Now with WTOP. Ex-AP Radio anchor/reporter; voice of AP Online Stylebook pronunciation guide; into theater, travel, voiceover work
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Articles by Sandy Kozel
Montgomery Co. schools planning for the future with closure and consolidation engagement meetings
School leaders in Montgomery County, Maryland, are mapping out their plan for public meetings about possible school closures. Related stories This comes as enrollment in the county’s public schools declines for the first time in more than 40 years, the school district said. It means that a number of schools have more available space than they need.
DC region’s truckers squeezed as diesel prices soar
Think you’re spending a lot filling up the tank of your car these days? Be glad you’re not buying diesel to power a big truck. The price of gasoline is still rising because of the war in Iran and so is the price of diesel fuel. And it’s hitting the D.C. region hard. Related stories “You’re talking about $150 per day per truck in new fuel costs.
25 years after 9/11, Pentagon visitor center takes step toward reality
One day after the nation marked 25 years since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, families and supporters of the Pentagon Memorial gathered in Arlington to take another step toward ensuring future generations understand what happened there.
New details emerge on proposed $1B Sphere at National Harbor
President Donald Trump's proposed triumphal arch would be 250 feet tall. WTOP's Sandy Kozel reports the proposed Sphere near National Harbor would rise taller than that. File rendering of the National Harbor Sphere. (Courtesy Sphere Entertainment) File rendering of the National Harbor Sphere.
‘Suffs’ cast visits Lorton museum tied to suffrage history in Northern Virginia
A view of the National Theatre during the opening night of “Suffs” in D.C. on June 16, 2026. (WTOP/Sandy Kozel) Gwynne Wood, who plays Lucy Burns in “Suffs,” speaking at a Learning at Lunch Series event at Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, Virginia, on June 18, 2026. (WTOP/Sandy Kozel) Gwynne Wood, who plays Lucy Burns in “Suffs,” visiting the Lorton Prison Museum in Lorton, Virginia, on June 18, 2026.
NPS wants public comments on Trump’s proposed Triumphal Arch
The National Park Service is calling on the public to provide their input on the potential effects of a 250-foot arch being proposed by President Donald Trump. The Triumphal Arch would be built at Memorial Circle between the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery and the Memorial Bridge.
‘He’s gonna make a little bit of Late Night history’: Stephen Colbert’s final 2 weeks of shows
WTOP's Sandy Kozel talks to TV Guide's Matt Roush about Colbert's last shows. For the final weeks of his show, host Stephen Colbert sent out an invitation that his rival hosts could not resist. “He’s gonna make a little bit of Late Night history on Monday night,” said TV Guide’s Matt Roush. All of his friendly rivals, the other late night hosts, including Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, John Oliver, will be on “The Late Show” in a show of solidarity.
Arlington Transit launches a new pilot project to help some county residents get around
Arlington residents have a new way to get around, but only to a portion of the county for now. Arlington Microtransit — dubbed MICRO — is a public transportation pilot program. It is an on-demand, tech-enabled service booked through a mobile app or by phone, connecting riders with regional transit, local hubs or specific addresses.
Drivers face new lane closures on GW Parkway and Roosevelt Bridge during repairs
Drivers will need to pack their patience starting Monday if they’re driving along two major D.C.-area arteries. The National Park Service begins lane closures to resurface sections of the George Washington Parkway between Spout Run Parkway and Interstate 395, and between Reagan National Airport and First Street, in Alexandria, Virginia. To extend the life of the parkway, crews will remove the top layer of worn asphalt and pave it with new asphalt.
The best TV shows of 2025, according to TV Guide’s Matt Roush
TV Guide’s Matt Roush says he had to sift through an embarrassment of riches of shows that he watched online or on TV this year. But he did manage to narrow them down to pick his favorites from 2025. He said he focused on the shows and events that lingered the longest in his mind. TV Guide's Matt Roush breaks down which TV shows he liked best this year 10. “Severance” on Apple TV: Where the “outie” real lives of Lumon employees are separated from the drudgery of their “innie” cubicle existence.
