dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-26--4 Minneapolis cops fired after man dies in police custody; video shows white officer kneeling on bla

4 Minneapolis cops fired after man dies in police custody; video shows white officer kneeling on black man's neck

MINNEAPOLIS -- Four Minneapolis officers involved in the arrest of a handcuffed black man who died in police custody were fired Tuesday , hours after a bystander 's video showed the man pleading that he could not breathe as a white officer knelt on his neck .
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced the firings on Twitter , saying `` This is the right call . ''
The man 's death Monday night after he struggled with officers was under investigation by the FBI and state law enforcement authorities .
It immediately drew comparisons to the case of Eric Garner , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 in New York after he was placed in a chokehold by police and pleaded for his life , saying he could not breathe .
Frey apologized to the black community early Tuesday in a post on his Facebook page .
`` Being Black in America should not be a death sentence .
For five minutes , we watched a white officer press his knee into a Black man 's neck .
Five minutes .
When you hear someone calling for help , you 're supposed to help .
This officer failed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Frey posted .
Police said the man matched the description of a suspect in a forgery case at a grocery store , and that he resisted arrest .
The unidentified officer ignores his pleas .
`` Please , please , please , I ca n't breathe .
Please , man , '' the man , who is handcuffed , is heard telling the officer .
After several minutes , one of the officers tells the man to `` relax . ''
The man slowly becomes motionless under the officer 's restraint .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer leaves his knee on the man 's neck for several minutes more .
Several witnesses had gathered on a nearby sidewalk , some recording the scene on their phones .
The bystanders became increasingly agitated as the man pleaded with police .
One bystander told officers they needed to let him breathe .
Another yelled at them to check the man 's pulse .
The victim was identified as George Floyd by Ben Crump , a prominent civil rights and personal injury attorney who said he had been hired by Floyd 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ horrific death of George Floyd on video as witnesses begged the police officer to take him into the police car and get off his neck , '' Crump said in a statement .
`` This abusive , excessive and inhumane use of force cost the life of a man who was being detained by the police for questioning about a non-violent charge . ''
Charles McMillian , 60 , of Minneapolis , said he saw police trying to get Floyd into the back of the squad car and heard Floyd tell them he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's knee on his neck , McMillian said , the man started calling his mother 's name , `` and then he died . ''
`` It 's sad because it did n't have to happen , '' McMillian said .
Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said the department would conduct a full internal investigation .
Experts on police use of force told The Associated Press that the officer clearly restrained the man too long .
They noted the man was under control and no longer fighting .
Andrew Scott , a former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who now testifies as an expert witness in use-of-force cases , called Floyd 's death `` a combination of not being trained properly or disregarding their training . ''
`` He could n't move .
He was telling them he could n't breathe , and they ignored him , '' Scott said .
`` I ca n't even describe it .
It was difficult to watch . ''
The New York City officer in the Garner case said he was using a legal maneuver called `` the seatbelt '' to bring down Garner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrest .
But the medical examiner referred to it as a chokehold in the autopsy report and said it contributed to his death .
Chokehold maneuvers are banned under New York police policy .
A grand jury later decided against indicting the officers involved in Garner 's death , sparking protests around the country .
The New York Police Department ultimately fired the officer who restrained Garner , but it was five years later , after a federal investigation , a city prosecutor 's investigation and an internal misconduct trial .
In Minneapolis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is allowed under the department 's use-of-force policy for officers who have received training in how to compress a neck without applying direct pressure to the airway .
It is considered a `` non-deadly force option , '' according to the department 's policy handbook .
A chokehold is considered a deadly force option and involves someone obstructing the airway .
According to the department 's use-of-force policy , officers are to use only an amount of force necessary that would be objectively reasonable .
The police union asked the public to wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and not to `` rush to judgment and immediately condemn our officers . ''
The Hennepin County Attorney 's Office , which would handle any prosecution of police on state charges , said in a statement that it was `` shocked and saddened '' by the video and pledged to handle the case fairly .
The U.S. Attorney 's Office in Minnesota declined comment .
The death came amid outrage over the death of Ahmaud Arbery , who was fatally shot Feb. 23 in Georgia after a white father and son pursued the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their subdivision .
More than two months passed before charges were brought .
Crump also represents Arbery 's father .
All body camera footage in the Minneapolis case was turned over to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension , and the agency asked to speak with anyone who saw the arrest or recorded video .
The agency said the officers ' names will be released after initial interviews with the people involved and witnesses .
The FBI is conducting a separate federal civil rights investigation , at the request of Minneapolis police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the FBI were not immediately returned .
The American Civil Liberties Union was among many organizations calling for the officers to be held accountable .
`` You ca n't watch this appalling video posted by brave eyewitnesses on social media without seeing police officers ' callous disregard for a black man 's life , '' ACLU of Minnesota Executive Director John Gordon said , calling the death `` both needless and preventable . ''

4 Minneapolis cops fired after man dies in police custody
Zola Richardson, second from right, holds her son Gabriel 11, close as she stood to pay respect at a memorial, Tuesday, May 26, 2020, in Minneapolis, near the site where a black man, who was taken into police custody the day before, later died. The FBI and Minnesota agents are investigating the death of a black man in Minneapolis police custody after video from a bystander showed a white officer kneeling on his neck during his arrest as he pleaded that he couldn't breathe. (Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP)
A person carries flowers to a memorial, Tuesday, May 26, 2020, in Minneapolis, near the site where a black man, who was taken into police custody the day before, later died. The FBI and Minnesota agents are investigating the death of a black man in Minneapolis police custody after video from a bystander showed a white officer kneeling on his neck during his arrest as he pleaded that he couldn't breathe. (Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP)
Steven Hudson protests, Tuesday, May 26, 2020, in Minneapolis, near the site where a black man, who was taken into police custody the day before, later died. The FBI and Minnesota agents are investigating the death of a black man in Minneapolis police custody after video from a bystander showed a white officer kneeling on his neck during his arrest as he pleaded that he couldn't breathe. (Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP)
A person holds a sign in protest, Tuesday, May 26, 2020, in Minneapolis, near the site where a black man, who was taken into police custody the day before, later died. The FBI and Minnesota agents are investigating the death of a black man in Minneapolis police custody after video from a bystander showed a white officer kneeling on his neck during his arrest as he pleaded that he couldn't breathe. (Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP)
Mourners gather near the site of the death of a man, Tuesday, May 26, 2020, who died in police custody Monday night in Minneapolis after video shared online by a bystander showed a white officer kneeling on his neck during his arrest as he pleaded that he couldn't breathe.
People gather and pray around a makeshift memorial, Tuesday, May 26, 2020, in Minneapolis, near the site where a black man, who was taken into police custody the day before, later died. The FBI and Minnesota agents are investigating the death of a black man in Minneapolis police custody after video from a bystander showed a white officer kneeling on his neck during his arrest as he pleaded that he couldn't breathe. (Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP)
Protesters gather near the site of the death of a man, Tuesday, May 26, 2020, who died in police custody Monday night in Minneapolis after video shared online by a bystander showed a white officer kneeling on his neck during his arrest as he pleaded that he couldn't breathe.
Asha Knight, left, is comforted by Dilonna Johnson, Tuesday, May 26, 2020, in Minneapolis, near the site where a black man, who was taken into police custody the day before, later died. The FBI and Minnesota agents are investigating the death of a black man in Minneapolis police custody after video from a bystander showed a white officer kneeling on his neck during his arrest as he pleaded that he couldn't breathe. (Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune via AP)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Four Minneapolis officers involved in the arrest of a black man who died in police custody were fired Tuesday, hours after a bystander's video showed a white officer kneeling on the handcuffed man's neck, even after he pleaded that he could not breathe and stopped moving.
Mayor Jacob Frey announced the firings on Twitter, saying "This is the right call."
The man's death Monday night was under investigation by the FBI and state law enforcement authorities. It immediately drew comparisons to the case of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man who died in 2014 in New York after he was placed in a chokehold by police and pleaded for his life, saying he could not breathe.
In a post on his Facebook page, Frey apologized Tuesday to the black community for the officer's treatment of the man, who was later identified as 46-year-old George Floyd.
"Being Black in America should not be a death sentence. For five minutes, we watched a white officer press his knee into a Black man's neck. Five minutes. When you hear someone calling for help, you're supposed to help. This officer failed in the most basic, human sense," Frey posted.
Police said the man matched the description of a suspect in a forgery case at a grocery store, and that he resisted arrest.
The video starts with the shirtless man on the ground, and does not show what happened in the moments prior. The unidentified officer is kneeling on his neck. "Please, please, please, I can't breathe. Please, man," said Floyd, who has his face against the pavement.
Floyd also moans. One of the officers tells him to "relax." The man calls for his mother and says: "My stomach hurts, my neck hurts, everything hurts ... I can't breathe." As bystanders shout their concern, one officer says, "He's talking, so he's breathing."
But Floyd stops talking and slowly becomes motionless under the officer's restraint. The officer does not remove his knee until the man is loaded onto a gurney by paramedics.
Several witnesses had gathered on a nearby sidewalk, some recording the scene on their phones. The bystanders become increasingly agitated. One man yells repeatedly. "He's not responsive right now!" Two witnesses, including one woman who said she was a Minneapolis firefighter, yell at the officers to check the man's pulse. "Check his pulse right now and tell me what it is!" she said.
At one point, an officer says: "Don't do drugs, guys." And one man yells, "Don't do drugs, bro? What is that? What do you think this is?"
The Hennepin County medical examiner identified Floyd but said the cause of death was pending.
Floyd had worked security for five years at a restaurant called Conga Latin Bistro and rented a home from the restaurant owner, Jovanni Thunstrom.
He was "a good friend, person and a good tenant," the restaurateur told the Star Tribune. "He was family. His co-workers and friends loved him."
Ben Crump, a prominent civil rights and personal injury attorney, said he had been hired by Floyd's family.
"We all watched the horrific death of George Floyd on video as witnesses begged the police officer to take him into the police car and get off his neck," Crump said in a statement. "This abusive, excessive and inhumane use of force cost the life of a man who was being detained by the police for questioning about a non-violent charge."
Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said the department would conduct a full internal investigation. Police did not identify the officers, but attorney Tom Kelly confirmed he is representing Derek Chauvin, the officer seen with his knee on Floyd's neck. Kelly declined to comment further.
Police did not immediately respond to a request for Chauvin's service record. News accounts show he was one of six officers who fired their weapons in the 2006 death of Wayne Reyes, whom police said pointed a sawed-off shotgun at officers after stabbing two people. Chauvin also shot and wounded a man in 2008 in a struggle after Chauvin and his partner responded to a reported domestic assault.
Several hundred protesters gathered Tuesday evening in the street where Floyd died, chanting and carrying banners that read, "I can't breathe" and "Jail killer KKKops." They eventually marched about 2½ miles to a city police precinct, with some protesters damaging windows and a squad car and spraying graffiti on the building.
Experts on police use of force told The Associated Press that the officer clearly restrained the man too long. They noted the man was under control and no longer fighting. Andrew Scott, a former Boca Raton, Florida, police chief who now testifies as an expert witness in use-of-force cases, called Floyd's death "a combination of not being trained properly or disregarding their training."
"He couldn't move. He was telling them he couldn't breathe, and they ignored him," Scott said. "I can't even describe it. It was difficult to watch."
The New York City officer in the Garner case said he was using a legal maneuver called "the seatbelt" to bring down Garner, whom police said had been resisting arrest. But the medical examiner referred to it as a chokehold in the autopsy report and said it contributed to his death. Chokehold maneuvers are banned under New York police policy.
A grand jury later decided against indicting the officers involved in Garner's death, sparking protests around the country. The New York Police Department ultimately fired the officer who restrained Garner, but it was five years later, after a federal investigation, a city prosecutor's investigation and an internal misconduct trial.
In Minneapolis, kneeling on a suspect's neck is allowed under the department's use-of-force policy for officers who have received training in how to compress a neck without applying direct pressure to the airway. It is considered a "non-deadly force option," according to the department's policy handbook.
A chokehold is considered a deadly force option and involves someone obstructing the airway. According to the department's use-of-force policy, officers are to use only an amount of force that would be objectively reasonable.
Before the officers were fired, the police union asked the public to wait for the investigation to take its course and not to "rush to judgment and immediately condemn our officers." Messages left with the union after the firings were not returned.
The Hennepin County Attorney's Office, which would handle any prosecution of police on state criminal charges, said in a statement that it was "shocked and saddened" by the video and pledged to handle the case fairly. The FBI is investigating whether the officers willfully deprived Floyd of his rights. If those federal civil rights charges are brought, they would be handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota, which declined comment.
The death came amid outrage over the death of Ahmaud Arbery, who was fatally shot Feb. 23 in Georgia after a white father and son pursued the 25-year-old black man they had spotted running in their subdivision. More than two months passed before charges were brought. Crump also represents Arbery's father.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-26--Plans moving forward for new St. Charles apartment building

