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. 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 trying to keep up with their little girl. Elissa's enjoying the challenge of working as a full-time journalist AND a full-time mom!
Elissa's Stories
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.
Woman texted man 'your son is outside' after leaving infant in front of SE Houston home: Docs
Police said a woman believed to be the mother is still wanted in the case. Records show she texted a man described as possibly the baby's father that the child was outside and to "tell your mom to get him."
Get ready to rodeo! Parking, transportation tips to know before heading to RodeoHouston 2024
If you plan to head out to the rodeo, ABC13 has tips on getting there smoothly, paying for parking, and avoiding nearby construction.
Section of Houston Avenue deals with construction impacted by water main break
The stretch of road between Lubbock and Washington, which is at the center of a controversial improvement project, dealt with a water main leak over the weekend.
Record-breaking holiday travel crowds expected at Houston airports and roads starting this weekend
The Houston Airport System announced that the busy holiday season has already begun, with Friday, Sunday, and Monday expected to be the busiest days.
Houston-area's top enforcement aim to curb rising deaths among walkers and cyclists
It's a trend that affects everyone, from first responders to families that have to live without their loved ones. Law enforcement says they see the same heartbreaking patterns.
METRO unveils autonomous shuttle and electric vehicle: 'Next phase of our strategic plan'
FutureLink, the autonomous shuttle, is currently undergoing testing in a facility in northeast Houston and will be tested on the streets next year.
TxDOT holds public meetings about big changes to I-45 through downtown Houston
The planned expansion calls for three segments, with the third focusing on downtown Houston. The public is getting the chance to speak about the controversial plan.
METRO laying the groundwork for light rail to Hobby Airport
The prospect of a more convenient and affordable way to make your flight has been in the works for years, but the public transit authority identified some challenges to get it off the ground.
METRO's Silver Line bus lanes in Galleria area not meeting ridership expectations
METRO's projections for how many people would ride the Silver Line in Uptown daily were in the thousands during planning, but that's not what ABC13 unsealed.