How one Maryland student is dealing with being at Brown University during the deadly shooting Original
A gunman shot and killed two students and wounded nine others at Brown University’s School of Engineering in Providence, Rhode Island, on Dec. 13. This shooting highlights the issue of gun violence that is affecting students across the U.S. “I don’t think entering Brown anyone could have possibly expected this. I don’t think anyone does expect this to happen at their school until it does happen,” Teo Miranda-Moreno, of Ellicott City, Maryland, told WTOP.
Long-abandoned strip mall in Arlington to get a new life Original
The Fillmore Gardens shopping center at 2601 Columbia Pike in Arlington, Virginia. (WTOP/Sandy Kozel) The Fillmore Gardens shopping center at 2601 Columbia Pike in Arlington, Virginia. (WTOP/Sandy Kozel) The Arlington County Board gave final approval at its Saturday meeting to a major redevelopment project at 2601 Columbia Pike in Arlington, Virginia. “The Elliott” will be a 6-story, mixed-use property, with 271 apartments and about 15,000 square feet of retail space.
DC leaf collection for the fall season begins after Halloween
Once you hand out candy to neighborhood trick-or-treaters, you may feel the need to buckle down and rake up all the dead leaves on your lawn. This year’s leaf collection for D.C. begins on Monday, Nov. 3, which happens to fall right after Halloween weekend. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a news conference each residential neighborhood will receive at least two leaf collections during the season.
Spring E-CARE event in Arlington featured a long line of cars Original
Hundreds of cars lined up along N. Quincy Street in Arlington, Virginia, before 7:30 a.m. Saturday, waiting for the opening of Arlington County’s E-CARE event. It usually happens in the spring, but it got pushed back this year to the first Saturday of summer. E-CARE stands for Environmental Collection and Recycling. It is for Arlington residents only. The free, biannual event allowed Arlington residents to safely dispose of household hazardous materials (HHMs) and old electronics.
It’s inspired by the open-air markets of France — DC’s own Georgetown French Market - WTOP News
This weekend, the Georgetown BID is hosting its 22nd annual Georgetown French Market, which has been drawing crowds to the sidewalks along Connecticut Avenue, from O Street to Reservoir Road, since Friday. Elizabeth Jaffee has taken part in the popular open-air market for years. She is the owner of Gallery Article 15, which specializes in contemporary Congolese art and textile products. “We love how it brings together the community,” she said.
A walk in a park can bring you a reminder of part of Arlington’s history — if you stop and look - WTOP News
This page contains a video which is being blocked by your ad blocker. In order to view the video you must disable your ad blocker. Throughout February, WTOP is celebrating Black History Month. Join us on air and online as we bring you the stories, people and places that make up our diverse community. With its gardens and art installations, Arlington’s Met Park, in Pentagon City, has been open for almost two years now. But one prominent feature still holds a surprise for many visitors.
Last call for fall festival fun at big Northern Virginia farm
There are only a few days left to attend this year’s fall festival at Cox Farms in Centreville, Virginia, where family-friendly entertainment and attractions have been drawing people for decades. “We love the atmosphere, we love the staff … I think it’s just so homey,” said Diva Mohammadullah, of Reston, who was joined this year by her daughter Ridham, a niece and a young neighbor. “We come here every year. Ridham has been here since she was in my belly,” said Mohammadullah.
Alexandria Restaurant Week is underway Original
Municipalities seem to respect other local area restaurant weeks — not overlapping, so they don’t have to share diners. This restaurant week belongs to Alexandria in Virginia. More than 90 restaurants across Alexandria’s neighborhoods are offering special menus now through Sunday, Aug. 25. In-person diners can choose from $27.50, $40 or $50 multicourse Restaurant Week meals. Organizers say the $27.50 offer is a nod to Alexandria’s 275th anniversary.
‘My first example of a public servant’: DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, community leaders mourn death of Joe Bowser Original
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said she’s heartbroken about the passing of her father, Joe Bowser, who died Friday. He was 88 years old. In a statement on his death, Mayor Bowser said that she owes her career in public service to her father. “For 52 years, my dad has been at my side — guiding me, cheering for me, loving me,” Mayor Bowser said. “He was the first person to take me to a community meeting.
