Shirin Rajaee
Who would have thought this California girl would be living in D.C.? What an amazing opportunity! I'm so thrilled to be here.
I remember years ago, before I even landed my first job in news, my brother and I visited D.C. as he was interviewing for medical school. I fell in love with the energy of this beautiful, vibrant and diverse city. My brother even videotaped me doing mock news reports in front of the White House for my résumé tape. Now, it's pretty amazing to see that story come full circle.
I got my start in news working behind the scenes at CNN in Los Angeles (my hometown). I owe a lot to my CNN family who believed in me, trained me and who ultimately helped launch my career.
This is not an easy job, and I hold a lot of respect and gratitude for those who have helped shape me into the journalist I am today.
I joined FOX 5 in January 2020 as the weekend evening anchor and nightside reporter. Before I got here, for the past four years, I was the weeknight evening anchor/reporter for KOVR CBS in Sacramento, where I covered state politics and big breaking news stories, including the Northern California wildfires, mass shootings in Gilroy and Las Vegas as well as immigration and terrorism stories. Prior to CBS, I was an anchor/reporter for KEYT ABC in Santa Barbara.
I would say my favorite person to interview has been Oprah. The story that has had the biggest impact on me was the nearly two years of continuous coverage of the controversial police shooting of Stephon Clark in Sacramento that drew national attention.
On a personal note, I come from a big Iranian and Middle Eastern family. (Think My Big Fat Greek Wedding!) My parents and brother's family live in Los Angeles.
I also just recently got engaged! Which means, yes, I'm in full-blown wedding planning mode, counting down to our 2020 summer wedding in San Diego! Things are a bit crazy! My fiancé and I were competing anchors in Sacramento, but now we play nice on the same team. We're so excited to check out all the sites and history D.C. has to offer.
I'm a big foodie and I'm always looking for a good concert or live music event! If anyone has suggestions, please hit me up!
The latest from Shirin Rajaee
Calls to boycott two Maryland restaurants over alleged racist incidents
There are growing calls to boycott two Maryland restaurants over alleged racist incidents that took place over the last couple of weeks.
Fauci says states should consider pool testing for COVID-19
The nation's top infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci says states should consider adding a different testing strategy for COVID-19 known as “pool testing.” He says the White House Coronavirus Task Force is seriously considering it.
Burn injuries and illegal fireworks among concerns ahead of July 4th holiday
While the White House is moving forward with a fireworks show over the National Mall for July Fourth, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is urging residents to stay at home. She says while the District has largely flattened the curve when it comes to COVID-19, it has not eradicated the virus.
COVID-19 takes toll on wedding industry
The coronavirus pandemic has taken a huge toll on the wedding industry. Thousands of couples are left in limbo having to decide whether or not they should move forward with their 2020 celebrations.
Prince William County Jail Board votes to end controversial immigration program
It was a huge victory Wednesday night for the immigrant community in Prince William County who have been fighting to get rid of a controversial program that partners local law enforcement with ICE.
DC attorney general sues city's housing authority
D.C.'s attorney general is suing the District's Housing Authority. AG Karl Racine claims the agency has failed to keep its properties and tenants safe.
Young voices lead protests nationwide in response to death of George Floyd in police hands
As protests around the country gain more and more momentum, the focus is on the youth voices leading the charge.
Businesses, restaurants struggle amid protests following months of COVID-19 closures
Across the D.C. region many businesses and restaurants are picking up the pieces after being burglarized and looted over the weekend.
2-year-old girl stabbed in Northeast DC, suspect arrested: police
DC Police are investigating after a 2-year-old girl was randomly stabbed while riding a scooter Wednesday evening in Northeast.
Pharmacists begin COVID-19 testing in Maryland
Hundreds of pharmacists are now on the front lines of battling COVID-19 in Maryland. They have been given the authority by Governor Larry Hogan to provide testing at pharmacy sites that are opening up weekly throughout the state. Rite Aid, CVS and Walmart are doing tests not inside their pharmacies, but outside in their parking lots. On Tuesday, car after car wrapped around the Maryland Walmart parking lot off Guilford Drive in Frederick.