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

U.S. gas prices at 4-year high as oil exports hit new record

U.S. gas prices at 4-year high as oil exports hit new record

By Alton Wallace | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – United States gasoline prices pushed higher for the sixth consecutive day Wednesday, reaching $4.23 a gallon, as...
Government leaders statewide call for cashless bail reform after CPD officer killed

Government leaders statewide call for cashless bail reform after CPD officer killed

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Critics on both sides of the aisle in Illinois government are calling for changes to the SAFE-T...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Early Run Support Lifts Casey-Westfield Past Dieterich Baseball, 9-2

The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team utilized a relentless 14-hit offensive attack to defeat host Dieterich 9-2 in a non-conference matchup on Tuesday afternoon. Casey-Westfield set the tone immediately, jumping out...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Freshman Ava Leo Powers Mattoon Softball Past Casey-Westfield, 11-8

The Mattoon varsity softball team utilized a potent offensive attack and a resilient complete-game pitching performance by freshman Ava Leo to secure an 11-8 non-conference home victory over Casey-Westfield on...
Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker announces new IBM investment at Quantum Park

Illinois Quick Hits: Pritzker announces new IBM investment at Quantum Park

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says IBM’s new delivery center at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, fueled by...
ISU's union says it cheaper to negotiate than paying

ISU’s union says it cheaper to negotiate than paying

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois State University support employees have entered their fourth week on strike this week as more state...
Iran conflict, refinery disruption play roles as Illinois gas price passes $4.50

Iran conflict, refinery disruption play roles as Illinois gas price passes $4.50

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gas prices have surged in Illinois, and an American Automobile Association spokesperson says several factors are to...
Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-East St. Louis librarian sentenced for fraud, theft

Illinois Quick Hits: Ex-East St. Louis librarian sentenced for fraud, theft

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The former director of the East St. Louis public library has been sentenced to 15 months in...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Building Reports Highlight Testing Triumphs, Historic Track Records, and Career Exploration

Casey-Westfield Board of Education Meeting | April 20, 2026 Article Summary: Building administrators delivered comprehensive academic reports to the Casey-Westfield Board of Education on Monday, highlighting state testing completions, athletic milestones,...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey City Council for April 20, 2026

Casey City Council Meeting | April 20, 2026 The Casey City Council convened on Monday, April 20, 2026, for a meeting heavily focused on municipal infrastructure, intergovernmental cooperation, and personnel...
school board monroe elementary

Casey-Westfield Board Approves Nearly $100,000 for Monroe Elementary Technology Upgrades

Casey-Westfield Board of Education Meeting | April 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield Board of Education on Monday approved extensive equipment and maintenance expenditures, headlined by a $98,167 technology purchase to...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

City Awaits $2.5 Million in Federal Funding for Park Improvements and Sewer Relining

Casey City Council Meeting | April 20, 2026 Article Summary: Casey is currently navigating the final stages of securing two massive federal infrastructure appropriations, including a newly advancing $1,550,000 request...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Board Faces Impending Statewide Cell Phone Ban, Accelerates High School HVAC Overhaul

Casey-Westfield Board of Education Meeting | April 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield Board of Education on Monday reviewed the impact of a looming statewide cell phone ban while approving emergency...
Fifth Circuit hands Texas another win on border security law

Fifth Circuit hands Texas another win on border security law

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals handed Texas its third win Friday on border security. As the border crisis escalated during the Biden administration, Gov....
Illinois Rep faces investigation over sexual harassment

Illinois Rep faces investigation over sexual harassment

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A state representative embattled with allegations of sexual harassment returned to Springfield this week after being stripped...