‘The ultimate working dog’: Montgomery Co. K9s with Czech heritage make embassy appearance Original
Local canines of Czech origin put on an exciting show at the Czech Republic embassy in D.C. on Sunday. The dogs, Rey and Bolo, are members of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit. They were born in Europe, but trained here. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputy Zach Buttrey, who has been a member of the K9 unit for 14 years, said the dogs have been part of the embassy open house for the past few years.
Columbia Pike road repair project a disruptive but necessary nuisance in Arlington Co.
Share on Facebook. Share on Twitter. Share via email. Print. HOLD until Monday, Sept. 25. Photos sent via Slack from Sandy Kozel. Part of a living with road repairs series. Arlington County isn’t sugarcoating it. The next phase of its multiyear, multimillion dollar road improvement project along Columbia Pike is expected to cause traffic disruption and delays, not to mention dust, mud, noise and debris.
Photos: Va. residents enjoy food and rides at Arlington Co. Fair
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How to save money on cooling your house this summer Original
The summer heat has arrived in the D.C. area. Pepco has some tips on how to save money while keeping your house cool. You can save money and energy when the weather is hot by setting your thermostat a few degrees higher than normal, according to Pepco, which serves customers in D.C. and parts of Maryland. Another tip is to lower your blinds and close your drapes during the hottest part of the day to keep the cool air inside. Just make sure that air ducts and fans are not blocked by furniture.
PHOTOS: 15,000 flowers on display at Netherlands embassy in DC for Dutch Tulip Days
The cherry blossom is the iconic D.C. flower in the spring. For the Netherlands, it’s the tulip. More than 15,000 flowers, including tulips, plants and cut flowers, are on display during Dutch Tulip Days, at the Kalorama residence of André Haspels, the Dutch ambassador to the U.S. More DC News More Lifestyle News More Photo Galleries WTOP was granted access to the colorful displays, which are highlighting the tulips and bicycles. “Dutch Cycling Culture” is the theme of the event.
USPS to raise some postage prices, decrease flat-rate package costs Original
Here we go again — another hike in the price of postage and other mailing costs. But if you need to mail small packages, there might be a break. It was just last July that we saw a hike in the price of the “Forever” stamp — a first-class stamp that covers the cost to mail a 1-ounce letter. On Sunday, Jan. 22, the price will go up another three cents, to 63 cents. Even a postcard isn’t much of a bargain anymore — with the new price of a postcard stamp set to rise from 44 to 48 cents.
A long-running Christmas tradition ends at ‘iconic’ Arlington home Original
Calvin and Elinor Marcey have been decorating their home at 1610 North Abingdon Street, in Arlington, Virginia, since 1969. It’s one of those houses that people talk about and want to see every Christmas. Lights, Santas, teddy bears, candy canes, dolls, trains, cartoon characters — it has it all. Santa’s sleigh even sits atop their roof. Holiday lovers have made viewing the display a tradition for decades. People who formerly lived in the neighborhood often return to see the decorations.
Bus schedule improvements for 29 DC-area routes Original
Starting Sunday, bus riders in the D.C. area will see improvement on more than two dozen routes. There will be improvements in bus service along 29 busy routes — 14 in the District, 11 in Maryland and four in Virginia.
A DC woman’s memories of the 1963 March on Washington
Among the several hundred thousand people who attended the March on Washington, on Aug. 28, 1963, is a Washington woman who says she can remember where she stood to hear Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders speak. Among the several hundred thousand people who attended the March on Washington, on Aug. 28, 1963, is a Washington woman who says she can remember where she stood to hear Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders speak.
PHOTOS: The FUTURES exhibit at the Smithsonian’s Arts + Industries Building
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How the DC area reduces food waste … composting worms not required
"It can be worms. It's not always worms!" That's the response from Arlington resident Hannah Moskowitz to people who freak when hearing worms are sometimes used for composting. “It can be worms. It’s not always worms!” That’s the response from Arlington resident Hannah Moskowitz to people who freak when hearing worms are sometimes used for composting. Moskowitz is the sustainability director at RTS (Recycle Track Systems), a national hauler for sustainable waste.
