Anthony Ponce
Anthony Ponce is a veteran Chicago journalist who grew up in the northern suburbs.
In July 2016, he gained national attention when he left his job in TV news to become a full-time Lyft driver, launching the podcast Backseat Rider. As a Lyft-driving storyteller, Anthony brings audiences the wide-ranging, hilarious, touching, sometimes bizarre, and always real conversations he has with his passengers.
"Listening is a lost art form," he told CNN. "What I think is missing right now in our national dialogue is aggressive listening."
Anthony joined FOX 32 in 2018 to co-anchor Good Day Chicago and launch Backseat Rider as a news segment.
In returning to television, Anthony’s goal is to remind Chicagoans that while specific issues can be divisive, we have a lot more in common than is often depicted on the news.
Before joining FOX 32, Anthony spent nearly a decade as a reporter/anchor at NBC Chicago, and spent years as a reporter in Indiana.
He has a Master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and did his undergrad at Indiana University.
Anthony — a Sox fan — lives on the North Side with his wife, Maggie, and son, Theo.
The latest from Anthony Ponce
Construction on Kennedy Expressway resumes tonight
Construction on Chicago’s Kennedy Expressway is once again revving up.
From Oak Lawn to Oklahoma, missing class ring returned to owner after 55 years
It all began with a high school class ring that vanished in 1968. Fifty-five years later, it found its way back to the original owner. It took the internet, a bit of luck, and the ring falling into the hands of a very special person in Oklahoma to make this reunion happen.
Venezuelan new arrivals join forces with Chicago nonprofit to tackle winter hunger
A Chicago nonprofit has recruited migrants to help other migrants stay fed this winter.
Chicago author's debut gets Hollywood's attention
A newly-released memoir about hearing loss and the healing power of music has caught the attention of Hollywood.
Chicago man files landmark lawsuit against women and Facebook, testing Illinois' new anti-doxxing statute
The Chicago lawsuit names Facebook, Meta, and nearly 30 women that Nikko D'Ambrosio claims posted false and defamatory comments about him in an invite-only Facebook group called, "Are We Dating the Same Guy".
Hundreds gather for Cook County's largest MLK celebration
Across the country, people are commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., paying homage to the late civil rights leader and his legacy.
CTA seeks public input for redevelopment of vacant land in Edgewater, Uptown
There is about to be a major strip of empty land that runs through Edgewater and Uptown, and the CTA wants your advice on what to do with it.
Chicago's fleet of snowplows is ready to clear a path for you
"Mrs. O'Leary's Plow" — named by FOX 32 Digital Producer Will Hager — is locked and loaded for the winter storm that's expected to plow straight into Chicagoland.
Health alert: Experts urge caution for heart risks during heavy snow removal
Similar to the annual winter overnight parking ban, here's a much more crucial yearly reminder: prioritize your health amidst the season's initial heavy snowfall.
Chicago family sues U.S. State Department over alleged failure to evacuate American cousins in Gaza
A Chicago family is suing the U.S. State Department, accusing it of failing to act to evacuate their American cousins from Gaza.