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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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.
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Portillo's breakfast? 5 locations to offer new pilot menu. See what's on it
Five Portillo’s locations in the Chicago area will soon offer a first-ever breakfast menu under a new pilot — and the menu features some unexpected items.
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10 suburban restaurants, businesses burglarized as shocking video showing suspects smashing door
As many as 10 popular businesses including restaurants and nail salons in the southwest suburbs were burglarized overnight, authorities said, with suspects wearing ski masks going from business to business, leaving behind smashed windows and stolen cash registers.
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CPD officer who died inside 18th District police station ID'd
The off-duty Chicago police officer who died inside the city’s 18th District station overnight has been identified as Malissa Torres, 34, of Chicago, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner.
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‘Our officers are human:' CPD releases statement after officer dies in 18th District station
A large Chicago police presence with more than a dozen CPD squad cars lined the street in front of Northwestern Memorial Hospital in downtown Chicago early Thursday following an incident that occurred 18th District Police Station overnight.
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20 restaurants, retail businesses burglarized overnight in southwest suburbs
The smash-and-grabs come amid a slew of other retail burglaries across other Chicago suburbs.