Among the shops , restaurants , offices and residences that have revitalized the First Street corridor , St. Charles will expand its downtown housing stock with the development of a new apartment building .
By fall 2021 , a grassy lot immediately east of the Blue Goose Market will be transformed into a four-story structure containing 21 apartments and a ground-level parking garage , according to an agreement recently approved by the city council .
The deal calls for conveying the city-owned property to R & B Development LLC , led by Bob Rasmussen and Rick Dahl , in exchange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pledged to reimburse them for the cost of streetscape improvements , such as brick paver sidewalks and landscaping .
St. Charles ' long-range vision for its First Street project has been brought to life the past few decades with the construction of mixed-use developments and public gathering spaces .
Among the goals of the plan was to create more multifamily housing that would draw residents downtown , generate foot traffic and support nearby businesses , said Russell Colby , assistant community and economic development director .
Previous project phases have included some residential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the south and condominiums in the recently constructed buildings along the Fox River .
But so far , the First Street corridor has seen fewer housing units than originally planned , he said , and nothing like the market-rate rentals proposed by R & B Development .
`` This was an opportunity to bring in a different type of unit that has n't been constructed yet within the project , '' Colby said .
The apartment building -- an estimated $ 4.5 million investment -- is expected to include 15 one-bedroom and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parking spots designated for residents .
Preliminary plans for the site were given the green light by the city council last week , and construction is slated to begin in October .
Once the development is completed , aldermen have requested the city re-evaluate its management of nearby public parking .
`` There 's a very limited supply of parking in the general area around this building , '' Colby said .
`` We 'll need to ... make sure the availability is balanced with the needs of different businesses and residents .
@

Plans moving forward for new St. Charles apartment building
Plans are moving forward for the construction of 21 apartments and a ground-level parking garage next to the Blue Goose Market in downtown St. Charles. Courtesy of the city of St. Charles
A 21-unit apartment building is slated to be constructed on a vacant lot along St. Charles' First Street corridor. Courtesy of the city of St. Charles
To complement the shops, restaurants, offices and residences that have revitalized the First Street corridor, St. Charles will expand its downtown housing stock with the development of a new apartment building.
By the fall of 2021, a grassy lot immediately east of the Blue Goose Market will be transformed into a four-story structure containing 21 apartments and a ground-level parking garage, according to an agreement recently approved by the city council.
The deal calls for conveying the city-owned property to R&B Development LLC, led by Bob Rasmussen and Rick Dahl, in exchange for its redevelopment. City officials also pledged to reimburse them for the cost of streetscape improvements, such as brick paver sidewalks and landscaping.
St. Charles' long-range vision for its First Street project has been brought to life the past few decades with the construction of mixed-use developments and public gathering spaces. Among the goals of the plan was to create more multifamily housing that would draw residents downtown, generate foot traffic and support nearby businesses, said Russell Colby, assistant community and economic development director.
Previous project phases have included some residential options, such as affordable rental apartments to the south and condominiums in the recently constructed buildings along the Fox River. But so far, the First Street corridor has seen fewer housing units than originally planned, he said, and nothing like the market-rate rentals proposed by R&B Development.
"This was an opportunity to bring in a different type of unit that hasn't been constructed yet within the project," Colby said.
The apartment building -- an estimated $4.5 million investment -- is expected to include 15 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom units, built above 19 parking spots designated for residents.
Preliminary plans for the site were given the green light by the city council last week, and construction is slated to begin in October.
Once the development is completed, aldermen have requested the city re-evaluate its management of nearby public parking.
"There's a very limited supply of parking in the general area around this building," Colby said. "We'll need to ... make sure the availability is balanced with the needs of different businesses and residents."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-26--Bicyclists to get new direction on Lake County paths

Results of a wayfinding study to enhance the experience and increase the use of bike trails in Lake County will be introduced today .
The Lake County Division of Transportation will host a virtual session from 6 to 7 p.m. live on its Facebook page to announce the findings .
Participants will learn about the new `` Explore Lake County '' branding and strategies , see sign templates and give feedback on the results , which have been more than a year in progress .
Curious riders can get a preview , as signs have been installed along a three-mile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Path from Butterfield Road in Libertyville to St. Mary 's Road in Green Oaks .
`` We did n't want to delay the project any longer , '' said Matt Emde , principal engineer and project manager for the transportation department .
Two maps on the test section serve as a kiosk for riders to orient themselves on the trail , including at the intersection with the Lake County Forest Preserve District 's Des Plaines River Trail , which runs the length of Lake County from north to south .
There are hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but no coordination among them .
The intent of the wayfinding and sign system is to increase use by letting riders know their locations and how to find connections to trails and paths in other jurisdictions .
The process began in January 2019 , when the Lake County Board authorized a $ 125,760 contract with Corbin Design Inc. of Traverse City , Michigan , for consulting and design services .
`` I was really surprised at the amount of interest , '' Emde said .
`` We had over 600 responses to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offshoots and little trails , '' there are .
The Lake County Division of Transportation oversees more than 60 miles of off-street paths and on-street bike lanes .
But the nonmotorized section of the Lake County 2040 Transportation Plan says there are more than 500 miles of off-street paths and on-street bicycle lanes throughout the county .
While the wayfaring signs are intended for LCDOT paths , the study was not done in a vacuum .
`` We really wanted it to be a group effort , '' Emde said .
`` There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gathered . ''
The Lake County Forest Preserve District , Libertyville Township and the villages of Libertyville , Grayslake , Lake Bluff , Highland Park , Mundelein , Gurnee , Fox Lake , for example , participated as stakeholders and a public open house was held last year .
The forest preserve alone has about 200 miles of trails under its jurisdiction .
`` They wanted to be inclusive , to make sure what they do will work for the various municipalities and forest preserves , '' said Randy Seebach , director of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preserve district .
`` From my knowledge , it 's a first attempt at looking at a systemwide approach , '' he added .
The county 's 2040 transportation plan recommends another 300 miles of nonmotorized facilities as connections to Metra stations , bus routes , communities , jobs , parks , schools and forest preserves .

