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Fraud trial juror claims she received $120K payment, was promised more if she voted to acquit

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Fraud trial juror claims she received 0K payment, was promised more if she voted to acquit

A juror was dismissed Monday after reporting that a woman dropped a bag of $120,000 in cash at her home and offered her more money if she would vote to acquit seven people charged with stealing more than $40 million from a program meant to feed children during the pandemic.

“This is completely beyond the pale,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson said in court on Monday. “This is outrageous behavior. This is stuff that happens in mob movies.”

These seven are the first of 70 defendants expected to go to trial in a conspiracy that cost taxpayers $250 million. Eighteen others have pleaded guilty, and authorities said they recovered about $50 million in one of the nation’s largest pandemic-related fraud cases. Prosecutors say just a fraction of the money went to feed low-income kids, while the rest was spent on luxury cars, jewelry, travel and property.

DEMOCRATIC MINNESOTA STATE SENATOR’S OWN PARTY CALLING FOR HER RESIGNATION AFTER BURGLARY CHARGE

The 23-year-old juror said she immediately turned over the bag of cash to police. She said a woman left it with her father-in-law Sunday with the message that she’d get another bag of cash if she voted to acquit, according to a report in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

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A fraud trial juror in Minnesota was dismissed after claiming someone attempted to bribe her with six-figure payouts in exchange for the defendants’ acquittals. (Fox News)

Defense attorney Andrew Birrell told the judge that the bag of cash is “a troubling and upsetting accusation.”

Before allowing the trial to continue with more closing arguments on Monday, U.S. District Judge Nancy Brasel questioned the remaining 17 jurors and alternates, and none reported any unauthorized contact. She didn’t decide immediately whether to sequester the jury or detain the defendants, but she did order an FBI agent to confiscate the defendants’ phones.

The aid money came from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was administered by the state Department of Education. Nonprofits and other partners under the program were supposed to serve meals to kids.

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Two of the groups involved, Feeding Our Future and Partners in Nutrition, were small nonprofits before the pandemic, but in 2021 they disbursed around $200 million each. Prosecutors allege they produced invoices for meals that were never served, ran shell companies, laundered money, indulged in passport fraud and accepted kickbacks.

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Illinois

Tiffany Henyard was living in Georgia while still serving as Dolton, Illinois mayor: report

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Tiffany Henyard was living in Georgia while still serving as Dolton, Illinois mayor: report


Former Illinois “super mayor” Tiffany Henyard was reportedly a resident of Georgia while still serving as Dolton mayor in 2025.

After losing her bid for re-election as Dolton mayor, Henyard has since launched a campaign to run in South Fulton County’s District 5 on the Fulton County Commission as a Republican.

Last week, Henyard took part in a special meeting of the Fulton County Board of Registration & Elections regarding her qualifications to run for a position prior to the Commission District 5 Primary Election, which will be held on May 19.

County law states that a candidate must be a resident of the county for 12 months prior to running in an election.

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Henyard argued during the meeting that she has been a legal resident of Fulton County since May 1, 2025.

Tiffany Henyard was reportedly a resident of Georgia while still serving as mayor of Dolton, Illinois in 2025. Instagram / @tiffanyhenyard

However, Board Commissioner Julie Adams pointed out that she served as Dolton mayor until May 4, 2025, when she formally left office.

“Did you know that in Cook County, Illinois, to hold an office there, you have to be a resident in that jurisdiction?” Adams said.

“So, you were the mayor until May 4 of 2025, but yet you’re saying you became a resident of Georgia on May 1 of 2025.”

Henyard reportedly received a gross pay of $12,007 from March 7 to May 2, 2025 as Dolton mayor while living in Georgia — breaking Illinois law. Instagram / @tiffanyhenyard

“OK,” Henyard responded.

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Henyard claimed during the meeting that she was essentially a “lame duck” after losing the mayoral primary election in February to Dolton Trustee Jason House, which led to her moving out of the state.

“But you were mayor, correct?” Adams asked.

During a special meeting, Henyard argued she was a “lame duck” after losing the mayoral election in February 2025 to Dolton Trustee Jason House. Kyle Mazza/SOPA Images / Shutterstock

“My title was mayor, yes,” Henyard said.

Board member Douglass Selby also remarked that Henyard appeared to still be registered to vote in Illinois.

The elections board later voted 3-1 to approve Henyard’s residency requirement to run for the Fulton County Commission.

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Henyard and her boyfriend Kamal Woods smile in a post on Instagram. Instagram/Tiffany Henyard

Henyard did not answer questions on whether she still received payments from Dolton through her term as mayor and Thornton Township trustee.

