Anna Chen
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@WTOP digital editor | VCU alumna | heppy hound & corgi mum 🐶🐾
Articles by Anna Chen
Arizona driver charged with DWI after crashing into Fairfax County police cruiser on I-95
A 26-year-old Arizona man was arrested after crashing into a marked Fairfax County Police cruiser while allegedly driving under the influence on Interstate 95 in Springfield, Virginia, police said. The crash happened around 4:15 a.m. Sunday on southbound I-95 near Fairfax County Parkway while an officer assigned to the department’s DWI squad was conducting a traffic stop for a reckless driver.
Democrats pick up more legislative seats as mail-in ballots are counted
This article was republished with permission from WTOP’s news partners at Maryland Matters. Read the story at Maryland Matters. The blue wave had maybe slowed to a trickle by Friday, but the tide was still moving toward Democrats, who appeared to have ousted a GOP senator and picked up two more seats in the House of Delegates as mail-in ballots were counted in Frederick County. In the latest returns, posted Friday night, Democratic challenger Lara Westdorp had overtaken Sen.
Democrats pick up more legislative seats in Maryland as mail-in ballots are counted
This article was republished with permission from WTOP’s news partners at Maryland Matters. Read the story at Maryland Matters. The blue wave had maybe slowed to a trickle by Friday, but the tide was still moving toward Democrats, who appeared to have ousted a GOP senator and picked up two more seats in the House of Delegates as mail-in ballots were counted in Frederick County. In the latest returns, posted Friday night, Democratic challenger Lara Westdorp had overtaken Sen.
Man sentenced for ‘street takeover’ that damaged 2 Montgomery Co. police cruisers
A Maryland man was sentenced for his involvement in a street takeover that damaged two Montgomery County police cruisers earlier this year. Montgomery County police said Friday that Derrick Kingston Henry, 19, of Boyds, pleaded guilty to second-degree assault and was sentenced to five years in prison with all but 30 days of that sentence suspended.
Rider brandishes gun at Metrobus driver in Prince George’s County
A rider is accused of showing a handgun at a Metrobus driver in Prince George’s County, Maryland, on Friday evening. Related stories Metro Transit police said the incident happened at around 5:15 p.m. near Silver Hill Road and Royal Plaza Drive area, where of a female bus rider showed a handgun at the bus driver. She then got into a verbal fight with another rider on the bus, which turned physical, according to police. Prince George’s County police and Metro Transit police responded to the scene.
Why DC’s Floriana restaurant is closing its doors after New Year’s Eve
1:30 When his general manager told him someone with a Secret Service detail was dining at Floriana, James Branda eagerly went to greet the group sitting at Table 30 to find out who it was. There were four people seated, and one told Branda the group was celebrating his daughter, who had just graduated from law school. Branda told them he used to be a lawyer, and, “I hope you get out the same way I get out.” He later learned a Supreme Court justice was at the table.
WTOP’s Beer of the Week: ISM Deadliner 2.0 West Coast Pils
6:07 Is that smell in the air making you thirsty? WTOP’s Brennan Haselton is joined by Neighborhood Restaurant Group Beer Director and Food and Wine Sommelier of the Year Greg Engert to talk about ISM Deadliner 2.0 West Coast Pils for the latest edition of WTOP’s Beer of the Week.
Italian restaurant Floriana moving to Old Town Alexandria after 47 years in DC
Italian restaurant Floriana is leaving Northwest D.C. and moving to Northern Virginia. After 47 years in D.C., Floriana announced Wednesday that its last day of service at the Dupont Circle location along 17th Street will be Dec. 31. “Since 1979, Floriana has been a gathering place for first dates, anniversaries, celebrations, Pride festivities, neighborhood traditions, and countless memories shared.
Serious crash halts eastbound traffic in Bowie on US Route 50
A serious crash in Bowie, Maryland, is impacting traffic Monday night. All eastbound traffic on U.S. Route 50 after U.S.-301/MD-3 near Exit 13 has come to a halt due to a serious crash involving multiple cars. Delays are currently less than a mile. This is a developing story. Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
Man rescued from under Metro train after ‘unintentionally’ falling onto tracks in Arlington
This article was written by InsideNoVa's news partner, WTOP, and republished with permission. Sign up for WTOP'sbreaking news, traffic and weather alerts as well as daily emails. A man was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after he fell onto the tracks at the Virginia Square Metro station on Friday and was struck by a train.
