Wednesday, August 27th, 2025
Good morning, Aurora. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 27th of August.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Portillo's has launched a secret menu that features a Triple Cheeseburger and Chili Cheese Fries, but customers must order through a digital kiosk and pat Portillo’s pup mascot—Pokey to unlock it. The menu is available only for Portillo's Perks members, and more hidden items will be added soon—sparking excitement among fans. NBC Chicago
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Clarence Nuenkirchen, a suburban grandpa from Montgomery, won $200,000 from a 7X Bingo Multiplier scratch-off ticket at Jewel-Osco on Orchard Road when his favorite $5 Crossword ticket was sold out — he said he plans to fund his retirement, set up education funds for his grandchildren, and take a trip with his wife. The winning store will also receive $2,000 from the Illinois Lottery. NBC Chicago
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Flock Safety paused its pilot programs with federal agencies on Monday—citing unclear protocols on state data use—and now limits federal searches to one-on-one requests after Illinois officials, including Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, raised data access concerns. The company said its previous pilots aimed to combat human trafficking and fentanyl distribution but did not clearly define permissions for federal users. Shaw Local
- ➤ Aurora Mayor John Laesch announced a hiring slushie that limits filling city job vacancies unless approved by his office—aiming to curb spending amid a potential $29 million deficit that could rise to $34 million without a 1% grocery tax, with the council voting on the tax this evening. He noted the delay even affects his own department's new community engagement position as the city prepares its 2026 budget. Daily Herald
- ➤ DuPage County approved contract renewal agreements on Tuesday to spend up to $147,000 for two lobbying firms to represent the county's interests in Springfield for another year. The county will pay Marquardt and Humes Inc. up to $94,500 through Sept. 14 and Raucci and Sullivan Strategies up to $52,500 through August 2026 — officials said the moves support efforts in transit negotiations and funding reform. Daily Herald
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Alley Art Festival
12-5 p.m. — Water Street Mall — Free entry — Celebrate local art, music, and food at this vibrant festival for 15 years running.
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Cruise Night
5-7 p.m. — Maurices — Free entry — Start your engines for an exciting evening of classic cars and community fun in North Aurora.
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Kids Expo and Touch-A-Truck
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center — Free admission — Explore work vehicles and enjoy interactive exhibits for children and families.
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Fiestas Patrias Parade
11 A.M. — Aurora Downtown — Free entry — Celebrate heritage and community with colorful floats and vibrant cultural displays at the annual Fiestas Patrias Parade.
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The Rustic Fox Fall Open House & Market
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — The Rustic Fox — Free entry — Celebrate the arrival of autumn at a delightful market featuring seasonal goods and community spirit.
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City of Lights Film Festival
Daily events — Downtown Aurora — Cost varies — Celebrate local cinema and enjoy the vibrant downtown atmosphere with art and dining options.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
If you want to master something, teach it. If you want to learn something, do it.
~ Richard Feynman
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