Bicyclists to get new direction on Lake County paths
This sign has been installed by the Lake County Division of Transportation on a section of its North Shore Bike Path between Libertyville and Green Oaks. The "wayfinding" system eventually will be used the agency's 60-plus miles of trails. Courtesy of Lake County Division of Transportation
This is a close-up of one of the new wayfaring signs on a test section of the North Shore Bike Path in Libertyville. Courtesy of Lake County Division of Transportation
The Lake County Division of Transporation is introducing wayfinding signs on the section of the North Shore Bike Path between Libertyville and Green Oaks as the initial part of a plan to enhance its 60-plus miles of trails. Courtesy of Lake County Division of Transportation
Results of a wayfinding study to enhance the experience and increase the use of bike trails in Lake County will be introduced today.
The Lake County Division of Transportation will host a virtual session from 6 to 7 p.m. live on its Facebook page to announce the findings. Participants will learn about the new "Explore Lake County" branding and strategies, see sign templates and give feedback on the results, which have been more than a year in progress.
Curious riders can get a preview, as signs have been installed along a three-mile test section of the North Shore Bike Path from Butterfield Road in Libertyville to St. Mary's Road in Green Oaks.
"We didn't want to delay the project any longer," said Matt Emde, principal engineer and project manager for the transportation department. Two maps on the test section serve as a kiosk for riders to orient themselves on the trail, including at the intersection with the Lake County Forest Preserve District's Des Plaines River Trail, which runs the length of Lake County from north to south.
There are hundreds of miles of trails in Lake County but no coordination among them. The intent of the wayfinding and sign system is to increase use by letting riders know their locations and how to find connections to trails and paths in other jurisdictions.
The process began in January 2019, when the Lake County Board authorized a $125,760 contract with Corbin Design Inc. of Traverse City, Michigan, for consulting and design services.
"I was really surprised at the amount of interest," Emde said. "We had over 600 responses to our survey. It's amazing how many offshoots and little trails," there are.
The Lake County Division of Transportation oversees more than 60 miles of off-street paths and on-street bike lanes. But the nonmotorized section of the Lake County 2040 Transportation Plan says there are more than 500 miles of off-street paths and on-street bicycle lanes throughout the county.
While the wayfaring signs are intended for LCDOT paths, the study was not done in a vacuum.
"We really wanted it to be a group effort," Emde said. "There was a lot of input to be gathered."
The Lake County Forest Preserve District, Libertyville Township and the villages of Libertyville, Grayslake, Lake Bluff, Highland Park, Mundelein, Gurnee, Fox Lake, for example, participated as stakeholders and a public open house was held last year. The forest preserve alone has about 200 miles of trails under its jurisdiction.
"They wanted to be inclusive, to make sure what they do will work for the various municipalities and forest preserves," said Randy Seebach, director of planning and land preservation for the forest preserve district.
"From my knowledge, it's a first attempt at looking at a systemwide approach," he added.
The county's 2040 transportation plan recommends another 300 miles of nonmotorized facilities as connections to Metra stations, bus routes, communities, jobs, parks, schools and forest preserves.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-26--Straight from the Source: When a global pandemic interrupts senior year

Like others in the Class of 2020 , I swept the halls with a confidence only seniors could muster .
Having risen to the top of the high school food chain , the phrase `` second semester senior year '' was one that I dreamed of experiencing all throughout my time at Stevenson .
One where I could sleep through my 6 a.m. alarm , plead with my mother to excuse me from missed classes and blame it on senioritis .
Senior spring was supposed to be full of graduation parties , road trips and a last dance -- when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bobbing heads and beautiful dresses with a sigh of relief and say , `` I did it . ''
Even the tedious graduation ceremony where I 'd sit on a plastic chair for hours and count the number of names I did n't recognize from my graduating class had some excitement .
At least I would endure it with my friends .
Now , my graduation consists of sitting on my living room couch and sporting pajamas under my revered cap and gown that are now just two pieces of green fabric .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the end of senior year would look like a year ago , heck even a month ago , I would have laughed in your face .
Nothing was taking away my glorified spring semester .
The pandemic served as a rude awakening to my responsibilities as an adult , ones that I , still 17 , was not prepared to face .
Suddenly , practicing social distancing , adapting to a virtual education system and resolving tiring family struggles were pushed to the forefront of my priority list .
As teenagers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but are held to the same expectations to prevent it from spreading further .
Now , our immature actions have real-life consequences : the death and sickness of those we love .
Unfortunately , sweeping away the rug of freedom beneath our firmly planted dreams had harsh effects on my friends and me .
I have friends who completely shut down .
Converting to classes online meant that missing school had next to no consequences ; they did n't show up to classes and their life became dedicated to a series of Netflix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was supposed to be where their loose ends could be threaded together and folded into the page of `` High School '' -- to be revisited with love in the future .
For others , the toxic `` hustle culture '' that encourages constant working and promises of success caught up to them .
Here was a time where they could be doing so much : writing , reading , creating , studying .
And yet , the unmotivating change of scenery only exacerbated their senioritis .
Guilt was their primary emotion .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior struggling to maintain their identity and motivation amidst this chaos .
I want to be next to you , celebrating you .
I want to walk up to the graduation stage and show my mentors that I am proud of the person they have built me to be .
I want to cry ugly tears with the underclassmen I am leaving behind .
I want to do so much , and I want it to be in person .
Perhaps the most difficult part of this all is that I am trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never occur .
While it is hard to find any hope amidst the pandemic , it is there if I look hard enough .
My senior year has taken the most `` unprecedented '' route possible .
If I get to see my classmates again before I ( hopefully ) go to college next fall , I will make sure to squeeze them a little tighter and praise them a little louder .
As I 've learned , I ca n't afford to pass up the opportunity for a `` next time '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ given me time to reflect on my last four years and dive deeper into the morals I want to preserve for college next year .
I want to look back to my second-semester self and be proud of my flexibility to adapt , but still have empathy for my stumped senior self that had absolutely no clue what her future held .
• Vrushali Thakkar is a senior from Lincolnshire and will study at Emory University in Atlanta next fall .
She serves as president of Catalyst Club and Economics Club at Stevenson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan Stevenson 's first mental health/suicide awareness forum this year .
Additionally , Vrushali is a consultant for CADCA , or Community Anti-Drug Coalitions for America , where she collaborates with youths in various communities across the nation in coalition development and public health strategies .

Straight from the Source: When a global pandemic interrupts senior year
Like others in the Class of 2020, I swept the halls with a confidence only seniors could muster. Having risen to the top of the high school food chain, the phrase "second semester senior year" was one that I dreamed of experiencing all throughout my time at Stevenson. One where I could sleep through my 6 a.m. alarm, plead with my mother to excuse me from missed classes and blame it on senioritis.
Senior spring was supposed to be full of graduation parties, road trips and a last dance -- when I'd look to the stretch of bobbing heads and beautiful dresses with a sigh of relief and say, "I did it."
Even the tedious graduation ceremony where I'd sit on a plastic chair for hours and count the number of names I didn't recognize from my graduating class had some excitement. At least I would endure it with my friends.
Now, my graduation consists of sitting on my living room couch and sporting pajamas under my revered cap and gown that are now just two pieces of green fabric. If you had told me this is what the end of senior year would look like a year ago, heck even a month ago, I would have laughed in your face. Nothing was taking away my glorified spring semester.
The pandemic served as a rude awakening to my responsibilities as an adult, ones that I, still 17, was not prepared to face. Suddenly, practicing social distancing, adapting to a virtual education system and resolving tiring family struggles were pushed to the forefront of my priority list. As teenagers, we are less susceptible to the virus but are held to the same expectations to prevent it from spreading further. Now, our immature actions have real-life consequences: the death and sickness of those we love.
Unfortunately, sweeping away the rug of freedom beneath our firmly planted dreams had harsh effects on my friends and me. I have friends who completely shut down. Converting to classes online meant that missing school had next to no consequences; they didn't show up to classes and their life became dedicated to a series of Netflix episodes. For them, this semester was supposed to be where their loose ends could be threaded together and folded into the page of "High School" -- to be revisited with love in the future.
For others, the toxic "hustle culture" that encourages constant working and promises of success caught up to them. Here was a time where they could be doing so much: writing, reading, creating, studying. And yet, the unmotivating change of scenery only exacerbated their senioritis. Guilt was their primary emotion.
My heart goes out to every single senior struggling to maintain their identity and motivation amidst this chaos. I want to be next to you, celebrating you. I want to walk up to the graduation stage and show my mentors that I am proud of the person they have built me to be. I want to cry ugly tears with the underclassmen I am leaving behind. I want to do so much, and I want it to be in person. Perhaps the most difficult part of this all is that I am trying to find closure amongst dreams that will never occur.
While it is hard to find any hope amidst the pandemic, it is there if I look hard enough. My senior year has taken the most "unprecedented" route possible. If I get to see my classmates again before I (hopefully) go to college next fall, I will make sure to squeeze them a little tighter and praise them a little louder. As I've learned, I can't afford to pass up the opportunity for a "next time" that may never occur.
Quarantine has given me time to reflect on my last four years and dive deeper into the morals I want to preserve for college next year. I want to look back to my second-semester self and be proud of my flexibility to adapt, but still have empathy for my stumped senior self that had absolutely no clue what her future held.
• Vrushali Thakkar is a senior from Lincolnshire and will study at Emory University in Atlanta next fall. She serves as president of Catalyst Club and Economics Club at Stevenson High School and led a team to plan Stevenson's first mental health/suicide awareness forum this year. Additionally, Vrushali is a consultant for CADCA, or Community Anti-Drug Coalitions for America, where she collaborates with youths in various communities across the nation in coalition development and public health strategies.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-26--How Naperville water team leader coordinated two rescues in one day

