March 31, 2026/

Illinois Quick Hits: Vacant lots go on sale in Chicago

Spread the love

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Planning and Development say more than 600 vacant city lots will be available for private purchase, starting on Wednesday.

A statement from the mayor’s office says the lots are valued at $34 million and span 25 wards across the city. Purchases can be made through the ChiBlockBuilder.com portal.

SUBURBAN WOMAN CHARGED IN ALLEGED FRAUD CASE

A federal grand jury has indicted a Buffalo Grove woman for allegedly swindling multiple victims out of at least $3.5 million by falsely claiming their money would be used to support immigration services, projects in Ukraine and other supposed needs.

Tatiana Bazer, 40, pleaded not guilty to seven counts of wire fraud and two counts of impersonating a federal law enforcement officer.

911 CALL CENTERS COMPLETE SHIFT TO IP-BASED INFRASTRUCTURE

Illinois State Police say all 169 of the state’s 911 call centers have upgraded to Next Generation 911.

Transitions from voice-centric networks to IP-based infrastructure began in June 2022 and concluded March 4.

ISP Director Brendan Kelly said Illinois has moved into the 21st century for 911 communication.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Illinois’ new paint fee takes effect, with critics calling it another burden on taxpayers

Illinois’ new paint fee takes effect, with critics calling it another burden on taxpayers

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new statewide fee on paint products adds a small charge to each container sold as...
Pritzker decision looms for energy bill 'on ratepayers' backs'

Pritzker decision looms for energy bill ‘on ratepayers’ backs’

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker has indicated support for energy legislation awaiting his signature, but small business owners are...

WATCH: Use of National Guard debated in U.S. Senate as Illinois case lingers

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – While the use of the National Guard remains on hold in Illinois, pending a legal challenge, the...
Illinois quick hits: Senator's deferred prosecution deal approved; Indiana Senate votes against new maps

Illinois quick hits: Senator’s deferred prosecution deal approved; Indiana Senate votes against new maps

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Senator's deferred prosecution deal approved U.S. District Court Judge Andrea Wood has approved a deferred prosecution agreement to resolve the bribery...
Judge: CHA lawyers must pay $59K for citing ChatGPT-created cases

Judge: CHA lawyers must pay $59K for citing ChatGPT-created cases

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square Lawyers who defended the Chicago Housing Authority in a case that resulted in more than $32 million in judgments to two families...
Biggs retirement

Casey Officials Honor Utilities Superintendent Shelby Biggs at Retirement Celebration

Article Summary: City of Casey officials and employees gathered for a surprise retirement party to honor Superintendent of Utilities Shelby Biggs, recognizing his 30 years of service to the municipality....
Op-Ed: Your kids now belong to the Chicago Teachers Union

Op-Ed: Your kids now belong to the Chicago Teachers Union

By Mailee Smith | Illinois Policy InstituteThe Center Square Students who can’t read and secrecy from parents – that’s just part of the legacy of Stacy Davis Gates during her...
Illinois quick hits: Former police chief convicted of bribery; man sentenced for fraud

Illinois quick hits: Former police chief convicted of bribery; man sentenced for fraud

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Former police chief convicted of bribery A federal jury has convicted a former Summit, Illinois police chief of bribery offenses for...

WATCH: Chicago mayor: ‘Wicked’ people want chaos; critics rip mayor

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The mayor of Chicago has expressed his opposition to an alternative budget proposal from the city council....
WATCH: Chicago mayor warns of budget ‘chaos,’ end-of-life options bill on gov’s desk

WATCH: Chicago mayor warns of budget ‘chaos,’ end-of-life options bill on gov’s desk

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop provides highlights from...
Casey Westfield Warriors logo graphic

Moore Notches Double-Double, But Warriors’ Rally Stalls in Loss to OHPHS

CASEY, Ill. — The Casey-Westfield Warriors showcased a spirited second-half defensive effort and received a double-double performance from senior Lucy Moore, but a difficult shooting night ultimately proved too much to...
Fred Thomas drives hard to the rim against the Cumberland defense. Thomas finished with seven points and six rebounds in the road victory. —photo by Terri Cox

Warriors battle past Cumberland for road win

Featured Photo Caption: Fred Thomas drives hard to the rim against the Cumberland defense. Thomas finished with seven points and six rebounds in the road victory. —photo by Terri Cox...
Casey Westfield Warriors logo graphic

Moore Notches Double-Double in Casey-Westfield Loss to Robinson

The Casey-Westfield Warriors faced a high-powered Robinson squad, falling 62-34 in a contest where offensive production proved difficult to match. Despite the loss, senior standout Lucy Moore delivered a commanding...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for Dec. 3, 2025

Casey City Council Meeting | Dec. 3, 2025 Overall Meeting SummaryThe Casey City Council met on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025, to handle a variety of end-of-year business, headlined by the...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Council Moves to Increase Utility Reconnect Fees to Curb Non-Payment

Casey City Council Meeting | Dec. 3, 2025 Article Summary: To discourage habitual non-payment of utility bills, the Casey City Council directed the City Attorney to draft an ordinance that would...