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.
The popular, family-friendly 'Movie in the Moonlight' series kicks off Saturday, June 6, at Moraine Valley. Four movies are planned.
The boyfriend of the 2-year-old's mother told police he hid the gun between layers of clothing on the closet floor, prosecutor said.
A 2022 Dodge Durango was stolen, and another vehicle's tires were slashed in two separate incidents, Palos Hills police say.
Free breakfast and lunch will be available to students age 18 and under at Oak Lawn Community High School June 9 through July 16.
The southbound Harlem Avenue ramp to westbound 95th Street will also be closed until mid-June, as bridge rehab continues.
South suburban obituaries and available visitation information.
Liberty Junior High student Kirsten Cerdenia, 13, will represent South Cook County in the National Scripps Spelling Bee, May 26 to May 28.
Dive, slide or float at these ten must-visit Illinois water parks this summer.
Memorial Day remembrance ceremonies are planned for Monday, May 25, in Palos Heights, Palos Hills and Palos Park.
Mayor John Ryan and Alsip VFW Post 450 will hold a Memorial Day ceremony to honor fallen military members on Monday, May 25.
Take a moment out of your holiday weekend to honor the fallen at Oak Lawn and Hometown Memorial Day ceremonies on May 25.
The fire is believed to have started outside the home and is being investigated as an arson, Chicago police said.
The Yukon’s electronic data recorder revealed that 2.5 seconds before the crash, the vehicle was traveling 65 MPH, prosecutor said.
Residents are encouraged to join the veterans of American Legion Post 450 for a Memorial Day remembrance ceremony Monday, May 25.
Oak Lawn will finish out the regular season this week and aim for more magic in the Illinois High School Association baseball playoffs.
Northwest Elementary School fifth-grade math teacher Shavon Brewer was surprised with a 2026 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching.
From live music and food fests to craft beer and fireworks, there's no shortage of entertainment to be had this summer.
Current and prospective students have until May 31 to apply for over 300 scholarships for the 2026-2027 academic year at Moraine Valley.
Oak Lawn police officers will conduct high-visibility enforcement focusing on seat belt violations during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
Join the foundation for spring clean-up of the historic Pike House in Dan Ryan Woods Saturday, May 30.
