Maureen Umeh
I remember watching the news as a kid growing up in Chicago and seeing one of my favorite reporters taking on city hall and fighting for the little guy. He was something like a superhero, and I wanted to be just like him.
I'm proud to say that I've achieved the goal of becoming a reporter, and even more proud to know that some of my stories have helped make a difference.
Hello, everyone! My name is Maureen Umeh, and I'm an anchor and reporter for FOX 5 DC. It's a new shift for me after being here at FOX 5 since 2002 and anchoring and reporting on mostly the evening and weekend newscasts.
The early hours are taking some adjustment, but boy am I having fun. I mean, on what other show can you go from covering something serious at the White House to dancing with a celebrity, and laughing till you cry with a famous comedian? It's a whirlwind, and I'm so glad to hear from so many of you who tell me how much you enjoy our shows.
My career in TV started many moons ago in Champaign, Illinois. I was lucky to land a full-time reporting job at WCIA-TV right after I graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.
I worked so hard to get that job. I had a radio talk show and also DJ’d. I wrote for the university newspaper, and then I worked at the TV station. I did anything I thought would give me the experience needed to be a better journalist. It wasn't always fun, but it proves that hard work does pay off.
My next stop was Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina, where I served as one of the main anchors for the late evening newscasts on WSPA-TV. I had such an amazing experience there and treasure the memories.
I've been honored with several awards for my work. They include an Emmy for Best Investigative Series and Best Newscast. I've also been honored by many other organizations, including the South Carolina Television and Arts Association; the Illinois Broadcaster's Association and the NAACP.
I served as the Chairwoman for the Upstate Leadership Council of the American Cancer Society and also worked with nonprofit organizations, including Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Mathew House, an agency for disadvantaged youth. With that said, my biggest accomplishment is my daughter.
She is a dream come true, and I am so grateful to be her Mom. In my free time, I love to travel. What Nigerian doesn't? Yes, I am full Nigerian. Born there, partially bred there. Ask me how I got rid of my accent or learned to pronounce the word, "fork." Now, how's that for a tease? Thank you for watching and allowing me the honor of bringing you the news.
The latest from Maureen Umeh
DC Weather LIVE UPDATES: Frigid temperatures, frozen roads slow snowstorm cleanup
Frigid temperatures and frozen streets are creating dangerous conditions as crews and residents continue cleaning up after the snowstorm.
University of Maryland campus steam outage leaves limited heat and hot water
A steam outage at the University of Maryland is causing widespread heating issues for students, staff and faculty living and working on campus.
DC Weather: Dangerous cold, icy streets freeze DC after snowstorm
Dangerous cold and hazardous ice is taking hold across the Washington, D.C. region on Tuesday as the area digs out from a powerful winter storm that brought snow, sleet, flight cancellations and school closures.
Road Conditions Tuesday: Drivers urged to use caution as cleanup continues
Road crews across the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia regions are continuing their cleanup efforts on Tuesday.
DC Water crews continue work on major sewage spill
DC Water crews are working to build a bypass system to control a sanitary sewer overflow from the Potomac Interceptor, which has caused a significant spill into the C&O Canal National Historical Park.
DC Water crews work to contain major sewage spill; drivers face heavy delays
DC Water crews are working to contain an untreated sewage spill that has shut down part of the Clara Barton Parkway and is causing significant delays for morning commuters.
Suspected National Guard shooter due back in court on two new charges
A deadly shooting case with ties to the National Guard and the White House is heading back to court, and prosecutors have now expanded the charges.
Supreme Court takes up cases over transgender athletes in school sports
A crowd has been camped outside the Supreme Court for hours ahead of Tuesday’s high‑stakes arguments. The Supreme Court is hearing challenges to state laws that bar transgender girls and women from competing on school sports teams.
Potential measles exposure sites identified in DMV after confirmed case in preschool age child
Health officials have released a list of potential measles exposure sites in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia after confirming a case in a preschool‑age child who recently traveled internationally.
George Washington Parkway construction continues into 2026
Drivers were told the major rebuild of the George Washington Parkway would wrap up by the end of 2025, but a week into the new year, work is still underway.