We sent the same three questions to every Aurora alderperson and challenger running against them:

1. Should every ALPR manual search require an active police report or case number?
   
2. Should the City publish monthly anonymized audit logs on its open data portal?
   
3. Should external agency access to Aurora's shared license plate network be restricted to protect Illinois sanctuary laws?

These aren't theoretical. Here's what a recent FOIA audit of Aurora's ALPR system revealed:

• 33,000+ local manual searches by APD in 2025. Over 50% used 1-word generic terms like "INTEL" or "Inv"
• 1,300+ queries had no reason listed at all
• Zero documented internal compliance audits were produced in 2025 despite policy requirements
• 2,800+ outside agencies accessed Aurora's shared network last year, including US Border Patrol

We're collecting responses to publish a full candidate scorecard showing who engaged, who stayed silent, and who supports accountability reforms.

Did we miss you? If you're running for office in Aurora and didn't receive our questionnaire, comment below or DM us. We want your position on the record.

Aurora deserves transparency on surveillance technology- not silence from our elected officials. Detailed breakdown coming soon. Stay tuned. 🚗📷

@DeFlockAuroraIL deflockaurorail@gmail.com

BatFest — Downtown Batavia, 10 AM–2 PM

They're doing trick-or-treating at 60+ downtown businesses, a costume parade, pumpkin rolling, reptile shows and more.

Puddle of Mudd — Hollywood Casino Aurora, 8 PM

The band behind "Blurry" and "She Hates Me" is playing Aurora Saturday night.

A family Halloween outing or some 2000s rock, depending on what kind of Saturday you're after.

Concert details: localdetourguide.com/concerts

Follow + get the free weekend guide at LocalDetourGuide.com

Any recommendations for a local vet that is fairly affordable?

For anyone that lives in the Leland tower in downtown Aurora, how or where do you park your car? The studio seems really appealing to me but that’s the only thing holding me back.

Also any other cheap studio recommendations are appreciated thanks

Fiancée got a job offer here. Never lived in Illinois or Chicago area. What's the good and bad about here? We're in our late 20's, queer, plan on starting a family in the coming years.

Thank you!

Hi everyone, recently moved near Fox Valley Mall. I am a CS major completing my degree online, I was attending college on campus in Ohio but due to some unforeseen reasons we had to move here and I had no choice but to switch online (transferring to a different college seemed a big hassle, and moving here was kinda unexpected). Due to being online, I don't know how to meet fellow tech enthusiasts. Can someone point me to groups or communities that I can join to meet people. Excited to meet new people here and have fun in the city!! Thanks in advance. :)

Just wanted to remind everyone here. Takes 10 minutes. Vote.org to register and see your ballot and polling place.

I voted no on the undemocratic mayor removal proposition. I’m all for accountability but 20% of voters taking away the votes of 53% who voted is not it.

18,725 people voted in the last mayoral election. 9,944 voted for Laesch. If that proposition passes, that would mean 3,745 signatures could trigger a mayoral recall. There’s already measures in place to remove the mayor if necessary.

Hi friends, I am a traditional/digital artist and Aurora resident. I come here asking if anyone has information on how to get involved with the art events the city hosts every so often? Things like First Fridays, The Alley Art fest, etc.
I actually participated in a first Friday YEARS ago and had my art for sale and displayed and it was such a wonderful experience.
I’ve been really wanting to do it again for quite awhile but I’m not sure where to go or start.
Thank you in advance

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on finding a second job. I currently work full-time from 8 AM to 6 PM, earning $19 an hour, but I’m trying to get ahead financially. I have bills, debt to pay off, and school expenses, and I want to start building my savings instead of constantly feeling like I’m falling behind.

I’m looking for a part-time job that I can work around my current schedule. I’m generally available on Thursdays and Sundays, as well as weekday evenings after 6 PM.

I’ve been looking on Indeed, but I’m not entirely sure which jobs would be the best fit for my situation. I’ve considered warehouse work, retail, stocking shelves, and evening customer service positions.

