Jen DeSalvo is a traffic and news reporter for NBC 5. A Chicago native, Jen proudly has spent her entire career in her hometown market.
While an undergraduate, Jen was a print journalist writing for Suburban Chicago News, an arm of the Chicago Sun-Times. During her senior year at Purdue University, she freelanced as a radio news reporter for the Associated Press. Her first job after college was behind-the-scenes with WBBM Newsradio 780. The role launched her career with Shadow Traffic/Metro Networks as a news, traffic and weather anchor on radio and television stations in seven markets. Later, she stepped in as a co-host on 94.7 WLS FM, a news reporter and traffic anchor for WLS-AM 890, and then as a news anchor with WGN Radio 720. Her other projects include appearing on podcasts and on Nude Hippo TV which formerly aired on NBC 5.
In 2017, Jen joined NBC 5 as a traffic anchor, eventually moving into news reporting the following year.
Jen holds a Master’s Degree from Roosevelt University and is an avid runner. She is an eight time Chicago Marathon finisher and has completed more than 50 ultra-marathons include two 100-mile races. In her free time she serves as a running coach for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Girls on the Run.
The Latest
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Dixmoor breaks ground on water main improvement project
After years of water issues, the village of Dixmoor could finally see a light at the end of the tunnel, as a massive new project will replace thousands of feet worth of water mains, as well as executing other projects designed to improve water service.
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Suburbs Push Back Against Measure That Would Provide State Aid to Help Bears Move to Arlington Park
The Mayors of Rolling Meadows and Palatine say the measure does “absolutely nothing” to address traffic and infrastructure concerns that could come from the new stadium.
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Coast Guard Ship Packed with Christmas Trees Docks at Navy Pier
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw traveled this week from Cheboygan, Michigan carrying 1,200 fresh cut Christmas trees to Chicago.
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‘An Honor': Coast Guard Ship Carrying 1,200 Christmas Trees Docks at Navy Pier
Chicago resident, Captain David Truitt, has been serving with the U.S. Coast Guard for 60 years. His entire life, he says, he worked on a rescue boat – the boat he captained. But it wasn’t until the holiday season more than two decades ago that he started a tradition now known as Chicago’s Christmas Ship.
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Illinois Police Crack Down on Disabled Parking Placard Violations During Holiday Shopping
As shoppers pack parking lots for holiday shopping, authorities are on the lookout for people illegally using disabled placards and parking spots.
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Pilsen Community Activists Continue Helping Migrants Despite Tense Encounter
“People are coming here for a reason. They are seeking refuge.”
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Ukrainian Folktales Come to Life in Diorama Exhibit
The exhibit depicts 13 unique three-dimensional dioramas of Ukrainian folklore passed down for generations.
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Artists Inspire ‘Hope' Through Murals on Ukrainian Village Buildings
Muralists with ties to Ukrainian culture brighten external walls of west side businesses in an effort to bring hope to a community still afflicted by war.
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‘Wear Orange' Gun Violence Prevention Weekend Honors Hadiya Pendleton
Resounding the call to end gun violence, crowds donned orange clothing at the Bronzeville park named for Hadiya Pendleton, the 15-year-old Chicago teenager who was fatally shot in 2013 just weeks after performing at former President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.
