We’re excited to announce Adam Przybyl as South Side Weekly’s new managing editor. Adam previously served as the Weekly‘s editor-in-chief and helped develop our fact-checking program. He has fact-checked investigations, personal essays, and podcasts for outlets like the Marshall Project, the Atavist Magazine, WNYC, and more.
We asked Adam a few questions about how he entered journalism, what he’s excited for in the role, and how you can reach him with questions or story ideas.
Can you share a little bit about your background and how you got involved with journalism?
I kind of fell into journalism. I was doing some odd jobs after graduating from college when a journalist friend suggested I’d like fact-checking. I began volunteering at the Weekly to gain experience and before long became interested in writing and editing too. For one and a half years, I was the paper’s editor-in-chief, where I learned how to manage a newsroom, opened the office to contributors, and oversaw a transition to paid editorial roles.
Can you describe your connection to Chicago and the South Side?
I grew up in the Polish community on the Northwest Side. I moved back to Chicago for college and have lived on the South Side for the past decade.
I try to learn something about the city every day. Right now I’m reading The Jungle. Many people know it blew the whistle on sanitation at meatpacking plants and led to food safety laws. But there’s also a lot in there about the immigrant communities who kept the Stockyards running, and how they pieced their lives together despite working and living in terrible conditions. It’s been fascinating to get this historical snapshot while drawing lessons about how journalists could report on, for example, the distribution warehouses at the city’s outskirts where workers continue to do grueling work for little pay.
I do what I can to make things a little better. I became involved with tenant organizing during the pandemic, helping South Side tenants access mutual aid and fight off illegal evictions. It made me feel more connected to what’s going on and reinforced a belief that we need to help each other create the world we want to see. I hope I can make our part of the city a little better through my role at the Weekly.
What brought you back to the South Side Weekly now?
After freelancing for a few years, I wanted to be back in a newsroom where I could collaborate more, learn from my colleagues, and think deeply about shaping coverage. I knew from past experience the Weekly encourages all those things, so when I saw you were hiring for this position, I went for it.
What kind of stories are you most looking forward to helping us produce?
I’m looking forward to producing stories that explore abolition. In the past, we’ve published profiles of abolitionist organizations, reporting that documents ongoing struggles, and essays that grapple with the complicated realities of harm. I’m also interested in hearing from tenants and workers about housing and labor struggles, especially if there’s tea to spill. I’m open to atypical formats, incendiary takes, and unconventional angles—if in doubt, reach out.
What most excites you about your new role?
I’m looking forward to being an editor again. I like to help writers realize their vision and create a story we can all be proud of. I’m also excited to be back in the Weekly’s network of staff and contributors—working with these thoughtful, considerate people was always the best part about being here.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to wake up late on weekend mornings, put on a pot of coffee, and make a hearty breakfast with my partner—grits, eggs, blueberry pancakes, the works. Then, if the weather is good, we find a shady spot in the park, set up in a hammock, and read or look at the wildlife. And if I’m really living, I’ll take some friends to a spot outside the city that evening, sit around the campfire, and gaze at the stars.
What’s the best way for a reader to get in contact with you if they have a story idea or want to get involved with the Weekly?
If you haven’t worked with the Weekly before, please fill out our contributor form. For story ideas, questions, etc. you can email me at adam.przybyl@southsideweekly.com