Skyline Newspaper

Home

By Skylinenewsonline April 9, 2025

How Can Commonwealth Legal Services Help Me?

Commonwealth Legal Services is a reputable law firm that offers a wide range of legal services to clients in need. Whether you require a criminal defense lawyer, an estate planning attorney, …

Home

By Skylinenewsonline March 21, 2025

10 Services Recommended by Home Maintenance Experts

When it comes to keeping your home in top condition, having reliable and skilled home maintenance experts on call is essential. From plumbing contractors to HVAC companies, these home maintenance experts …

Home

By Skylinenewsonline March 5, 2025

How Can Heater Technicians Improve My Home?

When it comes to maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, having reliable heater technicians and HVAC services is essential. Whether you need a new air conditioning installation, furnace repair, or simply regular …

News special

How Can Commonwealth Legal Services Help Me?

April 9, 2025

10 Services Recommended by Home Maintenance Experts

March 21, 2025

How Can Heater Technicians Improve My Home?

March 5, 2025

What Local Commercial Roofing Companies Can Offer

February 17, 2025

What Are the Top Reasons to Become a Lawyer?

January 21, 2025

By Skyline Newspaper January 30, 2015 10 years 1,076 word

Chicago’s AHR Expo Unveils Latest in HVAC Technology

UPDATED 1/7/21 Whether you need to suss out the best HVAC system for new construction or bone up on the latest technologies used in heating and air conditioning equipment, the annual …

By Skyline Newspaper January 15, 2015 10 years 318 words

Falling Oil Prices Great for Everyone — Except Oil Companies Themselves

For the world’s once-prosperous oil companies, the recent dramatic drop in crude oil prices is resulting in billions of dollars of lost profit. And while it’s giving Americans a welcome respite …

By Skyline Newspaper January 14, 2015 10 years 337 words

Winter Weather Threatens Chicago Drivers This Week

It’s looking like a tough week for drivers in Chicago, IL. According to ABC7 meteorologist Tracy Butler, lake effect snow will be persistent enough over the next few days to make …


It’s looking like a tough week for drivers in Chicago, IL. According to ABC7 meteorologist Tracy Butler, lake effect snow will be persistent enough over the next few days to make driving difficult. Most of the snow isn’t accumulating, but it is reducing visibility and making travel more dangerous than usual. According to Butler, visibility is being reduced to only one to three miles in some areas. The lake effect snow is expected to last at least through Tuesday, and temperatures will drop following the storm. The wind chill may drop, as well, making the temperature feel considerably lower than zero. At least one driver has already fallen victim to the dangerous road conditions. A woman was injured and taken to Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village after her car skidded under crossing gates and onto the tracks of Metra’s Milwaukee District West Line. The car was struck by an express train and thrown 20 feet until it hit a metal shed. Firefighters were able to remove the woman from the car and she was taken away for care. Her condition is currently unknown, though Itasca Fire Chief James Burke says she was conscious when she was taken away in the ambulance. The woman was the only person in the car. According to witnesses, she tried to reverse the car to get out of the path of the train, but it was too late. The accident, which occurred on Walnut Street at about 7 a.m., caused all trains to halt until later in the morning, when they began operating again with substantial delays. Drivers are advised to use extreme caution in the coming week to avoid similar accidents, especially as roads become more icy. Adult seat belt use remains the most effective way to reduce injuries and save lives in a car crash, and drivers should take turns and stops with care. Drivers should also dress warmly and carry emergency supplies in their vehicles in case of breakdowns, traffic backups or road closures.

It’s looking like a tough week for drivers in Chicago, IL. According to ABC7 meteorologist Tracy Butler, lake effect snow will be persistent enough over the next few days to make driving difficult.

Most of the snow isn’t accumulating, but it is reducing visibility and making travel more dangerous than usual. According to Butler, visibility is being reduced to only one to three miles in some areas.

The lake effect snow is expected to last at least through Tuesday, and temperatures will drop following the storm. The wind chill may drop, as well, making the temperature feel considerably lower than zero.