The rescues of two boaters stranded in the West Branch of the DuPage River in Naperville after one of May 's many rainy days began long before the men got into the water .
Conditions that made the saves possible began 17 years ago , when firefighter/paramedic Chuck Gros became assistant coordinator of the Naperville Fire Department 's water rescue team .
That 's when Gros started inviting experts to teach swift water rescue techniques so firefighters would n't inadvertently hurt anyone when river levels rose and people needed help .
Gros , now a 20-year department veteran with seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ became so adept that he and one other department member now conduct trainings and have certified 40 firefighters in swift water rescue , including 28 as divers .
So when May 15 rolled around , the department was prepared .
The day began with training after a round of drenching storms .
Gros said it seemed like the perfect time to take the team to the river , send some members in and have others practice rescuing them by throwing them a rope and hooking a line .
`` It worked out very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So did the rest of the day , when rescue swimmers put their newly refined skills into action , twice .
After returning to the station , Gros took a call from the Naperville Park District police asking for help removing a kayak stuck under the Washington Street Bridge , `` the lowest bridge in town . ''
The owner was safe and out of the river , but the boat was trapped .
Gros told the park police he was on it .
No sooner did he find the kayak , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4:05 p.m. Downstream , near Meoldy Lane south of downtown , there was a report of a man in the river , screaming for help , trying to corral three boats .
Gros dispersed the team to bridges downstream , where they could set up to throw the man a line and help him out .
It worked .
The man , not wearing a life jacket , was safely out of the water , when up walked the two other men he had been paddling with , also not wearing life jackets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speed of the water or the power of the water until were in , '' Gros said .
So Gros and his colleagues gave them some `` re-education '' about the importance of water safety and life vest use .
`` We say , 'Listen , it only takes a second for you to flip out of the boat .
You do n't have time to put that vest on , ' '' he said .
`` If you have it , you should wear it . ''
Removal of the kayak under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were safe .
Crews hooked it and dislodged it from the bridge , then Gros sent a rescue swimmer to grab it and return it to shore .
Firefighters were talking with the boat 's owners when two more kayakers approached about 4:40 p.m .
The first paddled past , wearing a life jacket .
The second , shirtless and without a life vest , followed .
`` We were like , 'You need to move out of the water , ' '' Gros said .
`` He tried to get to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boat .
Luckily , we were right there . ''
Rescue swimmer Ryan Cowhey jumped in and held up the man while they floated downstream .
Other water rescue team members ran down along the Riverwalk , threw Cowhey a rope , then pulled him and the kayaker to shore .
Gros ran further downstream , jumped in and grabbed the man 's kayak before it , too , could become stranded .
Gros , a longtime SCUBA diver and a Naperville native , said his role is n't always to jump in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talented guys and women as swimmers , '' he said .
`` It 's rewarding and fulfilling being able to instruct and help educate and lead them in the right direction . ''

How Naperville water team leader coordinated two rescues in one day
The rescues of two boaters stranded in the West Branch of the DuPage River in Naperville after one of May's many rainy days began long before the men got into the water.
Conditions that made the saves possible began 17 years ago, when firefighter/paramedic Chuck Gros became assistant coordinator of the Naperville Fire Department's water rescue team. That's when Gros started inviting experts to teach swift water rescue techniques so firefighters wouldn't inadvertently hurt anyone when river levels rose and people needed help.
Gros, now a 20-year department veteran with seven years as the water rescue coordinator, became so adept that he and one other department member now conduct trainings and have certified 40 firefighters in swift water rescue, including 28 as divers.
So when May 15 rolled around, the department was prepared.
The day began with training after a round of drenching storms. Gros said it seemed like the perfect time to take the team to the river, send some members in and have others practice rescuing them by throwing them a rope and hooking a line.
"It worked out very well for us," he said.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Naperville firefighter and water rescue team coordinator Chuck Gros, left, teaches swift water rescue techniques during a training exercise after crews made two water rescues in one afternoon on May 15 along the West Branch of the DuPage River.
So did the rest of the day, when rescue swimmers put their newly refined skills into action, twice.
After returning to the station, Gros took a call from the Naperville Park District police asking for help removing a kayak stuck under the Washington Street Bridge, "the lowest bridge in town." The owner was safe and out of the river, but the boat was trapped.
Gros told the park police he was on it. No sooner did he find the kayak, the first emergency call came through at 4:05 p.m. Downstream, near Meoldy Lane south of downtown, there was a report of a man in the river, screaming for help, trying to corral three boats.
Gros dispersed the team to bridges downstream, where they could set up to throw the man a line and help him out.
It worked. The man, not wearing a life jacket, was safely out of the water, when up walked the two other men he had been paddling with, also not wearing life jackets.
"They didn't realize the speed of the water or the power of the water until were in," Gros said.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Naperville firefighter Kelly Connor helps Lt. Bill Kostelny save Chuck Gros, left, during a water rescue team training exercise along the West Branch of the DuPage River. Gros has been the coordinator of the water rescue team for the past seven years.
So Gros and his colleagues gave them some "re-education" about the importance of water safety and life vest use.
"We say, 'Listen, it only takes a second for you to flip out of the boat. You don't have time to put that vest on,'" he said. "If you have it, you should wear it."
Removal of the kayak under Washington Street resumed after the three boaters were safe. Crews hooked it and dislodged it from the bridge, then Gros sent a rescue swimmer to grab it and return it to shore.
Firefighters were talking with the boat's owners when two more kayakers approached about 4:40 p.m. The first paddled past, wearing a life jacket. The second, shirtless and without a life vest, followed.
"We were like, 'You need to move out of the water,'" Gros said. "He tried to get to the side, then flipped out of his boat. Luckily, we were right there."
Rescue swimmer Ryan Cowhey jumped in and held up the man while they floated downstream. Other water rescue team members ran down along the Riverwalk, threw Cowhey a rope, then pulled him and the kayaker to shore.
- Brian Hill | Staff Photographer Chuck Gros, a Naperville native and firefighter, coordinated two water rescues in one afternoon May 15 when kayakers not wearing life jackets got stranded in the West Branch of the DuPage River.
Gros ran further downstream, jumped in and grabbed the man's kayak before it, too, could become stranded.
Gros, a longtime SCUBA diver and a Naperville native, said his role isn't always to jump in anymore.
"We have strong and talented guys and women as swimmers," he said. "It's rewarding and fulfilling being able to instruct and help educate and lead them in the right direction."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-26--What others are writing about COVID-19

What others are writing about COVID-19

The front page of The New York Times for May 24 , 2020 pic.twitter.com/d14JhFp4CP — The New York Times ( @ nytimes ) May 24 , 2020 An Incalculable Loss The stunning Sunday front page of The New York Times listed the names of those across the country who have died from COVID-19 .
The interactive version of this story is just as moving .
As you scroll down , you 'll see the names of those lost , as well as some familiar towns -- Roselle , Naperville , Hoffman Estates , Northbrook .
Each name is accompanied by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Sharecropper 's son , '' `` Holocaust survivor , '' `` Saved 56 Jewish families from the Gestapo . ''
As the country nears 100,000 deaths , this piece reminds us : `` A number is an imperfect measure when applied to the human condition .
A number provides an answer to how many , but it can never convey the individual arcs of life , the 100,000 ways of greeting the morning and saying good night . ''
From Camping To Dining Out : Here 's How Experts Rate The Risks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends .
Going to the beach or pool .
NPR talked to experts and rated the risks associated with 14 common summer activities -- from low risk to medium to high .
They also list suggestions for how you can reduce the risk of each activity .
Will COVID-19 have a second peak ?
Yes , and WHO warns it could come sooner than you think Now everyone is talking about the infamous `` second wave . ''
When will it come ?
And how bad will it be ?
According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it could come sooner depending on how quickly governments lift restrictions , and how closely people follow social distancing rules .
Read the story in Fast Company .
Part of the reasoning behind sending $ 1,200 stimulus checks was to get Americans shopping again .
But what if you do n't feel like spending money on a bunch of `` stuff '' anymore ?
This essay from BuzzFeed looks at why we shop and how the coronavirus has changed us as consumers .
What Parents Should Know About Coronavirus as Kids Return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ProPublica asked experts about the issues facing parents : How do I weigh the risks posed to my family ?
Which child care option is safest ?
And they even got some reassuring news : While the safest decision is still to keep children at home , with proper precautions and monitoring , parents could be able to safely rely on caregivers and day care centers .
Read the story .

