Community Corner
π± Patch AM: Prison Terms Revealed For Aurora Teen, 19, Convicted In 2023 Murder: Mosser
Coming up on the Aurora Patch calendar: Anniversary Sale!

Good morning to you Aurora! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- Aurora teen gets 33-year sentence in fatal 2023 shooting
- What Aurora's tough new data center rules mean for future projects
- How a proposed 15% water hike could hit Aurora households
Also on today's calendar: Anniversary Sale! and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a paper airplane that can't fly? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Wednesday: Very warm with some sun, with a high of 78 and low of 48 degrees.
- Thursday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 68, low: 43.
- Friday: Pleasant with periods of sun, with a high of 71 and low of 51 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Prison Terms Revealed For Aurora Teen, 19, Convicted In 2023 Murder: Mosser (patch.com) — Aurora residents are learning the final outcome of a 2023 shooting that left 19-year-old Edwin Varela dead, as another 19-year-old from Aurora, Zahmeir Andrews, received a 33-year prison sentence. Prosecutors detailed how a planned cannabis sale on North Glen Circle turned deadly, with Andrews firing into Varela's car, killing him and injuring no one else. The case, involving several Aurora teens, underscores ongoing concerns about youth, guns, and violence in the city.
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2. Mayor Laesch wins award for innovative approach to data center policy in Aurora (thevoice.us) — Aurora's new data center rules, recently honored with a statewide environmental award, set strict standards for noise, water, energy use, and biometric privacy. Future developers must complete detailed impact studies and meet tough performance benchmarks before building, aiming to protect nearby neighborhoods while still allowing high-tech growth in the city.
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3. Aurora mayor Laesch opposes 15 percent water rate hike (thevoice.us) — Aurora mayor John Laesch is pushing back against a proposed 15% water rate hike that would automatically enroll residents in an $18-per-bill Text-a-Physician service. He's urging the City Council to reject the plan unless it becomes voluntary and key questions about medical oversight, privacy, liability, and costs to Aurora water customers are fully answered.
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4. Aurora University Recognized Among Best IL Colleges, Nation's Top Performers In Social Mobility (patch.com) — Aurora residents can take pride that Aurora University has again been ranked among the top 10 colleges in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report, and climbed to #21 nationally for social mobility. The recognition highlights AU's efforts to support students from diverse backgrounds and help them succeed during college and beyond.
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5. Michele (Mickey) Lee Self (May 29, 1959 — October 1, 2026) (trussvilletribune.com) — A woman who was born, raised, and later returned to Aurora is being remembered by family and friends after her sudden passing in Alabama. Her life story highlights deep Aurora roots, a long opticianry career, and extensive volunteer work, with funeral and celebration-of-life services taking place today in Trussville, Alabama.
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📸 Around Aurora
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Aurora
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Anniversary Sale! →
4054 Fox Valley Center Dr, Aurora
10:00 am - American Red Cross Babysitter & CPR Certification Class in Aurora (Ages 11–16) →
Aurora Regional Fire Museum, 53 N Broadway, Aurora
9:00 am - The Wellness Retreat: A Festival Where Mind, Body, and Music Meet →
1521 S. Linn White Dr., Northerly Island, Chicago, IL 60605,
11:00 am
Friday October 9
Saturday October 10
Saturday October 17
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Blue Steel Live! →
Aurora IL - Fox Valley Hackers: Leadership and Hackathons →
3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville
9:00 am - Fox Valley Hackers →
Fox Valley Hackers, Aurora
1:00 pm - 2nd Annual Oktoberfest →
Phillips Park Main Pavilion, Ray Moses Dr, Aurora
2:00 pm - All-Ages Tailgate →
Rosary College Prep, 901 N Edgelawn Dr, Aurora
1:00 pm - Oktoberfest →
Rosary College Prep, 901 N Edgelawn Dr, Aurora
6:30 pm - Cottages in the Woods →
528 East Side Dr, Geneva
10:00 am - Fall Festival at Edith Farnsworth House →
Edith Farnsworth House, 14520 River Rd, Plano
12:00 pm - Fox Valley Brass Band Concert, Oct 18th in their NEW VENUE! →
Bethany Lutheran Church, 8 S Lincoln St, Batavia
3:00 pm
Thursday October 8
Saturday October 10
Sunday October 11
Friday October 16
Sunday October 18
📣 Aurora Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Aurora PatchAM possible:
- Marker Law, LLC — (331) 295-8005
- HearingLife — (331) 307-0082
- Shammas Law Office - Personal Injury Law — 3129715959
- Paul L. Buddy Plumbing & Heating — (630) 896-4888
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
🪧 Patch Classifieds
- 2027 Grant Funding Application Portal is Now Open!
The Naperville Township 708 Mental Health Board is now accepting applications for its 2027 funding cycle.... (More info)
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Hernandez Releases Statement on Proposed 'Text a Physician' Program —Rep Barbara Hernandez Read on Patch
- Aurora breast cancer survivor 'rings the bell' to mark end of chemo at Chicago Bears game —Cassie Richardson Read on Patch
- The Number Missing From Your Phone —Rep Barbara Hernandez Read on Patch
- No Tricks, Just A Treat ! —Hope Lumpkins Read on Patch
- Looking for an experienced drywall finisher/taper for a home renovation.
Our contractor will be hanging the new drywall—we need someone to tape, mud, sand, and finish it so it's ready for paint. Located in the Aurora area… (Nextdoor Tom Cat 4th Ward)
- Mapei S.p.A. posted a job opening for Dispatch Specialist - Admixtures in Aurora. Apply here.
- Ametek posted a job opening for Senior FAB Welder 1st Shift in Aurora. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Aurora here.
Ok Aurora! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What do you call a paper airplane that can't fly?" — Stationary (Thank you David H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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