Mark Rivera
Upon his arrival to the station, News Vice President Jennifer Graves described Mark as a "skilled anchor and a versatile reporter adept at covering everything from big breaking news stories, to politics and feature stories." Rivera grew up in Crystal Lake, Illinois.
The first major live story Rivera covered for ABC 7 Eyewitness News was the funeral and procession of slain police commander, Paul Bauer in 2018. He anchored ABC 7's on-air coverage for more than three hours as Commander Bauer was honored by the city and its residents.
Rivera comes to ABC 7 from WTSP-TV in Tampa, Florida, where he served as the station's weekend morning news anchor and political reporter. While on the anchor desk there, he provided six hours of compelling non-stop coverage of the Pulse Nightclub shooting in nearby Orlando. As the station's political reporter, he covered Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton campaign rallies, questioned Vice President Mike Pence about Russian influence and co-moderated a heated congressional debate. In addition to the political beat, Rivera has reported on a wide range of stories from the hurricanes that devastated Florida to a family whose son is a 5-organ transplant survivor.
Prior to WTSP, Rivera worked at WAND-TV in Decatur, Illinois where he anchored a two-hour daily newscast, reported breaking news and wrote, edited and reported a weekly feature piece focused on the local community. While at WAND, Rivera won a regional Associated Press Award.
Rivera is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois.
He, his wife Alissa, and their dog Xena live in the city. They enjoy running and exploring all of the diners, coffee shops, and taco spots Chicago has to offer.
Mark's Stories
Illinois electric car maker Rivian opens Chicago showroom in Gold Coast
Electric auto maker Rivian is opening their first direct to consumer retail space in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood.
Bryan Jackson remains missing after going swimming in Lake Michigan
Bryan Jackson's loved ones believe he could still be alive, even though he went missing while swimming Tuesday morning.
Man with car full of weapons, ammo out on probation after pleading guilty in Englewood shots fired
Englewood residents are angry after a suburban man who "randomly" opened fire on a park and then was found with multiple guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition in his car was let out on probation following a guilty plea.
Migrants Chicago: Industry leaders, Dems call on Biden to fast-track work permits to fill vacancies
"But, if you don't give a flying fig for this moral argument, do it for yourself and your family, so that businesses can stay open," Sen. Dick Durbin said.
'It was a work of love': Naperville restaurant employing workers with disabilities closes its doors
The new owner is keeping the employees with disabilities who worked at the restaurant.
'You're in so much shock': Mundelein native returns to suburbs after surviving Hawaii fires
A Chicago area native lost everything in Hawaii's Lahaina fires, but survived.
Chicago Public Schools optimistic for post-pandemic success as students return to classes Monday
The early start for CPS has some parents and students celebrating the return to learning and extra curricular activities in the wake of COVID impacts over the past few years.
Cook County summers expected to get even hotter by 2050, according to ABC7 heat analysis
Is Chicago prepared? Summers in the city are expected to get even hotter by 2050, according to a new ABC7 heat analysis.
Stroke survivor reunited with Chicago area doctor who saved her life
A woman who had a stroke on a plane on the way to Chicago was reunited with the Advocate Lutheran General doctor who saved her life.
'Everybody's panicking': Chicago-connected survivors of Maui fires describe fleeing from flames
As some evacuees return to O'Hare, others from the Chicago area are flying out of Midway Airport to help.