Illinois state law dictates that mayors must live in the municipality they represent for their entire term.

WGN Investigates found through public records that Henyard received a gross pay of $12,007 from March 7 to May 2, 2025 as Dolton mayor and roughly $8,600 from Thornton Township for the first two weeks in May when she would have presumably moved to Georgia.

Henyard has been dubbed the “worst mayor in America” after corruption allegations and financial mismanagement of village funds.

A financial probe reportedly revealed that the village of Dolton’s bank account fell from its initial $5.6 million balance to a $3.6 million deficit.

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Amid corruption allegations among officials, residents accused her of using village funds as her own piggy bank by billing taxpayers thousands of dollars for her hair and makeup team, as well as going on a lavish trip to Las Vegas.



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Indiana

Save money on lawn care with smart mowing habits, says Consumer Reports

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Save money on lawn care with smart mowing habits, says Consumer Reports


INDIANAPOLIS (CONSUMER REPORTS) — Looking to save money on lawn care this season? Consumer Reports says the key may be in how you mow and how you maintain your equipment. After cutting more than 500,000 square feet of grass in testing, CR’s experts say a few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your lawn, and your budget, in shape.

Each year, Consumer Reports mower tester Dave Trezza heads to Florida during the winter months to get a head start on testing. There, on more than five acres of grass with hills, trees, and other obstacles, CR evaluates dozens of mowers and tractors for cutting performance, handling, mulching, and bagging.
One of the biggest takeaways from all that testing is that proper maintenance can save you money. Trezza says most mowers can deliver a good cut, but only if they’re well cared for. That means sharpening the blade at the start of the season and keeping the mower deck clean so it performs efficiently.

How you mow also matters. Consumer Reports recommends mulching your grass instead of bagging it whenever possible. Mulching returns nutrients back into the lawn, which can reduce the need for fertilizer and save money over time. A good mulching mower should leave an even cut without clumps of grass behind.

If you’re in the market for a new mower, Consumer Reports says to match the machine to your yard. For larger or sloped lawns, a self-propelled mower can make the job easier. Gas-powered models, like the Yardmax YG2760, can offer strong performance at a lower price point, cutting and mulching as well as more expensive options in CR’s tests.

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For smaller yards or those looking to save even more, a battery-powered push mower can be a great choice. Consumer Reports found that models like the Ryobi RY401170VNM deliver an even cut and excellent mulching performance. Compared to gas mowers, battery-powered options also require less maintenance and run more quietly.

No matter which type of mower you use, Consumer Reports says cleaning it after each use is essential. Grass clippings can build up on the deck, leading to rust and reduced airflow, which can hurt performance over time.

With the right mower, proper maintenance, and a few smart mowing habits, you can keep your lawn looking great—without overspending.



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Iowa

Iowa High School Boys Golf Postseason Assignments Revealed

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Iowa High School Boys Golf Postseason Assignments Revealed


The Iowa high school boys golf postseason is right around the corner, and the Iowa High School Athletic Association has revealed pairings for tournaments.

Sectionals in Class 1A, Class 2A and Class 3A will all take place on Wednesday, May 13, as qualifiers will advance to districts scheduled for Monday, May 18. The Iowa High School Athletic Association State Golf Tournaments are locked in for May 26-27, with Class 3A and Class 2A together in Waterloo while Class 1A competes in Newton.

Waverly-Shell Rock, Columbus Catholic, Boyden-Hull Are Defending State Champions

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Class 4A boys golf took place this past fall with Johnston’s Andrew Johannsen capturing the individual title. Last spring, Waverly-Shell Rock, Columbus Catholic and Boyden-Hull were crowned team state champions.

The Top 3 teams from each sectional will advance to districts, with the Top 3 teams at districts moving on to the state tournament. Also, the Top 2 overall individual players, plus ties, from each site’s non-qualifying teams will join the state field.

Below are the Iowa high school boys golf postseason pairings for each classification.

