Aurora News

Happy Birthday To Aurora Resident, Jessie Rangel Bourge, Who Turned 101!
Mayor John Laesch laughs with Jessie Rangel Bourge
Last Thursday, Mayor John Laesch visited the home of longtime Aurora resident Jessie Rangel Bourge, who celebrated her 101st birthday on December 25.

Bourge was born and raised in Aurora, before getting married at the age of 21 and moving to Mexico. Following a 20-year stint in Mexico, Bourge moved back to Aurora, where she has lived ever since. Bourge was married to her husband, Carlos, for over 50 years, and had five children with him.

She worked until she was 75 years old, cooked until she was 99 years old, and has never had surgery nor is on any medication. Currently, Bourge enjoys playing games on the computer, playing board games, and playing cards with her daughter each day.

“This is a huge milestone for Jessie,” Mayor Laesch said. “The City of Aurora is proud to
recognize her 101st birthday and appreciates her decades of service to the community.”

Bourge’s secret to her long life? Healthy eating, cooking everything from scratch, and refraining from all fast food. She also attributes her age to receiving the proper amount of rest each day and drinking a glass of wine with her dinner.

Congratulations to Jessie Rangel Bourge on turning 101!

Jessie Rangel Bourge
Watch The News Coverage On CBS Chicago!
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Award Applications Now Open!
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" In Aurora, we see the answer to that question every day in the tireless work of our residents, advocates, and students.

We invite you to help us recognize these champions of justice in our community. Whether it's a leader defending human rights, a neighbor fostering community well-being, or a student elevating the dignity of their classmates, we want to hear their stories. Join us in honoring those who translate Dr. King’s vision of the "Beloved Community" into tangible action for our City.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Award Application
Submit Your Nomination Today!
Save The Date: Aurora Restaurant Week Returns!
Aurora Restaurant Week
Aurora Restaurant Week is back, and it's bigger than ever! From January 20 to February 3, 2026, join us as we celebrate the flavors of Aurora during the City’s highly anticipated second annual event. Whether you're a local or visiting, this exciting culinary experience offers exclusive discounts and specially curated prix-fixe menus at participating restaurants, from cozy neighborhood spots to upscale dining experiences!

To find a list of participating restaurants, please click on the button below.

Learn More About Aurora Restaurant Week!
Stay Informed at TextAurora.com
Text Aurora
Subscribe to Aurora’s text alert service!

Stay up to date on all things taking place within the City of Aurora by signing up for the City’s new text alert service!

You can receive alerts about events, warming shelter notifications, snow operations, and much more.

Sign Up Today at TextAurora.com!
Warming Shelter Volunteers Needed
Warming Shelter
The City of Aurora's Temporary Overnight Warming Shelter is seeking volunteers for overnight and morning shifts.

For anyone looking for a great way to give back, we encourage you to sign up to volunteer and help our neighbors in need of shelter this winter season.

Use the form below to sign up.

Sign Up To Volunteer Today!
Apply Today: Community Foundation Scholarship Program!
Community Foundation Scholarship Program
The Community Foundation Scholarship Program consists of over 130 local scholarships! These awards are available to local students who will attend an accredited post-secondary institution within the United States on a full-time basis.

The deadline to submit your application is January 20, at 4 P.M. Applicants will be notified of award decisions in May.

Apply Today!
Save The Date: Aurora Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Advisory Board Networking Event!
AANHPI Networking Event
Join Aurora's Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Advisory Board on Wednesday, February 11 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. for its first-ever Networking Event!

Meet members of the Board, plus engage in food, fun, and festivities!

The event will take place at Levee Karaoke and BBQ, located at 4436 E. New York Street.

Aurora Eats: 9 Bar!
Aurora Eats: 9 Bar!
Aurora Eats returns this week, visiting 9 Bar, located at 1330 N. Orchard Road Unit 108 on Aurora's West Side!

Join host Matt Winthers and owner, Billy, as they discuss the story behind the 9 Bar and try some delicious sushi, noodles, and boba!