At least one driver has already fallen victim to the dangerous road conditions. A woman was injured and taken to Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village after her car skidded under crossing gates and onto the tracks of Metra’s Milwaukee District West Line.

The car was struck by an express train and thrown 20 feet until it hit a metal shed. Firefighters were able to remove the woman from the car and she was taken away for care. Her condition is currently unknown, though Itasca Fire Chief James Burke says she was conscious when she was taken away in the ambulance.

The woman was the only person in the car. According to witnesses, she tried to reverse the car to get out of the path of the train, but it was too late.

The accident, which occurred on Walnut Street at about 7 a.m., caused all trains to halt until later in the morning, when they began operating again with substantial delays.

Drivers are advised to use extreme caution in the coming week to avoid similar accidents, especially as roads become more icy. Adult seat belt use remains the most effective way to reduce injuries and save lives in a car crash, and drivers should take turns and stops with care.

Drivers should also dress warmly and carry emergency supplies in their vehicles in case of breakdowns, traffic backups or road closures.

By Skyline Newspaper January 12, 2015 10 years 340 words

Chicago Could Face a Class-Action Lawsuit and Be Forced to Pay Millions

Chicago might soon be required to pay millions of dollars back to its drivers due to a class action lawsuit. The lawsuit stems from the issuance of tens (perhaps even hundreds) …

By Skyline Newspaper January 6, 2015 10 years 301 words

2nd Lawsuit Argues Chicago Pension Reform Law Is Unconstitutional

A second legal challenge to the 2014 law that would cut pension benefits for some Chicago public workers was filed Dec. 26 in Cook County Circuit Court, Meaghan Kilroy reported for Pensions …


A second legal challenge to the 2014 law that would cut pension benefits for some Chicago public workers was filed Dec. 26 in Cook County Circuit Court, Meaghan Kilroy reported for Pensions and Investments Dec. 30. The lawsuit, brought by the Municipal Employees Society of Chicago, argues that reducing pension benefits is unconstitutional. It states that “[The Illinois Constitution] explicitly protects the benefits of participation in a government retirement system from being diminished or impaired.” The law, signed by Gov. Pat Quinn June 9 of last year, affects participants in the Chicago Municipal Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund and Chicago Laborers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund, worth $5.3 billion and $1.4 billion respectively. It reduces cost-of living adjustments for retirees as well as increasing both employee and employer contributions to the plans. Proponents of the measure have called it a pension reform law, and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says that without these mandated steps, both funds may go completely broke. He has also maintained that the reforms are legal. City documents show that the municipal fund is approximately 38% funded, while the laborers’ fund is 58% funded. Together, they have about $9.4 billion in unfunded liabilities. In general, lawsuits against employers have gone up by 400% over the last two decades in the United States, though most of those concern private companies. Certain union members had filed a previous lawsuit Dec. 16. Clint Krislov, who is representing the plaintiffs of the additional lawsuit, say hearings are scheduled for Jan. 28 and 30 and Feb. 6 and 11. Multiple bills and court cases regarding pension reform in the state have come under the spotlight during the past year. Meanwhile, just before the new year, Gov. Quinn also signed a bill into law that prevents taxpayer-funded pension payments for public employees who have been convicted of felonies concerning their positions. The law is scheduled to go into effect June 1.

A second legal challenge to the 2014 law that would cut pension benefits for some Chicago public workers was filed Dec. 26 in Cook County Circuit Court, Meaghan Kilroy reported for Pensions and Investments Dec. 30.

The lawsuit, brought by the Municipal Employees Society of Chicago, argues that reducing pension benefits is unconstitutional. It states that “[The Illinois Constitution] explicitly protects the benefits of participation in a government retirement system from being diminished or impaired.”

The law, signed by Gov. Pat Quinn June 9 of last year, affects participants in the Chicago Municipal Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund and Chicago Laborers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund, worth $5.3 billion and $1.4 billion respectively. It reduces cost-of living adjustments for retirees as well as increasing both employee and employer contributions to the plans.

