Juan Carlos Navarrete joined NBC 5 in January 2022. He is a reporter and Sunday morning anchor. While his birthname is Juan Carlos, he goes by JC, a nickname his grandfather gave him when he was just a baby. JC made his way to Chicago after spending six years in El Paso, Texas, where he worked in his hometown as a weekend anchor and reporter at KVIA.
JC is beyond ecstatic to be reporting and living in Chicago. His passion for journalism started in college when he was a staff reporter at the Prospector Daily, the student publication at The University of Texas at El Paso. JC graduated from UTEP in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and a Minor in Film. While he was working on his degree he was already working at KVIA as a cameraman, learning the broadcast news industry as a student. JC has worn many hats in his career including producer, reporter and anchor. It's this diversity in his background that has allowed him to grow his career at NBC 5.
JC is fully bilingual in English and Spanish and is excited about the opportunities to work with his colleagues at Telemundo. He loves connecting with his Mexican roots, and looks forward to reporting in Spanish as well. In his own words "El mundo es mas pequeño cuando eres bilingue" (The world is much smaller when you are bilingual).
JC has covered all types of news events. He has worked investigative stories, crime, breaking news, elections and even was a traffic reporter when he began his career. He’s grown in this field by adapting to whatever the day brings. He knows the only thing you can ever control in this business is your attitude, so he strives to come to work every day with a positive outlook on the day.
While JC is new in town, he has not wasted time embracing the Chicago culture and traditions. He’s taken part in the Polar Plunge and frequents deep-dish pizza. He is open to suggestions on which place has the best deep-dish in town, so feel free to email him with recommendations.
You can reach JC with story ideas at jc.navarrete@nbcuni.com or on his social media pages. He’s glad to be in Chicago and appreciates how welcoming everyone has been to him. JC looks forward to connecting with you.
The Latest
-
‘Run Toward the Fire': Highland Park Fire Chief, Dispatchers Reflect on Parade Response
When more than 70 shots rang out onto Highland Park’s Independence Day parade, the response by the community’s fire department was immediate. After all, they were already on the scene as part of the parade.
-
Hundreds Come Out for Peace Rally in Chicago Following Violent Memorial Day Weekend
After a violent Memorial Day Weekend, Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Police are teaming up to keep kids safe this summer.
-
Rent Booming in Chicago, Up 11% in 5 Months
Though moving is already a monumentally stressful task, it just got more expensive and selective, especially around Chicago.
-
New Museum of Science and Industry Exhibit Gives Guests With Colorblindness a Chance to See Color
A new exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry, “The Art of the Brick,” is looking to bring splashes of color to all guests, even those who have colorblindness, one Lego brick at a time.
-
How to Protect Your Investments in a Volatile Stock Market, According to Financial Planners
Stocks closed in the red on Friday, marking the fifth straight week of losses on Wall Street. Many of those nearing retirement are keeping a watchful eye, contemplating what to do next. “I am close to retirement I’m watching that very closely it’s scary to see it lose 5-6%,” an investor on Michigan Avenue told NBC 5. Another resident...
-
100 Chicago Moms Gifted a Makeover Ahead of Mother's Day
One hundred mothers, all residents of the Chicago Housing Authority, got a well-deserved makeover ahead of Mother’s Day.
-
Parents Weigh Possibility of Vaccine Option for Children 6 Months and Older
While COVID-19 cases and hospitalization remain well-below the high transmission rates seen earlier this year, the youngest population remains most vulnerable to the virus. Those under the age of 5 previously didn’t have the option to get the vaccine, but that could be changing soon.
-
Who Are the ‘Violence Interrupters' – the Group Looking to Tackle CTA Crime?
At a time when shootings, stabbings and robberies are reported each week on the Chicago Transit Authority, one group hopes to step in to fight the crime, but who exactly are they?
-
Volunteer Security Guards, Martial Artists Patrol CTA Red Line Trains
In an effort to combat a string of violent attacks on CTA trains and platforms over the past several months, teams of private citizens will ride the Red Line for an eight-hour shift Friday, looking out for crime.
-
Stations of the Cross Makes In-Person Return After Hiatus Due to COVID
The streets of Pilsen came alive with thousands of believers marching in the Station’s of the Cross Friday.