What others are writing about COVID-19
United States Marine Corps veteran John Kline wearing a protective face mask as a precaution against the coronavirus, pays his respects at the Korean War Memorial, in Philadelphia, on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The front page of The New York Times for May 24, 2020 pic.twitter.com/d14JhFp4CP — The New York Times (@nytimes) May 24, 2020 An Incalculable Loss
The stunning Sunday front page of The New York Times listed the names of those across the country who have died from COVID-19. The interactive version of this story is just as moving. As you scroll down, you'll see the names of those lost, as well as some familiar towns -- Roselle, Naperville, Hoffman Estates, Northbrook. Each name is accompanied by a memory taken from an obituary -- "Sharecropper's son," "Holocaust survivor," "Saved 56 Jewish families from the Gestapo." As the country nears 100,000 deaths, this piece reminds us: "A number is an imperfect measure when applied to the human condition. A number provides an answer to how many, but it can never convey the individual arcs of life, the 100,000 ways of greeting the morning and saying good night."
From Camping To Dining Out: Here's How Experts Rate The Risks Of 14 Summer Activities
Backyard barbecues with friends. Going to the beach or pool. NPR talked to experts and rated the risks associated with 14 common summer activities -- from low risk to medium to high. They also list suggestions for how you can reduce the risk of each activity.
Will COVID-19 have a second peak? Yes, and WHO warns it could come sooner than you think
Now everyone is talking about the infamous "second wave." When will it come? And how bad will it be? According to the World Health Organization's Dr. Mike Ryan, it could come sooner depending on how quickly governments lift restrictions, and how closely people follow social distancing rules. Read the story in Fast Company.
I Don't Feel Like Buying Stuff Anymore
Part of the reasoning behind sending $1,200 stimulus checks was to get Americans shopping again. But what if you don't feel like spending money on a bunch of "stuff" anymore? This essay from BuzzFeed looks at why we shop and how the coronavirus has changed us as consumers.
What Parents Should Know About Coronavirus as Kids Return to Babysitters, Day Cares and Camps
ProPublica asked experts about the issues facing parents: How do I weigh the risks posed to my family? Which child care option is safest? And they even got some reassuring news: While the safest decision is still to keep children at home, with proper precautions and monitoring, parents could be able to safely rely on caregivers and day care centers. Read the story.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-26--Golf tip: How to be a consistent chipper

Chip shots require a few fundamentals .
Oftentimes they are overlooked by golfers of all playing abilities .
I 'll go over a few of these fundamentals to help you become a better chipper around the greens .
1 .
Make sure you choke down on the grip so your body is closer and over the ball to help with a consistent and solid ball striking stroke .
This will make your club counterbalanced so the added weight above the hands does n't allow a flipping action through your shot .
Maintain good posture and add a little more knee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stance should be slightly open ( pre-rotated to the target ) with a narrow stance .
It is important for your body to rotate through your shot because you do not want to release the club like you do with a full swing .
You really need to focus on the body having the ability to easily turn .
The body will resist rotating easily if you are too square at setup , then your hands will start being active causing a flipping move .
3 .
When it comes to ball position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it toward the back of your stance .
Keep about 70 to 80 percent of your weight toward your forward side also known as your `` lead side . ''
If you do these two things it will help create a steeper downward blow into the golf ball .
You will become a better ball striker around the greens and not hit those fat or thin shots we all dread .
4 .
Get ready to swing !
Once you feel comfortable with your setup it is time to hit your shot .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ arm moving forward without anything collapsing or flipping through the shot .
Your arms and hands will lead in front of your body .
Remember to maintain your weight on your `` lead side '' throughout your swing .
A practice tip : If you are a right-handed golfer , get into your setup position .
From there take your right foot back a little so you feel that you are almost standing on your left leg or `` lead leg . ''
Maintain your weight on your left leg and practice hitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel the right amount of weight needed to produce a great chip shot .

Golf tip: How to be a consistent chipper
Chip shots require a few fundamentals. Oftentimes they are overlooked by golfers of all playing abilities.
I'll go over a few of these fundamentals to help you become a better chipper around the greens.
1. Make sure you choke down on the grip so your body is closer and over the ball to help with a consistent and solid ball striking stroke. This will make your club counterbalanced so the added weight above the hands doesn't allow a flipping action through your shot. Maintain good posture and add a little more knee flex if needed.
2. Your stance should be slightly open (pre-rotated to the target) with a narrow stance. It is important for your body to rotate through your shot because you do not want to release the club like you do with a full swing. You really need to focus on the body having the ability to easily turn. The body will resist rotating easily if you are too square at setup, then your hands will start being active causing a flipping move.
3. When it comes to ball position, keep it consistent, and play it toward the back of your stance. Keep about 70 to 80 percent of your weight toward your forward side also known as your "lead side." If you do these two things it will help create a steeper downward blow into the golf ball. You will become a better ball striker around the greens and not hit those fat or thin shots we all dread.
4. Get ready to swing! Once you feel comfortable with your setup it is time to hit your shot. Keep your "lead" wrist and arm moving forward without anything collapsing or flipping through the shot. Your arms and hands will lead in front of your body. Remember to maintain your weight on your "lead side" throughout your swing.
A practice tip:
If you are a right-handed golfer, get into your setup position. From there take your right foot back a little so you feel that you are almost standing on your left leg or "lead leg." Maintain your weight on your left leg and practice hitting chip shots like that so you can feel the right amount of weight needed to produce a great chip shot.
• Eva Rogers is a PGA teaching professional at Medinah Country Club.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-26--Waukegan courthouse to reopen virtually next week

After about 10 weeks of lockdown-induced stasis , most court cases will begin moving through the Lake County courthouse once again Monday using the virtual meeting platform Zoom , court officials announced Tuesday .
Those scheduled to appear before a judge in family court , civil court , small claims court , criminal court or for matters concerning orders of protection will be able to do so over the popular free program .
Matters in other courts and cases set to go before a jury remain on hold .
The new system is accessible by going to 19thcircuitcourt.state.il.us and clicking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court staff has set up virtual meeting rooms and YouTube pages for each courtroom .
Those set to appear in court will navigate to the Zoom meeting , where they will wait for the judge to let them into the virtual courtroom .
The public can watch court proceedings live on the YouTube pages except for cases happening at branch court locations or at juvenile court .
Those without internet access will be allowed to visit the Waukegan courthouse and use computers there .
Several judges and court officials produced a lighthearted two-minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No Worries .
Just Zoom In '' as a brief walk-through of the new system .
Court spokeswoman Kasey D. Morgan said staff members have been working with their justice partners to set the system up since the courthouse closed to the public in March .
`` It 's really been a collaborative effort so far , '' Morgan said , noting the participation of the Lake County Bar Association , the circuit clerk 's office , the public defender office , the state 's attorney 's office and others .
`` Everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court . ''
Morgan said everyone is trying to get court back on track .
`` Obviously there will be some sort of backlog , '' Morgan said .
`` We are working not only to catch up but to stay on track . ''
Other aspects of court remain on hold including the use of juries .
On Friday , court officials announced the formation of a task force of judges to help decide how jury trials will resume .
Morgan noted there is a five-week lag between when jury summonses go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ formed .
Morgan said people with questions about the new system can call court administration at ( 847 ) 377-3600 .

Waukegan courthouse to reopen virtually next week
The Waukegan courthouse will remain quiet next week, but matters of justice will resume on Zoom. Daily Herald File Photo, 2018
After about 10 weeks of lockdown-induced stasis, most court cases will begin moving through the Lake County courthouse once again Monday using the virtual meeting platform Zoom, court officials announced Tuesday.
Those scheduled to appear before a judge in family court, civil court, small claims court, criminal court or for matters concerning orders of protection will be able to do so over the popular free program. Matters in other courts and cases set to go before a jury remain on hold.
The new system is accessible by going to 19thcircuitcourt.state.il.us and clicking "remote court hearings." The court staff has set up virtual meeting rooms and YouTube pages for each courtroom. Those set to appear in court will navigate to the Zoom meeting, where they will wait for the judge to let them into the virtual courtroom. The public can watch court proceedings live on the YouTube pages except for cases happening at branch court locations or at juvenile court.
Those without internet access will be allowed to visit the Waukegan courthouse and use computers there.
Several judges and court officials produced a lighthearted two-minute YouTube video titled "Got Court? No Worries. Just Zoom In" as a brief walk-through of the new system.
Court spokeswoman Kasey D. Morgan said staff members have been working with their justice partners to set the system up since the courthouse closed to the public in March.
"It's really been a collaborative effort so far," Morgan said, noting the participation of the Lake County Bar Association, the circuit clerk's office, the public defender office, the state's attorney's office and others. "Everyone sees the need for safety measures in court."
Morgan said everyone is trying to get court back on track.
"Obviously there will be some sort of backlog," Morgan said. "We are working not only to catch up but to stay on track."
Other aspects of court remain on hold including the use of juries. On Friday, court officials announced the formation of a task force of judges to help decide how jury trials will resume. Morgan noted there is a five-week lag between when jury summonses go out and when a jury can be formed.
Morgan said people with questions about the new system can call court administration at (847) 377-3600.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-26--Arlington Heights restaurants to open Friday, but no street closures yet

While some individual Arlington Heights restaurants are expected to open for outdoor dining on Friday , a larger village-led downtown initiative that would shut down local streets is expected to begin some time next week , the mayor said Tuesday .
Called Arlington Alfresco , the plan calls for the closure of the main downtown thoroughfares Vail Avenue and Campbell Street to allow tables and chairs from more than a dozen eateries to encroach on the public right of way .
Village officials and local restaurateurs devised the idea as a way to help bottom lines , while complying with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures .
Arlington Heights was among the first municipalities last week to propose a coordinated plan for its downtown entertainment district , and only days later , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker announced that outdoor dining would be allowed by Friday , May 29 .
That 's a quicker timeline than expected , said Mayor Tom Hayes , since any type of bar or restaurant opening was anticipated in Phase 4 , not Phase 3 , of Pritzker 's Restore Illinois plan .
So closure of Vail and Campbell to vehicle traffic , installation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the associated barricades and signage , will take a little longer , Hayes said .
In the meantime , Hayes said he expects downtown restaurants like Peggy Kinnane 's , Cortland 's Garage , Javier 's and Salsa 17 -- which have varying levels of dedicated outdoor patio space -- would be able to open as soon as Friday .
That also goes for other eateries in the village that have outdoor tables , like McDonald 's and Culver 's , he said .
An official starting date for the larger-scale Arlington @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` Details have been worked on and are continuing to be worked on yet today and the rest of this week to make sure we can do it safely and meet everybody 's needs , '' said Hayes , adding that plans for deliveries and garbage collection are still being finalized .