Proponents of the measure have called it a pension reform law, and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says that without these mandated steps, both funds may go completely broke. He has also maintained that the reforms are legal. City documents show that the municipal fund is approximately 38% funded, while the laborers’ fund is 58% funded. Together, they have about $9.4 billion in unfunded liabilities.

In general, lawsuits against employers have gone up by 400% over the last two decades in the United States, though most of those concern private companies.

Certain union members had filed a previous lawsuit Dec. 16. Clint Krislov, who is representing the plaintiffs of the additional lawsuit, say hearings are scheduled for Jan. 28 and 30 and Feb. 6 and 11.

Multiple bills and court cases regarding pension reform in the state have come under the spotlight during the past year.

Meanwhile, just before the new year, Gov. Quinn also signed a bill into law that prevents taxpayer-funded pension payments for public employees who have been convicted of felonies concerning their positions. The law is scheduled to go into effect June 1.

By Skyline Newspaper January 6, 2015 10 years 523 words

Spurred by New Policies and Opportunities, Illinois’ Energy Landscape May Change in 2015

Illinois may see “dramatic” changes in its energy outlook in 2015, Julie Wernau of the Chicago Tribune wrote Dec. 23, with policy changes opening and closing various doors regarding fracking, nuclear power production …


Illinois may see “dramatic” changes in its energy outlook in 2015, Julie Wernau of the Chicago Tribune wrote Dec. 23, with policy changes opening and closing various doors regarding fracking, nuclear power production and wind energy. “By year-end, the state could see an oil boom downstate, nuclear plants on the chopping block and forward momentum for a wind-power superhighway to carry wind-generated electricity from Iowa into Illinois,” Wernau reported. Oil and Gas Drilling There have been nearly two years of debates and legal battles over horizontal hydraulic fracturing — better known as fracking — in the state, but Illinois lawmakers have succeeded in codifying regulations for the industry in the hopes that tax revenues will mitigate budgetary woes statewide. The fracking process, which involves violently fracturing shale in order to extract oil and natural gas, is controversial among environmental activists. But each well could result in $725,508 in taxes over 10 years, assuming an oil price of $85 per barrel. Currently, oil prices are sitting at a much lower rate of $55 per barrel. It’s unclear exactly how many rigs will pop up in the next year, but it’s likely that Southern Illinois will see at least some new permits issued. Nuclear Power The fate of nuclear power in Illinois is unclear, and Wenau predicts that “All eyes will be on Chicago-based Exelon as it decides what to do about its financially troubled fleet of nuclear power plants.” The energy giant has struggled to compete at the prices set by wind- and natural gas-generated power. Exelon is putting pressure on policymakers to reward its ability to produce electricity without carbon emissions, especially as the Environmental Protection Agency has set the ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gases 30% (measured from 2005 levels) by 2030. Closing even one Exelon plant would put Illinois behind its goals. The company has said that three — half — of its plants may be closed for financial reasons. That hasn’t stopped Exelon from planning for the future, however; starting early this year, the company will begin to roll out an app to help employees manage their careers. It was developed, a company spokesperson said, in response to employee uncertainty about advancement and promotion pathways. Wind Power Distribution 2015 will likely see progress on a 500-mile “wind-power superhighway” that would transmit wind-generated electricity from Iowa into Grundy County, IL. The $2 billion line, called the Rock Island Clean Line, was approved last year. It could lead to a drop in electricity prices across the state, as well as helping Illinois to meet its goal to derive 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025. Because Illinois has had a deregulated energy market since the late 1990s, consumers can already choose their electricity suppliers and use only sustainably created power if they so desire. Energy deregulation breaks up the monopolies held by utility companies by dividing energy production from energy distribution; Illinois residents can choose from a wide range of energy suppliers, though electricity is delivered through the public utility company regardless of where it comes from. According to data from Power 2 Switch, only 0.8% of Illinois homeowners currently choose a “completely green” electricity supplier. About 16.4% choose a “partially green” supplier, while 82.8% use traditional suppliers.

