Rahel Solomon: CNN’s Rising Star and Morning Show Maven

Rahel Solomon is stepping into the spotlight as the new host of CNN’s revamped morning show, “Early Start,” airing weekdays at 5 a.m. ET. This Sudan-born business reporter is no stranger to the media landscape, having previously anchored CNN International and CBS-3 in Philadelphia. Solomon’s journey into journalism was anything but linear. Initially pursuing a finance degree at St. John’s University, her plans took a sharp detour during her last semester when she realized banking wasn’t her calling—an epiphany that resonates with many young graduates still grappling with post-recession job markets.
With her unique upbringing—born in Sudan to Ethiopian parents and raised in a mix of culturally rich locales from West Virginia to Philadelphia—Solomon embodies a global perspective that she brings to her reporting. Her vibrant personality shone through during a viral “hot chip challenge” segment back in 2017, where her love for spicy foods became a delightful comedic moment on air, showcasing her ability to blend serious news with lighthearted fun. “It went viral, and even though this was in 2017, people still ask if that’s me in the video,” she reminisced, highlighting the enduring nature of internet fame.
In her personal life, Solomon recently tied the knot with fellow Philadelphian Marcel S. Pratt in a culturally rich ceremony at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, famously known as the “Rocky stairs.” Their wedding was not just a celebration of love but a beautiful melding of their diverse backgrounds, reflecting Solomon’s pride in her Ethiopian heritage and Pratt’s affiliation with the historically Black fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi.
Beyond her professional and personal accomplishments, Solomon is also an avid runner, having completed various races, including a full marathon. This dedication to fitness mirrors her commitment to excellence in journalism, as she takes on the challenge of leading CNN’s morning news team. As she embarks on this new chapter, audiences can expect a blend of insightful reporting and engaging storytelling that only Solomon can deliver, making her a noteworthy figure in the evolving landscape of morning news.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, CNN, CBS News
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