Tinley Park|News|
New Kids On The Block & Paula Abdul Coming To Tinley Park
The iconic boy band hits the road on a 40-city tour this summer, with a June stop at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
- Tinley Park, IL
I was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. I attained both my bachelor and master degrees in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. During my time in local news, I have learned invaluable lessons in journalism, as I teared up while covering the funeral of a beloved couple and chased a renegade miniature pony through a subdivision. I have seen firsthand what responsible, inspiring hyper-local journalism can do for a community.
I started with Patch in 2010, as a Local Editor covering the south suburbs. In 2017, I moved into the national role of Deputy Managing Editor and now Director of Editorial Recruitment and Training, in which I handle the recruiting, hiring, and training of journalists on our team, in addition to other editorial projects. I'm thrilled to contribute in such a way to a news organization I've grown to love so deeply over the past 12 years.
Questions? Concerns? Comments? You have my full attention at lauren.traut@patch.com, or 708-323-6173.
Posting Activity
Oak Forest, IL|News|
2 Men Rob 7-Eleven Worker At Gunpoint: Oak Forest PD
The incident happened Sunday just before 1 a.m. at a 7-Eleven at 147th and Central Avenue.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Arrest Made In Crash That Killed Elderly Woman: Homewood PD
Homewood police have arrested a Chicago Heights man in connection with the Sept. 6 crash.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Shots Fired, Shell Casings Found After Argument: Homewood PD
The incident happened Saturday just after 8 p.m. in the 17500 block of Dixie Highway, Homewood police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Not Guilty Plea In 2022 Crash That Killed Orland Trustee's Parents
A Joliet man was arraigned Friday on reckless homicide and aggravated DUI charges in the June 2022 crash.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Village Mourns Former Tinley Park Fire Chief
Kenneth Dunn served the Tinley Park Fire Department for 45 years, officials said Friday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Hazel Crest Man, 18, Charged After Crash With Hearse: Homewood PD
The crash happened Friday at 8:30 a.m., Homewood police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Back-To-Back Vinyl Market, Flipside Bazaar Coming To Tinley Breweries
Vinyl records, unique art, great food and cold beer in store at family-friendly events at Soundgrowler and Flipside breweries Nov. 4–5.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Chicken-N-Spice Closes Orland Spot Ahead Of New Lenox Arrival
The fried chicken name told fans its Orland location is permanently closed as of Thursday, Oct. 26.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Accuser 'Exasperated' By Outcome Of D161 Teacher Sex Abuse Probe
The woman spoke with Patch Thursday, saying she was frustrated and discouraged by the outcome of the district's investigation.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan PD Gets Funds For Increased Traffic Safety Campaigns
The grant period runs from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Accused Teacher Back? | Contractor Ghosts Couple | Credit Union Robbed
PLUS: Beloved boy dies after cancer fight | CCHills wants Da Bears | D140 school WILL be built | Inclusive homecoming | Rocky Horror at BAC
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Veterans Day Ceremony To 'Give Something Back' To Local Vets
The ceremony will be held Saturday, Nov. 11 at the New Lenox Veterans Memorial.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Beloved Boy, Manhattan's Superhero, 4, Dies After Cancer Fight
Brendan Burns died Oct. 26. He loved coloring and sparring with his little sister, family said. He fought neuroblastoma since 2021.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
'It Is Happening': D140 Says New School Will Be Built Despite Delays
Some parents are concerned after a delay in initial timelines, but Kirby District 140 officials say the new building will still happen.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Teacher Accused Of Sexual Abuse Could Return To Classroom: D161
The Flossmoor District 161 teacher has been on paid administrative leave since the claims were made in September 2021.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Set To Sparkle In Holiday Festival, Tree Lighting
The Village is still seeking parade participants and vendors for the holiday market, both set for Sunday, Nov. 26.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Halloween 2023: Flossmoor Trick Or Treat Hours And Safety Tips
Know when kids can start visiting homes in Flossmoor on Tuesday, Oct. 31.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Hiring Part-Time Firefighter/Paramedics
Applications are being accepted to join the Oak Forest Fire Department.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Robbers Zip-Tie Staff | Shots Fired In Traffic | Brick Thrown At Car?
PLUS: MIA war hero is home | Anti-Arab threats close schools | 'Shadow figure' on ghost tour | PD HQ named after chief | Haunted car wash!
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
