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.
Three vehicles crashed near 79th Street and Le Claire Avenue Monday afternoon in Burbank, sending one vehicle hurtling into a residence.
Santa returns to Worth Township Center Dec. 9 to Dec. 10, with Dec. 8 set aside for children with sensory sensitivities in Alsip.
A struggle ensued during a robbery, when the 18-year-old was shot by a fellow crew member Saturday at the Evergreen Park Walmart, cops say.
Twenty-three seniors from the Evergreen Park Community High School class of 2026, have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars.
People of all ages, ethnicities, gender identities and backgrounds are encouraged to audition for 'The Birds' at MVCC, Monday, Dec. 1.
The alleged shooter left in a silver Audi after shooting an 18-year-old male victim Saturday evening at the Walmart Shopping Center.
Treats, warm drinks, music and a visitor from the North Pole kick off Palos Heights' dazzling holiday light display Friday, Nov. 28.
While most shopping malls are closed on Thanksgiving Day, they'll reopen Black Friday, which this year falls on Nov. 28.
Here's what's open and closed on Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday across the Chicago area.
Palos Park and Palos police will be patrolling the roads during the Thanksgiving holiday for impaired and distracted drivers, Nov. 21-Dec. 2
Frolic with your fave holiday characters and tell your Christmas wishes to Jolly Old St. Nick, Saturday, DEC. 6, on Oak Lawn Village Green.
Oak Lawn police focusing on unsafe drivers, Nov. 21 to Dec. 2, over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Visitation for Sr. JoAnn Persch, a 73-year member of the Sisters of Mercy, is set for Nov. 23, followed by Mass, Nov. 24, St. Barnabas.
Triple R Pets deep dives in helping outdoor cats lead healthier lives through TNR Saturday, Nov. 22, at Green Hills library in Palos Hills.
A Crestwood man has been accused of running a meth lab in his apartment after eight first responders were sent to the hospital on Oct. 1.
Oak Lawn Community High School 2025-2026 student-athletes were recognized for the prowess in sports and in the classroom.
Add something special to your holiday table or under your tree at Misericordia's Holiday Pop-Up Shop, Nov. 21 and Nov. 22, at Smith Village.
The Palos Lions Club is selling the freshest trees in town Nov. 22 to Dec. 15 at the Old National Bank lot in Palos Heights.
A potential client gave them a check for more than what the services cost, told them to take out their fees and send the balance back.
"Yara impressed her coaches, which is a testament to her commitment and grit," Oak Lawn Community High School head coach Sue Szala said.
