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.

Mutual Ground, at 418 Oak Ave. in Aurora, has received a $2 million state grant to repair and renovate the historic mansion, at left, it calls home. The nonprofit organization operates an emergency shelter for those fleeing domestic and sexual violence. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Mutual Ground in Aurora receives $2 million grant for renovations, with larger project on horizon

April 26, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The nonprofit organization operates an emergency shelter for those fleeing domestic and sexual violence. It also offers counseling, advocacy and other services to those impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence...

A rendering of what the Urbanbelly location within the new Hollywood Casino Aurora's Boulevard Food & Drink Hall could one day look like. The casino resort is still under construction but is set to open on June 24. (Hollywood Casino Aurora)

Two new restaurants announced for under-construction Hollywood Casino resort in Aurora

April 23, 2026 at 3:47 p.m.

The new location of Hollywood Casino Aurora is set to feature both Urbanbelly and Tabo Sushi in its planned food hall.

Aurora looks at $4 million project to repave city streets

April 23, 2026 at 9:05 a.m.

Aurora is looking at resurfacing almost 22 lane miles of road on the city's East Side at a cost of around $4.4 million.

Broadway in downtown Aurora, as seen on April 22, 2026. The city is planning to beautify the road's streetscape in the downtown area. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora moving ahead with long-planned streetscape beautification project downtown

April 22, 2026 at 4:31 p.m.

Aurora is moving forward with a project to beautify the streetscape along Broadway downtown, as well as work to convert the downtown stretches of Galena Boulevard and New York Street...

The building at 55 S. Lake St. in Aurora, the former location of Warehouse 55, will soon be the site of Superjumbo Records and Arcade. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Arcade and record store in downtown Aurora to combine at new location

April 20, 2026 at 4:27 p.m.

Yetee Station and Superjumbo Records in downtown Aurora are set to join together at a new, much larger location not far away from their current sites.

A new Potbelly location in Aurora, seen here on April 16, 2026, is at 2933 Kirk Road in Kirkland Crossing Plaza near Batavia. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Grand opening celebration set at new Potbelly in Aurora

April 20, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

A new Potbelly location in Aurora is set to give away free Potbelly food for a year to the first 50 people in line at its grand opening on April...

Aurora Mayor John Laesch gives his State of the City address Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Aurora University’s Crimi Auditorium. (R. Christian Smith//The Beacon-News)

Aurora Mayor John Laesch shares vision for the future at State of the City address

April 18, 2026 at 8:40 a.m.

During his first State of the City address, Aurora Mayor John Laesch highlighted his successes while looking to the future by announcing new initiatives and sharing his broader vision for...

The city of Aurora is moving ahead with a $1.8 million project to replace major water pipes near Cowherd Middle School, seen here on April 15, 2026. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora City Council OKs $1.8 million water main replacement project

April 15, 2026 at 2:51 p.m.

The Aurora City Council has approved the replacement of major water pipes near Cowherd Middle School that officials say have a history of breaking.

Aurora Fire Department vehicles are parked during a remembrance ceremony in the city last fall on the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Aurora delays appointment of new fire chief

April 14, 2026 at 4:32 p.m.

The city of Aurora has delayed the appointment of a new fire chief, pulling the planned discussion and potential vote from Tuesday night's City Council meeting.

The newly-relocated Fire Station 9 is one of two new fire stations opened in Aurora earlier this year. On Tuesday, the Aurora City Council is set to vote on a new fire chief for the city. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)

Former Roselle fire chief picked to lead Aurora Fire Department

April 13, 2026 at 2:44 p.m.

Mark Bozik, formerly the village of Roselle's fire chief, has been chosen to lead Aurora's fire department.

All Stories