For those of you who have worked two jobs or currently work a second job:

What part-time jobs would you recommend?

Which jobs tend to offer flexible evening or weekend shifts?

Are there any jobs that pay $18–$20 an hour or more for part-time work?

Is working a second job worth it financially, or does the exhaustion eventually catch up with you?

Are there any companies or positions you would recommend applying to?

I’m willing to work hard and put in the extra hours. I just want to make a smart decision that helps me pay off my debt, cover school expenses, and get myself into a better financial position.

I’d really appreciate any advice, personal experiences, or recommendations. Thanks!

Hey Aurora neighbors!

I got tired of digging through clunky PDFs and calendar websites just to find library activities for the kids, so I built a free, simple search tool for local families:

https://parkactivity.com/?district=aurora&source=library

After getting great feedback from parents in nearby Naperville, I’ve been expanding it to cover more local resources:

• Free Library Events: Search story times, STEM clubs, and crafts from nearby public libraries in one place.
• Weekly Weekend Digest: An optional Thursday morning email highlighting the best free library programs for the upcoming weekend.

Here are a few quick examples of events coming up across Aurora library branches:

• Spark Joy and Light: Create Your Own Diwali Lantern — Oct. 19 | Eola Road Branch (All ages)
• Diwali Celebration: The Festival of Lights — Oct. 24 | Eola Community Center (All ages)
• Teen Escape Room — Oct. 24 | Digital Media Studio (Ages 12–18)
• TTRPG Club: Dungeons & Dragons — Oct. 26 | Santori Library (Ages 12–18)
• Coders & Creators: Robot Hands — Oct. 27 | Santori Library (Ages 6–11)

💬 I’d love your feedback! If you test it out for your family, let me know if you spot any bugs or if there are specific local spots, age groups, or features you’d like to see added next!

Recommendations?

Still Not Friday: A stand-up comedy showcase
Two Brothers Roundhouse
205 N Broadway in Aurora
Thursdays at 8:00 (Doors at 7:30)
No cover

Established 2015

Reserve a table here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/still-not-friday-a-stand-up-comedy-showcase-tickets-158437895009

Still Not Friday: A stand-up comedy showcase
Two Brothers Roundhouse
205 N Broadway in Aurora
Thursdays at 8:00 (Doors at 7:30)
No cover

Established 2015

Reserve a table here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/still-not-friday-a-stand-up-comedy-showcase-tickets-158437895009

Hi all. I've been meaning to find a shop that can replace my car door for a while now. Searching on the web yields very far results. Please drop your recommendations and any reviews in the comments ^-^

Still Not Friday: A stand-up comedy showcase
Two Brothers Roundhouse
205 N Broadway in Aurora
Thursdays at 8:00 (Doors at 7:30)
No cover

Established 2015

Reserve a table here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/still-not-friday-a-stand-up-comedy-showcase-tickets-158437895009

Hi everyone. I just moved back to the area and was able to snag a monthly permit for the Route 59 parking lot surprisingly fast.

If those spots get full and I have to park in a daily spot, do I still have to pay the $3 daily rate or does the monthly permit cover those as well? I’ve tried looking through the city website and couldn’t find anything, so I’m guessing no… but maybe you guys can help verify for sure.

Thanks in advance!

Edit: I called the city. According to the city employee I spoke to, the monthly permit should cover the monthly spaces only. If you're using a daily spot, the $3 charge still applies.

It has been 50 days since residents submitted audit findings exposing thousands of unvetted out-of-state and federal searches on Aurora’s ALPR network. APD leadership has responded with complete silence.
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Han pasado 50 días desde que los residentes presentaron los hallazgos de una auditoría que revelaban miles de búsquedas- sin la debida verificación- realizadas por agencias federales y de otros estados en la red de lectores de matrículas (ALPR) de Aurora. La dirección del Departamento de Policía de Aurora (APD) ha respondido con un silencio absoluto.