Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest HS Teacher In Probe Over Charlie Kirk Post Still On-Staff: Bremen District 228
Mrs. Laurie Genardo remains employed at Bremen District 228, the administration said Wednesday.
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
Tinley Park|News|
1 Pregnant Worker Fired, 1 Forced On Leave: EEOC Sues 2 South Suburban Companies
The lawsuits against a Matteson freight company and a Blue Island assisted living facility were filed Tuesday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Fire District Accepting Applications For Firefighter/Paramedic
Deadline to apply is Oct. 20.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Free Fruits, Veggies For Will County Residents At Pop-Up Event In Monee
The drive-up event is set for Sept. 23 at New Hope Christian Community Church. First come, first served.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
D146 Teachers, Admin Reach Tentative Agreement, Avoid Strike: IFT
CCSD 146 leadership and teachers union came to a tentative agreement Tuesday, less than a week before a strike was set to begin.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Swears In Seven New Police Officers
The Village welcomed the new officers and administered the oath of office to two nearly promoted ones.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Frankfort, IL|News|
Huge Pop-Up Sale Of Used Kids' Clothing, Toys Returns To Frankfort
The Kid's Closet Connection-Will County will hold its fall sale Oct. 2–5, with 40,000 items already tagged and waiting for shoppers.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
2 Injured In Multi-Vehicle Crash On I-80W In New Lenox: State Police
The crash happened just before 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, state police said. Two lanes of I-80 west remained blocked as of 3 pm.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Train Hits Boy On Bike | Man Fatally Struck By Car | Man Vanishes On Way To Casino | Dogs Die In Fire
AND: Probe into teacher's Kirk post | Domino's robbed at gunpoint | Strike if no deal for teachers | Robber found shot | Arrests for huffing
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Man, 79, Dies After Struck By Car: Hazel Crest Police
The accident happened Monday evening at 174th and Kedzie Avenue, Hazel Crest police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Forest Preserve District Gifted $100K, Monee Reservoir To Get New Shade Structure
The Monee Township preserve will also get a bicycle repair station. The funds come from a donation from Nature Foundation Of Will County.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Boy, 10, On Bike Tries To Cross Tracks, Bike Hit By Metra Train: Metra
Metra police were on scene at the Rte. 30 and Cedar Road crossing Monday evening, New Lenox Police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest HS Teacher Under Internal Investigation For Social Media Post About Charlie Kirk's Death
District 228 administration confirmed on Monday that it is in the beginning stages of an internal investigation.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
3 Dogs Trapped, Killed In Peotone House Fire: Manhattan Fire
The fire happened Monday at the 400 block of W. Corning Avenue in Peotone, officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Parents Call For D146 Leadership To Make Teacher Contract Deal Happen
"Please do not use our children’s education for leverage," one parent pleads with administration.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Winter Coat Pop-Up Fundraiser To Benefit Local Teens At Orland Park Teen Center
Shoppers can browse through hundreds of high-quality winter coats, boots, and cold-weather from Columbia, Lands’ End, Eddie Bauer and more.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
2 Men Charged After Seen Huffing Laughing Gas In Parking Lot Of New Lenox Buffalo Wild Wings: Police
The men were found with empty canisters of nitrous oxide in the parking lot of the sports bar, New Lenox police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Domino's Robbed At Gunpoint, Joliet Man Hits 2 Other Spots Before He's Captured: Police
The New Lenox armed robbery happened late Friday. The suspect is believed responsible for two other robberies within hours, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Across Illinois, IL|News|
9 IL Target Stores To Host Midnight Release Of Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life Of A Showgirl’
Find out which Target stores in Illinois will open at midnight Oct. 3 for the release of the pop music icon's newest album.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
D146 Teachers Vote To Strike If No Contract Deal Reached: IL Federation Of Teachers
Earlier this week, all but two of the union teachers voted to approve striking, if necessary.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
