Aurora's Lucky Lottery Ticket Winner

Aurora has no shortage of great coffee spots, now it’s time to settle the debate. Which local coffee shop deserves the title of Best in Aurora, IL?Vote for your favorite and let your caffeine loyalty be heard.

Aurora’s workforce development efforts received a major boost today with the announcement of more than $1.1 million in state funding for pre-apprenticeship programs serving the Aurora area.Barbara Hernandez released a statement following the announcement by JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), confirming that three local organizations will receive financial awards through the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program.Aurora-Area Award RecipientsThe following organizations were selected for funding:Lewis University – Aurora campus: $550,000Quad County Urban League: $330,000HIRE360 – Kane County: $261,360In total, these awards represent $1,141,360 invested directly into workforce training programs connected to the Aurora region.What the Illinois Works Program DoesThe Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program, launched in 2021, was created to increase diversity, access, and equity in apprenticeship pathways that lead to well-paying careers, particularly in the construction trades.Pre-apprenticeship programs are designed to prepare participants for entry into registered apprenticeship programs by offering:Foundational skills trainingExposure to construction tradesSupport services that help remove barriers to entryCompletion of a pre-apprenticeship can significantly improve a participant’s ability to gain acceptance into a registered apprenticeship program, which in turn offers a pathway to long-term employment and stable, family-sustaining wages.Investing in Aurora’s WorkforceIn her statement, Representative Hernandez emphasized the importance of investing in local talent and workforce readiness.“The hardworking people who call Aurora home are the reason why our community continues to grow,” Hernandez said. “I am proud to support programs that focus on developing our workforce and providing people with the training and education necessary to pursue high-quality jobs in the construction trades. That’s why this funding is so important, and I applaud Governor Pritzker and the DCEO for continuing to invest in the future of Aurora’s growing workforce.”Why This Matters LocallyThese awards reinforce Aurora’s role as a regional hub for workforce development and skilled trades training. By supporting organizations that provide structured pathways into apprenticeship programs, the funding helps align local talent with in-demand careers while strengthening the construction workforce across Kane County and the surrounding area.Learn MoreAdditional information about the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is available through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.As these programs move forward, the impact of this investment will be measured not just in dollars awarded, but in opportunities created for residents seeking stable, long-term careers.

Aurora Restaurant Week is back for its second annual year, inviting food lovers to explore the city’s culinary diversity throughout late winter.  📅 When and WhereDates: January 20 through February 3, 2026  Location: Various restaurants across Aurora, IL  The event showcases Aurora’s growing restaurant scene by offering special deals, prix-fixe menus, and unique dining experiences across the city.  What to ExpectDuring Restaurant Week, participating restaurants offer:Exclusive prix-fixe menus designed for the event (often with multiple courses at a set price)  Special discounts or promotions when diners mention Restaurant Week  A chance to sample a wide range of cuisines — from global flavors to classic American dishes — at participating locations throughout Aurora.  Participating venues include a diverse mix, such as:9 Bar offering Asian-inspired prix-fixe options.  Altiro Latin Fusion with Latin tapas-style offerings.  Amore Mio with Italian-inspired menus.  Basils Greek Dining providing a four-course prix-fixe option.  Assamica Teas with tea and scone pairings.  Black Pepper Lounge offering curated prix-fixe plates.  Smallcakes: A Cupcakery and Creamery, McCarty Mills Taproom, and Two Brothers Roundhouse also participating in 2026.  This festival of food provides an opportunity to try restaurants new to you or revisit local favorites, all while enjoying curated menus at great value.  Why It MattersAurora Restaurant Week is designed to:Support local restaurants during a traditionally slower season through increased patronage.  Highlight Aurora as a regional dining destination, showcasing its culinary offerings to residents and visitors alike.  Encourage diners to explore beyond familiar spots and enjoy the region’s diverse flavors.  With prix-fixe menus and special offers, Restaurant Week makes tasting Aurora’s food scene both easier and more affordable.  How to ParticipateVisit participating restaurants during the event dates.  Check the official list of menus and offers on the Aurora Restaurant Week site.  Share your dining experiences with local diners and visitors.Whether you’re craving international cuisine, family fare, or dessert treats, Restaurant Week invites Aurora to savor its own local flavor.  

