Across Illinois, IL|News|
School Bus, School Zone Safety: Know The Law In Illinois
Illinois State Police Reminds Motorists about School Bus and School Zone Safety for getting kids to and from school safely.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
- Oak Lawn, IL
- Website
Lorraine Swanson is one of the original Patch editors, and the original editor of Oak Lawn Patch. In addition to Oak Lawn, Swanson is the editor of Palos, Evergreen Park, Alsip-Crestwood and Beverly-Mt. Greenwood Patch sites.
Before coming to Patch in 2010, Swanson was a community journalist covering local crime, politics and heartwarming features on Chicago’s Far North Side. She also had her own local news site, Lake Effect News, which was rated one of the top 25 blogs in Illinois.
Lately, she enjoys watching videos of tornados and baby eagles being hatched on Facebook. She can be reached at lorraine.swanson@patch.com.
Posting Activity
Oak Lawn|News|
Back-To-School Bash And Clothing Drive Planned Friday At Chicago Ridge Mall
Drop off your old school clothes for free admission to a back-to-school bash, Friday, Aug. 15, at Chicago Ridge Mall.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Palos, IL|News|
Palos Heights Public Arts Commission Unveils Latest Acquisition 'Acoustic Dreams' At Memorial Park
The Palos Heights Public Arts Commission unveils its latest acquisition from artist Dale Rogers, 'Acoustic Dreams,' in Memorial Park.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Palos, IL|News|
Back To School: Palos Heights School Dist. 128 Calendar 2025-2026
The first day of school for K-8 students is Aug. 20 at D128 schools, including Indian Hill, Navajo, Chippewa and Independence.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
South Side, IL|News|
Chicago Police Release Image Of Vehicle Sought In Gage Park Hit-And-Run Crash That Killed 22-Year-Old Man
Chicago police seek information about a vehicle believed to be involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash Sunday in Gage Park.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Palos, IL|News|
Back To School: Palos Consolidated SD 118 School Calendar for 2025-26
Grades 1-8 start school Aug. 20, with preschool and kindergarten starting Aug. 21 at Palos Consolidated School Dist. 118 schools.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
South Side, IL|News|
Eucharistic Miracles Exhibit Designed By 'Patron Saint' Of The Internet Coming This Weekend To Chicago Lawn
Relics from the first Millennial Saint Carlos Acutis will be on display Aug. 9 and Aug. 10 at St. Rita of Cascia Parish in Chicago Lawn.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Palos, IL|News|
Back To School: Alan B. Shepard High School 2025-2026 Academic Calendar
Freshmen students report Aug. 12 for the first day of school, with all grades reporting Aug. 13 at Shepard High School. Frosh report Aug. 12
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Downers Grove, IL|News|
Casten Blasts DHS Secretary Noem's Visit To Chicago, To Discuss Border Security And 'Worst Of The Worst'
US Rep. Sean Casten blasts DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's visit to Lombard DHS officer to discuss border security and the "worst of the worst."
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Alsip-Crestwood, IL|News|
Back To School: Dwight D. Eisenhower High School 2025-2026 Academic Calendar
Freshmen students report Aug. 12 for the first day of school, with all grades reporting Aug. 13 at Eisenhower High School.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Alsip-Crestwood, IL|News|
Back To School: Cook County School Dist. 130 Calendar 2025-2026
The first day of school for K-8 students is Aug. 12 at D130 schools in Blue Island, Crestwood, Alsip and Robbins.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Oak Lawn|News|
Back To School: Richards High School 2025-2026 Academic Calendar
Freshmen students report Aug. 12 for the first day of school, with all grades reporting Aug. 13 at Richards High School.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Oak Lawn|News|
Oak Lawn Police Unveil Results Of Speed Enforcement Campaign, Issues 136 Tickets
Oak Lawn police wrote 136 speeding tickets during the “Speeding Catches Up With You” enforcement campaign July 8 through Aug. 1.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Beverly-MtGreenwood, IL|News|
Dog Found Wandering Around Thursday Morning Near Kennedy Park, Safe In Beverly Resident's Home
The pup is safe in the finder's home, enjoying the air conditioning and scarfing down some tuna.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Alsip-Crestwood, IL|News|
Back To School: Atwood Heights Dist. 125 Academic Calendar 2025-2036
The first day of school for Atwood Heights Dist. 125 students is Aug. 19. Here's all the dates to know for the 2025-2026 school year.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Evergreen Park, IL|News|
Back To School: Evergreen Park ESD 124 Academic Calendar 2025-2026
The first day of school for Evergreen Park Dist. 124 students is Aug. 21. Here's all the dates you need to know for the 2025-26 school year.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Palos, IL|News|
Hit-And-Run Driver Of Stolen Car Snagged In Posen, Another Spotted Rolling Through Palos Heights: Reports
Both vehicles were reported stolen in Chicago, Palos Heights police said.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Oak Lawn|News|
Back To School: Ridgeland Dist. 122 School Calendar 2025-2026
The first day of school for Ridgeland Dist. 122 students is Aug. 15. Here's all the dates you need to know for the new school year.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Palos, IL|News|
Moraine Valley Unveils New Crime Lab And Criminal Investigation Course Starting In Fall
The new crime lab is in conjunction with a new criminal investigation course now offered in the fall 2025-2026 semester at Moraine Valley.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
Oak Lawn|News|
Snag The New Fry The Coop Smack Wraps, Available For A Limited Time, Before They Fly The Coop
Get the 'Nashville' and 'Ranchy' Smack Wraps while they're hot at Fry the Coop before they fly away, available through Sept. 10.
Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff
