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.
Activists claim IDOT is delaying the sign installation because Sen. Willie Preston complained he wasn't invited to the July 11 dedication.
Oak Lawn police are joining a statewide campaign aimed at reducing speeding and other traffic violations through July 31.
Sen. Cunningham and Rep. Gill are bringing the Mobile DMV to Alsip on Thursday, July 16, at the Apollo Rec Center. Appointments required.
The SouthWest Action Network will host a community meeting Saturday, July 11, at the Oak Lawn Library to discuss the future of Ford City.
Keshawn Lewis-Hunt, 20, was shot while trying to break up a fight during a house party in Harvey, news reports say.
Worth police officers tried to verbally engage the man when he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
Oak Lawn's finest represented Team Illinois with heart, hustle, and championship-level spirit at the USA Special Olympics Games.
The community is invited Saturday, July 11, at 87th Street and Harlem to the dedication of Little Palestine Way, for food, music and henna.
Young performers ages 7 to 15 are invited to audition Sunday, July 19 for "The Sound of Music, Youth Edition." Appointments recommended.
The 2.9 magnitude trembler happened Wednesday afternoon about 3.1 miles deep beneath the Lake Michigan surface, USGS officials say.
Oak Lawn public works crews will make a final sweep through the village for storm debris. Email the village if you still have branches.
The smash-and-grab crew left in two vehicles that were last seen fleeing eastbound on 103rd Street, Palos Hills police said.
Chicago police have released surveillance images of a person of interest sought for questioning in the homicide of a CTA switch worker.
Beverly Area Planning Association's Garden Walk steps off Sunday, July 12, featuring innovative and inspiring spaces, tastings, and more.
Due to the severity of the incident, ownership of the dogs was relinquished to Chicago Animal Care and Control, officials said.
The ruse burglary crew stole cash and rare silver coins while an associate distracted the elderly homeowner in his backyard, police said.
Marist is raffling off two 4-day Lollapalooza passes and Southside Summer Festival tickets. The drawing is July 15.
Mother and advocates pin hopes on green dot showing missing Burbank girl as being active on her TikTok account, who was last seen June 7.
The City of Palos Heights has rescheduled the rained-out Independence Day fireworks for Thursday, Aug. 13 at Memorial Park.
Friendship Fest 2026 returns to Palos Hills July 9 through July 12, featuring music, food, beer, crafts, car show, rides and fireworks.