Reston CEO works to help bring better emergency alerts to countries around the world
Alert-Hub.org is a small company with a huge goal: bringing automated emergency alerts to the developing world. Alert-Hub CEO Eliot Christian is interviewed by a local TV station in 2017 in the South Pacific island country of Nauru. (Courtesy Eliot Christian) It’s a small company with a huge goal: bringing automated emergency alerts to the developing world. Eliot Christian, who lives in Reston, Virginia, is the CEO of Alert-Hub.org.
Long lines at Metro Sales Office as customers rush to replace old SmarTrip cards
Old Metro cards won't work after March 1, and the rush to replace them has led to long lines at the Metro Sales Office. Old Metro cards won’t work after March 1, and the rush to replace them has led to long lines at the Metro Sales Office. SmarTrip cards bought before 2012 are not compatible with new fare gates and fare boxes being installed in Metro stations and on Metrobuses. Anyone who has money on an old card and doesn’t want to lose it, has to transfer it to a new card by the March 1 deadline.
DC warns residents of DMV phishing attacks
D.C. residents: be alert next time you receive an email that appears to be from the city's Department of Motor Vehicles. D.C. residents are being asked to be on alert next time they receive an email that appears to be from the city’s Department of Motor Vehicles. The department has learned that cybercriminals have been creating fake email accounts that appear to be sent from D.C. DMV representatives to obtain access to its customers.
Most millennials and Gen-Zers bored by heavy drinking culture, poll finds
In a survey of 3,400 Maryland millennials and Gen-Zers about their drinking habits and lifestyle choices, over two-thirds said they found heavy drinking culture boring. Call them Generation Dry — if you go along with statistics provided by the American Addiction Centers. In a survey of 3,400 millennials and Gen-Zers about their recent drinking habits and lifestyle choices, over two-thirds said they found heavy drinking culture to be boring.
Where do you find kindness? How about at an Arlington yard sale?
Susan Thompson-Gaines wants to spread kindness. This weekend, she's doing it through a big yard sale at her Arlington house. Susan Thompson-Gaines holds the Kindness Ideas box that a young neighbor made for her Kindness Yard Sale in Arlington WTOP/Sandy Kozel Susan Thompson-Gaines’ reflection is seen in the window of the Little Yellow Free Pantry outside her Arlington home.
Arlington County’s new food scrap collection service starts on Labor Day
What you may see as garbage, Arlington County sees as fodder for composting. What you may see as garbage, Arlington County, Virginia, sees as fodder for composting. It’s been prepping residential curbside trash customers by distributing a 2-gallon scrap food container, known as a “caddies,” along with compostable bags. Residents are being asked to put those in their kitchens and fill them with food scraps, ranging from fruits and vegetables to meats and dairy, with peels and bones included.
Bike on Montgomery Co. trails? You could win a prize
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation's Bicycle Swag Bag Contest, which is meant to build attention to next month's international Car Free Day and encourage the use of alternate modes of transportation, is back through Sept. 26. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation’s Bicycle Swag Bag Contest, which is meant to build attention to next month’s international Car Free Day and encourage the use of alternate modes of transportation, is back through Sept. 26.
Officer injured after being struck by car in Fairfax Co.
Police in Fairfax County, Virginia, are asking for the public's help in identifying a car -- and its driver -- that hit one of their officers early this morning in Centreville. Police in Fairfax County, Virginia, are asking for the public’s help in identifying a car — and its driver — that hit one of their officers early this morning in Centreville. The incident happened around 2:15 a.m. at a traffic stop in the area of Centreville and Compton roads.
Catholics are obliged to attend Sunday Masses again starting this weekend
The dispensation from the in-person weekly obligation is lifted as of this weekend for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington and the Washington Archdiocese. Area Catholics who haven’t set foot in a church in more than a year are being asked to return. As was announced by area bishops a few weeks ago, the dispensation from the in-person weekly obligation is lifted as of this weekend.