Man rescued from under Metro train after ‘unintentionally’ falling onto tracks in Arlington
A man was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after he fell onto the tracks at the Virginia Square Metro station on Friday and was struck by a train. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority said the man was trespassing, and had stumbled and fallen “unintentionally.” He was hit by a train approaching the station at around 11:45 a.m. The man had to be extricated from underneath a Metro car, Arlington County Fire and EMS said.
Virginia man pounds the pavement for 200 miles to help others fight opioid addiction
A Northern Virginian man has pounded the pavement and fought through the pain of running 200 miles to raise awareness and money for opioid addiction. He did it to honor his mother and help others fight opioid addiction. Cole Parvin was just 12 years old when his mother died from an opioid overdose. “She struggled with addiction, but she also fought hard to overcome it. She sought treatment and kept trying to get back on her feet,” Parvin said. He said it was difficult growing up without her.
National Zoo announces names for its red panda twin cubs
Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute announced Wednesday that it has named its two red panda twins. The names are Shanti and Cinder. The twins were born to parents Sequoia and Mow Mow in May, and their names were chosen by the Smithsonian’s Council. The Smithsonian said Shanti, the female twin, was named in honor of Shanti Malla, who was the first female forest guardian in Western Nepal. For the male twin, Cinder’s name was inspired by his red and brown coloring.
Robert White could resign from DC Council due to legal technicality
The Democratic nominee for D.C. delegate, Robert White, may have to resign from his at-large D.C. Council seat before the Nov. 3 election due to a legal technicality. It comes from a 1970 law called the “District of Columbia Delegate Act,” which doesn’t allow a D.C. delegate to have any other paid public office on the date of their election. D.C.’s attorney general is recommending White resign from his seat before Election Day.
DC man convicted of hate crimes in attacks on 3 homeless men, killing 1
A D.C. man was found guilty Tuesday of bias-related hate crimes after attacking three men experiencing homelessness, killing one of them, in 2022. A jury found 35-year-old Gerald Brevard III guilty on 16 counts, including bias-related hate crimes based on the victims’ actual or perceived homelessness, first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, aggravated assault while armed, mayhem while armed and multiple firearms offenses.
Montgomery Co. leaders pass resolution, condemn proposed changes to 2030 Census
Leaders in Maryland’s most populated and diverse county have passed a resolution calling on the U.S. Census Bureau to withdraw its plans to change the way immigrants, racial and ethnic minorities, and others are counted in the 2030 census. “It’s outrageous that we have to be here — it should be unthinkable for the federal government to pick which of our residents is going to get counted,” said County Executive Marc Elrich in a Tuesday news conference with all members of the County Council.
Drag queen dressed as Tina Turner nearly steals High Heel Race win
0:56 There was nearly a miscarriage of justice when a drag queen dressed as Tina Turner bolted from the crowd, cutting in front of the real competitors and running through the finish line at the 39th annual 17th Street High Heel Race. Upon review, the video shows “Tina” running onto the course from the sidewalk, not far from the finish line.
WTOP’s Sandy Kozel inducted into Buffalo Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame
WTOP’s Sandy Kozel was inducted into the Buffalo Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame this past weekend in Depew, New York. The Buffalo Broadcasters Association held its induction ceremony Sunday, where many new members were inducted into the Hall of Fame, including Kozel, WTOP’s weekend anchor, for helping to shape Western New York media.
Open Road, a new cafe and wine bar coming to The Collection in Chevy Chase
Metropolitan Hospitality Group is making its debut in Maryland, with Open Road and a cafe and wine bar concept coming to Chevy Chase. Two new restaurants, Open Road, an American restaurant and gathering place, and Cove, an all-day cafe and wine bar, are coming to The Collection in Friendship Heights.
