Illinois
Illinois comptroller withholds funds from Dolton as ‘Dictator Mayor’ Tiffany Henyard orders cops to obey disgraced department ally
The Illinois state comptroller took the extraordinary step of withholding some funds from the troubled village of Dolton on Thursday, blaming scandal-scarred Tiffany Henyard for the first-of-its-kind action — as the self-proclaimed “Super Mayor” told cops to follow orders from her disgraced department ally who was placed on leave before being indicted.
State Comptroller Susana Mendoza said she would immediately suspend all “offset” monies typically doled out to municipalities because Dolton leader Henyard “refuses” to turn over financial reports to the state.
The village was on track to gain $135,000 this year — but instead could start facing fines if the problems drag on. If the issues are fixed, the comptroller will restart the payments.
Mendoza said while her office tries to assist municipalities that struggle to file required annual reports, “Dolton is different.”
“The Mayor’s office has refused to communicate with us or address the problem,” she said in a statement. “If Mayor Henyard refuses to follow state law, my office will use the tools at our disposal to safeguard the interests of Dolton’s citizens.”
The village did not send reports to the comptroller’s office in 2022 and 2023, the comptroller said.
The state collects the “offset” funds when it withholds part of a resident’s income tax return or lotto winnings if they don’t pay a parking or speeding ticket at the local level, according to a comptroller spokesperson.
Those funds are then distributed back to the municipality, according to the office.
The state agency made clear it would not give Dolton — which is already facing financial hardship — the money until it gets into compliance with its financial records.
But the village could face fines totaling $78,600 over the delinquent paperwork if municipal officials don’t release the records, the comptroller’s office said.
Henyard, who was elected in 2021, has faced mounting allegations of maleficence in office, including misuse of taxpayer funds. Federal investigators reportedly subpoenaed financial information and documents tied to her and the village earlier this year as part of a probe.
‘Silly games’
Henyard’s ally in the police department, Deputy Chief Lewis Lacey, was federally indicted on bankruptcy fraud and other charges on Monday, though the criminal case is not connected to the village.
He was placed on administrative leave last week by trustees opposed to Henyard before the indictment, but a lawyer for the trustees reportedly said he’s still going to work.
The confusion over his job status persisted into this week.
Henyard ordered police officers to continue following orders from Lacey on Thursday, according to video obtained by WGN.
“Stop playing these silly games,” Henyard is heard saying.
Lacey also issued a warning that cops better fall in line, according to the station.
“Do what you want; but anything after this is insubordination,” he said.
But Village Administrator Keith Freeman told officers in an email Lacey was no longer employed by the village.
“Mr. Lacey is not allowed in any spaces reserved for employees with an escort,” he said, according to WGN.
Just last week, former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot revealed the village’s coffers were in shambles under Henyard leadership while outlining high spending, including $43,000 in one day on Amazon.
The pulled funds come as a local CBS report claims Henyard is nowhere to be found this week, but a trustee told The Post Thursday that wasn’t the case.
“She is not MIA, I think [the] news has been stating that. She is on social media and was at a meeting today, but has little comments about [the] report,” trustee Kiana Belcher said in reference to the Lightfoot report.
The comptroller’s office also cited an undated email from a Dolton village clerk that claims Freeman doesn’t allow department heads to relay information to the clerk’s office when the public seeks records and documents from the village.
Freeman was federally charged earlier this year with bankruptcy fraud that also is not tied to village business. While Henyard said this month he was fired, trustees opposed to her have said she doesn’t have the sole power to make that personnel move.
Freeman used to be an ally of Henyard before the two had a falling out, WGN reported.
Illinois
Illinois officials investigating death connected to Rock Co. homicide
PRINCETON, Ill. (WMTV) – The Illinois State Patrol is investigating a death after officials found a suspect’s vehicle wanted in connection to a Wisconsin homicide, Illinois State Police reported.
Just before 10 p.m. on December 10, ISP troopers and several other agencies attempted to pull a vehicle over in Princeton, Illinois, that was wanted in a Rock County homicide.
Officials did not specify which Rock Co. case this incident is connected to.
Princeton is about an hour and 45 minutes away from Rock County, Wisconsin.
After the driver did not pull over, police chased the vehicle into the Great Sauk Trail Rest Area on I-80 westbound.
When officers went up to the vehicle, authorities stated the driver was found dead with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities did not identify the driver.
ISP is working with the Bureau County State’s Attorney’s Office in this investigation.
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Copyright 2025 WMTV. All rights reserved.
Illinois
Illinois Court of Claims goes digital with e-filing and remote hearings
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS) — Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has announced a significant modernization initiative for the Illinois Court of Claims, introducing electronic filing options and remote hearings. This transition replaces the outdated paper-based system, which often delayed case processing and complicated access for claimants. “For too long, the state’s Court of Claims has been forced to rely on outdated, paper-driven processes that made filing a claim slower and more complicated,” Giannoulias said. “By making this a fully digital process, we’re making government more accessible, more transparent and more efficient for the people it serves.”
Starting today, all filings with the Court of Claims will be submitted through a new online e-filing portal. Users can create an account, follow step-by-step instructions, and submit their claims directly through the system. Training videos will be available to assist first-time users. The digital platform allows Illinoisans to manage their claims conveniently, track updates instantly, and receive real-time notifications as their case progresses. It also eliminates the need for mailing multiple paper copies and reduces administrative processing times.
The modernization initiative aligns with broader technology upgrades across the Secretary of State’s office and the Illinois court system. Enabled by HB 1576, sponsored by State Rep. Terra Costa Howard and State Sen. Michael Halpin, the measure authorizes remote hearings and allows the public to file claims, submit evidence, and pay fees online. The Illinois Court of Claims serves as the venue for individuals seeking financial compensation from the state in cases involving state responsibility, including injuries, property damage, and wrongful imprisonment. Improving access and efficiency is crucial for Illinoisans navigating these complex circumstances. Claimants with questions can contact the Court of Claims Clerk’s Office at ClerkofCoC@ilsos.gov or (217) 782-7101.
Illinois
‘Home Alone’ house being restored to mirror iconic Christmas movie
Sunday, December 14, 2025 6:16PM
WINNETKA, Ill. (WLS) — “Home Alone” is one of the most popular Christmas movies of all time.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
The holiday classic debuted 35 years ago. Now, the iconic house featured in the film is in the spotlight, again.
It underwent an interior renovation and was sold earlier this year.
Now, ABC7 learned that it will be transformed back to the way it looked in 1990, when film audiences got to peek inside it for the first time.
John Abendshien is the former owner of the Winnetka house. He has fond memories of the days spent filming the movie.
READ MORE | Original owner of ‘Home Alone’ house writes memoir about iconic movie
Abendshien said he and his family stayed and watched while the movie was being shot.
He has written a memoir called “Home but Alone No More.”
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
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