R. Christian Smith – Page 25

Aurora further delays special census

June 5, 2025 at 4:48 p.m.

Aurora was set to have a special census earlier this year, but it was delayed by the federal government. Now, the city is delaying it again.

Employees of Factor, a meal delivery service, load food into one of five refrigerated vans the company donated on Wednesday to Aurora-area food pantries. (R. Christian Smith / The Beacon-News)

Factor donates five refrigerated vans to Aurora-area food pantries

June 5, 2025 at 3:53 p.m.

Factor donated refrigerated vans to the Northern Illinois Food Bank, Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry, Loaves & Fishes Community Services and Kendall County Food Pantry.

Will White, surrounded by his family, is sworn in as a new Aurora alderman by Mayor John Laesch at a meeting on Tuesday. (R. Christian Smith / The Beacon-News)

Will White sworn in as new alderman at-large in Aurora

June 6, 2025 at 4:07 p.m.

Aurora's new alderman at-large, Will White, was ceremonially sworn in and took his seat on the full Aurora City Council at a meeting Tuesday.

The city of Aurora's float takes part in last year's Aurora Pride Parade. This year's Pride Parade will begin at noon on Sunday, June 8, in downtown Aurora. (Gloria Casas / For The Beacon-News)

Three Pride Month events to be held in Aurora this weekend

June 4, 2025 at 2:17 p.m.

The Aurora Pride Parade, the Pride Parade After Party and Pride at the Plaza are planned for downtown Aurora this weekend.

A rendering shows what the new Aurora Fire Department headquarters might look like. Aurora is considering the sale of up to $95 million in bonds to pay for various projects, including the recently-approved fire department headquarters. (Cordogan Clark)

Aurora considers up to $95 million bond issue for construction projects including new fire department headquarters

June 2, 2025 at 3:39 p.m.

Aurora is considering the sale of up to $95 million in bonds to pay for various previously-approved construction and capital projects, including the recently-approved new Aurora Fire Department headquarters building.

Aurora joins yearlong national sustainability program

May 30, 2025 at 5:09 p.m.

Aurora is one of only 16 communities chosen as part of the 2025 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort.

Aurora City Council approves new rules cracking down on car meetups, street racing

May 29, 2025 at 3:32 p.m.

The newly-approved vehicular nuisance ordinance makes it possible for police to impound vehicles, or fine the drivers or owners of vehicles, involved in stunts, street racing or unauthorized events.

Will White, who was recently appointed to fill the vacant alderman at-large seat on the Aurora City Council, signs his oath of office on Tuesday night. (City of Aurora)

Will White appointed to vacant Aurora City Council alderman at-large seat

May 28, 2025 at 4:33 p.m.

Will White, executive director of the College of Lake County's Career and Job Placement Center, has been chosen to fill the vacant Aurora alderman at-large position.

Former Aurora Chief Community Services Officer Viviana Ramirez. (City of Aurora)

For Viviana Ramirez, serving Aurora was ‘happy work’

May 27, 2025 at 4:07 p.m.

Former Aurora Chief Community Services Officer Viviana Ramirez was one of many in upper city management who recently left their positions alongside former Mayor Richard Irvin.

Michael Pegues, Aurora's former chief information technology officer, recently reflected on his time at City Hall. (City of Aurora)

Former Aurora CIO Michael Pegues reflects on his time at City Hall

May 26, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

Former Aurora Chief Information Officer Michael Pegues left his position alongside former Mayor Richard Irvin.

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