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
Grandmother shot in head through window of Chatham home speaks out: 'I started screaming'
Sabrina Hunter said after being shot inside her South Side home Thursday, she had just enough strength to find her cell phone and call police. She spoke to ABC7 from her hospital bed Friday, saying she's thankful to God she's alive and surrounded by family.
Jussie Smollett update: Illinois Supreme Court overturns former 'Empire' actor's conviction
The Illinois State Supreme Court has dismissed Jussie Smollett's conviction for lying about a hate crime in a ruling issued Thursday.
Woman killed in Jefferson Park by knife-wielding husband; off-duty CPD officer recovering
The woman killed in a stabbing attack on Chicago's Northwest Side Tuesday afternoon and the suspect in the case have been identified.
Northwestern Medicine study shows severe COVID-19 may shrink cancer cells
New research from Northwestern Medicine shows that in some cases of severe COVID, the immune response actually killed cancer cells. Researchers are trying to harness that immune power into new cancer therapies.
Family cat paralyzed after Crystal Lake shooting: 'There's a bullet in his spine'
A northwest suburban family wants answers after their 5-year-old outdoor cat Timmy was shot in broad daylight and left paralyzed.
Coalition will fight to keep Illinois a welcoming state despite Latino votes for Trump
Many Latinos in swing states cast their votes for President-elect Donald Trump, despite promises of a mass deportation and closing the U.S.-Mexico border.
Michigan, Wisconsin targeted by bomb threats on Election Day; swing states could decide race
Two of the most closely watched states in this election are Michigan and Wisconsin, swing states that were essential to Trump's victory in 2016 and President Joe Biden's win in 2020.
Google opens 1st brick-and-mortar store in the Midwest at Oakbrook Center mall
There are only five of these stores in the entire country, bringing customers right to Google products and giving a hands-on experience.
Robbins completes first phase of Midlothian Creek, Cal-Sag Channel flood relief project
South suburban Robbins has faced more than its share of major flooding issues. ABC7 spoke to residents and developers about how a multi-million dollar public project is breathing new life into the beleaguered village.
Mayor Brandon Johnson calls for $300M property tax hike in Chicago budget proposal
Walking back a major campaign promise, Mayor Johnson's 2025 budget proposal for Chicago contains a $300 million property tax hike.