Rachel ChasonRachel Chason is The Washington Post's West Africa bureau chief. Before becoming a foreign correspondent in 2022, she was a reporter on the Local desk, focusing on politics and government in Prince George's County, Md. https://www.washingtonpost.comTue, 25 Apr 2023 03:47:05 +00001hourly1As Russians plot against Chad, concerns mount over important U.S. ally https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/04/23/chad-wagner-russia-leaked-documents/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/04/23/chad-wagner-russia-leaked-documents/Rachel ChasonMon, 24 Apr 2023 08:29:39 +0000But critics say the Biden administration is making a mistake by giving Chad a pass over violence and repression at home. Big Oil is selling off its polluting assets — with unintended consequenceshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/03/27/shell-nigeria-niger-delta-oil/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/03/27/shell-nigeria-niger-delta-oil/Rachel ChasonMon, 27 Mar 2023 06:00:59 +0000Shell says its divestments in Nigeria help the company meet its green goals. But villagers and watchdogs say conditions have worsened after the sales. Africa’s largest economy is running out of cash. Here’s why.https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/03/02/nigeria-currency-change-naira-demonetization/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/03/02/nigeria-currency-change-naira-demonetization/Niha Masih, Rachel Chason, Ope Adetayo Thu, 02 Mar 2023 09:00:24 +0000Nigeria is replacing high-denomination naira, but a shortage of new notes has led to protests and riots as millions stand in ATM lines for hours.Nigeria’s Tinubu wins presidential election; opposition cries foulhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/28/nigeria-election-results-bola-tinubu/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/28/nigeria-election-results-bola-tinubu/Rachel Chason, Ope AdetayoWed, 01 Mar 2023 14:41:10 +0000The opposition parties say the results are invalid and a new election should be held. As crises spiral, Nigerians are voting in tight presidential electionhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/25/nigeria-election-obi-tinubu-abubakar/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/25/nigeria-election-obi-tinubu-abubakar/Rachel ChasonSat, 25 Feb 2023 19:03:03 +0000Third-party candidate Peter Obi is looking to upset contenders from Nigeria’s two main political parties: Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar.What you need to know about Nigeria’s historic presidential electionhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/24/nigeria-election-obi-tinubu-atiku/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/24/nigeria-election-obi-tinubu-atiku/Rachel Chason, Adela SulimanFri, 24 Feb 2023 07:30:09 +0000Nigerians head to the polls for a presidential election that sees for the first time a wild-card third party candidate, Peter Obi, and no military front-runners.In Nigeria’s election, young people seek to wield new power https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/23/nigeria-election-youth-peter-obi/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/23/nigeria-election-youth-peter-obi/Rachel Chason, Ope Adetayo, Rael Ombuor Thu, 23 Feb 2023 07:00:35 +0000Peter Obi's promises of reform have won a wide following among young people, who represent 70 percent of the population. At least 40 dead in Senegal after two buses collide https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/08/senegal-bus-crash/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/01/08/senegal-bus-crash/Rachel ChasonSun, 08 Jan 2023 15:04:30 +0000President Macky Sall declared three days of mourning following the crash. African scuba divers rewrite a ‘settlers’ narrative’ of the slave tradehttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/11/17/slave-ship-wrecks-smithsonian-senegal/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/11/17/slave-ship-wrecks-smithsonian-senegal/Rachel ChasonThu, 17 Nov 2022 07:00:18 +0000Off the coast of Senegal, they have been exploring what are believed to be sunken slave ships, as part of a Smithsonian-supported program. African moviegoers rave over ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/11/15/black-panther-reaction-africa/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/11/15/black-panther-reaction-africa/Rachel Chason, Rael Ombuor Tue, 15 Nov 2022 09:00:36 +0000“It shows that cinema is not just for the West,” a father in Senegal said of the highly anticipated sequel. The twilight of Africa’s glaciers https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2022/kenya-glaciers-africa-climate-change/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2022/kenya-glaciers-africa-climate-change/Rachel ChasonThu, 10 Nov 2022 19:34:45 +0000Africa is home to three glacier-capped mountains. Within decades, scientists say, the glaciers will be gone. Mount Kenya’s will be the first to go.In Burkina Faso, a coup within a coup https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/10/01/burkina-faso-coup/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/10/01/burkina-faso-coup/Rachel Chason, Borso TallSat, 01 Oct 2022 20:03:54 +0000The military leaders said their decision was rooted in the failure of Lt. Col. Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba to control escalating violence.After shocking stadium massacre, Guinea finally tries its former leadershttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/09/30/guinea-conakry-stadium-massacre-trial/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/09/30/guinea-conakry-stadium-massacre-trial/Rachel ChasonFri, 30 Sep 2022 08:46:53 +0000Guinean security forces killed more than 150 people and raped scores of women in 2009. In former British colonies, ghosts of past haunt mourning for queenhttps://www.washingtonpost.comhttps://www.washingtonpost.comRachel ChasonMon, 19 Sep 2022 08:02:08 +0000Britain’s colonial legacy haunts mourning for queenhttps://www.washingtonpost.comhttps://www.washingtonpost.comRael Ombuor, Rachel Chason, Meena VenkataramananMon, 12 Sep 2022 21:15:21 +0000In former British colonies, ghosts of past haunt mourning for queen https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/09/12/queen-elizabeth-death-africa-colonialism/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/09/12/queen-elizabeth-death-africa-colonialism/Rael Ombuor , Rachel Chason, Meena VenkataramananMon, 12 Sep 2022 16:53:26 +0000“Colonialism is history in the West,” said a South African writer. "But in our countries, colonialism is now.”Kenya Supreme Court backs presidential election results, affirms Ruto’s winhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/09/05/kenya-supreme-court-ruto/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/09/05/kenya-supreme-court-ruto/Rael Ombuor , Rachel ChasonMon, 05 Sep 2022 14:43:02 +0000In a sharply worded verdict, the court dismissed allegations made by former prime minister Raila Odinga, who had contested the Aug. 9 election results. An airstrike on a kindergarten and the end to Ethiopia’s uneasy peacehttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/09/03/ethiopia-civil-war-tigray/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/09/03/ethiopia-civil-war-tigray/Rael Ombuor, Rachel ChasonSat, 03 Sep 2022 06:00:01 +0000‘We cannot keep up,’ said the head of a hospital in Tigray that received victims. Fighting erupts near Tigray border, dashing hopes of peace in Ethiopia https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/24/ethiopia-fighting-tplf-war-tigray/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/24/ethiopia-fighting-tplf-war-tigray/Rachel ChasonWed, 24 Aug 2022 14:33:13 +0000The renewed violence comes amid a worsening humanitarian situation in Africa’s second most populous country. Defeated Kenyan candidate challenges results in Supreme Court https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/22/kenya-election-challenge-ruto-odinga/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/22/kenya-election-challenge-ruto-odinga/Rachel Chason, Rael OmbuorMon, 22 Aug 2022 16:06:49 +0000In his lawsuit, veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga said Deputy President William Ruto's victory was "illegal, invalid, null and void.”William Ruto declared winner of Kenya’s presidential electionhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/15/kenya-elections-odinga-ruto/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/15/kenya-elections-odinga-ruto/Rachel Chason, Rael Ombuor Mon, 15 Aug 2022 21:31:17 +0000A majority of the electoral commission said they could not stand by the result. What happens next will be closely watched.Kenyans head to polls in tightly contested, closely watched electionhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/09/kenya-election-odinga-ruto/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/09/kenya-election-odinga-ruto/Rachel Chason, Rael Ombuor Tue, 09 Aug 2022 16:29:17 +0000Former prime minister Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto are vying for the highest office. Kenyan candidates turn to music of the street in their bid for youth https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/08/kenya-election-musicians-odinga-ruto/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/08/kenya-election-musicians-odinga-ruto/Rachel Chason, Rael Ombuor Mon, 08 Aug 2022 06:00:37 +0000In Kenya’s tight presidential race between Raila Odinga and William Ruto, a Kenyan hip-hop genre called gengetone has been an ever-present soundtrack. A wild-card candidate in Kenya is sparking an African debate about weed https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/03/kenya-election-george-wajackoyah-marijuana/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/08/03/kenya-election-george-wajackoyah-marijuana/Rachel Chason, Rael OmbuorWed, 03 Aug 2022 06:00:17 +0000Pro-pot candidate George Wajackoyah is lighting up Kenya’s presidential campaign. After 246 years, Marines set for their first Black four-star generalhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/07/20/michael-langley-africom-marines-general/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/07/20/michael-langley-africom-marines-general/Rachel Chason, Dan LamotheWed, 20 Jul 2022 08:00:25 +0000Lt. Gen. Michael E. Langley, whose confirmation hearing is scheduled for Thursday, has been tapped