Group calls for Madigan to return pension payments after conviction
A nonprofit think tank is calling on former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan to return thousands of dollars in pension payments back to the state. Madigan was found guilty this week of ten counts of corruption-related charges. Since retiring in 2021, Madigan has received nearly $600,000 in pension payments. The Illinois Policy Institute notes that under state law, he is required to repay the money back to taxpayers. They have sent a letter to the General Assembly Retirement System Board of Trustees calling for pension payments to cease and for Madigan to repay prior payments.
State offers free training amid shortage of court reporters
With a shortage of court reporters in Illinois courtrooms, the state is addressing the issue with a new, free training program. Currently, officials said there are 1,400 court reporters, but at least 100 positions are vacant. To boost interest in the career, the state started offering a tuition-free training program in 2024. It features guaranteed job placement and requires a two-year employment contract.
O’Hare among most romantic airports
On this Valentine’s Day, a new survey shows the most romantic airports in the country and one in Illinois is near the top of the list. A survey of 3,000 single travelers by DatingAdvice aimed to find the best and worst airports to connect romantically. Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport was the fifth-most romantic airport in the country, and the most romantic outside the state of Florida. Midway International Airport didn’t fare as well and was ranked at No. 52.