Aurora’s favorite community fundraiser, Fill the Bowls, is back and stronger than ever — bringing together neighbors, tastes, and purpose in one unforgettable afternoon. Now in its eleventh year, this event supports Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, the nonprofit dedicated to relieving hunger and nourishing lives across Aurora and the surrounding region.  A Ticket That Means SomethingWhen you buy a ticket to Fill the Bowls, you’re not just attending an event — you’re claiming a taste of Aurora.Factually confirmed from last year’s version of the event:Over 25 local restaurants and vendors provided soups, small bites, samples, and special dishes for guests to enjoy.  Guests received a free soup mug to fill as they visited participating food stations.  The day included music, silent auctions, raffles, and community activities that helped elevate the fundraiser experience.  Participating vendors — including Aurora favorites like Craft Urban Aurora and others — brought local flavor to support the cause.  This year’s tickets continue that tradition, giving supporters a chance not just to contribute, but to taste Aurora’s culinary creativity in one room.How the Event Supports the PantryFill the Bowls plays a critical role in helping the pantry continue its work, including:Purchasing nutritious food in bulkSupporting emergency food assistanceMaintaining regular pantry services for families, seniors, and individuals in needBecause pantry dollars go further when combined with community support, ticket proceeds and donations directly increase the number of meals the pantry can provide.  A Community Gathering With HeartLast year’s event wasn’t just about food — it was about people:Guests mingled with neighbors while sampling favorite local dishes.  Raffles and silent auctions gave attendees a chance to win prizes while supporting hunger relief.  Music and entertainment created a festive atmosphere celebrating Aurora’s community spirit.  Why It MattersFill the Bowls is more than a fundraiser — it’s a family-friendly, value-rich experience where attendees:Get a tasting tour of Aurora’s culinary sceneConnect with local chefs, vendors, and neighborsSupport a cause that directly impacts food accessEnjoy music, games, and community energyIt’s local flavor with local purpose — a way to enjoy your city while doing good for your fellow residents.Event SnapshotWhat: Annual Fill the Bowls community fundraiserWho: Hosted by Marie Wilkinson Food PantryIncludes: Food tastings, music, silent auction, raffles, local vendor participation  Why: Raise funds to support pantry services that feed families year-roundHow to Get InvolvedTickets are limited and can be purchased now — including options to participate in raffles and silent auctions.  Visit the official Fill the Bowls page to learn more and secure your spot:https://mariewilkinsonfoodpantry.org/fillthebowls-2026/Together, Aurora fills more than bowls — it fills hearts and builds stronger community ties.

A new restaurant is preparing to join Aurora’s dining landscape.Shawarmalicious has signage up for a new location at:📍 2410 S Eola Rd, Aurora, IL 60503According to available information, the business plans to open by March. At this time, no exact opening date has been publicly confirmed.What Is ConfirmedBased on verifiable information and what is physically visible at the site:Shawarmalicious is opening a location in AuroraThe address is 2410 S Eola Rd, Aurora, IL 60503Exterior signage indicates the restaurant is “Coming Soon”The business has stated an anticipated March opening windowNo additional official announcements have been made regarding:A grand opening dateSoft opening plansMenu variations specific to the Aurora locationAbout Shawarmalicious Shawarmalicious operates as a shawarma-focused restaurant, offering Middle Eastern–inspired dishes centered around shawarma. Common offerings will include:Shawarma wrapsShawarma platesMediterranean-style sidesWhy This Opening Is NotableFrom a local development standpoint, the opening represents:A new restaurant investment on Eola RoadContinued commercial activity in the corridorWhat Comes NextAs of now, the next confirmed milestone will be:An official opening announcement from ShawarmaliciousResidents interested in updates should watch for:On-site noticesOfficial business social media postsCity or permitting updates tied to the addressAt a GlanceBusiness: ShawarmaliciousAddress: 2410 S Eola Rd, Aurora, IL 60503Status: Coming SoonPlanned Opening: March (exact date unconfirmed)More updates as additional information becomes available.