to head AFRICOM, leading U.S. military forces in Africa. Burkina Faso massacre highlights a strengthening insurgency https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/06/16/burkina-faso-massacre-extremists-coup/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/06/16/burkina-faso-massacre-extremists-coup/Rachel Chason, Borso TallThu, 16 Jun 2022 16:22:59 +0000The attack in Seytenga, which left at least 79 dead, occurred nearly five months after coup leaders promised to restore security.7 pills, a 20-year fight: A teen’s mistake ends in deportation threatshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/05/01/lundy-khoy-deportation-virginia-law-immigration/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/05/01/lundy-khoy-deportation-virginia-law-immigration/Rachel ChasonSun, 01 May 2022 10:00:00 +0000Lundy Khoy pleaded to Trump for leniency in 2016. An old Virginia law and a sympathetic prosecutor helped end her ordeal.Pr. George’s officials say long-awaited transformation is cominghttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/04/18/prince-georges-blue-line/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/04/18/prince-georges-blue-line/Rachel ChasonMon, 18 Apr 2022 11:00:34 +0000Efforts to develop the central portion of the county, which includes some of the poorest neighborhoods inside the Beltway, are not new. But officials hope record investment will mark a long-awaited turning point. Longtime Prince George’s council member Davis resignshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/04/08/derrick-davis-prince-georges-county/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/04/08/derrick-davis-prince-georges-county/Rachel ChasonFri, 08 Apr 2022 19:25:44 +0000Looking ahead to a life after politics, Derrick Leon Davis says, “It’s just not me to wait.”The Commanders may relocate. Neighbors say good riddance.https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/04/08/commanders-fedex-field-landover/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/04/08/commanders-fedex-field-landover/Rachel Chason, Erin CoxFri, 08 Apr 2022 14:30:32 +0000Landover residents say they're still waiting for promises that were made in the 90s to be fulfilled.Latinos find little room in majority-African American countyhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/04/04/latino-prince-georges-representation/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/04/04/latino-prince-georges-representation/Rachel ChasonMon, 04 Apr 2022 11:00:42 +0000County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) has emphasized the importance of representation. But there are no Latinos in her 39-member cabinet.Beloved cyclist dies after van strikes him from behindhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/local/beloved-cyclist-dies-after-van-strikes-him-from-behind/2022/03/23/e74cb1ee-aabf-11ec-8a8e-9c6e9fc7a0de_story.htmlhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/local/beloved-cyclist-dies-after-van-strikes-him-from-behind/2022/03/23/e74cb1ee-aabf-11ec-8a8e-9c6e9fc7a0de_story.htmlMartin Weil and Rachel ChasonWed, 23 Mar 2022 15:42:00 +0000Beloved cyclist dies after van strikes him from behindBeloved cyclist dies after motorist driving van strikes him from behind https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/03/22/prominent-bicylist-killed-frederick-crash/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/03/22/prominent-bicylist-killed-frederick-crash/Martin Weil, Rachel ChasonWed, 23 Mar 2022 02:21:54 +0000Shawn Blumenfeld, 51, was fatally struck by a van in Maryland, police said.Fueled by windfalls, Montgomery and Pr. George’s pitch more spending on police, climate https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/03/15/montgomery-prince-georges-county-budgets-elrich-alsobrooks/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/03/15/montgomery-prince-georges-county-budgets-elrich-alsobrooks/Rebecca Tan, Rachel ChasonTue, 15 Mar 2022 22:39:49 +0000Buoyed by federal relief, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks proposed budgets that would add support for low-income residents, boost investment in climate initiatives and expand police resources.Even on his birthday, a Black funeral director can’t escape covid deaths https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/03/08/black-funeral-directors-covid/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/03/08/black-funeral-directors-covid/Rachel ChasonTue, 08 Mar 2022 12:00:54 +0000As the pandemic enters its third year, there's no return to normal for Hari Close and other Black funeral directors.In final blow to Pr. George’s council, Maryland Court of Appeals affirms ruling on redistricting https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/03/07/prince-georges-redistricting/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/03/07/prince-georges-redistricting/Rachel ChasonMon, 07 Mar 2022 23:39:46 +0000The earlier ruling from a Prince George's County circuit judge said the map was invalid because of a procedural error.Mask mandates are going away as covid cases persist. What’s changed?https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/02/25/masks-covid-omicron-vaccine/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/02/25/masks-covid-omicron-vaccine/Jenna