Jake Wittich
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jakewittich.bsky.social
Jake Wittich
@jakewittich.bsky.social
🌈 Managing Editor and LGBTQ+ news reporter for @windycitytimes.com
📧 Sign up for our newsletters! https://windycitytimes.com/newsletters/

📍: Chicago
Pinned
I'm still on cloud nine after being honored this weekend with the Journalist of the Year award from the Chicago Journalists Association.

It meant the world to be honored at the ceremony, where Tracy Baim was keynote and Jim Williams of CBS News Chicago received the Lifetime Achievement award.
Reposted by Jake Wittich
BREAKING: Chicago police officers can turn off their body-worn cameras while being questioned by their supervisor immediately after they shoot a member of the public, the federal judge overseeing efforts to reform the Chicago Police Department ruled Friday. @wttw.bsky.social
CPD Officers Can Turn Off Cameras While Being Questioned About Shootings, Federal Judge Rules
However, U.S. District Court Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer ruled that officers must have their cameras on if a deputy chief asks them to answer additional questions about the shooting.
news.wttw.com
November 24, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Reposted by Jake Wittich
We would love to get new followers from Chicago. Windy City Times just published an online article about John Parker. We thank Jake Wittich (Chicago Journalist of the Year!) who is a great partner to our show as is all of the 40 year old Windy City Times team!!!!
windycitytimes.com/2025/11/21/r...
Radio, books, archives: Inside John Parker's growing queer storytelling network  - Windy City Times
John Parker is building a media universe that’s helping queer people find each other through storytelling, whether that be on air, online or in the historical record. Windy City Times readers may know...
windycitytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Reposted by Jake Wittich
John Parker is building a queer storytelling network that spans radio, books and archives. HIs goal is to help LGBTQ+ people see themselves and connect with others.

WCT readers may know Parker as host of @thegailyshow.org, but his work includes @thisqueerbook.com and the Queer Armenian Library.
Radio, books, archives: Inside John Parker's growing queer storytelling network  - Windy City Times
John Parker is building a media universe that’s helping queer people find each other through storytelling, whether that be on air, online or in the historical record. Windy City Times readers may know...
windycitytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Previously, a visit to the "Trans Takeover" of Barton Springs: All across the stone slab, LGBTQ+ folks sat in clusters, talking and dipping in and out of the water together. ... Happy people who use every pronoun and none at all.
At Barton Springs, Trans Existence Becomes Resistance
Following a transphobic incident earlier this year, community members gathered to "protect trans joy."
www.texasobserver.org
November 23, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Reposted by Jake Wittich
November 23, 2025 at 3:02 PM
A couple questionable choices, but overall solid list

www.theguardian.com/music/2025/n...
Brat pack: Charli xcx’s 20 best songs – ranked!
As she releases music from her upcoming soundtrack to Wuthering Heights, we count down the best of her frank, futurist tracks
www.theguardian.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:47 PM
The Hebrew Seminary in Chicago organized its second annual Trans Day of Remembrance service, "Zokherim: We Remember" yesterday, and @ronitbez.bsky.social captured it beautifully for @windycitytimes.com.
Chicago Jewish groups mark Transgender Day of Remembrance  - Windy City Times
On Nov. 20, the Hebrew Seminary organized its second annual Trans Day of Remembrance service, “Zokherim — We Remember,” held at Anshe Emet Synagogue. 3751 N. Broadway. The service was created in partn...
windycitytimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Reposted by Jake Wittich
It's Friday and I just (finally) published my new website! new domain, new look, new everything! adamrhodeswrites.com
Adam Rhodes - Journalist, Educator
adamrhodeswrites.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:59 PM
With battery-powered candles illuminating their faces, more than a dozen people walked through Northalsted last night to honor the lives of transgender people who have died.

Story to come for @windycitytimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Reposted by Jake Wittich
The Field Foundation was delighted to join the city's journalism community at the Chicago Journalists Association's 86th Anniversary Awards Ceremony, where we celebrated exceptional local journalists and impactful reporting from the past year. 1/
November 20, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, and there are several events happening across Chicago to honor the memory of trans lives lost.

I've rounded up several of these events in today's Chicago Social Butterflies newsletter from @windycitytimes.com

Read here: preview.mailerlite.io/preview/7531...
November 20, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Health experts are alarmed as Republicans degrade the country’s pivotal HIV programs — and break promises made during Trump’s first term.

