Who is Ayesha Rascoe?
Ayesha Rascoe hosts NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday and co-hosts the Up First podcast, where she brings her signature voice and sharp reporting to a national audience. Before stepping into these high-profile roles, she covered the White House for NPR, reporting on three presidential administrations and delivering in-depth political coverage.
Rascoe launched her journalism career at Reuters, where she focused on environmental policy. She reported on major global events such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the Fukushima nuclear disaster. A graduate of Howard University with a degree in journalism, Rascoe has earned recognition for her insightful storytelling and compelling presence on air.
Ayesha Rascoe’s age and birthday
Rascoe was born on June 10, 1985, in Durham, North Carolina, making her a Gemini according to the zodiac.
Ayesha Rascoe’s height and weight
Rascoe stands at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and weighs approximately 125 lbs (57 kg).
Ayesha Rascoe’s educational background
Rascoe graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Howard University in 2007. While at Howard, she served as editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Hilltop, an experience that played a key role in developing her journalism career. Prior to college, she attended Carrington Middle School and Southern High School in Durham, North Carolina, where she also gained journalism experience as the editor-in-chief of her school newspaper.
Ayesha Rascoe dating life, spouse and children
Rascoe married Patrick Trice, a U.S. veteran, in 2012. The couple has three children together.
Ayesha Rascoe nationality and ethnicity
Rascoe is an American and identifies as African American. She was born and grew up in Durham, North Carolina.
Ayesha Rascoe parents and siblings
Rascoe’s parents are Robert Rascoe and Phyllis Thorpe Jones.
Ayesha Rascoe career
Ayesha Rascoe has established a notable career in journalism, focusing primarily on political and policy reporting. She started her professional path at Reuters, where she covered energy and environmental policy, reporting on major incidents such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the Fukushima nuclear disaster. In 2016, she shifted her focus to the White House beat at Reuters, covering the final year of the Obama administration and the early period of the Trump presidency.
In 2017, Rascoe joined NPR as a White House correspondent, regularly contributing stories to Morning Edition and All Things Considered. She frequently appeared on NPR’s Politics Podcast and made guest appearances on prominent news shows like Washington Week, Meet the Press, CNN, and MSNBC. Listeners have noted her distinctive North Carolina accent, which has become a signature element of her reporting style, drawing both acclaim and critique.
In March 2022, NPR appointed Rascoe as the host of Weekend Edition Sunday and co-host of the Saturday edition of Up First alongside Scott Simon. She later took over as host of Up First’s The Sunday Story in June 2023, succeeding Rachel Martin. Beyond her journalism work, Rascoe edited HBCU Made: A Celebration of the Black College Experience, a collection of essays by graduates of historically Black colleges and universities, which was published in January 2024.
Ayesha Rascoe net worth and salary
She has a net worth of $500,000 and generates an annual salary of $108,000.
Books
Ayesha Rascoe authored HBCU Made: A Celebration of the Black College Experience, which hit shelves on January 30, 2024. In this collection of essays, alumni of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) share their stories—including notable contributors like Oprah Winfrey, Stacey Abrams, and Branford Marsalis. The book highlights the transformative experiences of attending an HBCU and showcases the lasting impact these institutions have had on their graduates.
Leaving NPR
No reports suggest that Ayesha Rascoe plans to leave NPR. She currently hosts Weekend Edition Sunday and co-hosts Up First on Sundays. Listeners and critics alike have praised Rascoe for bringing a fresh and authentic voice to public radio, which has made her a standout among NPR hosts.
Reviews
Listeners and critics have given Ayesha Rascoe mixed reviews. Many praise her for her authentic voice and engaging presence on NPR, highlighting the fresh and relatable energy she brings to public radio. They commend her conversational style and her ability to connect with audiences, especially when covering topics that matter to diverse communities.
However, some listeners have raised concerns about her voice and delivery, noting that it differs from the traditional NPR sound. While some welcome her distinctive style, others feel it contrasts sharply with NPR’s usual tone.
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