Portnoy, Hannah Natanson, Rachel Chason, John D. HardenFri, 25 Feb 2022 23:26:46 +0000As the Centers for Disease Control eased masking recommendations Friday, Prince George's County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks announced the county's indoor mask mandate would end Monday, a day before D.C.'s is slated to lift.This council member was talking policing reforms. Then the racial slurs started.https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/02/11/will-jawando-racism/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/02/11/will-jawando-racism/Rachel ChasonFri, 11 Feb 2022 17:46:19 +0000Montgomery County council member Will Jawando said he was not surprised by the racism. But he thinks it needs to be addressed.A beloved mayor’s suicide devastated his city and left an agonizing question: Why?https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/02/03/hyattsville-mayor-ward-suicide/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/02/03/hyattsville-mayor-ward-suicide/Rachel Chason, Katie MettlerThu, 03 Feb 2022 20:50:31 +0000Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward's sudden death is part of an uptick in suicides among Black people.Prince George’s judge throws out divisive redistricting map approved by county councilhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/01/31/prince-georges-redistricting-council/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/01/31/prince-georges-redistricting-council/Rachel ChasonMon, 31 Jan 2022 21:44:36 +0000The judge's decision marks a victory for a group of liberal politicians in the county. But there could still be an appeal.Hyattsville Mayor Kevin Ward dies, city says https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/01/26/hyattsville-kevin-ward-dies/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/01/26/hyattsville-kevin-ward-dies/Rachel Chason, Katie MettlerThu, 27 Jan 2022 00:02:22 +0000The city said in a news release that Ward died Tuesday “from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.”Residents sue Prince George’s County over redistricting map approved by councilhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/01/26/prince-georges-redistricting-lawsuit/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/01/26/prince-georges-redistricting-lawsuit/Rachel ChasonWed, 26 Jan 2022 21:20:24 +0000The plan approved by the council removed three liberal candidates from districts in which they were considering running. Now one of the candidates is backing a lawsuit against the county.Inside this Maryland ICU, a depleted staff struggles to keep goinghttps://www.washingtonpost.comhttps://www.washingtonpost.comRachel ChasonTue, 25 Jan 2022 23:12:23 +0000Inside this Maryland ICU, a depleted staff struggles to keep goinghttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/01/21/maryland-hospital-doctors-burnout/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/01/21/maryland-hospital-doctors-burnout/Rachel ChasonMon, 24 Jan 2022 18:14:40 +0000"Take care of me," unvaccinated patients ask. Two years into the pandemic, it’s getting harder.Omicron may have peaked in D.C. as Maryland offers 20 million free, high-grade masks https://www.washingtonpost.comhttps://www.washingtonpost.comErin Cox, Rachel Chason, Rebecca TanFri, 14 Jan 2022 03:00:51 +0000Omicron showing signs of peaking in D.C. and Maryland https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/01/13/omicron-cases-peak-dc-maryland/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/01/13/omicron-cases-peak-dc-maryland/Erin Cox, Rachel Chason, Rebecca TanThu, 13 Jan 2022 23:41:38 +0000The volume of new coronavirus cases still far outpaces any other phase of the pandemic. But the seven-day average of new cases in both D.C. and Maryland are on the decline, according to data compiled by The Washington Post.Edward Burroughs III wins special primary election for Prince George’s County Councilhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/01/06/edward-burroughs-county-council/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/01/06/edward-burroughs-county-council/Rachel ChasonThu, 06 Jan 2022 23:18:16 +0000Burroughs, 29, served on the school board for a decade.Surging cases and hospitalizations are continuing to set grim records in Washington region https://www.washingtonpost.comhttps://www.washingtonpost.comRachel Chason, Rebecca Tan, Antonio OlivoWed, 29 Dec 2021 16:06:11 +0000The vaccine gap between Black and White Americans narrowed. But it’s back for booster shots.https://www.washingtonpost.comhttps://www.washingtonpost.comRachel ChasonWed, 29 Dec 2021 14:30:20 +0000Vaccine gap between Black and White Americans narrowed, but it’s back for booster shotshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/29/black-americans-booster-covid/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/29/black-americans-booster-covid/Rachel ChasonWed, 29 Dec 2021 11:00:00 +0000Surging cases and hospitalizations are continuing to set grim records in Washington regionhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/28/covid-tests-surge-dc-maryland-virginia/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/28/covid-tests-surge-dc-maryland-virginia/Rachel