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
Clinical COVID-19 vaccine trials started for children
As millions of Americans wait to get their coronavirus vaccine, they're still not available for children, as kids were not part of the initial vaccine trials.
DC mayor's office investigates batch of suspicious N95 masks distributed to first responders
We're learning more about the possible counterfeit N95 masks that were distributed to first responders in the District as sources told FOX 5's Evan Lambert last night. FOX 5's Shirin Rajaee reports that the D.C. mayor's office is taking this report seriously and is now investigating what appears to be counterfeit N95 masks that made their way into the city's stockpile.
COVID-19 outbreak reported at Prince William County Jail
Prince William County Manassas Adult Detention Center is dealing with another COVID-19 outbreak that has left dozens ill.
Should pregnant women get the COVID-19 vaccine? Some medical experts are saying 'yes'
Pregnant women and young children were not included in the original U.S. clinical trials, so there's no safety data available yet – but based on some early research, Dr. Anthony Fauci is saying there have been no red flags seen in the more than 10,000 pregnant women who have received the coronavirus vaccine thus far.
Churches to host vaccination clinics across DC region to help boost confidence
There are calls for the faith-based community to help in spreading the word on getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
Biden lifts transgender military ban
An executive order Monday ended a transgender ban in the military that was enacted by the Trump administration. President Biden's order allows transgender individuals to once again join and serve.
Gaithersburg-based Novavax in phase 3 of coronavirus vaccine trials
There is hope on the horizon, and it's coming from a local drug developer.
Non-profit making final push to raise money to reunite military families during the holidays
With just one more week until Christmas, a local non-profit is making its final push to raise money to reunite military families this holiday season.
FOX 5 checks in with Moderna coronavirus vaccine trial participants
Moderna says its COVID vaccine candidate offers immunity for up to three months after the second dose.
Cargo pilots preparing to deliver coronavirus vaccine
Cargo pilots have been working around the clock since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and now they're gearing up for an even greater task – the distribution of a coronavirus vaccine.