Hairbrush DNA, saw evidence highlighted in Naresh Bhatt murder trial
On Tuesday, in the Naresh Bhatt murder trial, what is expected to be some of the prosecution’s biggest evidence went before the jury. Jurors heard DNA evidence, including what was found on portions of a saw prosecutors said the Manassas Park, Virginia, man used to dispose of his wife Mamta Kafle Bhatt’s remains. Swabs of what scientists said was blood found inside the saw excluded Naresh Bhatt and the couple’s young daughter from contributing to the DNA profile.
2 men wounded in domestic-related shooting, Fairfax County police say
A man will face multiple felony charges in a domestic-related shooting that left two men wounded Monday night in Fairfax County, Virginia, according to police. In a post on social media Tuesday morning, the Fairfax County Police Department said a 32-year-old man turned himself in at the adult detention center. Police said he will be charged with two counts of malicious wounding. Officers responded to the 2200 block of Astoria Circle for reports of a shooting Monday night.
Man charged in 2025 killing of Northeast DC woman
A man has been arrested more than a year and a half after a woman was found dead in Northeast D.C. D.C. police announced Monday that 62-year-old Robert Bellamy was arrested in connection with the 2025 killing of 54-year-old Thameka Harvell. On Jan. 7, 2025, officers responded just after 5 a.m. to the 600 block of Rhode Island Avenue NE for a report of an unconscious person. Police said they found a woman unconscious and unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Man charged with murdering infant in Southeast DC, police say
A man was arrested Friday in the murder of an infant that took place in Southeast D.C. in March 2023. Police said Dion Phelps, 26, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of 7-month-old King Phelps. Related stories The incident happened on March 16, 2023, just before 2:20 a.m. Police said officers were called to the 1300 block of Morris Road for reports of an unconscious infant. Upon arrival, they found King Phelps, who was unresponsive. King was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bus driver dies in single-vehicle crash in College Park
A bus driver died in a crash Thursday night in College Park, Maryland. Maryland State Police troopers responded to U.S. Route 301 near Dyson Road at around 9:30 p.m. after receiving reports of a single-vehicle crash. The bus driver was the only person on the bus and was pronunced dead at the scene. As of Friday morning, the driver’s identity had not been released. The crash remains under investigation. Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.
National Zoo names baby red panda after bedazzled country music icon
The National Zoo announced Tuesday that a name has been chosen for its newest red panda cub. “With flaming locks of auburn fur and a cuteness that extends beyond the hours of 9 to 5, this little firecracker officially has a name: Dolly!” The National Zoo said in a post on Facebook.
Va. General Assembly calls off Oct. 26 special session to elect judges
This article was reprinted with permission from Virginia Mercury. An Oct. 26 special session to elect judges to the Court of Appeals of Virginia has been called off because of scheduling conflicts, scrapping lawmakers’ return to Richmond. The session was expected to last at least three days, which Senate Majority Leader Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, said was difficult for many lawmakers to plan around. “Members were planning on all kinds of travel plans and family plans and all kinds of stuff.
Virginia governor lays out demands for NextEra, Dominion Energy merger
Gov. Abigail Spanberger called on Virginia regulators Monday to require a six-year freeze on residential electricity rates and additional customer bill credits as conditions for approving the proposed merger between NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy.
Death of missing DC man ruled homicide months after remains found
Five months after human remains were found in Northwest D.C., police announced Friday that they are investigating the death as a homicide. D.C. police said skeletal remains were found on May 15 behind the 2900 block of Georgia Avenue NW. The remains were in an “advanced state of decomposition” and were later identified as 25-year-old Jahari Garrett, of D.C. Police said Garrett was reported missing earlier this year and was last seen on April 20.
The Carpenters’ Songbook at National Theatre in DC celebrates popular ‘70s duo’s beloved music
Christina Hélène Braa and Kevin Lausche as Karen and Richard Carpenter, seated at a piano in "The Carpenters' Songbook: A Live Celebration." "It's an immense honor" to portray Karen Carpenter in "The Carpenters' Songbook: A Live Celebration," actress Christina Hélène Braa said. In "The Carpenters' Songbook," Kevin Lausche plays Richard, known for his multi-track harmonies, classically-tinged keyboards and symphonic arrangements.
