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
911 dispatcher honored for helping save life of retired Chicago firefighter: 'It was a blessing'
A 911 dispatcher is being honored for helping to save the life of a retired Chicago firefighter.
Wild Canada geese are harassing people at Woodridge police station, acting chief says
It's a problem most "fowl" indeed: Woodridge police say a pair of Canada geese have been harassing clients trying to come into the station.
CPS facing sex assault lawsuit from former student, who claims Lawndale High dean raped, groomed her
A former student filed a sexual abuse lawsuit against Chicago Public Schools, claiming the district failed to protect her from a former dean.
Some towns in area testing above new PFAS, or forever chemicals, drinking water standard
According to data from the Illinois EPA, there are a number of towns in the Chicago area that have tested above new federal levels for PFAS, including Cary, Channahon, Crest Hill, Fox Lake, Marengo and more.
DeKalb County sheriff's deputy killed in crash on IL-23 ID'd
A DeKalb County sheriff's deputy was killed in a crash Thursday night, Illinois State Police said.
MLB Opening Day 2024: Climate change could have big impact on baseball, depending on where you are
America's favorite pastime is back at bat, but our warming climate could have an impact on the game - depending on where you are.
Rockford stabbing attack kills 4, injures 7 in Winnebago Co., police say; suspect in custody
At least four people died after in a stabbing attack Wednesday in Rockford, Illinois, police said.
Cook County Jail's inmate opioid treatment programs SMART and THRIVE are trailblazers in Illinois
In a trailblazing accredited program that is the only one of its kind in Illinois, Cook County Jail inmates received opioid addiction treatment that could save their lives and their futures.
World Water Day: Chicago groups lead effort to protect fresh water, Lake Michigan
The national science foundation awarded up to $160 million over 10 years to Chicago's water resource non-profit, Current, and founding Great Lakes ReNEW, a regional collaboration to tackle major environmental issues.
World War II veteran and CPD sergeant, turning 100 this weekend: 'I really was a lucky man'
A former soldier and Chicago police sergeant once reported missing in action during World War II is now turning 100 this weekend.