Iowa High School Boys Golf Postseason Pairings

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Tournaments to be played on Wednesday, May 13 (Sectionals); Monday, May 18 (Districts)

Class 3A

At Storm Lake from Buena Vista Golf Course at Lake Creek (Districts hosted by MOC-Floyd Valley at Landsmeer Golf Course)

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  • Carroll, Cherokee Washington, Denison-Schleswig, Greene County, Harlan Community, MOC-Floyd Valley, Sioux Center, Storm Lake

At Okoboji from Emerald Hills Golf Course (Districts hosted by MOC-Floyd Valley at Landsmeer Golf Course)

  • Algona, Charles City, Clear Lake, Hampton-Dumont/CAL, Iowa Falls-Alden, Okoboji, Spencer, Spirit Lake

At Webster City from Briggs Woods Golf Course (Districts hosted by Altantic at Atlantic Golf and Country Club)

  • Boone, Des Moines Christian, Gilbert, Humboldt, Nevada, Perry, South Tama County, Webster City

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At Knoxville from Pine Knolls Golf Course (Districts hosted by Altantic at Atlantic Golf and Country Club)

  • Atlantic, Carlisle, Chariton, Clarke Community, Creston, Glenwood, Knoxville, Winterset

At West Delaware from Pin Oak Links (Districts hosted by Marion at Gardner Golf Course)

  • Anamosa, Center Point-Urbana, Decorah, Independence, Maquoketa, Waukon, Waverly-Shell Rock, West Delaware

At Williamsburg from Stone Creek Golf Course (Districts hosted by Marion at Gardner Golf Course)

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  • ADM, Benton, Clear Creek-Amana, Marion, Mount Vernon, Solon, Vinton-Shellsburg, Williamsburg

At Fairfield from Fairfield Golf Course (Districts hosted by Pella at Bos Landen)

  • Centerville, Fairfield, Fort Madison, Keokuk, Mount Pleasant, Pella, Washington, West Liberty

At Oskaloosa from Edmundson Golf Course (Districts hosted by Pella at Bos Landen)

  • Ballard, Bondurant-Farrar, Grinnell, Mid-Prairie, Newton, North Polk, Oskaloosa, Saydel

Class 2A

At West Sioux from Hawarden Golf Course (Districts hosted by Kuemper Catholic at Carroll National Golf Club)

  • Central Lyon, Rock Valley, Sheldon, Sibley-Ocheyedan, Unity Christian, West Lyon, West Sioux, Western Christian

At Ridge View from Holstein Golf Course (Districts hosted by Kuemper Catholic at Carroll National Golf Club)

  • Atla-Aurelia, Hinton, Kuemper Catholic, Lawton-Bronson, Logan-Magnolia, MVAOCOU, OABCIG, Ridge View

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At Clarion-Goldfield/Dows from Clarmond Golf Course (Districts hosted by Kuemper Catholic at Carroll National Golf Club)

  • Clarion-Goldfield/Dows, Eagle Grove, Emmetsburg, Estherville-Lincoln Central, Forest City, Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, Pocahontas Area, Sioux Central

At Roland-Story from River Bend Golf Course (Districts hosted by Shenandoah from Shenandoah)

  • East Sac County, Manson Northwest Webster, Ogden, Roland-Story, South Central Calhoun, South Hamilton, Southeast Valley, Woodward-Granger

At Red Oak from Red Oak Golf Course (Districts hosted by Shenandoah from Shenandoah)

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  • MMCRU, Missouri Valley, Red Oak, Riverside, Shenandoah, Treynor, Tri-Center, Underwood

At Clarinda from Clarinda Golf Course (Districts hosted by Shenandoah from Shenandoah)

  • Central Decatur, Clarinda, Grand View Christian, Interstate 35, Nodaway Valley, Panorama, Van Meter, West Central Valley

At Tipton from Tipton Country Club (Districts hosted by Mediapolis from Heritage Oaks Golf and Country Club)

  • Central Lee, Columbus Community, Durant, Louisa-Muscatine, Mediapolis, Tipton, Lisbon, Wilton

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At Davis County from Bloomfield Country Club (Districts hosted by Mediapolis from Heritage Oaks Golf and Country Club)

  • Albia, Burlington Notre Dame, Davis County, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, PCM, Pella Christian, Pleasantville, Iowa City Regina Catholic

At Cascade from Fillmore Fairways (Districts hosted by Mediapolis from Heritage Oaks Golf and Country Club)

  • Alburnett, Dyersville Beckman Catholic, Bellevue, Camanche, Cascade, West Branch, Monticello, Northeast

At North Fayette Valley from Pleasant Valley Sports Club (Districts hosted by Columbus Catholic from Gates Park Golf Course)

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  • Central Springs, Crestwood, Garner-Hayfield/Ventura, MFL MarMac, New Hampton, North Fayette Valley, Osage, Postville

At Denver from Willow Run Country Club (Districts hosted by Columbus Catholic from Gates Park Golf Course)

