Elissa Rivas
She attended college at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, majoring in Political Science and Communications. Elissa took her first job in television news as a reporter and anchor in Yuma, Arizona. Still, her heart longed for Texas so she returned to the Lone Star State to live and work in El Paso. There she covered the intense impact of the 9-11 attacks on immigration and border traffic.
Elissa has been recognized for her work by receiving the regional and national RTNDA Edward R. Murrow Award for her continuing coverage of a child abduction and murder in El Paso. Through her work documenting teenage alcohol and substance abuse, she earned a National Communicator Award of Distinction and a first-place award in Serious Feature reporting from the Texas Associated Press.
Now in Houston, you can find her reporting on Houston traffic in the evening newscasts and anchoring Eyewitness News at 9 p.m. on the CW39. She loves to hear from viewers about the stories she covers and with new ideas for stories.
Elissa's parents impressed upon her the importance of education, and that's why she's proud to be involved with the Adult Reading Center of Pearland. She emcees the organization's Red Hat Literacy Luncheon each year, and to honor her commitment, the Adult Reading Center started a scholarship in her name, "The Elissa Rivas Scholarship Fund." The scholarships honor the courage and drive of their clients who've learned to read as adults, and fund their continued education -- GED, community college, and beyond.
Elissa and her husband spend much of their free time cheering for our beloved Houston Astros, hiking in state parks, and trying to keep up with their two girls. Elissa's enjoying the challenge of working as a full-time journalist AND a full-time mom!
Elissa's Stories
TxDOT buys back SH-288 toll road, and drivers want to know when toll prices will drop
Now that the State of Texas has taken over the operation of the 288 Expressway, will those tolls ever drop? Officials say TxDOT could consider it once a $1.7 billion debt is paid off.
Houston Airport System to open new pick-up area meant to unclog the exit to IAH
As we prepare for the next big wave of holiday travel, travelers will see another big improvement in traffic flow at Bush Intercontinental Airport this weekend.
Rice senior chosen for 'college-quince', thanks to HACER for Hispanic Heritage Month highlight
Rice University's HACER hosted its annual quince for a senior who stressed she wanted to connect to her Mexican roots after not having the rite of passage celebration when she was 15.
The end of trucks hitting Houston Avenue bridge? TxDOT has plan that will also solve I-10 flooding
The project can't arrive soon enough. The state said trucks hitting the bridge have already doubled from the year before, and there's months left in 2024.
Is southeast Texas ready for another mass evacuation during hurricane season?
The last mass evacuation was nearly 20 years ago when Hurricane Rita threatened the Texas coast. Almost 2 million people were packed in a massive traffic jam that turned deadly. What's changed since then?
Major US 59 bridge repair begins soon at Brazos River in Sugar Land
Thousands of drivers cross the bridge over the Brazos, and with TxDOT recognizing the extensive damage over the years, action is being taken to prevent any further danger.
1.3 million passengers expected at Bush and Hobby airports in Memorial Day weekend, officials say
Heads up, travelers! Houston Airport System estimates a staggering 1.3 million passengers between the Thursday and Wednesday after Memorial Day.
How long will it take crews to repair roads damaged by recent floodwaters?
Precinct 3's north and east sides were the most severely affected areas in Harris County. During the height of the storm, it took nearly 100 crew workers five days of work to respond to the emergency.
Texas in the early stages of taking over the tolling and maintenance of the lanes along SH-288
The state of Texas is poised to act upon an agreement it has with Blueridge Transportation Group, which would allow it to pay to take over maintenance of the SH-288 corridor and tolling.
Gridlock Alert: Prepare for traffic this weekend with widespread closures on Houston-area freeways
The east side of the Houston area will see the majority of the slowdowns, and part of the weekend closure on the East Sam Houston Tollway will remain past this weekend and last through the summer.