R. Christian Smith – Page 15

A committee of the Aurora City Council has recommended for approval a measure banning civil immigration enforcement efforts on city property, which is set to go before the full City Council for a potential final vote on Wednesday. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora committee recommends measure banning immigration enforcement on city property

November 10, 2025 at 4:29 p.m.

A committee of the Aurora City Council has again recommended for approval a measure banning civil immigration enforcement efforts on city property, which is set to go before the full...

Hesed House in Aurora is set to expand its family shelter with help from a state grant. (Hesed House/HANDOUT)

Hesed House to expand family shelter space with state grant

November 9, 2025 at 2:52 p.m.

Hesed House, a homeless shelter in Aurora, is set to expand its family shelter space with help from a nearly $1.6 million state grant. Family homelessness is up across the...

A location of Scooter's Coffee located along Route 59 in Naperville, as seen on Nov. 6, 2025. Unlike this stand-alone location, the one planned for Aurora will be within a building that also has a separate commercial retail space. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

New Scooter’s Coffee location planned near I-88 in Aurora

November 8, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.

A new location of Scooter's Coffee, a national drive-thru joint offering specialty drinks and light breakfast, is planned to open in Aurora near Interstate 88. Scooter's Coffee has a growing...

The city of Aurora's Financial Empowerment Center, located at 712 S. River St, as seen on Nov. 4, 2025. The city's temporary warming shelter for the 2025–2026 winter season will be located in this building. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora City Council OKs winter warming center with changes from past years

November 7, 2025 at 7:30 a.m.

The city of Aurora's temporary winter warming shelter is going to look different this year, as it is set to open on more nights, be in a different location and...

Local residents turned out to Aurora city meetings on Nov. 4, 2025, many to voice their support of various proposals before the City Council that day. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora aldermen delay vote on ordinance spurred by federal immigration crackdown

November 5, 2025 at 3:47 p.m.

Two Aurora aldermen on Tuesday delayed a vote on an ordinance that would ban federal civil immigration enforcement efforts on city property, saying they needed more time because of the...

Aurora considering new location, provider for winter warming shelter

November 3, 2025 at 4:02 p.m.

The city of Aurora is considering a new location for its temporary warming shelter along with a new organization to operate it.

The Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora is owned and operated by the Aurora Civic Center Authority. (Brian Cassella/baiduhai)

Aurora’s proposed 2026 budget includes none of previously-discussed Paramount funding

November 2, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

The Paramount Theatre previously made cuts when it believed the city of Aurora was just looking to provide less funding than expected, but now, the city's proposed 2026 budget includes...

Aurora again pushes back purchase of police equipment

October 30, 2025 at 3:33 p.m.

Aurora has again pushed back the proposed purchase of equipment that would let the Aurora Police Department test the range of local cell phone towers, which would help provide additional...

Due to the impact of heightened federal immigration enforcement actions in the city, Aurora is looking into ordinances passed by others concerning the issue and will soon be formally proposing one of its own. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Amid community push, Aurora to consider ordinance spurred by federal immigration crackdown

October 29, 2025 at 4:40 p.m.

After residents spoke about the impact heightened federal immigration enforcement actions are having on Aurora's community and pushed for the city to take action, Mayor John Laesch said the city...

A new residential mental health facility for youth is proposed for the site of the former Northern Illinois Academy at 998 Corporate Blvd. in Aurora, seen here on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

New residential mental health facility for youth could be coming to Aurora

October 27, 2025 at 4:39 p.m.

A new residential mental health facility for youth might be coming to a vacant, nearly 50,000-square-foot building at 998 Corporate Blvd., which is on Aurora's East Side near the Interstate...

All Stories