John Garcia
Garcia came to ABC 7 from KSAT-TV, the ABC station in San Antonio, Texas, where he co-anchored the morning and noon newscasts (1994). Previously, he worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor at KXAS-TV in Dallas, Texas (1991-94).
From 1988-91, Garcia served as a reporter and fill-in anchor at KOAT-TV in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Earlier in his career, he was a reporter and weekend anchor at KMID-TV in Midland, Texas (1987-88) and a reporter at KTIV-TV in Sioux City, Iowa (1986-87).
Garcia has been honored with numerous awards, including five Regional Emmys and an Illinois Broadcasters' Association Silver Dome Award. He was chosen for the Drake University Young Alumni Achievement Award. He won recognition from the Associated Press with their award for Best Series and received Best Spot News honors from the Northwest Broadcasters Association. He also won the Dallas Katie Award for spot news.
Garcia serves on the board for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He is past president of the Drake University Journalism National Alumni Board. He has served as a volunteer for the Respiratory Health Association, as well as the 'Character Counts' program in Elmhurst. He is a member of the Chicago Association of Hispanic Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
An avid runner, Garcia has competed in numerous marathons including the Chicago and Boston marathons.
Garcia is a Chicago native. He earned his B.A. degree in Broadcast Journalism in 1986 from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He is married and enjoys spending time with his four daughters.
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John's Stories
Chicago-area high school boys basketball teams celebrate state championships
The state championship was the trophy Chicago Hope Academy's well-known coach Ronnie Fields never won when he was one of the best high school basketball players in state history in the mid-90s.
March Madness sports betting craze raises concerns over predatory gambling
Businesses in the Chicago area are gearing up for big crowds during March Madness. However, some are also concerned about the gambling that often comes with it.
Illinois House committee passes bill for student-athletes hoping to play club, school sports
Some Illinois high school athletes have been ruled ineligible for their seasons because of their participation in a sport outside of the high school. A group of state lawmakers is now trying to change that rule.
Downers Grove South HS teacher charged with sex abuse after teen's mom finds explicit texts: docs
Prosecutors say the student's mother bought her son a new iPhone, and after signing into iCloud, discovered a sexually explicit text message thread.
Illinois runner Matt Richtman is 1st American man to win Los Angeles Marathon in 31 years
Chicago-area native Matt Richtman won the Los Angeles Marathon, becoming the first American man to take the title in 31 years. His family and high school coach spoke with ABC7 on Sunday following his big win.
Suburban bars in Chicago area prepare for St. Patrick's Day weekend festivities
There's plenty of St. Patrick's Day fun to be had, even for those who don't make it into the city this weekend.
Chicago-area restaurants brace for impact of tariffs on imported Mexican beer, liquor
The latest information from the White House is that tariffs would be imposed on products coming from Mexico on April 2. Local restaurants told ABC7 that Mexican beers like Modelo and Corona are among their best sellers.
Chicago-area breweries brace for impact of Trump's 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum imports
Most of everything breweries use in the process of brewing beer uses steel and aluminum, which means the cost of producing beer is going up, local business owners told ABC7.
CEO of Crestwood trucking company found murdered in fire; police say employee in custody
An employee is being accused of killing the CEO of a suburban trucking company and setting the business on fire.
Itasca cancels Fourth of July fireworks show, billed as largest display in Illinois
A suburban fireworks show that has been a sparkling centerpiece of Fourth of July festivities for nearly three decades will not be lighting up the night this year.