Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Man Gets New Trial In Wife's Beating Death
Bajaa Sam, who admitted to killing his wife Nermeen, has been granted a new trial amid claims of prosecutor misconduct.
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
Mokena, IL|News|
Mokena's Curtain Call Theatre Presents 'Inherit the Wind' This Fall
Performances are set for Sept. 26–28 and Oct. 3–5.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
'Monster Without A Soul': Mom To Son's Killer | Bullets Fly In Traffic | Harley Tipper Charged
ALSO: Ex in rage shoots man | Fugitive found | Fraud costs SNAP $8.3M | Pete's to open | Beer tribute to fallen PFC | Jack in the Box opens
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Man Shot As Bullets Fly In Traffic In Flossmoor: Police
Shots were fired between two vehicles, leaving one person wounded, Flossmoor police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Jack In The Box Is Back In Tinley Park, New Restaurant Now Open
The Cali-based chain turned on the lights in Tinley Park, as the suburban locations steadily open in its return to Illinois.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Opening Date Set For Pete's Fresh Market In Tinley Park
The grand opening for the massive Pete's Fresh Market on Harlem Avenue in Tinley Park is set, the company announced on social media.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Twin Brothers In Orland Park Troop Earn Eagle Scout Rank
Adel and Omar Nofal earned the highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America, said the leaders of Troop 318 in Orland Park.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Brewery, Family Of Fallen Solider Collaborate On 'Infantry' Beer To Benefit Veterans Charity
Arrowhead Ales owner Mike Bacon worked with the family of fallen Army PFC Aaron Toppen on a beer that pays tribute to him.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest Community Tree Planting Set For Sept. 27, Volunteers Sought
Trees will be planted along Kilbourn Avenue in recognition of the City's renewal of its Tree City USA status.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
'Your Light Still Shines' Event To Raise Awareness, Remember Overdose Victims
The event is set for Thursday, Aug. 28, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lincoln-Way West High School in New Lenox.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Motorcyclist Injured In Single-Vehicle Crash On Joliet Highway: New Lenox PD
The crash happened at Joliet Highway and Lake Road Saturday night.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Man Wanted In Harley Motorcycle Tipping Outside Manhattan Bar Turns Himself In: PD
Alex Pullara, of Elwood, was charged Sunday in connection with the bike tipping incident outside Fritz's Saloon.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Will County EMA Storm Damage Survey Available Now For Residents, Businesses
Will County residents can take the survey and indicate any damage sustained in recent severe weather.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
With 'Faith Over Fear', Local Business Creates Gift Boxes To Uplift Families In Pediatric Cancer Fights
Compassion Packed Gift Co. will soon donate specially curated boxes to families in pediatric cancer fights—and they hope you'll help.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Racial Slurs Found In Graffiti At Flossmoor Metra Station, Park: Police
The graffiti was reported early Friday morning, police said. Police are looking for any information on those responsible.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Section Of Old Plank Road Trail Closing Aug. 25 For $1.3M In Work
The work will be on 7 miles of the trail from Schoolhouse Road in New Lenox to Washington Street in Joliet.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
In First Season, New South Suburban Girls High School Hockey Team Needs Players
Girls HS hockey team pulls players from Orland, Lemont, Frankfort, Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox. Tryouts set for Aug. 22 and 24.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Hazel Crest Man Used $550K From COVID Loans On Luxury Buys, Gets 6 Years: U.S. Atty
A Hazel Crest man who pleaded guilty earlier this year to COVID loan relief fraud was sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Family's Fight For Drug That Saved Son Sees Progress With FDA
The FDA will take another look at a new drug application for the drug that's proven vital for the boy and others with his rare disease.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Slain Teen's Mom Wanted Ex Kept Away | 'Tippy McTipperson' Sought | Official Tampers With Emails
ALSO: Fire collapses roof | Man stole boots, vacuums, gym shoes | $33K fake check used to buy SUV | Guns found in stolen car | Irish Fest
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