Illinois may see “dramatic” changes in its energy outlook in 2015, Julie Wernau of the Chicago Tribune wrote Dec. 23, with policy changes opening and closing various doors regarding fracking, nuclear power production and wind energy.

“By year-end, the state could see an oil boom downstate, nuclear plants on the chopping block and forward momentum for a wind-power superhighway to carry wind-generated electricity from Iowa into Illinois,” Wernau reported.

Oil and Gas Drilling
There have been nearly two years of debates and legal battles over horizontal hydraulic fracturing — better known as fracking — in the state, but Illinois lawmakers have succeeded in codifying regulations for the industry in the hopes that tax revenues will mitigate budgetary woes statewide.

The fracking process, which involves violently fracturing shale in order to extract oil and natural gas, is controversial among environmental activists. But each well could result in $725,508 in taxes over 10 years, assuming an oil price of $85 per barrel. Currently, oil prices are sitting at a much lower rate of $55 per barrel.

It’s unclear exactly how many rigs will pop up in the next year, but it’s likely that Southern Illinois will see at least some new permits issued.

Nuclear Power
The fate of nuclear power in Illinois is unclear, and Wenau predicts that “All eyes will be on Chicago-based Exelon as it decides what to do about its financially troubled fleet of nuclear power plants.”

The energy giant has struggled to compete at the prices set by wind- and natural gas-generated power.

Exelon is putting pressure on policymakers to reward its ability to produce electricity without carbon emissions, especially as the Environmental Protection Agency has set the ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gases 30% (measured from 2005 levels) by 2030.

Closing even one Exelon plant would put Illinois behind its goals. The company has said that three — half — of its plants may be closed for financial reasons.

That hasn’t stopped Exelon from planning for the future, however; starting early this year, the company will begin to roll out an app to help employees manage their careers. It was developed, a company spokesperson said, in response to employee uncertainty about advancement and promotion pathways.

Wind Power Distribution
2015 will likely see progress on a 500-mile “wind-power superhighway” that would transmit wind-generated electricity from Iowa into Grundy County, IL. The $2 billion line, called the Rock Island Clean Line, was approved last year.

It could lead to a drop in electricity prices across the state, as well as helping Illinois to meet its goal to derive 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025.

Because Illinois has had a deregulated energy market since the late 1990s, consumers can already choose their electricity suppliers and use only sustainably created power if they so desire. Energy deregulation breaks up the monopolies held by utility companies by dividing energy production from energy distribution; Illinois residents can choose from a wide range of energy suppliers, though electricity is delivered through the public utility company regardless of where it comes from.

According to data from Power 2 Switch, only 0.8% of Illinois homeowners currently choose a “completely green” electricity supplier. About 16.4% choose a “partially green” supplier, while 82.8% use traditional suppliers.

By Skyline Newspaper December 16, 2014 10 years 354 words

Local Events and Activities Give Chicago Retirees Plenty of Reasons to Get Out of the House

The weather may be getting colder, but that isn’t keeping many of Chicago’s senior citizens from partaking in all the activities and events the city has to offer in the days …


The weather may be getting colder, but that isn’t keeping many of Chicago’s senior citizens from partaking in all the activities and events the city has to offer in the days leading up to the holidays. In Clarendon Hills, residents at the Birches Assisted Living center recently embraced the giving spirit of the holidays by holding the second annual “Hearts and Heroes” campaign that benefits members of the military. According to a December 15 Chicago Tribune article, Birches residents created a giving tree, decorating the tree with ornaments that suggest gifts and donations to give to deployed military personnel. All the donations will go toward Valentine’s Day care packages, and usually include luxuries that deployed members of the military don’t have access to. Activities like the “Hearts and Heroes” campaign help retirement community residents branch out and interact with one another. That’s why studies have actually shown that retirement living communities that give residents their own private living space with shared social areas are good for seniors in more ways than one. According to the ProMatura Group’s 2009 Independent Living Report, seniors who live in an independent living retirement community have an easier time making new friends and trying out new things. As a result, these seniors have a better overall experience with their living situation, the study found. There’s certainly no shortage of things to do in the Chicago area for seniors looking to try something new. In just the last week or so, seniors were able to check out The Second City That Never Sleeps 2014, a comedy event featuring musical performances from Chicago natives like Jeff Tweedy, JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, and more. Or they could have headed out to the HoliDose, a holiday-themed market with food and plenty of shopping opportunities, or a performance from the Dee Alexander Quartet. With a thriving atmosphere of arts and culture, there’s always something to do for seniors looking to expand their horizons and enjoy a night out on the town. Chicago might just be one of the best places for retirees to live in the country.