University of Maryland students storm president’s speech to protest racist image shared by club tennis team
This article was written by WTOP’s news partner, The Banner Montgomery, and republished with permission. Subscribe to The Banner Montgomery here. More than 100 students stormed the State of the Campus address given by University of Maryland President Darryll Pines on Thursday afternoon, in protest of the university’s response to a racist image sent by the school’s club tennis team. The students stood quietly in the back of the room with their fists in the air and posters condemning racism.
Maryland governor orders review of campus sexual assault policies following Cornell case
This article was republished with permission from WTOP’s news partners at Maryland Matters. Read the story at Maryland Matters. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) is asking an independent state agency to take a closer look at sexual assault policies on college campuses in Maryland amid a national reckoning caused by allegations of a gang rape at Cornell University.
Anna Chen (@annachenwrites)
Elites making off like bandits Interesting points in today’s Larry Elliott piece in The Guardian. He acknowledges that China's affordable goods helped fend off the worst of the global crisis exacerbated by two major wars, a refreshing objectivity in the prevailing China-bashing climate of the mainstream media. It was China, after all, that floated us out of America’s last mess in its Great Crash of 2008. But the downside, as Elliott and many others see it, is the threat to local manufacturing.
‘The room lit up:’ Witnesses speak to alleged crime scene, Naresh Bhatt’s inconsistent statements in Manassas Park murder trial
This article was republished with permission from WTOP’s news partner InsideNoVa.com. Sign up for InsideNoVa.com’s free email subscription today. Read the article on Inside Nova. The fifth day of Naresh Bhatt’s murder trial exposed apparent gaps in Bhatt’s initial account of his wife’s disappearance in July 2024, and detectives described what they believed was once a blood-soaked bedroom in the Bhatt house.
1 dead after ‘apparent overdose’ inside Wheaton Metro Station, police say
Three men were hospitalized after an “apparent overdose” at Wheaton Metro Station in Montgomery County Monday night, and one later died, Montgomery County police said. Related stories Officers responded to the station in the 11000 block of Veirs Mill Road around 8:15 p.m. and found the men unresponsive. First responders administered Narcan before all three were transported to a hospital. Their identities have not been released. The incident remains under investigation.
NBC Washington anchor Jim Handly to retire in November after 35 years
A longtime news anchor at NBC Washington announced his retirement Monday after 35 years with the D.C. television station. Jim Handly shared the “personal breaking news” on air that he will retire after the November midterm elections, ending a 35-year career at WRC-TV. “It’s been quite a run, bringing you the news, with the best team in the business. These are some of the people who always had my back as I’ve had theirs,” he said. “We have built some amazing memories here.”
Virginia teachers balance AI innovation with student creativity amid rising academic pressure
This article was reprinted with permission from Virginia Mercury. Students face pressure to do well from family expectations, peer competition, college admissions, and a broader achievement-focused culture. Some Virginia education experts say it is leading them to rely on artificial intelligence, at the expense of strengthening their own creative and critical thinking skills.
Two Prince George’s council members call for audit of organizations tied to their colleagues
This article was written by WTOP’s news partner, The Banner Montgomery, and republished with permission. Subscribe to The Banner Montgomery here. Prince George’s County Council members Jolene Ivey and Sydney Harrison on Monday called for an independent audit of two organizations to which their council colleagues have steered millions in grant funding.
Anna Chen (@annachenwrites)
TRUMP DOESN’T WANT THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ OPEN Pundits are catching on that the Hormuz Strait is America’s greatest shakedown ever. No, it’s not meant to reopen. No, Trump isn’t entirely irrational. He has Europe flailing, China and Asia hunkering down for the long haul while he buys Russian diesel for his electorate. What’s not to like? Britain and Europe joined in the USA’s proxy war on Russia in Ukraine and gave up the cheap energy that powered its economies.
Car crashes and plows into work zone injuring highway worker in Anne Arundel
A highway worker was injured early Wednesday morning when a car veered into an active work zone following a two-vehicle crash in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
Additional testing shows Potomac River ‘returned to normal’ after sewage spill
DC Water announced Wednesday that testing has shown the Potomac River has “returned to normal” after a sewage spill earlier this year. Further and expanded testing has since been conducted on the river. DC Water said there is “no evidence of lasting harm” after the Potomac Interceptor sewer line collapsed in January, sending hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage into the river.
