New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Man Loses $235K In Crypto Investment Fraud: Police
"Brittney" convinced the victim to invest in a website; he did, then was locked out. He got back in and found it emptied, police said.
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
New Lenox, IL|News|
Silver Cross Employee, 69, Chest-Bumped Another Over Pizza, Charged With Battery: New Lenox PD
The incident happened Saturday night. The employees work in different departments, and only one was the pizza's rightful owner, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
$200K Powerball Ticket Still Unclaimed, Expires In 2 Weeks: 'Search High And Low,' Lottery Says
Winners have a year to claim their prize; this ticket was purchased Nov. 30, 2024 at a Dolton gas station.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Man, 62, Arrested After Groping Girl At Oak Forest Gas Station: Police
The Markham man was arrested at the scene of the Nov. 3 incident, police said Monday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
2 Babies Sickened In IL, Parents Warned Not To Use Recalled Baby Formula Amid Botulism Outbreak
All varieties of one formula recalled as suspected infant botulism cases grow to 23 babies from 13 states, including Illinois.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Missing Woman, 65, Has History Of Getting Lost, Got Off Pace Bus Minutes After Getting On: PD
A woman reported missing Nov. 8 was at a Walmart, then got on a Pace bus for a short distance before she was last seen.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Fire Hosts Annual Holiday Toy Drive For Families, Children In Need
All six of the fire district's stations, along with the administration building, serve as drop spots until Jan. 5, 2026.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Mega Millions Jackpot Grows To $965M For Friday’s Drawing: What To Know In IL
The massive jackpot, worth $445.3 million in cash, grew after no one matched all six numbers in Tuesday's drawing.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
Woman, 65, Missing A Week | Child Porn Arrest For Man, 25 | 'Mr. Oak Forest Bowl' Retires After 5 Decades
ALSO: Gun charge as man strolls, sips booze | Vigil as ICE leaves | Mental health center essentials drive | Midnight Madness | Flurry market
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
'Mr. Oak Forest Bowl' Retires After 55 Years In The Bowling Business: 'It Was Practically In His DNA'
For decades, Chuck Cahill and family celebrated all their milestones at the beloved bowling alley, where he even met his wife.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
9 Providence Catholic HS Student-Athletes Commit To Play In College
Baseball, volleyball, softball, basketball, soccer players will continue playing at next level, the school announced.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Woman, 65, Missing For Nearly A Week: Country Club Hills Police
The woman was last seen Nov. 8 at 172nd and Pulaski, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
35 IL Hospitals Earn 'A' Grade In New Safety Ranking
Find out which Illinois hospitals received an 'A' in safety for fall 2025, and how many fell short.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Man, 30, Seen Sipping Hennessy While Crossing Street Nabbed On Gun Charges: Cook County Sheriff
The Ford Heights man was drinking from a bottle of Hennessy and a vodka cocktail when sheriff's police pulled up, and he ran, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Manhattan, IL|News|
Manhattan Man, 25, Arrested On Child Pornography Charges: Manhattan Police
The man had been under investigation since September 2024, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Village of Orland Park to Host 'Pancakes with Mayor Dodge and Santa'
The event will be held Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Orland Park Civic Center. Attendance limited to 150 guests. Reservation required.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
From Candles To Craft Beer: Flurry Artisan Market Returns To Tinley Park Brewery
The market features three dozen artists and vendors with a mix of goods and creations ranging from jewelry to hot sauces.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
Orland Park Mental Health Crisis Center Collecting Essentials For Community Members In Need
Drop-off is now through Dec. 13. Pick-up is Dec. 13, with registration required. The Living Room is a 24/7 mental health center.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Flossmoor Veterans' Memorial And Beyond Borders Cafe Host Tribute To Local Veterans
The café and local org. will hold an event sharing the stories of those who have inspired the Flossmoor Wall of Honor.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Battling Bald Eagles Fall From Sky | Trump Pardons Pastor | Country Club Shuttered | Driver Who Hit HS Cited
ALSO: Kidnapping, sex assault arrest | Loaded gun stolen from unlocked car | Plan for students ahead of college closing | Road rage ramming
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