The weather may be getting colder, but that isn’t keeping many of Chicago’s senior citizens from partaking in all the activities and events the city has to offer in the days leading up to the holidays.

In Clarendon Hills, residents at the Birches Assisted Living center recently embraced the giving spirit of the holidays by holding the second annual “Hearts and Heroes” campaign that benefits members of the military.

According to a December 15 Chicago Tribune article, Birches residents created a giving tree, decorating the tree with ornaments that suggest gifts and donations to give to deployed military personnel. All the donations will go toward Valentine’s Day care packages, and usually include luxuries that deployed members of the military don’t have access to.

Activities like the “Hearts and Heroes” campaign help retirement community residents branch out and interact with one another. That’s why studies have actually shown that retirement living communities that give residents their own private living space with shared social areas are good for seniors in more ways than one.

According to the ProMatura Group’s 2009 Independent Living Report, seniors who live in an independent living retirement community have an easier time making new friends and trying out new things. As a result, these seniors have a better overall experience with their living situation, the study found.

There’s certainly no shortage of things to do in the Chicago area for seniors looking to try something new.

In just the last week or so, seniors were able to check out The Second City That Never Sleeps 2014, a comedy event featuring musical performances from Chicago natives like Jeff Tweedy, JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, and more.

Or they could have headed out to the HoliDose, a holiday-themed market with food and plenty of shopping opportunities, or a performance from the Dee Alexander Quartet.

With a thriving atmosphere of arts and culture, there’s always something to do for seniors looking to expand their horizons and enjoy a night out on the town. Chicago might just be one of the best places for retirees to live in the country.

By Skyline Newspaper December 9, 2014 10 years 474 words

Intentional Chlorine Gas Leak Disrupts 2014 Midwest Furfest in Chicago Hotel

The annual 2014 Midwest Furfest had an unfortunate interruption this year as the animal aficionados joined several thousand other guests staying at Rosemont’s Hyatt hotel (right outside Chicago) in evacuating the …

By Skyline Newspaper November 6, 2014 10 years 356 words

Chicago’s First Shake Shack Gets Its First Major Review

The Windy City’s first Shake Shack opened to eager customers this week after a two-year wait, and according to Eater, the burger joint didn’t have to wait long for its first major review. Kevin …

By Skyline Newspaper November 6, 2014 10 years 489 words

Black Cabinets Are Newest High-End Kitchen Design Trend, Designers Say

The color black is making a big splash in modern kitchens, according to an Oct. 27 article by Jura Koncius for The Washington Post. “Black is replacing white or gray as the …


