Positive News, Stories, & Aurora Buzz Polls

A Rapidly Growing CityJoseph McCarty, a pioneer from New York State, came west seeking a new home. Reaching the Fox Valley, he built the first campfire in April of 1834 on the island, which is now the site of downtown Aurora. He thought that the Fox River location was an ideal place for a new community and told his brother, Samuel.Graphic of a 1920s-era vehicle and lamplightsIt was not long before Samuel arrived, family was sent for, and a permanent settlement was taking roots. The settlement was named McCarty mills for the brothers' grist mill and sawmill. In 1837, when a Post Office was established, the village became Aurora, goddess of the dawn. Later, when the City was the first in the United States to use electric lights for publicly lighting the entire City, it achieved the nickname of "City of Lights."The modest camp of 1834 has grown into a teeming city. With a population of 197,899 according to the 2010 census, the City has steadily grown throughout the years to become the second largest city in the state. For an in depth look into Aurora history, please visit Aurora's historic preservation section.

HelloFresh's donation of 1,000 meal kits, each containing four meals, is a significant effort to combat childhood food insecurity. Aurora being one of the 13 chosen communities for this campaign highlights the city's commitment to addressing this important issue. The collaboration between HelloFresh, the city of Aurora, and Factor 75 shows a strong community effort to support families in need.

Hey Aurora! As we launch Aurora Buzz, we want to know more about what makes our community special to you. Vote in our poll and let us know your favorites! 🌟👇

Aurora resident Antoinette “Toni” Green recently won a life-changing $1 million prize with a MONOPOLY 50X scratch-off ticket from the Illinois Lottery. Green purchased the $10 ticket at Ruby’s Liquor on Butterfield Road in Aurora, where both she and the store clerk were initially in disbelief about the win. After confirming her prize, Green sat in her car in shock, reflecting on how she could use her winnings to help others. Since winning, she has already given away more than $100,000, sharing her joy by supporting friends, family, and strangers in need.Green, a former school bus driver and certified medical assistant, explained that giving back brings her happiness, saying, “It’s not about what you can do for yourself, but what you can do for others.” In one instance, she overheard a young woman who could only afford a small amount of gas and covered the cost of a full tank for her. Ruby’s Liquor, dubbed by Green as her “lucky store,” will receive a $10,000 bonus from the Illinois Lottery for selling the winning ticket. Owner Anup Singh shared that Green has won smaller prizes at the store before, making this million-dollar win especially exciting for both Green and the store staff.