Arlington Heights restaurants to open Friday, but no street closures yet
The Arlington Alfresco outdoor dining plan that would fence off the main downtown streets of Vail Avenue and Campbell Street, as depicted in this rendering, won't be ready until sometime next week, officials said Tuesday. Though some individual restaurants with dedicated outdoor patios will be able to open Friday. Courtesy of Village of Arlington Heights
While some individual Arlington Heights restaurants are expected to open for outdoor dining on Friday, a larger village-led downtown initiative that would shut down local streets is expected to begin some time next week, the mayor said Tuesday.
Called Arlington Alfresco, the plan calls for the closure of the main downtown thoroughfares Vail Avenue and Campbell Street to allow tables and chairs from more than a dozen eateries to encroach on the public right of way. Village officials and local restaurateurs devised the idea as a way to help bottom lines, while complying with reduced capacity limits due to social distancing measures.
Arlington Heights was among the first municipalities last week to propose a coordinated plan for its downtown entertainment district, and only days later, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced that outdoor dining would be allowed by Friday, May 29.
That's a quicker timeline than expected, said Mayor Tom Hayes, since any type of bar or restaurant opening was anticipated in Phase 4, not Phase 3, of Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan.
So closure of Vail and Campbell to vehicle traffic, installation of fencing for 18-foot-wide pedestrian walkways, and the associated barricades and signage, will take a little longer, Hayes said.
In the meantime, Hayes said he expects downtown restaurants like Peggy Kinnane's, Cortland's Garage, Javier's and Salsa 17 -- which have varying levels of dedicated outdoor patio space -- would be able to open as soon as Friday. That also goes for other eateries in the village that have outdoor tables, like McDonald's and Culver's, he said.
An official starting date for the larger-scale Arlington Alfresco will be announced soon, Hayes said.
"Details have been worked on and are continuing to be worked on yet today and the rest of this week to make sure we can do it safely and meet everybody's needs," said Hayes, adding that plans for deliveries and garbage collection are still being finalized.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-26--Consultant explains why Lincolnshire floods

Old , inadequate sewers are partially to blame for the floods that plague Lincolnshire , an engineering consultant said Tuesday .
Many of the storm sewers in town are more than 60 years old , and the standards for sewer capacity then were very different from current standards , Darren Olson of Rosemont-based Christopher B. Burke Engineering told the village board .
The way Lincolnshire was developed decades ago also is to blame , the firm 's research revealed .
Because developers sought to protect mature trees and environmentally sensitive areas rather than bulldoze areas flat , low-lying areas with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after storms .
Additionally , many local stormwater basins have n't been maintained properly and are in disrepair , Olson said .
Olson presented the company 's findings during a committee-of-the-whole meeting that was held remotely because of the statewide stay-at-home order .
Lincolnshire 's worst flooding occurs near the Des Plaines River .
The river sometimes overruns its banks after heavy rains or snow melts , leaving nearby residential streets flooded and water in some basements .
Lincolnshire also is part of the Indian Creek watershed , which puts an additional burden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the North Branch of the Chicago River runs through Lincolnshire , too .
All that running water has led to worsening flooding .
In 2018 and 2019 , guests and workers at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort had to flee the property because of severe flooding .
Village leaders hired Olson 's firm last year to investigate the causes and propose improvements .
Olson suggested some possible solutions Tuesday night .
They included expanding the town 's storm sewer capacity with larger pipes , building a water pump station and making other infrastructure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 19 million , documents indicate .
Olson also suggested improving the defective detention basins .
That work could cost $ 2.4 million to $ 4.7 million , documents indicate .
Finally , the firm recommended drainage improvements on private residential properties that would be the responsibility of property owners .
If the village took responsibility for these , they could add $ 3 million to the town 's tab .
Funding for the various projects could come from loans , a stormwater utility fee , grants and other sources , Olson said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the village 's 10-year capital plan , which is scheduled for review during a June 8 committee-of-the-whole meeting .
`` We have a lot to think about , '' Mayor Elizabeth Brandt said .
`` It 's not inexpensive , and it 's not going to solve everything . ''

Consultant explains why Lincolnshire floods
The road leading into the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort flooded in September 2019 after heavy rains. Guests were evacuated. Daily Herald File Photo
Old, inadequate sewers are partially to blame for the floods that plague Lincolnshire, an engineering consultant said Tuesday.
Many of the storm sewers in town are more than 60 years old, and the standards for sewer capacity then were very different from current standards, Darren Olson of Rosemont-based Christopher B. Burke Engineering told the village board.
The way Lincolnshire was developed decades ago also is to blame, the firm's research revealed. Because developers sought to protect mature trees and environmentally sensitive areas rather than bulldoze areas flat, low-lying areas with shallow slopes are left with standing water after storms.
Additionally, many local stormwater basins haven't been maintained properly and are in disrepair, Olson said.
Olson presented the company's findings during a committee-of-the-whole meeting that was held remotely because of the statewide stay-at-home order.
Lincolnshire's worst flooding occurs near the Des Plaines River. The river sometimes overruns its banks after heavy rains or snow melts, leaving nearby residential streets flooded and water in some basements.
Lincolnshire also is part of the Indian Creek watershed, which puts an additional burden on stormwater sewers. The West Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River runs through Lincolnshire, too.
All that running water has led to worsening flooding. In 2018 and 2019, guests and workers at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort had to flee the property because of severe flooding.
Village leaders hired Olson's firm last year to investigate the causes and propose improvements.
Olson suggested some possible solutions Tuesday night. They included expanding the town's storm sewer capacity with larger pipes, building a water pump station and making other infrastructure improvements. The projects could cost nearly $19 million, documents indicate.
Olson also suggested improving the defective detention basins. That work could cost $2.4 million to $4.7 million, documents indicate.
Finally, the firm recommended drainage improvements on private residential properties that would be the responsibility of property owners. If the village took responsibility for these, they could add $3 million to the town's tab.
Funding for the various projects could come from loans, a stormwater utility fee, grants and other sources, Olson said.
Possible flood-control projects could be added to the village's 10-year capital plan, which is scheduled for review during a June 8 committee-of-the-whole meeting.
"We have a lot to think about," Mayor Elizabeth Brandt said. "It's not inexpensive, and it's not going to solve everything."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-26--Request for second pot shop near Woodfield withdrawn

A request to locate a second recreational pot shop near Woodfield Mall -- in the Bar Louie building at Golf and Meacham roads -- was withdrawn Tuesday , ending its race with a competitor to prohibit the other under state law due to their proximity .
But the longtime co-owner of the restaurant site at 1160 Plaza Drive scheduled further talks with village officials about keeping his requested rezoning in progress to enable greater flexibility there in a market he said had changed even before the pandemic .
A proposed Windy City Cannabis was pursuing both a special-use permit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building .
But two weeks ago , rival dispensary Sunnyside received its special-use permit to occupy an 8,640-square-foot space in the appropriately zoned Woodfield Gatherings outlot development just to the east at 1739 E. Golf Road .
Because the sites are less than 1,500 feet apart , whichever one operated first would prohibit the other from operating at all under Illinois law .
Representatives of Sunnyside said they planned to have their dispensary open by the late summer or fall .
While the village 's planning staff had supported both requests for special-use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of appeals recommended against rezoning the Bar Louie site .
The village 's policy on rezoning is that such requests , given their long-term impact , should not be granted based only on a current proposal .
Schaumburg Community Development Director Julie Fitzgerald said changing the Bar Louie site from a planned office to a general business zoning classification would not only affect that building but also two others on the same property .
Though initially closed at the start of COVID-19 safety protocols , Bar Louie recently reopened for curbside pickup service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Tim Gallagher , co-owner of the site , asked to speak with the village board about rezoning at its June 16 committee of the whole meeting .