The color black is making a big splash in modern kitchens, according to an Oct. 27 article by Jura Koncius for The Washington Post. “Black is replacing white or gray as the go-to choice for trophy kitchens across the country,” she writes of the trend that’s been dubbed “kitchen noir.” One question in this year’s National Kitchen and Bath Style Report asked designers if they’d used black in at least one kitchen they’d done in the last year. About 33% of respondents answered yes, as opposed to only 12% five years ago. Maria Stapperfenne, president-elect of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, says that clients are looking for something that sets their kitchen apart from their neighbor’s. “They want something dramatic and bold,” she continues. “And they don’t want what their mother had.” High-End Trends Regardless of color choices, cabinets are big business right now. Due to rising home values and favorable lending conditions, the home construction and renovation market is rebounding. “Not only will more houses be constructed, but many of these houses will feature larger kitchens and multiple bathrooms, the two rooms where cabinets are most often installed,” reads a market projection from ReportBuyer released Oct. 29. According to the report, this will push demand for cabinets even higher than the approximately $20 billion the U.S. cabinet and vanity industry currently generates each year. Consumers aren’t doing bare-bones renovations, either. “Not only will homeowners install more cabinets, but these cabinets will often feature value-added amenities that enhance convenience, such as [LED] lighting, pull-out shelves, storage racks and easy-to-open doors,” the report reads. However, Mike Holmes, known best for his appearances on HGTV, warns homeowners against purely cosmetic upgrades. He’s quoted in a recent Boston Globe article reminding homeowners that plumbing and electrical systems need to be brought up to date in order to actually add value to a home. Expansive Options Since cabinets can be such a significant investment, some consumers will probably be relieved to know they aren’t the only option for going noir. There are plenty of products for those who want to add darker colors to their kitchens without committing to black cabinets. Black appliances have been available for years, but GE is upgrading its black onyx finish (an option homeowners have had for the last 35 years) to appeal to a higher-end market. The finish, which will probably debut next year, will have a brushed graphite look, according to Lou Lenzi, GE Appliances director of industrial design. Even small appliances are increasingly being offered in black, according to Williams-Sonoma Public Relations Director Carrie Crespo-Dixon, and don’t have to be paired with black cabinets or countertops. “Black works well with brushed aluminum stoves, microwaves and refrigerators that are often featured in new high rise apartments or renovated spaces,” she says. “Black accents are easy ways people can make a statement without fully committing to one color in their decor.”

The color black is making a big splash in modern kitchens, according to an Oct. 27 article by Jura Koncius for The Washington Post.

“Black is replacing white or gray as the go-to choice for trophy kitchens across the country,” she writes of the trend that’s been dubbed “kitchen noir.”

One question in this year’s National Kitchen and Bath Style Report asked designers if they’d used black in at least one kitchen they’d done in the last year. About 33% of respondents answered yes, as opposed to only 12% five years ago.

Maria Stapperfenne, president-elect of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, says that clients are looking for something that sets their kitchen apart from their neighbor’s. “They want something dramatic and bold,” she continues. “And they don’t want what their mother had.”

High-End Trends
Regardless of color choices, cabinets are big business right now.

Due to rising home values and favorable lending conditions, the home construction and renovation market is rebounding.

“Not only will more houses be constructed, but many of these houses will feature larger kitchens and multiple bathrooms, the two rooms where cabinets are most often installed,” reads a market projection from ReportBuyer released Oct. 29.

According to the report, this will push demand for cabinets even higher than the approximately $20 billion the U.S. cabinet and vanity industry currently generates each year.

Consumers aren’t doing bare-bones renovations, either. “Not only will homeowners install more cabinets, but these cabinets will often feature value-added amenities that enhance convenience, such as [LED] lighting, pull-out shelves, storage racks and easy-to-open doors,” the report reads.

However, Mike Holmes, known best for his appearances on HGTV, warns homeowners against purely cosmetic upgrades. He’s quoted in a recent Boston Globe article reminding homeowners that plumbing and electrical systems need to be brought up to date in order to actually add value to a home.

Expansive Options
Since cabinets can be such a significant investment, some consumers will probably be relieved to know they aren’t the only option for going noir. There are plenty of products for those who want to add darker colors to their kitchens without committing to black cabinets.

Black appliances have been available for years, but GE is upgrading its black onyx finish (an option homeowners have had for the last 35 years) to appeal to a higher-end market. The finish, which will probably debut next year, will have a brushed graphite look, according to Lou Lenzi, GE Appliances director of industrial design.

Even small appliances are increasingly being offered in black, according to Williams-Sonoma Public Relations Director Carrie Crespo-Dixon, and don’t have to be paired with black cabinets or countertops.

“Black works well with brushed aluminum stoves, microwaves and refrigerators that are often featured in new high rise apartments or renovated spaces,” she says. “Black accents are easy ways people can make a statement without fully committing to one color in their decor.”

News special

May be missed