Francie Swidler joined NBC 5 Chicago in November of 2021 as a morning digital news and social producer. In addition to managing digital content, social media and breaking news for Chicago in the mornings, Francie writes and reports on everything from Chicago’s best bars and burgers, to COVID rules and restrictions, to hyperlocal and suburban Chicago stories.
From 2018-2021, Francie was an Audience Editor at Colorado Public Radio, where she initially served as the news organization’s Social Media Editor. In her tenure at CPR, she led and moderated workshops on journalist social media use and best practices, audience development and trust and reader conversion through newsletters and more.
Francie also produced several large scale pieces, including curating easy-to-read and easy-to-find information about Colorado elections, COVID vaccinations in the Denver area, timelines of major breaking news events like wildfires and more.
Prior to joining CPR, Francie was a digital and social producer for The Denver Post. Starting as an Editorial Assistant in 2012, Francie was on the team that won a Pulitzer Prize for breaking news coverage of the Aurora Theater shooting. She produced dozens of Facebook Live videos, countless Twitter threads and wrote travel, culture and lifestyle stories.
Francie took a step away from journalism briefly in 2017 to work in public relations at Angi Home Services (formerly HomeAdivsor and Angie’s List), but couldn’t stay away long. She returned to the industry after less than a year.
The Latest
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Suburban hospital has its Level II trauma status revoked by IDPH
Mercy Medical Center in suburban Aurora has had its Level II trauma center designation revoked by the state of Illinois due to its “absence of essential services,” according to the state health department.
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McDonald's adds McCrispy Strips, brand new dipping sauce to menus for good
One of the world’s most popular burger chains is doubling down on chicken.
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Chick-fil-A to open 15 new restaurants in Chicago, suburbs by 2027
Beloved fast-food chain Chick-fil-A is poised to expand in the Chicago area, with as many as 15 new restaurants opening across the city and suburbs over the next two years, according to the company.
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11 Illinois Walmart stores are getting makeovers. Where and what they'll look like
Nearly a dozen Walmart stores in Illinois this year will get major makeovers, the company announced in a press release, as part of the retailer’s initiative to remodel more than 650 stores across the U.S.
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Suburban shopping center to be ‘reimagined' as new dining, entertainment district
A beloved chain known for its generous bread basket, massive menus and delicious desserts is coming to the western suburbs.
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Blockbuster Video-themed escape room part of new immersive attraction at Woodfield Mall
Picture this: It’s Friday night in 1995, and you’re at the most beloved spot in town — Blockbuster Video — renting the hottest movie. Fast forward to 2025, and it seems like you’re back in the same store, but this time, you’re trapped: Welcome to “Lockbuster Video,” where you must “escape the clutches of the manager” hounding you for late…
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28-year-old man shot, killed on Lincoln Park sidewalk ID'd
The Cook County Medical Examiner has released the identity of the 28-year-old man shot and killed on a Lincoln Park sidewalk Wednesday night.
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The Cheesecake Factory opening new suburban location in bustling new dining area
A beloved chain known for its generous bread basket, massive menus and delicious desserts is coming to the western suburbs.
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Portillo's begins new breakfast test at 5 locations. What you can get and where
Portillo’s is joining the breakfast game for the first time ever starting Tuesday, but only at select locations.
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These 5 Portillo's locations will soon offer a breakfast menu. Here's what to know
While known for Italian beef and Chicago-style hot dogs, renowned local chain Portillo’s is venturing into new territory at five locations in the Chicago area.
