
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 Morning. 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 at 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
Montgomery County Council passes renters' rights bill
The Montgomery County Council has unanimously passed the Consumer Protection for Renters Act, a bill designed to hold landlords more accountable for housing code violations.
Camera captures brutal attack on dog; Humane Rescue Alliance offers $2,500 reward
The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) is seeking the public’s help to identify a person caught on video brutally attacking a young dog on Georgia Avenue in Northwest Washington.
3 teens charged after Pentagon City Mall fights
Extra police officers were dispatched to Pentagon City Mall in Arlington on Sunday after multiple fights broke out on Saturday evening, forcing a temporary shutdown.
DC weather: Cherry blossoms near peak bloom as warm weekend temperatures approach
Temperatures near 80 degrees are expected this weekend as D.C.’s famous cherry blossoms approach peak bloom.
DC considers banning use of cell phones during school day
The D.C. Council is reviewing a proposal to ban student use of cell phones, smartwatches, and gaming devices during the school day, aiming to reduce distractions, improve learning, and address social media-related issues.
Schools across DC region rally against proposed education cuts
Parents, teachers, and students in the Washington, D.C. region are joining a nationwide movement to protest sweeping federal education budget cuts. Organized "walk-ins" are taking place at schools across the country, including Wise High School and several others in Prince George’s County, as part of an effort led by the National Education Association.
Missing Sudiksha Konanki’s parents ask Dominican Republic authorities for death declaration: report
Nearly two weeks after their daughter vanished from a resort in the beach town of Punta Cana, the parents of a missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki have formally requested a declaration of death from Dominican authorities, according to a FOX News report.
Sudiksha Konanki missing: What we know so far
Sudiksha Konanki, a a University of Pittsburgh student from Virginia, has been missing in the Dominican Republic since March 6.
Fairfax County Public Schools launches school bus camera program to protect students
Drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses in Fairfax County will soon face fines as part of a new effort to protect students as they exit or board the bus.
Maryland, Virginia measles potential exposure sites
Health officials in Maryland announced a positive case of measles in a Howard County resident on Sunday and are working to identify people who might have been exposed.