During the past decade, the state consistently underestimated how fast pension costs and pension debt would grow in the future. That left taxpayers on the hook for $7.6 billion in unexpected costs. It also left social services on the chopping block and some policymakers with the impression that the pension problem could simply blow over.

Even strong investment returns have failed to solve the crisis. While the S&P 500 index tripled in value after July 2009, Illinois’ pension shortfall worsened by 75%, Wirepoints has noted.

Three seats were already vacant on the 11-person racing board before the abrupt resignations of Brincat, Sronce and Ramirez. That leaves just five members, which is short of the quorum required under state law. That could pose problems as Illinois’ shrinking horse racing industry gets ready to implement casino gaming.

The Cook County Ethics Board previously fined Berrios, the Committee to Elect Joseph Berrios Cook County Assessor and his 31st Ward Democratic Organization $41,000 in January 2018 and $127,000 more that May for accepting campaign contributions in excess of legal limits.

About 40 percent of the cases in the backlog are in Cook County, which makes up the state’s first of five appellate court districts.

Statistically, the threat is real, but rare, and some studies have shown a level of trauma involved with the drills.

In Illinois, judges are supposed to set bail for criminal defendants based on more than 20 factors including the likelihood the person will return to court and the risk he or she poses to the public if released before trial.

Other states know a progressive tax would be one more self-inflicted blow to the economy of Illinois, certain to drive dollars, jobs and families into their waiting arms.

Several state agencies are now looking into the matter. And federal prosecutors in Chicago are also scrutinizing the email as part of a wider public corruption probe, in which lobbyist Michael McClain has emerged as a key figure. No one has been charged.

A letter sent from the Acting Deputy U.S. Marshal Jason Wojdylo to Chairman Frank Haney warns the U.S. Marshals could pull 65 inmates, losing $1.9 million annual revenue for the jail.

States that had the greatest zombie foreclosure rate with 500 or more properties in the foreclosure process and 100 or more zombie foreclosures included Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Oklahoma and Maryland.

IDPH pointed to preventative measures, including its statewide hotline for questions about coronavirus; providing guidance and recommendations to local health departments, hospitals, EMS, clinicians, and other partners; and communicating with the public by creating a coronavirus disease webpage, issuing news releases, hosting news conferences, conducting interviews and providing information on social media.