Tinley Park|News|
Hastings Takes On Gasca In IL's 19th Senate District: 2024 Election
Incumbent Hastings fights to retain his seat against newcomer Gasca.
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
Orland Park, IL|News|
Election Judge Punched In Face, Orland Man, 24, Arrested: Police
The incident happened Sunday at the Orland Township office, police said. The punch knocked the judge's glasses off their face.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley Man Charged With Felonies After 17-Hour Standoff With Police
The 54-year-old man held two females inside the home throughout the ordeal, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox's Bourbons Smokehouse To Close, Owners 'Devastated'
Joe and Tonya Regiro on Saturday said that the business' last day in operation will be Sunday, Nov. 3.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
Bloom High School Wins 3rd Place in Trunk or Treat Event
The event was held Oct. 26, and saw a huge turnout.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Orland Park, IL|News|
2nd Annual Southwest Job Fair Set To Connect Job Seekers, Employers
The Southwest Job Fair will be held Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 at the Tinley Park Convention Center. Save the date.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Lockport Man Brought Loaded Gun Into Silver Cross Hospital: NLPD
A 39-year-old Lockport man faces a gun charge after the incident Wednesday, New Lenox police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
1 In Custody After Nearly Day-Long Standoff In Tinley Park: Sheriff
The situation began at 10:30 a.m. Thursday and ended in the early morning hours Friday.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
New Lenox Fire District Holds Blessing Ceremony for New Fire Engine
The tradition dates back to the days of horse-drawn engines, officials said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Barricaded In House | Carjacker A Flight Risk | Jewelry Heist Spree
ALSO: Fire probe | Camaro stolen | Craft and vendor fair | 'Carrie' to take stage | All Saints' Day ceremonies | Teen chases pop star dream
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Mokena, IL|News|
'Always Been Singing': Mokena Teen Chases Recording Artist Dreams
A Mokena teen with a penchant for the spotlight is working hard to achieve her childhood dream of becoming a pop star.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Hours-long Standoff Continues in Tinley Park: PD
Drivers are asked to avoid the area as the investigation continues at a house at 179th and Harlem.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Tinley Park|News|
Tinley's Ale Trail Trolley Gets 'Jolly' For Holiday Runs
The free trolley visiting Tinley Park spots will roll again two Wednesdays in December, as the Jolly Trolley.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Oak Forest City Administrator Resigns After Four Years In Role
Tim Kristin submitted his letter of resignation last week, the City said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Chicago Heights, IL|News|
IL Fire Marshal Probes Chicago Heights Fires: Mayor
Two fires broke out in Chicago Heights last week, Mayor David Gonzalez said in a release. At least five homes were destroyed, six impacted.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
No Injuries In New Lenox Garage Fire: Fire District
The fire happened in the 700 block of Amber Road Tuesday afternoon.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Silver Cross Carjacker Poses Flight Risk, Public Threat: Prosecutors
With a lengthy criminal record and several failures to appear, prosecutors say Kyle Sears should be denied pre-trial release.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Oak Forest, IL|News|
Gun Threat In Drive-Thru | Cop Misplaces Gun | Underage Party Mayhem
ALSO: Teachers still without contract | Inaugural benefit a success | Liquor shop robbed | Teacher wins $10K | Q of Hearts at $1.8M
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
New Lenox, IL|News|
Hundreds Support Fundraiser For Foundation In Memory of New Lenox Man
The Tyler Koscinski Memorial Foundation held its inaugural fundraising event on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
Homewood-Flossmoor, IL|News|
Man, 19, Pointed Gun At Portillo's Employee: Homewood PD
The incident happened in the drive-thru of the restaurant Sunday, police said.
Lauren Traut, Patch Staff
