R. Christian Smith – Page 11

A first course option on Giardino Trattoria and Pizzeria's prix fixe menu to be offered during Aurora's upcoming Restaurant Week is Arancini, which is crispy risotto balls stuffed with fontina, mozzarella, parmesan and roasted garlic. (Sarah Cervantes)

Diverse options, special deals on the menu for upcoming Restaurant Week in Aurora

January 18, 2026 at 11:07 a.m.

Aurora's second annual Restaurant Week, which will feature deals and fixed-price menu offerings from eateries across the city, will be taking place from Jan. 20–Feb. 3.

Aurora to financially support city-connected fiber network

January 15, 2026 at 3:08 p.m.

Aurora will be giving financial support to OnLight Aurora, a city-connected organization established to manage the city's fiber network, amid ongoing budgetary issues at the organization.

Aurora officials say that one of the city's major water pipes is leaking underneath the railroad tracks near Solfisburg Park, seen here on Jan. 14, 2026. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora officials discover leak in major water pipe under railway

January 15, 2026 at 9:08 a.m.

Aurora city officials discovered a leak in one of the city's major water pipes over the holidays, an issue complicated by the leak's location under railroad tracks.

Although Aurora has found high levels of lead in the drinking water of some homes, officials say water coming from the city Water Treatment Plant at 1111 Aurora Ave. is lead-free. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora again finds high lead levels in drinking water of some homes

January 14, 2026 at 10:44 a.m.

After another six months of testing, Aurora officials have again found high levels of lead in the drinking water of some homes.

This rendering shows a planned bike and pedestrian bridge across the Fox River. The Red Oak Nature Center will hold the east side of the bridge, which will be located near the Wilds at Red Oak, and the west side will be within the Les Arends Forest Preserve. (Wight and Company)

Red Oak Nature Center to get new bike and pedestrian bridge over Fox River

January 13, 2026 at 4:31 p.m.

The Fox Valley Park District's Red Oak Nature Center is set to get a new bike and pedestrian bridge over the Fox River.

A dog is seen at the city of Aurora's animal shelter at 600 S. River St. on Jan 12, 2026. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora marks record number of animal transfers from shelter

January 12, 2026 at 3:38 p.m.

The city of Aurora's Animal Care and Control Division marked a record number of animals transferred out of the city's shelter in 2025.

Aurora Mayor John Laesch presents Aurora Superintendent of Fleet Maintenance Chris Linville with a Mayor's Award of Excellence on Jan. 6, 2026, for Linville's work in helping the city win an Illinois Alliance for Clean Transportation Leadership Award for fleet sustainability. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora earns statewide award for fleet sustainability

January 12, 2026 at 9:16 a.m.

The city of Aurora last month earned a statewide award for its commitment to making its fleet of vehicles more sustainable.

Aurora considering loan program for sustainable upgrades to commercial buildings

January 11, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Aurora is considering creating a C-PACE lending program, to be run by a state agency, that would offer loans towards sustainability upgrades to commercial properties.

The Aurora City Council, which meets at City Hall at 44 E. Downer Place, will consider financial support for OnLight Aurora at a meeting next week. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora City Council considers financially supporting city-connected fiber network

January 7, 2026 at 3:54 p.m.

The Aurora City Council is considering financially supporting OnLight Aurora, a city-connected organization established to manage Aurora’s fiber network, amid ongoing budgetary issues at the organization.

A rendering shows what the teen area in the West Branch of the Aurora Public Library is expected to look like after planned renovations. Specific details of the area are still being finalized. (Aurora Public Library District/Studio GC)

Aurora Public Library District gears up to renovate West Branch

January 7, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The Aurora Public Library District is gearing up to renovate its West Branch as similar work continues at the Eola Road Branch.

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