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
Special events, construction-related closures could cause traffic tie-ups around downtown Houston
Houston drivers will dodge a handful of construction and special-event closures as they hit the road this weekend. ABC13 has the traffic tie-ups you need to know about.
13 Alert Traffic: Busy Houston sports weekend brings traffic on I-10; some closures postponed
As the heart of Houston transforms into a sports fan's dream, the additional traffic and weekend construction closures may make the experience of traveling to and from these events a bit of a nightmare.
From Astros Opening Day to the Sweet 16, major events that could tie up traffic starting Thursday
A historic sports day in Houston could impact your commute on Thursday. Here's where you'll expect to see closures around downtown.
Fresh paint, new trees and increased cleaning: How TxDOT is preparing Houston for the World Cup
TxDOT says there's been a flurry of painting and planting along local roads to prepare Houston for the World Cup and its visitors.
Houston takes top spots in traffic congestion, Texas A&M University says
If you think Houston traffic is bad, there is now data to prove it. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute recently released its list of Top 100 Congested Road Segments in the state.
Drivers brace for lengthy closures along I-10 in Downtown Houston
More lanes and two ramps are closing this week as part of the ongoing construction with the White Oak Bayou Project.
Report shows traffic congestion spreading to midday and weekends
If you feel like you're spending more time in traffic on the weekends and in the middle of the day, you're probably right.
METRO features nonstop bus route to Bush airport for flights
You may want to consider a new way to get to Bush Intercontinental Airport for your next flight.
TxDOT gives preview into the proposed future expansion of Gulf Freeway
TXDOT is making plans to upgrade the corridor inside Beltway 8 in the coming years, and they want to hear from you.
Road construction project on US 90A in Fort Bend County enters new phase
TxDOT is building a US 90A bridge, which will allow traffic to flow freely east and west at Grand Parkway, instead of getting caught up at the intersection.