Request for second pot shop near Woodfield withdrawn
A request for a Windy City Cannabis dispensary to occupy the Bar Louie building at 1160 Plaza Drive near Woodfield Mall was withdrawn Tuesday, but the co-owner of the site wants to continue pursuing his request to rezone it to enable greater flexibility for its future use. Courtesy of village of Schaumburg
A request to locate a second recreational pot shop near Woodfield Mall -- in the Bar Louie building at Golf and Meacham roads -- was withdrawn Tuesday, ending its race with a competitor to prohibit the other under state law due to their proximity.
But the longtime co-owner of the restaurant site at 1160 Plaza Drive scheduled further talks with village officials about keeping his requested rezoning in progress to enable greater flexibility there in a market he said had changed even before the pandemic.
A proposed Windy City Cannabis was pursuing both a special-use permit and the required rezoning to occupy the 8,059-square-foot building.
But two weeks ago, rival dispensary Sunnyside received its special-use permit to occupy an 8,640-square-foot space in the appropriately zoned Woodfield Gatherings outlot development just to the east at 1739 E. Golf Road.
Because the sites are less than 1,500 feet apart, whichever one operated first would prohibit the other from operating at all under Illinois law.
Representatives of Sunnyside said they planned to have their dispensary open by the late summer or fall.
While the village's planning staff had supported both requests for special-use permits, it and the zoning board of appeals recommended against rezoning the Bar Louie site.
The village's policy on rezoning is that such requests, given their long-term impact, should not be granted based only on a current proposal.
Schaumburg Community Development Director Julie Fitzgerald said changing the Bar Louie site from a planned office to a general business zoning classification would not only affect that building but also two others on the same property.
Though initially closed at the start of COVID-19 safety protocols, Bar Louie recently reopened for curbside pickup service, Schaumburg Economic Development Director Matt Frank said.
Tim Gallagher, co-owner of the site, asked to speak with the village board about rezoning at its June 16 committee of the whole meeting.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-26--Naperville ride to support opioid recovery goes virtual

Bicyclists and supporters of people in recovery throughout the country can participate in a new virtual version of the nonprofit organization Pedal4Life 's annual HeroInMe ride .
The in-person ride to support a bicycling program for recovering opioid users has taken place in Naperville for the past three years , but its typical crowd of 85 to 150 is too large for safety during the COVID-19 era , Pedal4Life founder Ira David Levy said .
Yet the needs of people in recovery from opioid addiction are too dire to cancel the fundraising event , Levy said .
They could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of years of drug use , and they could be at risk of relapse because of the boredom , stress and isolation inherent in following stay-at-home orders to decrease virus transmission , he said .
So the ride will go on as scheduled June 7 -- but at a lower cost and with a remote format .
Participants in the `` solo , socially distanced '' ride can log on to watch a virtual opening ceremony and yoga stretch session , then head out to pedal a distance of their choosing from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We really feel it 's important to make sure that our cause remains vibrant and to enlist as much help as we can , '' he said .
`` Across the country , we still have millions of people who are in recovery who need to know that they 're supported . ''
Instead of the typical entrance fee of $ 65 , the ride this year costs $ 5 , which Levy hopes will entice more participants to join .
Riders also can choose to follow along with one of three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lakeshore Athletic Club and Fitness Formula Clubs , if they have a stationary bike at home .
Funds raised from the ride will benefit Pathway2Home .
The six-week program connects clients of Banyan Treatment Center , who are recovering from opioid addiction , to empowering talks , group bike rides and bicycle repair clinics .
Participants who complete the program get to keep their bike and safety gear , and become eligible for work with the `` Pedal America '' TV show , for which Levy is the creator , executive producer and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Boeing , which Levy said will allow the program to expand into the Washington , D.C. , area .
A partnership with the Active Transportation Alliance in Chicago also will allow for future programs to help children of people who are battling opioid addiction .
To register for the HeroInMe ride , visit https : //pedal4life.org/ .

Naperville ride to support opioid recovery goes virtual
Pedal4Life founder Ira David Levy, right, takes a break with patients of Banyan Treatment Center in Naperville, which helps recovering heroin users, during the first ride of its new Pathway2Home program in 2017. This year's ride will be virtual so participants can ride from wherever they are to adhere to gathering size guidelines to curtail the spread of COVID-19. Courtesy of Pedal4Life
Pedal4Life Founder Ira David Levy leads a group of recovering heroin addicts from Banyan Treatment Center in Naperville on the first ride of the new nonprofit's Pathway2Home program. The fourth annual fundraiser to support the program will take place virtually this year because of COVID-19. Courtesy of Pedal4Life
Bicyclists and supporters of people in recovery throughout the country can participate in a new virtual version of the nonprofit organization Pedal4Life's annual HeroInMe ride.
The in-person ride to support a bicycling program for recovering opioid users has taken place in Naperville for the past three years, but its typical crowd of 85 to 150 is too large for safety during the COVID-19 era, Pedal4Life founder Ira David Levy said.
Yet the needs of people in recovery from opioid addiction are too dire to cancel the fundraising event, Levy said.
They could be at greater risk of severe COVID-19 infection because of years of drug use, and they could be at risk of relapse because of the boredom, stress and isolation inherent in following stay-at-home orders to decrease virus transmission, he said.
So the ride will go on as scheduled June 7 -- but at a lower cost and with a remote format. Participants in the "solo, socially distanced" ride can log on to watch a virtual opening ceremony and yoga stretch session, then head out to pedal a distance of their choosing from wherever they are, Levy said.
"We really feel it's important to make sure that our cause remains vibrant and to enlist as much help as we can," he said. "Across the country, we still have millions of people who are in recovery who need to know that they're supported."
Instead of the typical entrance fee of $65, the ride this year costs $5, which Levy hopes will entice more participants to join.
Riders also can choose to follow along with one of three virtual spin classes led by instructors from Lakeshore Athletic Club and Fitness Formula Clubs, if they have a stationary bike at home.
Funds raised from the ride will benefit Pathway2Home. The six-week program connects clients of Banyan Treatment Center, who are recovering from opioid addiction, to empowering talks, group bike rides and bicycle repair clinics. Participants who complete the program get to keep their bike and safety gear, and become eligible for work with the "Pedal America" TV show, for which Levy is the creator, executive producer and host.
Pedal4Life recently received sponsorship funding from Boeing, which Levy said will allow the program to expand into the Washington, D.C., area. A partnership with the Active Transportation Alliance in Chicago also will allow for future programs to help children of people who are battling opioid addiction.
To register for the HeroInMe ride, visit https://pedal4life.org/.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-26--4 Minneapolis cops fired after man dies in police custody

MINNEAPOLIS ( AP ) -- Four Minneapolis officers involved in the arrest of a black man who died in police custody were fired Tuesday , hours after a bystander 's video showed a white officer kneeling on the handcuffed man 's neck , even after he pleaded that he could not breathe and stopped moving .
Mayor Jacob Frey announced the firings on Twitter , saying `` This is the right call . ''
The man 's death Monday night was under investigation by the FBI and state law enforcement authorities .
It immediately drew comparisons to the case of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who died in 2014 in New York after he was placed in a chokehold by police and pleaded for his life , saying he could not breathe .
In a post on his Facebook page , Frey apologized Tuesday to the black community for the officer 's treatment of the man , who was later identified as 46-year-old George Floyd .
`` Being Black in America should not be a death sentence .
For five minutes , we watched a white officer press his knee into a Black man 's neck .
Five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for help , you 're supposed to help .
This officer failed in the most basic , human sense , '' Frey posted .
Police said the man matched the description of a suspect in a forgery case at a grocery store , and that he resisted arrest .
The video starts with the shirtless man on the ground , and does not show what happened in the moments prior .
The unidentified officer is kneeling on his neck .
`` Please , please , please , I ca n't breathe .
Please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has his face against the pavement .
Floyd also moans .
One of the officers tells him to `` relax . ''
The man calls for his mother and says : `` My stomach hurts , my neck hurts , everything hurts ...
I ca n't breathe . ''
As bystanders shout their concern , one officer says , `` He 's talking , so he 's breathing . ''
But Floyd stops talking and slowly becomes motionless under the officer 's restraint .
The officer does not remove his knee until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by paramedics .
Several witnesses had gathered on a nearby sidewalk , some recording the scene on their phones .
The bystanders become increasingly agitated .
One man yells repeatedly .
`` He 's not responsive right now ! ''
Two witnesses , including one woman who said she was a Minneapolis firefighter , yell at the officers to check the man 's pulse .
`` Check his pulse right now and tell me what it is ! ''
she said .
At one point , an officer says : `` Do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one man yells , `` Do n't do drugs , bro ?
What is that ?
What do you think this is ? ''
The Hennepin County medical examiner identified Floyd but said the cause of death was pending .
Floyd had worked security for five years at a restaurant called Conga Latin Bistro and rented a home from the restaurant owner , Jovanni Thunstrom .
He was `` a good friend , person and a good tenant , '' the restaurateur told the Star Tribune .
`` He was family .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ben Crump , a prominent civil rights and personal injury attorney , said he had been hired by Floyd 's family .
`` We all watched the horrific death of George Floyd on video as witnesses begged the police officer to take him into the police car and get off his neck , '' Crump said in a statement .
`` This abusive , excessive and inhumane use of force cost the life of a man who was being detained by the police for questioning about a non-violent charge . ''
Minneapolis Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conduct a full internal investigation .
Police did not identify the officers , but attorney Tom Kelly confirmed he is representing Derek Chauvin , the officer seen with his knee on Floyd 's neck .
Kelly declined to comment further .
Police did not immediately respond to a request for Chauvin 's service record .
News accounts show he was one of six officers who fired their weapons in the 2006 death of Wayne Reyes , whom police said pointed a sawed-off shotgun at officers after stabbing two people .
Chauvin also shot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a struggle after Chauvin and his partner responded to a reported domestic assault .
Several hundred protesters gathered Tuesday evening in the street where Floyd died , chanting and carrying banners that read , `` I ca n't breathe '' and `` Jail killer KKKops . ''
They eventually marched about 2½ miles to a city police precinct , with some protesters damaging windows and a squad car and spraying graffiti on the building .
Experts on police use of force told The Associated Press that the officer clearly restrained the man too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under control and no longer fighting .
Andrew Scott , a former Boca Raton , Florida , police chief who now testifies as an expert witness in use-of-force cases , called Floyd 's death `` a combination of not being trained properly or disregarding their training . ''
`` He could n't move .
He was telling them he could n't breathe , and they ignored him , '' Scott said .
`` I ca n't even describe it .
It was difficult to watch . ''
The New York City officer in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a legal maneuver called `` the seatbelt '' to bring down Garner , whom police said had been resisting arrest .
But the medical examiner referred to it as a chokehold in the autopsy report and said it contributed to his death .
Chokehold maneuvers are banned under New York police policy .
A grand jury later decided against indicting the officers involved in Garner 's death , sparking protests around the country .
The New York Police Department ultimately fired the officer who restrained Garner , but it was five years later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city prosecutor 's investigation and an internal misconduct trial .
In Minneapolis , kneeling on a suspect 's neck is allowed under the department 's use-of-force policy for officers who have received training in how to compress a neck without applying direct pressure to the airway .
It is considered a `` non-deadly force option , '' according to the department 's policy handbook .
A chokehold is considered a deadly force option and involves someone obstructing the airway .
According to the department 's use-of-force policy , officers are to use only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ objectively reasonable .
Before the officers were fired , the police union asked the public to wait for the investigation to take its course and not to `` rush to judgment and immediately condemn our officers . ''
Messages left with the union after the firings were not returned .
The Hennepin County Attorney 's Office , which would handle any prosecution of police on state criminal charges , said in a statement that it was `` shocked and saddened '' by the video and pledged to handle the case fairly .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deprived Floyd of his rights .
If those federal civil rights charges are brought , they would be handled by the U.S. Attorney 's Office in Minnesota , which declined comment .
The death came amid outrage over the death of Ahmaud Arbery , who was fatally shot Feb. 23 in Georgia after a white father and son pursued the 25-year-old black man they had spotted running in their subdivision .
More than two months passed before charges were brought .
Crump also represents Arbery 's father .