Chason, Rebecca Tan, Antonio OlivoTue, 28 Dec 2021 22:17:57 +0000Officials are still struggling to meet the high demand for testing.Pandemic and weather complicate travel again post-Christmashttps://www.washingtonpost.comhttps://www.washingtonpost.comMichael Kranish, Ellie Silverman, Christine Armario, Rachel ChasonMon, 27 Dec 2021 08:57:06 +0000Pandemic and weather in West complicate travel again as travelers try to head home after Christmashttps://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/12/26/covid-omicron-post-christmas/https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/12/26/covid-omicron-post-christmas/Michael Kranish, Ellie Silverman, Christine Armario, Rachel ChasonMon, 27 Dec 2021 02:38:09 +0000The omicron spike, staff shortages and bad weather led to a new wave of canceled flights and put other plans in jeopardy.Four people injured in shooting Sunday morning at Frederick County rest stop https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/26/rest-stop-shooting-frederick-county/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/26/rest-stop-shooting-frederick-county/Rachel ChasonSun, 26 Dec 2021 22:39:27 +0000Cases hit new highs in D.C. area as residents scramble to find testshttps://www.washingtonpost.comhttps://www.washingtonpost.comGregory S. Schneider, Michael Brice-Saddler, Rachel Chason, Erin CoxWed, 22 Dec 2021 14:49:15 +0000Coronavirus cases hit new highs in the D.C. area as residents scramble to find testshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/21/covid-tests-cases-maryland-dc-virginia/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/21/covid-tests-cases-maryland-dc-virginia/Gregory S. Schneider, Michael Brice-Saddler, Rachel Chason, Erin CoxWed, 22 Dec 2021 00:03:58 +0000Confirmed cases of coronavirus have spiked to record levels in D.C. and Maryland and are climbing in Virginia, leading to a rush to find scarce testing kits as residents prepare to travel for the holidays. Local officials promise they're working to make more tests available and to increase hospital capacity.Angela Alsobrooks came into office vowing to depoliticize education. It hasn’t worked. https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/20/angela-alsobrooks-came-into-office-vowing-depoliticize-education-it-hasnt-worked/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/20/angela-alsobrooks-came-into-office-vowing-depoliticize-education-it-hasnt-worked/Rachel Chason, Donna St. GeorgeMon, 20 Dec 2021 12:00:03 +0000Since her campaign, the county executive has called education in Prince George’s her top priority.Prince George’s government affected by ransomware attackhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/14/prince-georges-ransomware-attack/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/14/prince-georges-ransomware-attack/Rachel ChasonTue, 14 Dec 2021 23:17:38 +0000They fled hundreds of miles to escape war in Ethiopia. But they fear it wasn’t far enough.https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/12/08/ethiopia-kenya-refugees-abduction/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/12/08/ethiopia-kenya-refugees-abduction/Rachel Chason, Rael OmbuorWed, 08 Dec 2021 10:00:45 +0000The abduction of a Nairobi businessman in late November led to escalating concern in the Tigrayan community.One killed in Chantilly car crash, Fairfax police say https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/05/chantilly-fatal-car-crash/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/05/chantilly-fatal-car-crash/Rachel ChasonTue, 07 Dec 2021 11:20:31 +0000The passenger was pronounced dead at the hospital.Edward Burroughs submits resignation from Prince George’s County school board https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/06/edward-burroughs-resigns-school-board/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/06/edward-burroughs-resigns-school-board/Rachel ChasonTue, 07 Dec 2021 00:04:59 +0000Man died in custody of Leesburg, Va., police, department sayshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/04/leesburg-police-custody-death/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/04/leesburg-police-custody-death/Rachel ChasonSat, 04 Dec 2021 21:34:45 +0000The death of the 26-year-old man is being investigated by a cross-regional team of detectives, police announced.Virginia man arrested for fatal Reston car crash after lengthy police searchhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/04/arrest-reston-car-crash-search/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/04/arrest-reston-car-crash-search/Rachel ChasonSat, 04 Dec 2021 16:37:55 +0000Police said that Carlos Alexander Torres fled the scene after the Sept. 1 crash.Trapped by rising waterhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2021/south-sudan-flooding/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2021/south-sudan-flooding/Rachel Chason, Adrienne SurprenantFri, 03 Dec 2021 09:55:13 +0000Flooding this year displaced more than 700,000 — about 1 in every 15 people in South Sudan.About 70 children in Prince George’s County received expired vaccine doses; county recommends