Aurora and its surrounding region are once again in the spotlight for innovation following a major scientific announcement from Argonne National Laboratory, one of the nation’s premier research institutions located just outside Aurora.Earlier this month, Argonne and Intel announced a collaboration to advance quantum computing hardware using silicon quantum dot technology. Researchers have deployed a 12-qubit silicon quantum processor, a cutting-edge quantum computing device built in partnership under the Department of Energy’s Q-NEXT National Quantum Information Science Research Center.  What the Collaboration IsThe project brings together:Argonne National Laboratory, contributing scientific expertise and open-science research capabilities.Intel Corporation, bringing advanced semiconductor manufacturing and engineering talent.The Q-NEXT research consortium, a DOE-supported initiative focused on quantum science.  Their joint work resulted in the deployment of a 12-qubit quantum processor based on silicon quantum dots, a platform that uses the electron properties inside tiny engineered structures to hold and process quantum information.  While quantum computers remain in early stages of development, this milestone demonstrates how existing semiconductor technologies can be adapted for quantum research, a noteworthy step toward practical, scalable systems.  What This Means for AuroraA Technology Ecosystem on the RiseAurora is already home to high-profile scientific infrastructure, including large-scale supercomputers and research collaborations. Projects like this quantum partnership reinforce the region’s identity as a hub for advanced science and innovation. The work at Argonne connects local technical talent, academic institutions, and national technology leaders like Intel.Inspiration for Local TalentDeployments like a quantum processor do more than push technology forward, they can inspire students, professionals, and educators throughout Aurora to engage with science, engineering, and technology fields. As quantum research continues to grow, it could create new pathways for local internships, collaborations, and workforce development.Economic and Educational OpportunityEven at an early research phase, Argonne’s work helps attract attention and resources to the region’s innovation ecosystem. As technologies mature, communities near leading labs often benefit through:Expanded educational programs in STEM fieldsPartnerships between universities and local schoolsIncreased interest from technology companies exploring collaborationA National Lab in Aurora’s BackyardArgonne’s ongoing contributions, from quantum computing research to advanced supercomputing, position the Aurora region as a strategic location in the broader national landscape for scientific discovery. This collaboration with Intel, reported by Governor Pritzker it highlights Aurora’s proximity to world-class innovation with potential long-term community benefits in education, workforce development, and economic identity.  

Every year, one simple idea brings Aurora together around a shared mission: making sure no neighbor goes hungry.Fill the Bowls is an annual community fundraiser hosted by Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, one of Aurora’s longest-serving hunger relief organizations. The campaign unites local restaurants, businesses, schools, and residents to raise critical funds that directly support food access for individuals and families across the region.More than an event, Fill the Bowls is a reminder of what’s possible when a community moves together.What Fill the Bowls DoesFill the Bowls is intentionally designed to be both accessible and high-impact. Funds raised during the campaign help the pantry:Purchase nutritious food in bulkSupport emergency food assistanceMaintain consistent services for families, seniors, and individuals in needBecause food pantries can stretch a donated dollar much further than individual grocery purchases, monetary contributions made through Fill the Bowls translate into meals at scale, maximizing every dollar’s impact.How the Community ParticipatesFill the Bowls succeeds because it invites participation at every level. Community members can get involved by:Making direct donations during the campaign periodSupporting participating restaurants and business partnersSharing the campaign with coworkers, schools, faith groups, and personal networksThe strength of the event lies in collective action, many small contributions adding up to meaningful, sustained support for local families.Why It Matters in AuroraFood insecurity remains a persistent challenge in Aurora and surrounding communities. Economic pressures, seasonal costs, and household transitions often increase the demand for pantry services, sometimes faster than resources can grow.Fill the Bowls helps stabilize the pantry’s ability to respond, not just for a single moment, but for months to come. By rallying local support, the campaign reinforces a powerful truth:local problems are best addressed through local solutions.Looking Ahead: Fill the Bowls 2026The 2026 Fill the Bowls campaign continues this tradition of community-driven impact. As in previous years, all funds raised stay local and are used directly to support pantry operations, food purchasing, and distribution efforts.Early participation helps ensure the pantry is prepared to meet rising needs throughout the year, and gives the entire community a tangible way to make a difference.Get InvolvedWhether through a donation, spreading the word, or supporting participating partners, there’s a role for everyone.Learn more or get involved here:https://mariewilkinsonfoodpantry.org/fillthebowls-2026/When Aurora fills the bowls together, the entire community is stronger.