Pedestrian dead after drunk driver crashes near bus stop in DC
A pedestrian was killed early Sunday morning after a driver hit a bus stop near Logan Circle in the District. A pedestrian was killed early Sunday morning after a driver hit a bus stop near Logan Circle in the District. Police said the driver was intoxicated when the car struck the bus stop at 14th and P Street around 3 a.m., and then struck a man standing nearby. D.C. Pride festivities had been underway at the location hours earlier.
New mental health facility breaks ground in Prince George’s Co.
Officials in Prince George's County, Maryland, broke ground Monday to turn a building on the grounds of Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham into a mental health facility. Officials in Prince George’s County, Maryland, broke ground Monday to turn a building on the grounds of Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham into a mental health facility.
Va. residents 16 and older will be able to schedule vaccine appointments come Sunday
The expanded eligibility comes as Virginia reached a new milestone in its vaccination program, with approximately half of all adults in the Commonwealth having received at least one dose. All Virginians age 16 and older will be eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine starting Sunday, April 18. The expanded eligibility comes as Virginia reached a new milestone in its vaccination program, with approximately half of all adults in the Commonwealth having received at least one dose.
Important deadlines near to vote for Virginia state and local offices
State and local elections are slated for May and June in Virginia, with critical deadlines looming for those wanting to vote in person or through an absentee ballot. State and local elections are slated for May and June in Virginia, with critical deadlines looming for those wanting to vote in person or through an absentee ballot.
Virtual Easter egg hunt is on tap at the White House
The White House is offering kids a virtual egg hunt to celebrate Easter this year. The White House is offering kids a virtual egg hunt to celebrate Easter this year. On the White House Historical Association’s website, you’ll find that the White House 360 Tour has been transformed to celebrate the history of the White House Easter Egg Roll — which was canceled in person this year as a precaution during the coronavirus pandemic.
The reason holiday packages are arriving late
Many hoping to get packages to loved one before Christmas are finding their shipments have been delayed. The U.S. Postal Service said it is doing the best it can, under trying circumstances. Can we commiserate about package delays? Of the Christmas gifts I mailed at the post office using Priority Mail, only one made in the promised time. The others took longer — one by more than a week. No doubt you and your friends and relatives are talking about the delays, too.
Prince George’s Co. launches scholarship program to build technical talent
Prince George's County is launching a scholarship program to build up its pipeline of technical talent. Prince George’s County, Maryland, is launching a scholarship program to build up its pipeline of technical talent. Employ Prince George’s is partnering with the Lanham, Maryland-based tech company 2U, Inc. to establish the program, which will aim to “put high-quality training programs within reach of local residents from underrepresented backgrounds,” according to the scholarship’s website.
National Christmas Tree lighting to be recorded for online streaming
You are invited to watch the lighting of the National Christmas Tree … but not in person and not on the actual day that it's happening. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump light the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (Susan Walsh/AP) You are invited to watch the lighting of the National Christmas Tree. However, you are not allowed to attend in person nor the actual day that it’s happening.
Alexandria’s T.C. Williams High could have new name following Monday vote
The only public high school in Alexandria could have a new name depending on how the city's school board votes Monday. The only public high school in Alexandria could have a new name depending on how the city’s school board votes Monday. T.C. Williams High School is named after Thomas Chambliss Williams, a former superintendent for the Alexandria City Public Schools system from the mid 1930s until 1963.
Further delay of ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ especially disappointing for DC
It was a disappointment for many around Washington, D.C., when Warner Bros. announced "Wonder Woman 1984" won't open until Christmas Day. A good chunk of “Wonder Woman 1984” was filmed in and around Washington, D.C., in the summer of 2018. That’s why it was a disappointment for many around here when Warner Bros. announced the movie won’t open until Christmas Day. It was originally set to open in June before that opening got pushed back to October.
The Little Theatre of Alexandria finds a way to bring live performances to live audiences
How does a theater bring audiences in to see live performances during a pandemic? For the Little Theatre of Alexandria, the answer is by thinking small. How does a theater convince audiences to return with a pandemic still not fully contained? The Little Theatre of Alexandria is known for presenting large productions, including musicals with big casts and lots of volunteers. But the company — along with the rest of the country — shut down in March as the pandemic exploded.
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