Good morning to you Aurora! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Anniversary Sale! and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a paper airplane that can't fly? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Prison Terms Revealed For Aurora Teen, 19, Convicted In 2023 Murder: Mosser (patch.com) — Aurora residents are learning the final outcome of a 2023 shooting that left 19-year-old Edwin Varela dead, as another 19-year-old from Aurora, Zahmeir Andrews, received a 33-year prison sentence. Prosecutors detailed how a planned cannabis sale on North Glen Circle turned deadly, with Andrews firing into Varela's car, killing him and injuring no one else. The case, involving several Aurora teens, underscores ongoing concerns about youth, guns, and violence in the city.
2. Mayor Laesch wins award for innovative approach to data center policy in Aurora (thevoice.us) — Aurora's new data center rules, recently honored with a statewide environmental award, set strict standards for noise, water, energy use, and biometric privacy. Future developers must complete detailed impact studies and meet tough performance benchmarks before building, aiming to protect nearby neighborhoods while still allowing high-tech growth in the city.
3. Aurora mayor Laesch opposes 15 percent water rate hike (thevoice.us) — Aurora mayor John Laesch is pushing back against a proposed 15% water rate hike that would automatically enroll residents in an $18-per-bill Text-a-Physician service. He's urging the City Council to reject the plan unless it becomes voluntary and key questions about medical oversight, privacy, liability, and costs to Aurora water customers are fully answered.
4. Aurora University Recognized Among Best IL Colleges, Nation's Top Performers In Social Mobility (patch.com) — Aurora residents can take pride that Aurora University has again been ranked among the top 10 colleges in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report, and climbed to #21 nationally for social mobility. The recognition highlights AU's efforts to support students from diverse backgrounds and help them succeed during college and beyond.
5. Michele (Mickey) Lee Self (May 29, 1959 — October 1, 2026) (trussvilletribune.com) — A woman who was born, raised, and later returned to Aurora is being remembered by family and friends after her sudden passing in Alabama. Her life story highlights deep Aurora roots, a long opticianry career, and extensive volunteer work, with funeral and celebration-of-life services taking place today in Trussville, Alabama.
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Ok Aurora! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What do you call a paper airplane that can't fly?" — Stationary (Thank you David H. for sending it in!)
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