re-vaccinationhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/02/prince-georges-expired-vaccines/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/12/02/prince-georges-expired-vaccines/Rachel ChasonThu, 02 Dec 2021 22:36:04 +0000There are no health risks because of the mistake, officials said.Prince George’s County Council member’s extended absence leads to questionshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/26/rodney-street-district-7/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/26/rodney-street-district-7/Rachel ChasonFri, 26 Nov 2021 15:00:57 +0000Rodney C. Streeter (D-District 7) has not attended meetings since July, an unusual absence that has led to confusion among some of his constituents and colleagues.As D.C. mask restrictions ease, many choose to stay covered https://www.washingtonpost.comhttps://www.washingtonpost.comJenna Portnoy, Rachel ChasonTue, 23 Nov 2021 09:01:13 +0000As D.C. mask restrictions ease, many choose to stay coveredhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/22/covid-mask-mandate-dc/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/22/covid-mask-mandate-dc/Jenna Portnoy, Rachel ChasonMon, 22 Nov 2021 23:24:45 +0000The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to recommend that people, regardless of vaccination status, wear masks indoors in areas of substantial or high community transmission, which includes all of D.C. and Maryland and the vast majority of Virginia, except for a few rural counties.Prince George’s County Council approves map slammed by more than 150 residents in public testimony https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/16/prince-georges-redistricting/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/16/prince-georges-redistricting/Rachel ChasonWed, 17 Nov 2021 04:50:42 +0000The contentious redistricting process has intensified divides between Democrats in this deep-blue county.Special primary election date set for Jan. 4 in Prince George’s Council racehttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/15/prince-georges-district-8/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/15/prince-georges-district-8/Rachel ChasonMon, 15 Nov 2021 23:29:37 +0000South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, is deep in crisis. But foreign interest is fading.https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/11/14/south-sudan-10-year/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/11/14/south-sudan-10-year/Rachel ChasonSun, 14 Nov 2021 19:31:44 +0000Frustrated by the lack of progress in a country where two-thirds of residents rely on humanitarian aid, the international community is reassessing how much help it can give South Sudan.Accusations of gerrymandering have deepened divisions in this Democratic suburb near D.C. https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/10/prince-georges-redistricting/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/10/prince-georges-redistricting/Rachel ChasonWed, 10 Nov 2021 18:00:42 +0000Allegations that a majority of lawmakers on the Prince George’s County Council are gerrymandering their districts to consolidate power have roiled residents and deepened divides among Democrats in this deep blue Maryland suburb ahead of the 2022 elections.Edward Burroughs III to run for Prince George’s council seat vacated by Monique Anderson-Walkerhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/08/edward-burroughs-monique-anderson-walker/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/08/edward-burroughs-monique-anderson-walker/Rachel ChasonMon, 08 Nov 2021 21:09:57 +0000Bomb threats reported at multiple Ivy League schools, officials say https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/07/ivy-league-bomb-threats/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/07/ivy-league-bomb-threats/Michael Brice-Saddler, Rachel ChasonMon, 08 Nov 2021 00:51:52 +0000Cornell, Columbia and Brown universities warned students to evacuate campus buildings on Sunday after reports of bombs on campus, officials said.Greenbelt residents approve commission to study reparationshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/03/greenbelt-maryland-reparations-referendum/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/11/03/greenbelt-maryland-reparations-referendum/Rachel ChasonWed, 03 Nov 2021 22:37:33 +0000Residents of Greenbelt voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to form a commission that will study whether Black and Native American residents should receive reparations — launching the city into its next phase of considering how to repay those populations for generations of historical wrongs.Virginia elections official says day was ‘as smooth as we could have asked for’https://www.washingtonpost.comhttps://www.washingtonpost.comRachel ChasonWed, 03 Nov 2021 03:36:16 +0000Delays in Fairfax County related to technical issues with four early-voting machines, spokesman sayshttps://www.washingtonpost.comhttps://www.washingtonpost.comRachel ChasonWed, 03 Nov 2021 01:55:00 +0000What’s next as Virginia counts the voteshttps://www.washingtonpost.comhttps://www.washingtonpost.comAntonio Olivo, Lenny Bronner, Rachel ChasonWed, 03 Nov 2021 00:38:27 +0000Franchot taps Prince