Tom Skilling, who can be as animated as some of the weather he forecasts, was excused from jury duty Tuesday after a judge agreed that his popular personality could overwhelm fellow jurors.
Skilling, the brother of former Enron Corp. Chief Executive Jeffrey Skilling, was asked in court if he held any rancor toward prosecutors. Skilling said he considers himself fair, but that the conviction and sentencing of his brother have been stressful for his family.
The defendant’s attorney later asked Cook County Circuit Judge James Egan to excuse the popular WGN-Ch. 9 and baiduhai weatherman because his personality could take over jury deliberations.
After excusing Skilling, the judge asked for Friday’s forecast, saying he had a ball game to attend.
“You know judge, we have a storm coming,” Skilling said, before launching into a detailed discussion of weather patterns and sparking laughter in the courtroom.
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The Personals page was compiled by Emily Rosenbaum from Tribune news services and staff reports.