropped off car parts.

Officers said they arrived at the scene and saw the box truck leaving the property located at 2105 Brown St. Authorities said that officers conducted a traffic stop on the truck, and the driver of the vehicle, Francisco Tivar Reyes, was arrested on a warrant for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and possession of stolen vehicle parts.

Officials said that patrol officers spoke with the business owner and asked about the recent delivery of car parts. Investigators said they did a check of a VIN number on a pickup truck on the property and confirmed that it was stolen.

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A total of six vehicles on the property were confirmed to be stolen, according to officials. The owner of the business, Mohammed Fattoe, was arrested for possession of stolen property, police said.

Investigators said they returned to the site on Wednesday to resume the investigation. With the assistance of the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, a search warrant was obtained, and the business property was searched for additional stolen property, investigators said, adding that a total of ten vehicles and vehicle parts were confirmed by multiple agencies.

SkyEye13 flew above the scene on Wednesday morning, capturing images of authorities investigating the property and the multiple vehicles and car parts.

SkyEye13 was over the scene in Missouri City on Wednesday morning, with authorities investigating the “major auto chop shop operation.”

Missouri City police said the investigation is still ongoing, with search warrants on the property being executed to identify additional stolen vehicles and parts.

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Authorities added that multiple agencies are working together on the investigation, including the Houston Police Department, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office, National Insurance Crime Bureau, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Copyright © 2026 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.



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Nebraska

Records show Ted Carter tried to get podcaster an NU job during his tenure

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Records show Ted Carter tried to get podcaster an NU job during his tenure


Former University of Nebraska President Ted Carter tried to get a job at NU for a woman he later admitted he was having an “inappropriate relationship” with, according to a records request obtained Wednesday by Nebraska Public Media News.

Carter last month resigned from his position as Ohio State University president, which he held since January 2024, because of “an inappropriate relationship with someone seeking public resources to support her personal business.” Carter abruptly left for OSU after leading NU from 2020 to 2023.

Records made available by NU show that in April 2023, Carter requested the same woman, who has been identified as podcaster Krisanthe Vlachos, be considered for a position at the National Strategic Research Institute that operates for the NU system in Omaha. University leaders told Nebraska Public Media News last week that they would review internal records after the OSU report was published.

NU emails show Carter sent Vlachos’ resume to Rick Evans, executive director of the National Strategic Research Institute and a retired major general in the U.S. Air Force. Evans responded, saying “her skills are probably best aligned to the Contracts and Business Operations Coordinator position you approved us to hire.”

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He went on to say the position would be based in Omaha, and thanked Carter for the tip. Carter responded that he believed Vlachos “is more than willing to relocate to Omaha.” It’s not known if Vlachos was ever considered for that job or any other one at NU.

Carter also forwarded Vlachos’ resume to a member of the University of Nebraska Foundation on May 10, 2023.

The next time there was email communication between Carter and Vlachos via the university email system was July 2023. It was a quick note from Carter saying, “Sorry to be out of touch for a bit.” He then gave his phone number, which was redacted.

The university said in a statement that it does not see the need for further review.

“The University of Nebraska has reviewed emails and other records potentially relevant to the report released by the Ohio State University earlier this month,” the statement said. “From this review, several emails were discovered and have been shared upon request from media. The university does not see need for further review at this time.”

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Carter appeared to have first met Vlachos while at NU during a Veterans in Energy forum in Washington, D.C. in March 2023, the OSU report said. The report further details that while at OSU, Vlachos had “extraordinary access” to Carter, including at least 24 meetings with him and five trips together.

The report also said at least 14 OSU employees received direct requests from Carter to assist Vlachos. One employee who did help was Chris Kabourek, former NU chief financial officer and former NU interim president.

Kabourek had left NU for Ohio State in the fall of 2024. Kabourek resigned earlier this month and has since been hired as vice president and chief financial officer at West Virginia University.



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