Francie Swidler is a digital news producer for NBC Chicago and joined the team in 2021. Francie covers breaking news events in Chicago and the suburbs and regularly writes about everything from malls to hospitals.
The Latest
-
Major Chicago-area health systems Endeavor, Rush University announce plans to merge
The plan, expected to close in 2027, would create one of the largest health systems in Illinois
-
Ground cinnamon sold at grocery stores in Illinois recalled due to high levels of lead
The cinnamon was sold in grocery stores and supermarkets in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida and Illinois over the past two years.
-
1 killed, 1 in custody in wrong-way, head-on crash on DuSable Lake Shore Drive
The wrong-way, head-on crash left one woman killed, with police taking the driver of another vehicle involved into custody
-
Hours-long Oswego shelter-in-place lifted, suspect in custody
The public was asked to avoid the area and some schools in the area were impacted, Oswego Community Unit School District 308 said.
-
Man arrested after approaching kids multiple times at north suburban community center
The incidents began Sept. 4, with Evanston police responding to the Robert Crown Community Center after reports that a man had approached a girl and offered her candy and cannabis.
-
Iconic Chicago dessert spot JoJo's ShakeBAR popping up at beloved north suburban restaurant
The JoJo’s ShakeBAR x Michael’s pop-up in Highland Park starts Sept. 17.
-
16-year-old dies after being found shot near Grant Park skate park
Photos and video from the scene showed multiple ambulances and police cars in the area as pedestrians walked by, with the Grant Park Skate Park cordoned off.
-
Avec announces opening date for highly anticipated restaurant in north suburbs
Avec first announced it was coming to Highwood in September of 2025, with parent company One Off Hospitality building out the restaurant in a former boxing gym.
-
Prime Healthcare ‘unable' to provide answers on cuts to OB/GYN, pediatric units at hospitals, Illinois Rep. says
Illinois Rep. Lauren Underwood says Prime Healthcare has made “no plans to help moms” after the system announced closure of its labor and delivery units at three Chicago-area hospitals.
-
Woman, 31, identified as bystander killed while ‘caught in crossfire' in Lockport
According to the Will County Sheriff, Michelle Robinson, 31 was a bystander who got caught in a crossfire while standing outside.