It’s wing season! January is the perfect time to settle the debate - who really has the best wings in Aurora, IL?Vote for your favorite spot based on flavor, crispiness, sauces, and overall quality.You can only pick one… so choose wisely!Poll closes at the end of January. Share with other wing lovers!

Most people have heard the phrase “shop local.”Fewer people understand why it matters, how it works, or what actually happens when a dollar is spent locally instead of online or at a national chain.This article breaks down the real economic mechanics behind local spending, shows how communities across the U.S. have used it to strengthen their economies, and explores what actually convinces people to change their buying behavior, not through guilt, but through value and belonging.What Happens When You Spend $1 Locally vs. ElsewhereThe Local Multiplier Effect (Proven, Measured, Real)According to multiple studies by Civic Economics, MIT, and the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA):$1 spent at a local business recirculates 2–4× more in the local economy than $1 spent at a national chainLocal businesses return 48–68% of revenue to the local economyNational chains return 13–40%Online retailers return often less than 10%This is called the local multiplier effect.A Tangible Aurora Example: How One Dollar MovesLet’s walk through a realistic Aurora scenario.Step 1: A Resident Spends $25 at a Local RestaurantThat money:Pays local wagesPays rent to a local or regional landlordCovers utilities, maintenance, food supplyStep 2: The Restaurant Pays Local VendorsA local produce supplierA local linen serviceA local HVAC or plumberStep 3: Those Vendors Spend LocallyGroceries at a neighborhood marketHaircuts, childcare, auto repairDining at other local restaurantsStep 4: Taxes Stay LocalSales taxProperty taxFood & beverage taxThese support:SchoolsRoadsLibrariesPublic safetyParks and cultural institutionsResult:That original $25 can realistically generate $50–$100+ of local economic activity.Compare that to:Amazon → warehouse → national logistics → shareholder → out of stateWhy This Matters for Aurora SpecificallyAurora is:A mid-sized cityWith independent restaurants, service businesses, cultural institutions, and nonprofitsWith multiple commercial corridorsWith strong but uneven economic growthCities like Aurora benefit disproportionately more from local spending than major metros because:Dollars travel shorter distancesBusiness owners often live locallyCommunity relationships are denserOne business closing has ripple effectsCommunities That Do This Well (U.S. Examples)Asheville, NCInvested heavily in “buy local” campaignsSupports independent food, arts, and tourismResult: higher small-business density and strong civic identityGrand Rapids, MIStrong local business alliancesEmployer-driven local procurementDowntown revitalization tied directly to independent businessesBoulder, COLocal-first policiesVisible local brandingResidents identify buying local as part of civic pridePortland, OR (pre-pandemic data)One of the highest local recirculation ratesStrong food, retail, and maker ecosystemsThese cities didn’t rely on slogans, they made local spending visible and social.The Psychology Behind Why People Don’t Spend Local (And How to Change It)What Doesn’t WorkGuilt-based messaging“Save small businesses” without contextAbstract economic argumentsMoral pressureWhat Does Work (Backed by Behavioral Science)1. VisibilityPeople change behavior when they can see the impact.Example:“This purchase helped pay a local employee”“This business supports 3 local nonprofits”2. IdentityPeople spend locally when it aligns with who they believe they are.“I’m the kind of person who supports my city.”3. Convenience FramingLocal spending succeeds when framed as:SimpleFamiliarHabitualNot heroic.4. Social ProofPeople follow people.If trusted local voices model local spending, others follow.5. ReciprocityWhen businesses visibly give back, customers reciprocate.Proven Ways Communities Increase Local Spending1. StorytellingHighlight:OwnersWorkersFamiliesCommunity impact2. Local Gift Card CultureStudies show gift cards:Lock money into the local economyAre spent fully more often than cashAre especially effective during holidays3. Events That Connect Commerce to CommunityMarketsFestivalsFundraisersCollaborative promotions4. Third-Party ValidationPeople trust independent voices more than businesses promoting themselves.5. Habit-Based CampaignsSmall Business Saturday works because it’s ritualizedMonthly or seasonal reminders outperform one-off pushesWhy This Matters Beyond EconomicsCommunities with strong local economies consistently show:Higher civic participationStronger neighborhood tiesLower business turnoverMore resilient recovery after economic shocksLocal spending is not charity.It’s infrastructure investment — just decentralized.Highlights & Data SnapshotKey FindingsLocal businesses recirculate up to 4× more moneyIndependent businesses create more local jobs per dollarCommunities with strong local economies recover faster from downturnsKey SourcesCivic EconomicsAmerican Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA)MIT Local Multiplier ResearchFederal Reserve Bank community studiesUSDA Local Food Systems reports(These can easily be linked or turned into infographics.)The Opportunity for AuroraAurora already has:The businessesThe peopleThe cultureWhat’s needed is visibility, storytelling, and consistency.When residents understand that supporting local:Strengthens schoolsPreserves cultureKeeps dollars circulatingBuilds resilienceBehavior changes not overnight, but sustainably.Final ThoughtSpending local isn’t about avoiding Amazon.It’s about choosing to invest where you live.Strong communities are built one transaction at a time.