If the government doesn't reverse course, experts see a much darker and deadlier period of the HIV epidemic back on the horizon. Read more from my latest story:
America’s most basic HIV protections are in danger as a decade of progress unravels
Health experts are alarmed as Republicans degrade the country’s pivotal HIV programs — and break promises made during Trump’s first term.
19thnews.org
November 20, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Congratulations to alum Jake Wittich ’17 for being named the 2025 Chicago Journalist of the Year by the Chicago Journalists Association.
Wittich is managing editor of “Windy City Times” ➡️ https://bit.ly/47Jf3Y0
November 18, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Reposted by Jake Wittich
The recognition comes after a standout year for @jakewittich.bsky.social's career, which has included growing Windy City Times’ newsletter operation from the ground up, doubling down on in-depth LGBTQ+ reporting, and training others through Windy City Times’ inaugural community journalism cohort.
Jake Wittich, managing editor of Windy City Times, named ‘Chicago Journalist of the Year’ - Windy City Times
The Chicago Journalists Association recognized Windy City Times managing editor Jake Wittich with its Chicago Journalist of the Year award during its 86th anniversary ceremony on Nov. 14. The award re...
windycitytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 4:39 PM
I'm still on cloud nine after being honored this weekend with the Journalist of the Year award from the Chicago Journalists Association.

It meant the world to be honored at the ceremony, where Tracy Baim was keynote and Jim Williams of CBS News Chicago received the Lifetime Achievement award.
November 17, 2025 at 9:46 PM
I am so filled with gratitude after tonight. ❤️ I’ll share more pics and reflection after I’m done celebrating this weekend. But for now I just want to say THANK YOU to the Chicago Journalists Association and everyone who’s been part of this journey 😭
November 15, 2025 at 5:12 AM
Reposted by Jake Wittich
I've been working on this for awhile, and now it's finally out in the world — our new series explores the nuances of detransitioning in America right now.

I spoke with two detransitioners who feel harmed by the Trump administration. Their stories can teach us a lot. I hope you'll read them.
Detransition is key to politicians’ anti-trans agenda. But what is it really like?
The 19th spoke with two detransitioners who feel harmed and used by the Trump administration, which has positioned itself as a protector of those who detransition.
19thnews.org
November 13, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Our LGBTQ+ Journalists mixer with @nlgja-chicago.bsky.social is TONIGHT in Lakeview!!

I am absolutely blown away by the massive response in RSVPs!! This is shaping to be our biggest mixer yet. If you haven't gotten your free ticket yet, do so now! There's only a few left.
LGBTQ+ Journalists Mixer with NLGJA Chicago
Join NLGJA Chicago for its fall mixer at Barcocina Lakeview! Network, connect and enjoy free appetizers.
www.eventbrite.com
November 13, 2025 at 2:07 PM
I took a trip down memory lane this week, returning to the @columbiachronicle.bsky.social to reflect on my journey from a student journalist at @columbiachi.bsky.social to being named Journalist of the Year by the Chicago Journalists Association.
Columbia College Chicago Alum Jake Wittich '17 Named Chicago Journalist of the Year
The Chicago Journalists Association recognizes Jake Wittich ’17, managing editor of “Windy City Times,” for coverage of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community and the media outlet’s digital revitalization.
www.colum.edu
November 12, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Astonishing: Bovino and his agents showed up at the Bean this morning to pose for pictures. While Border Patrol snapped photos, one agent shouted, “Everyone say, ‘Little Village!’” The neighborhood where they are least welcome and most acutely felt. blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/10/b...
Border Patrol Agents Pose At 'The Bean' For Apparent Photo Op
The photo op came after agents tear-gassed a Little Village street and were spotted in the area numerous times. At the Bean, one agent shouted, "Everyone say, Little Village!"
blockclubchicago.org
November 10, 2025 at 3:53 PM
The big week is finally here, and I'm SO excited to accept the Journalist of the Year award this Friday at the Chicago Journalists Association awards!

If you haven't yet, get your tickets now! www.eventbrite.com/e/cjas-86th-...
November 10, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Reposted by Jake Wittich
I recently joined @imarajones.bsky.social on The Mess, to talk about politics.

Check it out anywhere you get your podcasts.
This week on The Mess, @imarajones.bsky.social is joined by @cwnewser.bsky.social, senior national reporter for The Advocate. Together they deconstruct how our political climate and norms have been demolished under the absurdity of this administration.

🎧 Tune in: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...
November 9, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Chicago's rainbow crosswalks in Northalsted are coming back—this time with two Progress Pride designs in the mix.

“While other states are erasing LGBTQ+ history from their streets, Chicago is doubling down on inclusion,” said Ald. Bennett Lawson.

Read more: windycitytimes.com/2025/11/07/c...
November 7, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Chicago's rainbow crosswalks in @northalsted.bsky.social are returning—this time with two Progress Pride flags in the mix.

"While other states are erasing LGBTQ+ history from their streets, Chicago is doubling down on inclusion," Ald. Bennett Lawson said.

Read more at @windycitytimes.com.
Chicago’s rainbow crosswalks are making a comeback in Northalsted—now with Progress Pride designs - Windy City Times
Chicago has started repainting the rainbow crosswalks in Northalsted—and the first one now reflects the Progress Pride Flag’s inclusive design. The project will restore all 14 of the neighborhood’s co...
windycitytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:51 PM
Reposted by Jake Wittich
Trump deportation agent: "I fired 5 rounds and she had 7 holes. Put that in your book boys.”
November 7, 2025 at 2:13 PM