George’s Monique Anderson-Walker as running mate in gubernatorial bidhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/10/27/franchot-monique-anderson-walker-governor/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/10/27/franchot-monique-anderson-walker-governor/Rachel Chason, Ovetta WigginsWed, 27 Oct 2021 15:01:11 +0000Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot announced Wednesday that he has selected Prince George’s County Council member Monique Anderson-Walker (D-District 8) as his running mate in the race for the governor’s mansion.Glenn Ivey, Jazz Lewis to run for Maryland congressional seathttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/10/26/glenn-ivey-jazz-lewis-congress/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/10/26/glenn-ivey-jazz-lewis-congress/Rachel ChasonTue, 26 Oct 2021 14:13:06 +0000U.S. Rep. Anthony Brown announces bid for Maryland attorney generalhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/10/25/anthony-brown-attorney-general/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/10/25/anthony-brown-attorney-general/Rachel ChasonMon, 25 Oct 2021 14:59:51 +0000Brown, a former lieutenant governor who ran against Larry Hogan in 2014, has served in Congress since 2017.Republicans from Western Maryland ask for their counties to be added to West Virginiahttps://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/10/21/maryland-secede-west-virginia/https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/10/21/maryland-secede-west-virginia/Ovetta Wiggins, Rebecca Tan, Rachel ChasonFri, 22 Oct 2021 15:00:54 +0000One lawmaker said the letters reflect frustration with the state legislature controlled by Democrats.Kenyan police called a suspected serial child killer a ‘vampire.’ A mob beat him to death after his escape.https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/10/16/kenya-serial-killer-mob-wanjala/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/10/16/kenya-serial-killer-mob-wanjala/Rael Ombuor, Rachel Chason, Amy ChengSat, 16 Oct 2021 10:16:28 +0000Authorities said Masten Wanjala, whose alleged acts were splashed across Kenyan newspaper front pages, had confessed to the homicides of at least 10 children.U.N. court rules in favor of Somalia over Kenya in long-running maritime dispute https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/10/12/icj-kenya-somalia-dispute/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/10/12/icj-kenya-somalia-dispute/Rael Ombuor, Rachel ChasonWed, 13 Oct 2021 12:30:45 +0000The ruling could worsen the already fragile relationship between the two countries.Ethiopian government launches ‘staggering’ new offensive against rebel Tigray forces, group sayshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/10/11/ethiopia-tigray-offensive/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/10/11/ethiopia-tigray-offensive/Rachel ChasonMon, 11 Oct 2021 19:13:20 +0000The fighting is an escalation in the year-old civil war that threatens hundreds of thousands of people in the country with famine.Ethiopia expels U.N. officials amid signs of famine in the Tigray region https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/30/ethiopia-tigray-united-nations-famine/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/30/ethiopia-tigray-united-nations-famine/Sammy Westfall, Rachel Chason, Felicia SonmezFri, 01 Oct 2021 11:59:19 +0000The order came after the United Nations blamed the worsening humanitarian crisis in Tigray on Ethiopia’s government and urged it to step up aid deliveries to the region.A lack of weather data in Africa is thwarting critical climate researchhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/24/africa-climate-weather-data/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/24/africa-climate-weather-data/Rachel Chason, Rael OmbuorFri, 24 Sep 2021 09:00:21 +0000A possible solution can be found at a girls' school in Kenya.Sudanese authorities say military coup by remnants of past regime thwartedhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/21/sudan-attempted-coup/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/21/sudan-attempted-coup/Rachel ChasonTue, 21 Sep 2021 18:14:43 +0000People involved in the coup were arrested, according to a statement from the prime minister's office.‘Hotel Rwanda’ inspiration Paul Rusesabagina sentenced to 25 years in prison for terrorism-related chargeshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/20/hotel-rwanda-paul-rusesabagina/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/20/hotel-rwanda-paul-rusesabagina/Rachel ChasonMon, 20 Sep 2021 16:50:05 +0000Rusesabagina's supporters have criticized the trial as unfair and not following international standards of due process.How an intelligence officer’s disappearance in Somalia has ripped the government apart https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/18/somalia-political-crisis-shabab/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/18/somalia-political-crisis-shabab/Rachel Chason, Omar FarukSat, 18 Sep 2021 17:38:12 +0000The political battles risk turning into a security one and could strengthen the hand of al-Shabab militants.As covid-19 patients fill hospitals, health-care workers