Illinois Quick Hits: Chicago crime not Johnson's fault; State buys floodland

Johnson passes blame for Chicago crime to predecessor

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed the issue of crime in the city Thursday, attributing the problem to previous administrations. Johnson’s remarks come in the wake of a violent weekend in Chicago that included the shooting death of a 7-year-old boy. Johnson said the city was run into the ground because of decisions made by his predecessors.

IDNR buys out flood-prone land in East St. Louis

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has agreed to provide nearly $2.6 million to the City of East St. Louis to buy out 39 properties that have experienced repeated flooding and flood damage. After the properties are purchased and demolished, deed restrictions will be placed on them to prohibit new structures from being built in the same locations. Independent studies have shown that flood acquisition projects save $6 for every dollar spent.

IHSA tourney to stay in Normal

The Illinois High School Association and Illinois State University have announced that they have reached a five-year contract extension for the IHSA Girls Basketball State Finals to remain at CEFCU Arena on the ISU campus in Normal through the 2029 state tournament. Horton Field House hosted the inaugural IHSA Girls Basketball State Finals in 1977. The tourney then moved to Champaign for a little over a decade, before returning to CEFCU Arena in 1992, where it has remained ever since.