A new mobile food concept has officially launched in Aurora under the name The Flavor Lab, marking another addition to the city’s growing food and small-business ecosystem.The Flavor Lab is a mobile food truck and culinary experience, introduced to the community through a ribbon-cutting event supported by local partners, including Aurora Inclusive Development (AID) and the Aurora Regional Economic Alliance. According to public announcements, the project was made possible in part through funding from the Kane County Riverboat Fund.Rather than opening as a traditional brick-and-mortar restaurant, The Flavor Lab operates as a mobile unit, allowing it to serve food at community events and gatherings throughout Aurora and surrounding areas.A Community-Supported LaunchLocal organizations publicly celebrated the debut of The Flavor Lab, highlighting it as a collaborative effort tied to broader community development initiatives. Social media posts from AID describe the project as “more than a food truck,” emphasizing its role as a mobile culinary experience designed to engage residents at events across the city.While details such as a permanent schedule, menu, or dedicated website have not been publicly released, community partners have encouraged residents to look for The Flavor Lab at upcoming local events.What We Know — and What’s Still EmergingAt this time, publicly available information confirms:The Flavor Lab operates as a food truckIt has received community and grant-based supportIt was officially introduced through a ribbon-cutting eventIt is intended to appear at local events around AuroraThere is currently no public storefront address, published menu, or standalone business website, and no information has been released indicating a permanent physical location.Part of Aurora’s Evolving Food SceneMobile food concepts continue to play an important role in Aurora’s local economy, offering flexibility for operators and opportunities for residents to experience new food options at festivals, markets, and community events.The Flavor Lab joins a growing list of food trucks and mobile vendors contributing to Aurora’s diverse culinary landscape.Aurora Buzz will continue to follow developments as more information becomes available and as The Flavor Lab begins appearing at events across the city.