fight fear and exhaustion: ‘Here we go again’https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/09/20/hospitals-dc-covid-increase-healthcare-workers/https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/09/20/hospitals-dc-covid-increase-healthcare-workers/Antonio Olivo, Rachel ChasonSat, 18 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000As the third surge of the coronavirus pandemic continues in the DMV, packing hospitals with mostly unvaccinated patients, health care workers on the front lines are exhausted. In some ways, this phase has been the hardest yet. Earlier this summer, it looked like the widespread availability of vaccines might mean the pandemic was behind them. Now, those on health care’s front lines say they're baffled that after so much pain and death, there is still even a debate over whether to get vaccinated or wear a mask in public. Here are some of their stories.After initially denying responsibility, Nigeria’s air force admits to strike in area where civilians were reported killedhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/16/nigeria-airstrike-civilians/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/16/nigeria-airstrike-civilians/Rachel Chason, Ismail AlfaThu, 16 Sep 2021 18:21:19 +0000At least 10 civilians were killed in a village in northeast Nigeria, according to local reports.Kenyan women love the idea of a ‘women-only’ rideshare. They hate that the option costs more.https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/12/kenya-ride-share-women/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/09/12/kenya-ride-share-women/Rachel ChasonSun, 12 Sep 2021 09:00:14 +0000"We are being charged more to feel safer,” said one Nairobi woman.With coronavirus spreading, Maryland nursing homes are shutting out visitors — againhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/local/nursing-homes-covid-shutdowns/2021/09/03/495b1d6c-0b4c-11ec-aea1-42a8138f132a_story.htmlhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/local/nursing-homes-covid-shutdowns/2021/09/03/495b1d6c-0b4c-11ec-aea1-42a8138f132a_story.htmlOvetta Wiggins, Rachel ChasonSun, 05 Sep 2021 10:00:00 +0000Maryland had seven covid-19 deaths among residents in one recent week. New regulations are targeting unvaccinated staffers.After flawed ethics reports on Prince George’s school board, parents and activists seek investigationhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/prince-georges-ethics-panel-investigation/2021/08/27/46873ffa-0730-11ec-a654-900a78538242_story.htmlhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/prince-georges-ethics-panel-investigation/2021/08/27/46873ffa-0730-11ec-a654-900a78538242_story.htmlRachel Chason, Donna St. GeorgeFri, 27 Aug 2021 20:31:00 +0000They asked Maryland’s inspector general for education to look into a local ethics panel.Multiple members of Hogan’s staff test positive for the coronavirus, governor’s office sayshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/hogan-staff-covid-positive-maryland/2021/08/24/c311d2ba-0541-11ec-a266-7c7fe02fa374_story.htmlhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/hogan-staff-covid-positive-maryland/2021/08/24/c311d2ba-0541-11ec-a266-7c7fe02fa374_story.htmlRachel Chason, Rebecca TanWed, 25 Aug 2021 16:15:00 +0000All of Gov. Larry Hogan’s staff are vaccinated, his spokesman said.Four members of Maryland governor’s staff test positive for coronavirus https://www.washingtonpost.comhttps://www.washingtonpost.comRachel ChasonWed, 25 Aug 2021 07:15:52 +0000Error-riddled ethics reports on school board create political firestorm in Prince George’s Countyhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/prince-georges-school-board-ethics-reports/2021/08/24/7d71b8da-fa04-11eb-8a67-f14cd1d28e47_story.htmlhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/prince-georges-school-board-ethics-reports/2021/08/24/7d71b8da-fa04-11eb-8a67-f14cd1d28e47_story.htmlRachel Chason, Donna St. GeorgeTue, 24 Aug 2021 22:14:00 +0000The reports targeted elected board members who clashed with the county’s political establishment.Montgomery County Health Officer Travis Gayles resignshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/travis-gayles-montgomery-county-health-resigns/2021/08/18/9967bc1c-001a-11ec-ba7e-2cf966e88e93_story.htmlhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/travis-gayles-montgomery-county-health-resigns/2021/08/18/9967bc1c-001a-11ec-ba7e-2cf966e88e93_story.htmlRachel Chason, Rebecca TanThu, 19 Aug 2021 01:16:00 +0000In an email to top officials, Gayles, who has been the public face of the county’s pandemic response, said his last day would be Sept. 12.D.C.-area hospitals do not yet have vaccine mandates for staffers — but many will soonhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-hospital-vaccine-mandate-covid/2021/08/05/9c25d344-f3db-11eb-9068-bf463c8c74de_story.htmlhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-hospital-vaccine-mandate-covid/2021/08/05/9c25d344-f3db-11eb-9068-bf463c8c74de_story.htmlRachel Chason, Teo ArmusFri, 06 Aug 2021 23:23:00 +0000Calls for a vaccination requirement for health-care workers have risen as the delta variant of the coronavirus drives an increase in infections.