Political Quotes

“Madam President, there are many things that Chicagoans disagree on: deep-dish or tavern style, Cubs or Sox, giardiniera or sweet peppers. But one thing that Chicagoans have in common? They get their weather from Tom Skilling. For 45 years, Tom has been the authoritative source on all things weather in Chicago. And after nearly five decades of forecasting snow, sleet, sun, and storms, today was his last day on air. A native of Aurora, Tom began his career at the almost unbelievable age of 14. He held a series of radio and television jobs throughout Illinois and then studied meteorology and journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In August 1978, Tom joined WGN, and it is not hyperbole to say Chicago's weather forecasts have never been the same since. As a meteorologist, Tom gave weather forecasts to his viewers. But he was so much more than just a ``weatherman.'' Tom was a storm chaser--having famously chased and been chased by a tornado. He was an awestruck weather observer--being overcome by emotion while watching a total solar eclipse in Carbondale in August 2017. He was a comedian--bringing viewers belly laughs with his viral ``Tom Freakin' Skilling'' skit. And perhaps most importantly, he was an educator--explaining to viewers the ``why'' behind the weather. In fact, Tom's focus on the science of climate change and weather patterns only grew as his career did.…”