  • Aplington-Parkersburg, Belmond-Klemme, Columbus Catholic, Denver, Jesup, Maquoketa Valley, Oelwein, Sumner-Fredericksburg

At Grundy Center from Town and Country Golf Course (Districts hosted by Columbus Catholic from Gates Park Golf Course)

  • Colfax-Mingo, Dike-New Hartford, East Marshall, Grundy Center, Hudson, South Hardin, Union Community, West Marshall

Class 1A

At Boyden-Hull from Rolling Hills Country Club (Districts hosted by Council Bluffs St. Albert from Council Bluffs Country Club)

  • Akron-Westfield, Boyden-Hull, Le Mars Gehlen Catholic, Kingsley-Pierson, Remsen St. Mary’s, South O’Brien, Storm Lake St. Mary’s

At Newell-Fonda from Newell-Fonda Golf Club (Districts hosted by Council Bluffs St. Albert from Council Bluffs Country Club)

  • Glidden-Ralston, Newell-Fonda, River Valley, Siouxland Christian, West Monona, Westwood, Woodbury Central

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At Boyer Valley from Dunlap Golf Course (Districts hosted by Council Bluffs St. Albert from Council Bluffs Country Club)

  • AHSTW, Boyer Valley, East Mills, Griswold, Heartland Christian, Council Bluffs St. Albert, Woodbine

At Sidney from Fremont County Golf Course (Districts hosted by Council Bluffs St. Albert from Council Bluffs Country Club)

  • Bedford, Essex, Fremont-Mills, Hamburg, Lenox, Sidney, Southwest Valley

At George-Little Rock from Otter Valley Country Club (Districts hosted by Lake Mills at Rice Lake Golf and Country)

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  • Bishop Garrigan, George-Little Rock, GTRA, Harris-Lake Park, North Union, Trinity Christian, West Bend-Mallard

At West Hancock from Britt Golf Course (Districts hosted by Lake Mills at Rice Lake Golf and Country)

  • Clarksville, Mason City Newman, North Butler, Rockford, Saint Ansgar, West Fork, West Hancock

At Turkey Valley from Jackson Heights Golf Course (Districts hosted by Lake Mills at Rice Lake Golf and Country)

  • Central Elkader, Lake Mills, North Iowa, Northwood-Kensett, Riceville, South Winneshiek, Turkey Valley

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At East Buchanan from Buffalo Creek (Districts hosted by Lake Mills at Rice Lake Golf and Country)

  • Clayton Ridge, East Buchanan, Edgewood-Colesburg, Nashua-Plainfield, Starmont, Tripoli, Wapsie Valley, West Central

At CAM from Crestwood Hills Golf Course (Districts hosted by St. Edmond at Lakeside Golf Course)

  • CAM, ACGC, Audubon, Coon Rapids-Bayard, Earlham, Exira-EHK, IKM-Manning

At North Mahaska from Prairie Knotts Country Club (Districts hosted by St. Edmond at Lakeside Golf Course)

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  • Baxter, BGM, Lynnville-Sully, Madrid, Martensdale-St. Marys, Montezuma, North Mahaska, Southeast Warren

At BCLUW from Oakwood Golf Course (Districts hosted by St. Edmond at Lakeside Golf Course)

  • AGWSR, BCLUW, Colo-Nesco, Gladbrook-Reinbeck, GMG, North Tama, St. Edmond

At Belle Plaine from Belle Plaine Country Club (Districts hosted by St. Edmond at Lakeside Golf Course)

  • Belle Plaine, Cedar Ridge Christian, Central City, Don Bosco, Dunkerton, North Linn, Springville

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At Iowa Valley from Marengo Golf Club (Districts hosted by Sigourney from Oskaloosa Golf)

  • English Valleys, Hillcrest Academy, HLV, Iowa Valley, Keota, Melcher-Dallas, Sigourney

At Midland from Little Bear Country Club (Districts hosted by Sigourney from Oskaloosa Golf)

  • Calamus-Wheatland, Easton Valley, Lone Tree, Bellevue Marquette Catholic, Midland, North Cedar, Prince of Peace

At Mount Ayr from Mount Ayr Country Club (Districts hosted by Sigourney from Oskaloosa Golf)

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  • Diagonal, East Union, Lamoni, Moravia, Mormon Trail, Mount Ayr, Wayne

At Winfield-Mt Union (Districts hosted by Sigourney from Oskaloosa Golf)

  • Danville, Highland, Holy Trinity Catholic Fort Madison, New London, WACO, Wapello, Winfield-Mt Union

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