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
Northwest Side residents ask city to remove homeless encampment from Gompers Park: 'It's not safe'
A number of residents say they now avoid the park since a homeless encampment with a dozen or more tents moved in.
Home invasion suspect in custody after 2.5-hour police standoff in South Barrington, police say
A man is in custody on Monday after an hours-long standoff in the north suburbs, police said.
Mental health services see increase in demand as students head back to school
As students return to classes, more schools are placing an emphasis on mental health services. Health experts said this time of year can bring increased anxiety and loneliness.
Woman speaks out after being shot by apparent stray bullet in West Rogers Park apartment
A 25-year-old Chicago woman is back home, after being hit by an apparent stray bullet inside her apartment early Tuesday morning.
Schaumburg celebrates Labor Day with parade, festival featuring Taylor Swift cover band
The Labor Day parade tradition goes back more than 50 years in Schaumburg.
Northwestern University kicks off college football season at temporary stadium, beats Miami of Ohio
Northwestern will play most of their home games for the next few years at a smaller Northwestern Medicine Field while Ryan Field is being rebuilt.
O'Hare, Midway airports, roads expecting busy Labor Day weekend travel day
The Labor Day weekend is here and millions of people are expected to travel.
Health officials close lakes as potentially toxic blue-green algae blooms could harm people, pets
Wisconsin health officials found pockets of blue-green algae "blooms" in the water in Lake Geneva. Illinois health officials were out Thursday testing the water at lakes in north suburban counties.
Back to school: ABC7's John Garcia goes back to Streamwood High School
Our own John Garcia takes us to his high school in the northwest suburbs.
NFL approval of private equity investment could help Chicago Bears' plans for new stadium
The Chicago Bears are getting ready to start the regular season with their long-term stadium plans still up in the air. A vote Tuesday by NFL owners to allow teams to sell shares to private equity funds may help the Bears figure it out.