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
WWII veteran who was forced into a Japanese internment camp given France's Legion of Honor
A Chicago WWII veteran who was forced into a Japanese internment camp was given France's Legion of Honor for his military work to liberate France from German occupation.
Passerby killed in 'street takeover' shooting in Gage Park, Chicago police searching for suspects
"Wrong place at the wrong time," the victim's family said. Guillermo Caballero was driving through an intersection when he was fatally shot on Sunday.
What marijuana rescheduling would mean for Illinois, from tax changes to health studies
As the federal government considers reclassifying marijuana to a lower level controlled substance, the billion dollar industry and cannabis community in Illinois say it's a cause for celebration.
Chicago-area college protest organizers push back against accusations of antisemitism
As campus protests continue across the country and in Chicago, some student leaders are pushing back against accusations of antisemitism.
Northwestern University students continue pro-Palestinian protest with encampment on Deering Meadow
Pro-Palestinian protesters remain at Northwestern University's Evanston campus.
ABC7 photojournalist James 'Jim' Mastri passes away after battle with pancreatic cancer
The ABC7 Eyewitness News family is mourning the loss of photojournalist Jim Mastri, who passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. In a world where it can be so difficult to see another person's point of view, Mastri showed us the world through his lens.
$10K reward offered for information about murder of fallen Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca
The funeral for slain Chicago police Officer Luis Huesca is on Monday, but he's already being remembered fondly by those who knew him.
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.