R. Christian Smith

Christian Smith reports on Aurora city government for The Beacon-News. He grew up in Charleston, S.C., and graduated from Winthrop University in 2022. Previously, he has reported for The Citizen Times in Asheville, N.C., and The Morning News in Florence, S.C.

Aurora Housing Authority looking to expand affordable senior housing development

May 25, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

The Aurora Housing Authority is looking to expand 1449 Senior Estates, an affordable housing development on Jericho Road.

The new location of Hollywood Casino Aurora, seen here on May 21, 2026, is set to open on June 24, 2026. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

One month before opening day, work is finishing up at new Hollywood Casino Aurora

May 24, 2026 at 8:04 a.m.

The new casino, hotel and related restaurants are planned to open on June 24, replacing the longtime riverboat Hollywood Casino in downtown Aurora.

Aurora City Hall is at 44 E. Downer Place in downtown Aurora. According to a statement the city of Aurora sent The Beacon-News on Thursday, May 21, 2026, nearly $1.1 million was lost from the city's bank accounts late last month because a city employee fell for a deceptive phone call. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Phone scam caused Aurora to lose nearly $1.1 million from city bank accounts, officials say

May 21, 2026 at 2:28 p.m.

Nearly $1.1 million was lost from the city of Aurora's bank accounts late last month because a city employee fell for a deceptive phone call, officials say.

Mastodon Lake at Aurora's Phillips Park, seen here on May 20, 2026. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora considers project to dredge, restore shoreline of Mastodon Lake

May 20, 2026 at 4:11 p.m.

Aurora is considering a project to improve the water quality and usability of Mastodon Lake at Phillips Park.

The city of Aurora is investigating a cyber attack that resulted in fraudulent payments being made from city accounts, officials said. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora investigating cyber attack that led to fraudulent payments from city accounts

May 20, 2026 at 3:19 p.m.

The city of Aurora is actively investigating a cyber attack that resulted in fraudulent payments being made from city accounts, authorities said.

The Aurora City Council meets at City Hall at 44 E. Downer Place in downtown Aurora. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora City Council approves millions of dollars for road and water infrastructure projects

May 18, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The Aurora City Council has approved millions of dollars for various road and water infrastructure projects across the city.

John Laesch speaks after being inaugurated as the new mayor of Aurora during a ceremony at the Paramount Theatre on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Aurora residents push for way to recall a sitting mayor and at-large aldermen from office

May 17, 2026 at 9:27 a.m.

Those formally leading the drive to put two related referendum questions on the Aurora ballot in the fall say the initiative is non-partisan and not aimed at any specific elected...

A look inside Kai Modern Japanese Kitchen, as seen on May 13, 2026. The restaurant in downtown Aurora will begin its regular hours of operation on May 20. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Kai Modern Japanese Kitchen launches in downtown Aurora

May 14, 2026 at 3:21 p.m.

Kai Modern Japanese Kitchen in downtown Aurora recently celebrated its grand opening, with normal hours to start next week.

A sign for a playground area at Phillips Park on the East Side of Aurora is seen on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. A new foundation has been created to help support Phillips Park with projects and initiatives. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

New foundation looks to support Phillips Park in Aurora: ‘It’s one of the gems of the city’

May 13, 2026 at 4:39 p.m.

A new nonprofit organization has been launched to help support Phillips Park in Aurora with projects and initiatives the city-owned park wouldn't otherwise be able to afford.

Doug Gray of The Marshall Tucker Band performs at Bridgestone Arena on Aug. 18, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee. The Marshall Tucker Band is set to perform on Aug. 28 at the new location of Hollywood Casino Aurora, which is set to open next month. (Jason Kempin/Getty)

Hollywood Casino Aurora announces first acts at new location including X Ambassadors, Marshall Tucker Band

May 13, 2026 at 12:41 p.m.

The new location of Hollywood Casino Aurora is set to host a variety of live performances following its grand opening next month.

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