You’re sitting on the couch, dinner’s almost ready, and you flip to Channel 5. It’s a ritual for thousands of us in the Windy City. But have you ever stopped to think about the sheer amount of logistical chaos and seasoned talent it takes to keep that broadcast running? The NBC Chicago news team isn't just a group of people reading teleprompters in expensive suits. They’re a massive operation of veteran journalists, meteorologists who actually understand Lake Effect snow, and investigators who’ve spent decades digging through City Hall’s proverbial trash.
People move around a lot in the news business. It's kinda the nature of the beast. But NBC 5—officially WMAQ-TV—has managed to keep a core group of faces that feel like part of the furniture in the best way possible.
The Anchors Who Steady the Ship
Stefan Holt and Allison Rosati. If you’ve lived in Chicago for more than a week, you know these names. Allison Rosati is basically a local institution at this point. She joined the station back in 1990—think about that for a second. That’s over 30 years of witnessing the city’s highs and lows, from Jordan-era Bulls championships to the darkest days of the pandemic. She’s got this warmth that feels genuine, which is why she’s anchored the 5, 6, and 10 p.m. slots for so long.
Then there’s Stefan Holt. His story is a bit of a "full circle" moment for the NBC Chicago news team. He’s the son of NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt, and he actually started his career right here in Chicago before heading to New York for a while. He came back in 2020. It was a big deal. You can tell he’s got that same calm, authoritative delivery his dad has, but he’s very much his own journalist. Watching him and Rosati together at 10 p.m. feels like watching two people who actually trust each other’s timing.
Alex Maragos and Marion Brooks are the other pillars you'll see often. Marion Brooks is particularly noteworthy because she doesn't just sit behind the desk; she’s heavily involved in the station’s investigative projects and "Injustice for All" series. She’s got a sharp edge when she’s interviewing public officials that really serves the city well.
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Morning Coffee and Midday Reports
Morning news is a different vibe entirely. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it’s meant to get you out the door. The morning NBC Chicago news team features Zoraida Sambolin, who has become a symbol of resilience for many viewers. She’s been very open about her health struggles, including her battle with breast cancer, which has created a deep bond between her and the Chicago audience. She’s joined by Alex Maragos and Siafa Lewis (who recently transitioned from sports), making the 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. grind a little more bearable.
The Storm Trackers: Why Chicago Weather is Different
Weather in Chicago is a nightmare. Truly. One minute it’s 60 degrees and sunny, and the next, a "snownado" is ripping across the Eisenhower. That’s why the meteorology side of the NBC Chicago news team is arguably the most scrutinized part of the whole station.
Brant Miller is the guy. He’s the Chief Meteorologist, and he’s been at WMAQ since the early 90s. He’s got multiple Emmys, but more importantly, he has a way of explaining the "why" behind the weather without making you feel like you’re in a high school physics class. He’s often joined by:
- Byron Miranda: A veteran who has worked in major markets across the country but seems to have a special knack for the weird micro-climates of the Great Lakes.
- Alicia Roman: She’s been a staple of the weekend and morning shifts for over a decade. She’s highly certified (CBM) and keeps it strictly about the data.
- Pete Sack: Another familiar face who fills in the gaps when the weather turns truly chaotic.
They use something called "Storm Team 5," which is basically a high-tech suite of radar tools designed to track lake-effect snow down to the specific neighborhood. If you live in Evanston and it’s snowing but it’s dry in Naperville, these guys are the ones explaining why the lake is being so moody that day.
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The Investigators: Digging Deeper than the Headlines
Honestly, the "NBC 5 Investigates" unit is where the station gets its real teeth. This isn’t about who got arrested last night; it’s about why the system is broken. Phil Rogers has been a lead investigative reporter for the NBC Chicago news team for years. He’s the guy who looks at government spending, aviation safety at O'Hare, and police misconduct.
Then there’s Bennett Haeberle and Katy Smyser. They do the "data crunching" that most people don't have the patience for. When you see a report about lead in the water or discrepancies in property taxes, that’s usually their handiwork. They’ve won Peabodys and Dupont-Columbia awards, which are basically the Oscars of journalism. It’s not flashy work, but it’s the work that actually holds people in power accountable.
Sports and the Local Heartbeat
Let’s talk sports. Chicago is a sports town, period. Mike Berman leads the charge here. Whether it's the perennial heartbreak of the Bears or the "maybe next year" energy of the White Sox and Cubs, the sports segment of the NBC Chicago news team has to balance being fans with being objective reporters.
They don't just cover the scores. They cover the business of sports. They talk about the McCaskey family and the Ricketts' real estate holdings. It's a sophisticated way of looking at games that we often take too personally.
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How to Actually Get the Most Out of NBC Chicago
Most people just watch the TV broadcast, but that’s sorta the old-school way of doing things. The NBC Chicago news team is actually all over the place now. If you want the real-time stuff, you have to look at their digital footprint.
- The App: They have a dedicated "NBC 5 Chicago" app. It’s actually pretty decent for weather alerts because you can customize it to your specific zip code.
- Streaming (NBC Chicago News 24/7): They’ve launched a 24/7 streaming channel on platforms like Peacock and Roku. It’s great for when there’s a major breaking news event—like a blizzard or a massive protest—and you don't want to wait for the 5 p.m. news.
- Social Media: Honestly, follow their reporters on X (formerly Twitter). Guys like Mary Ann Ahern are legendary for being the first to get the scoop on Chicago politics. If a politician is about to resign or a bill is about to fail, Ahern usually knows before the ink is dry.
Navigating the "Fake News" Noise
It’s important to note that WMAQ is an NBC-owned and operated station. This means they have the resources of the national NBC News desk but operate with a local focus. In an era where everyone is worried about bias, the local NBC Chicago news team generally sticks to the "just the facts" approach for their hard news segments. They live here too. They drive on the same pothole-filled streets we do. That local connection usually keeps the reporting grounded in reality.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re a regular viewer or even just a casual one, here are a few things you can do to stay better informed using the resources of the NBC Chicago news team:
- Sign up for the "Top Headlines" newsletter: It hits your inbox in the morning and gives you a 2-minute rundown of what actually happened while you were asleep.
- Use the "Report a Tip" feature: If you see something sketchy in your neighborhood or have a lead on a story, use their website’s investigative tip line. They actually check those emails.
- Watch the "Ward Room": If you’re into politics, this is their digital section dedicated to City Hall and Illinois government. It’s where the real "inside baseball" talk happens.
The news landscape is changing, and local TV stations are fighting for attention against TikTok and 24-hour national cable loops. But the NBC Chicago news team remains a vital part of the city’s ecosystem because they are the ones on the ground when the sirens go off or the lake starts rising. They aren't perfect—no news organization is—but they have the history and the boots on the ground to tell the story of Chicago better than almost anyone else.