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
Protest planned after special needs students denied service at Maryland Cracker Barrel
Parents and community members are expressing outrage after a group of special education students on a field trip were allegedly refused service at the Cracker Barrel restaurant in Waldorf earlier this month.
Should automated license plate readers be regulated in Virginia?
Virginia lawmakers will soon decide if the state will regulate the use of automated license plate readers commonly used by law enforcement agencies. It’s a hotly contested debate.
Ashes of puppy killed in tragic plane crash brought to deceased pilot's family in Virginia
The ashes of a pilot and a puppy killed in a plane crash last month were brought to the pilot's family in Northern Virginia.
Family of woman hit, killed on Prince George's County highway speaks out
The family of a Prince George’s County mother is speaking out after she was hit and killed while crossing the street last Friday night off Indian Head Highway.
I-95 reopens after early morning shooting shuts down highway for hours
Interstate 95 in Maryland has reopened after a Monday morning shooting closed the highway for much of the early commute.
Dozens gather at Salisbury University in response to alleged hate crime
A wave of emotion swept across the Salisbury University campus Monday as dozens gathered for a unity walk and vigil following a violent attack that has left the community shaken.
When do cicadas come out in 2024? What to know ahead of emergence in MD, VA and DC area
Get ready! 2024 will be the year of the cicada! Here's when and where they will emerge in the Washington, D.C. area.
Commanders raffle winner says $14,000 check bounced
A check written by the Commanders to a fan who won the 50/50 raffle bounced when he cashed it in.
FDA looks to pull pre-term pregnancy drug Makena
The Food and Drug Administration wants to withdraw Makena, a drug that claims to reduce the risk of pre-term births. The FDA says the drug doesn't work — but the pharmaceutical company that produces it says the FDA's study didn't include enough Black women, who are at a higher risk for preterm birth.
Local artist paints Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson mural in Northwest
A local artist is memorializing Ketanji Brown Jackson with a mural in Northwest.