Boy killed in Southeast DC shooting, police say
A boy was shot and killed in Southeast D.C. Tuesday morning. D.C. police said officers were called to the 2700 block of Minnesota Avenue at around 11:40 a.m. for reports of a shooting. Authorities said dn older juvenile male had been shot. He was not conscious or breathing when law enforcement arrived. D.C. Fire and EMS took the boy to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Preliminary information indicates the suspect was also a male.
Best public high school in Maryland is in Montgomery County
This article was written by WTOP’s news partner Bethesda Today and republished with permission. Sign up for Bethesda Today’s free email subscription today. Poolesville High School was ranked the best public high school in Maryland by education website Niche, making it one of five high schools from Montgomery County that made it to the top 10 in the state.
County greenlights Takoma Park bookstore to sell beer, wine to patrons
This article was written by WTOP’s news partner Bethesda Today and republished with permission. Sign up for Bethesda Today’s free email subscription today. Soon, patrons of People’s Book in Takoma Park may be able to sip a cold beer or a can of wine while reading on the patio, attending a club meeting or listening to a discussion at the shop.
Moore and Cox bring heat to Maryland governor’s debate, but will it alter the race?
This article was republished with permission from WTOP’s news partners at Maryland Matters. Read the story at Maryland Matters. The lone televised debate between the two leading contenders for governor looked very similar to their debate four years ago. Gov. Wes Moore (D) and his Republican challenger Dan Cox each presented their vision of a state under their leadership.
Meet Charley and Ruper, a bonded pair of dogs
Charley and Ruper share a special bond and need to go home together. Coming in at 44 pounds, Charley is a mixed-breed kind of pup who is like that confident and curious big sister who likes to know what’s going on around her — better yet, she’d rather be right in the middle of it. She’s the instigator of the pair: the one who decides it’s time to wrestle, grabs the tug toy, or launches into excited kangaroo hops when something fun is about to happen.
Prince George’s Co. Council votes to advance funding plan for billion-dollar Sphere project
0:50 The Sphere concert and entertainment venue planned for National Harbor is another step closer to reality after an important vote Monday by the Prince George’s County Council, but unions looking to secure agreements concerning construction of the project have been left out. The council voted 11-0 to authorize up to $215 million in special obligation bonds to help build the complex. Those bonds would be repaid by revenue generated by the venue.
Robin Bell made the Trump Hotel his canvas. Now his protest art is in a DC gallery
2:40 Some art pieces hang in museums, other works exist on digital playlists — for multimedia artist Robin Bell, D.C. provides an ever-evolving wealth of public canvasses. “The work I’m most known for is site-specific projections that I do on government buildings and buildings of power in and throughout Washington, D.C.,” Bell said in a WTOP interview. “We’re most famous for doing projections on the Trump Hotel,” beginning in 2017, during President Donald Trump’s first term in office.
DC announces extended market this holiday season
The holiday season is creeping up quickly and D.C. has great news for those wanting to head to the downtown market for some holiday shopping. The Downtown D.C. Holiday Market is extended this year to 40 days over six full weekends, transforming F Street NW between 7th and 9th Streets NW into a festive winter destination. It will run from Nov. 13 through Dec. 23, and it is free and open to the public.
Loudoun County elementary school teacher charged with allegedly hitting student
An elementary school teacher allegedly hit a student on Thursday in Loudoun County, Virginia. The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office said in a Friday news release that 49-year-old Valerie Bowen, a resident of Ashburn and a teacher at Horizon Elementary School, located at 46665 Broadmore Dr., reportedly assaulted a student. A school resource officer was informed of the alleged assault, prompting an investigation into the altercation. Bowen was issued a summons and charged with assault and battery.
Cookie chain Chip City shutters all locations, including in DC region
Chip City, a national cookie chain with several locations around the D.C. region, announced Friday that it’s closing all of its stores. The bakery said the closures come after “extensive efforts to stabilize” the business “in the face of significant macro-economic headwinds.” “We are grateful to our dedicated employees and loyal customers who have supported us for the past 10 years,” Chip City’s statement read in part.
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