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
Some Little Village Discount Mall vendors must leave after judge's ruling
A partial win and a partial loss for vendors at the Little Village Discount Mall on Friday.
'Career criminals' with convictions dating back to the 80s accused in Elmhurst pick-pocketing crimes
With decades of experience, suburban police say this crew, all in their 50s or 60s, has mastered the art of the pick-pocket.
Inaugural COPA People's Academy looks to foster trust between community and police
One of the biggest drivers of making the “People's Academy" open to the public is to build transparency into exactly how COPA handles police oversight.
Chicago chefs cook to support earthquake victims in Turkey, Syria
There was zero hesitation from Chicago's culinary masters, who stepped up to help where help is needed.
Elgin mom can't claim son on taxes because the government says he's deceased --- even though he's alive
There is a child in Elgin who is very much alive and well; the only problem is, according to the federal government, he is deceased.
Alarming report on hatred in America reveals there were 11,000 hate crimes in the US in 2021
Cook County is breaking down an alarming report on hatred in America.
CPS lawsuit claims teacher told students 'the longer you cry, the longer I will hit you'
Parents of elementary school children filed a lawsuit against Chicago Public Schools Wednesday night claiming their kids were abused at a Far South Side school.
Illinois looks at legalizing psilocybin to treat mental health issues Pt. 2
More and more clinical trials continue to show the promise of psychedelic drugs for therapeutic use, and local doctors are at the forefront of this research.
Chicago summer festival calendar released; Taste moved to September
The city-sponsored major summer festivals are all returning this year, including Taste of Chicago, the Chicago Blues Festival, the Chicago Jazz Festival and the Chicago Air and Water Show.
Illinois looks at legalizing psilocybin to treat mental health issues
From drug addiction, to alcoholism, to those suffering from PTSD, it's being talked about as a miracle cure: therapeutic treatment using the same substance found in "magic mushrooms." It's called psilocybin, and lawmakers in Illinois are already laying the groundwork to legalize this type of therapy in Illinois.