Illinois Quick Hits: Vacant lots go on sale in Chicago

March 31, 2026/

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.

Latest News Stories

Trump makes history at Supreme Court amid landmark birthright citizenship challenge

By Emily Rodriguez and Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump made history Wednesday by attending oral arguments at the U.S. Supreme Court over his executive order seeking to end...

New Hampshire school district sued over transgender policies

By Chris WadeThe Center Square A New Hampshire school district is being investigated by the Trump administration over allegations that administrators are allowing biological men to use girls’ restrooms and...

Trump watches as high court hears challenge to his birthright citizenship order

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend Supreme Court oral arguments, observing as the justices considered a challenge Wednesday to his...

Combined Shutout, Early Offensive Burst Propel Brother Rice Past Lincoln-Way Central 7-0

CHICAGO — The Brother Rice varsity baseball team utilized a dominant combined pitching performance and a four-run first inning to defeat visiting Lincoln-Way Central 7-0 in a non-conference matchup on...

Illinois Quick Hits: Prtizker says Trump order is unconstitutional

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker says President Donald Trump’s executive order issued on Tuesday to address election integrity is...

Karales’ Six RBIs, Lee’s Two Homers Power Lincoln-Way Central to 15-2 Tournament Rout of Joliet Catholic

JOLIET, Ill. — The Lincoln-Way Central varsity softball team unleashed a staggering offensive assault on Tuesday afternoon, overwhelming host Joliet Catholic 15-2 in a tournament matchup shortened to five innings....

U of I pressed on costly abandoned development project, stance on DEI directives

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As many Illinois universities face multimillion dollar budget deficits, state senators were critical of spending by the...

JJC Board Approves Fall 2026 Course Fees Amid Debate Over Student Costs

Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees Meeting | March 11, 2026 Article Summary: The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees approved a series of course fee increases for the Fall 2026...

Trump says Iran’s new leader wants ceasefire

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square President Donald Trump announced today that Iran's new leader has requested a ceasefire, marking a possible turning point in the ongoing conflict that has gripped...

‘Conversion therapy’ bans in IL, other states, in danger, after SCOTUS ruling

By Jonathan Bilyk | Legal NewslineThe Center Square The days appear to be numbered for a Colorado state law banning so-called "conversion therapy," after the U.S. Supreme Court lopsidedly sided...

Lincoln-Way 210 Approves Student Registration and Meal Fee Increases for 2026-2027

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education approved inflationary adjustments to student registration fees,...

solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

County Board Approves Peotone Solar Farm Amid Debates Over Union Labor and Tornado Safety

Will County Board Meeting | March 19, 2026 Article Summary: A 52-acre commercial solar energy facility in Peotone was approved by the Will County Board despite concerns raised by members...

Illinois business leaders press lawmakers as child care costs face scrutiny

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois business leaders pressured Illinois lawmakers Tuesday to approve billions of dollars in taxpayer‑funded child care investments,...