dailyheraldchicago--2020-05-27--4 years ago, his graduation speech landed him on Fallon. Now he's back for the Class of 2020.

Jack Aiello of Arlington Heights plans to major in political science this fall at the University of Illinois , but there 's good reason he has n't ruled out stand-up comedy or even a shot at `` Saturday Night Live . ''
Four years ago , Aiello 's middle school graduation speech featuring impressions of Sen. Bernie Sanders and then-candidate Donald Trump went viral , drawing 4.8 million views on YouTube .
Not long after , the recent graduate of The Thomas Middle School in Arlington Heights was performing his impressions on `` The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Aiello was selected to give the graduation speech for the virtual commencement ceremony at Hersey High School in Arlington Heights .
Once again , he turned to his favorite impressions , not only of Trump and Sanders but also of Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former Vice President Joe Biden .
`` I really studied them in the debates , '' said Aiello , who spent a year on the speech team at Hersey and would have captained the boys ' tennis team this spring had the COVID-19 pandemic not intervened .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phrases , '' he said .
`` I mean , trying to sound like them with my voice is one thing , but saying key phrases and tying them into the content of the speech was the challenge . ''
Think familiar debate lines such as `` The fact of the matter is '' from Biden , and `` Look , here is the bottom line '' from Warren , for starters .
Beyond capturing the phrases and mannerisms , Aiello says the impersonations are hard on his voice .
Finishing the eight-minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voice was a challenge .
`` With Trump , it 's all about curling up your lips and getting in front of your teeth , '' Aiello explains .
`` With Elizabeth Warren , you have to almost close your passageway so that you 're kind of screeching , and with Biden it was shouting and the merging together of words . ''
Aiello ends his speech with Sanders , his most famous impersonation from the middle school video .
`` With Bernie , you really have to open up the back of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` and really slow down your speech .
It 's not really that hard . ''
Aiello developed his eighth-grade graduation speech after attending some political rallies before the Iowa caucuses in 2016 .
He also credits shows like `` Saturday Night Live '' and the `` The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon '' with ramping up his interest .
`` One of my favorites is Dana Carvey , '' Aiello says , `` and the way he does impersonations on all the late night shows . ''
Aiello made it to one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 2016 , when he appeared alongside Fallon as `` Little Donald , '' the perfect running mate for then-Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump .
The whole experience planted a seed .
`` I really do impersonations just for fun and I plan to continue doing them , '' he said .
`` I 'm not positive if I 'd want to do them for a living , but I 'd be open to it . ''
This year 's speech came in a similar context as the original .
Back in June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nightclub in Orlando , Florida , dominated the news and Aiello figured people needed something to laugh about .
Now , during the pandemic and the shortened end to the school year , he set out even more intentionally to make his speech entertaining .
`` I think people can really get turned off with politics , but if you study the candidates , there really are some lighthearted moments , '' Aiello said .
`` And with everything from COVID-19 , I just wanted to find the bright spots and make it @ @ @

4 years ago, his graduation speech landed him on Fallon. Now he's back for the Class of 2020.
Jack Aiello of Arlington Heights, left, did his Donald Trump impersonation alongside Jimmy Fallon on an episode of "The Tonight Show" in 2016. Photo by Andrew Lipovsky/NBC
Jack Aiello of Arlington Heights went viral in 2016 after performing impersonations of presidential candidates during his graduation speech at Thomas Middle School. Videos of the speech have garnered about 4.8 million views. YouTube framegrab
A younger Jack Aiello met with Sen. Bernie Sanders after his impersonation of the two-time presidential candidate went viral in 2016. Courtesy of John Aiello
Jack Aiello of Arlington Heights, who four years ago went viral with a middle school graduation speech featuring spot-on impersonations of 2016 presidential hopefuls, revisited the theme this year when he was chosen to give the commencement address for Hersey High School. Courtesy of John Aiello
Jack Aiello of Arlington Heights plans to major in political science this fall at the University of Illinois, but there's good reason he hasn't ruled out stand-up comedy or even a shot at "Saturday Night Live."
Four years ago, Aiello's middle school graduation speech featuring impressions of Sen. Bernie Sanders and then-candidate Donald Trump went viral, drawing 4.8 million views on YouTube. Not long after, the recent graduate of The Thomas Middle School in Arlington Heights was performing his impressions on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon."
Fast forward to this month, when Aiello was selected to give the graduation speech for the virtual commencement ceremony at Hersey High School in Arlington Heights. Once again, he turned to his favorite impressions, not only of Trump and Sanders but also of Sen. Elizabeth Warren and former Vice President Joe Biden.
"I really studied them in the debates," said Aiello, who spent a year on the speech team at Hersey and would have captained the boys' tennis team this spring had the COVID-19 pandemic not intervened.
"Mostly, I was listening for key phrases," he said. "I mean, trying to sound like them with my voice is one thing, but saying key phrases and tying them into the content of the speech was the challenge."
Jack Aiello of Arlington Heights said he was hoping to give people someone to laugh about amid the COVID-19 pandemic when he featured his spot-on impersonations of presidential candidates in his Hersey High School graduation speech. - Courtesy of John Aiello
Think familiar debate lines such as "The fact of the matter is" from Biden, and "Look, here is the bottom line" from Warren, for starters.
Beyond capturing the phrases and mannerisms, Aiello says the impersonations are hard on his voice. Finishing the eight-minute high school graduation speech without clearing his voice was a challenge.
"With Trump, it's all about curling up your lips and getting in front of your teeth," Aiello explains. "With Elizabeth Warren, you have to almost close your passageway so that you're kind of screeching, and with Biden it was shouting and the merging together of words."
Aiello ends his speech with Sanders, his most famous impersonation from the middle school video.
"With Bernie, you really have to open up the back of your throat," he says, "and really slow down your speech. It's not really that hard."
Aiello developed his eighth-grade graduation speech after attending some political rallies before the Iowa caucuses in 2016. He also credits shows like "Saturday Night Live" and the "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" with ramping up his interest.
"One of my favorites is Dana Carvey," Aiello says, "and the way he does impersonations on all the late night shows."
Aiello made it to one of those late night shows himself in June 2016, when he appeared alongside Fallon as "Little Donald," the perfect running mate for then-Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump. The whole experience planted a seed.
"I really do impersonations just for fun and I plan to continue doing them," he said. "I'm not positive if I'd want to do them for a living, but I'd be open to it."
This year's speech came in a similar context as the original. Back in June 2016, the shooting massacre at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, dominated the news and Aiello figured people needed something to laugh about.
Now, during the pandemic and the shortened end to the school year, he set out even more intentionally to make his speech entertaining.
"I think people can really get turned off with politics, but if you study the candidates, there really are some lighthearted moments," Aiello said. "And with everything from COVID-19, I just wanted to find the bright spots and make it fun."