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Rona Kobell

Rona

Rona Kobell is a regional reporter covering Baltimore County. Before joining the Banner, she worked as an environmental reporter in the region for nearly 20 years at The Baltimore Sun and The Chesapeake Bay Journal. She has twice been honored by Baltimore Magazine for the best environmental reporting in Baltimore. Last year, she was a Johns Hopkins SNF AGORA fellow studying democracy. She’s also taught journalism at the University of Maryland, Loyola University and Towson University.

The latest from Rona Kobell

Crash into Bladensburg children’s party injures 13 people and kills Washington woman
Bladensburg Police are searching for a driver who plowed into a children’s birthday party Saturday night, injuring 13 people and killing one.
A Baltimore County police vehicle’s lights flash while parked outside of the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland in Baltimore, Md. on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
Baltimore County strengthens historic protections after demolition of Choate House
Six months after the bulldozers came for a beloved Randallstown landmark, the Baltimore County Council has passed legislation to fortify historic protections.
The old Choate House, photographed in 1989
Affordable housing, at a price: Baltimore County gives developer a 30-year tax break
The Baltimore County Council will vote tonight on whether to give a politically connected developer a tax break of $16.5 million over 30 years in exchange for the developer agreeing to make 10% of the project into affordable housing units.
Macy’s at Security Square Mall in Woodlawn is seen beyond the remnants of a sign on the former Sears department store.
Baltimore County zoning bill benefits Catonsville developer and political donor
Baltimore County Councilman Pat Young introduced legislation that would allow a Catonsville developer to temporarily store construction equipment in an area zoned for office-residential.
Baltimore County councilman Pat Young moderates a congressional town hall meeting at Woodlawn High School in Woodlawn, Md. on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
The $100K question: Why was the Baltimore County inspector general case sealed?
The suit stemmed from a disagreement over what Patrick Murray told Kelly Madigan over breakfast at a Towson coffeehouse.
A Baltimore County sign hangs in a hallway of the Old Courthouse on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024 in Towson, MD.
Woodlawn sculptor fulfills dream as show opens at American Visionary Art Museum
Junius Wilson, an 82-year-old Woodlawn artist who has battled cancer and other health issues, got a big break Friday when his show debuted at the American Visionary Art Museum.
Artist Junius Wilson speaks about his work at Friday's opening of "Fantastic Realties" at the American Visionary Art Museum. Displaying at the museum has been a dream since he began sculpting a decade ago.
The book closes on plans for a Middle River Library
After months of negotiating with a prominent developer who was willing to build a library in Middle River, Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier ended the discussion.
Residents, library officials and local representatives enthusiastically supported a proposal to build a state-of-the-art library in Greenleigh.
7 things to do in Baltimore County, from pony rides to a changing colors canoe trip
Here is a roundup of things to do in Baltimore County for the week ending Wednesday, Oct. 8.
Views of Dundee Creek located in the Hammerman area of Gunpowder Falls State Park on September 5, 2025.  People utilize the water and marina for water sports, crabbing, fishing and relaxing.
A $190,000 breakfast? How a colleague coffee stuck Baltimore County taxpayers with the bill
The most expensive breakfast in Baltimore County costs $190,000. How taxpayers got stuck footing the bill.
Former Inspector General for Baltimore County Kelly Madigan, left, and Patrick Murray, chief of staff for then-County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr.
Baltimore County spent $10 million to build a pool, but it’s not free for residents
More questions about Baltimore County's lack of swimming opportunities and why more arrangements aren't provided.
Ingrid Lewis works out during a water fitness class at Y Swim in Randallstown, Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Baltimore County Council approves redistricting maps
The Baltimore County Council voted 5 to 2 to approve a redistricting map that gives Maryland’s third largest county more opportunity to represent its diverse population.
Dozens of residents showed up at Tuesday’s Baltimore County Council work session to plead for more time to study the latest redistricting map, which dropped five hours before a public hearing on efforts to slice up Maryland’s third-largest county.
Baltimore County is poised to redraw political lines Monday. Here are 5 things to know.
The Baltimore County Council is scheduled to vote Monday on the latest version of council maps to be used in the 2026 elections. It has not been a smooth ride.
Dozens of residents showed up at Tuesday’s Baltimore County Council work session to plead for more time to study the latest redistricting map, which dropped five hours before a public hearing on efforts to slice up Maryland’s third-largest county.
Prospects dim for Dr. Ben Carson’s proposed solar farm
The future for Dr. Ben Carson’s proposed solar farm in Baltimore County doesn’t look bright.
Ben Carson and his wife, Lacena, entered into a contract in 2023 to turn their $2.4 million home in UpperCo into a 33-acre solar farm. Homeowners in the surrounding community have protested.
More time for maps? Baltimore County Council divided over public’s plea.
Dozens of residents showed up at Tuesday’s Baltimore County Council work session to plead for more time to study the latest redistricting map, which dropped five hours before a public hearing.
Dozens of residents showed up at Tuesday’s Baltimore County Council work session to plead for more time to study the latest redistricting map, which dropped five hours before a public hearing on efforts to slice up Maryland’s third-largest county.
Izzy Patoka announces bid for Baltimore County executive
Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka announced a run for the county executive position.
Second District Councilman Israel “Izzy” Patoka is running for Baltimore County Executive.
Baltimore County activists clamor for more minority representation in new maps
About two dozen legislators and Democratic activists gathered in front of Baltimore County’s offices at the historic courthouse in Towson to protest what they consider an unjust redistricting map as well as an unfair process leading to it.
Councilman Pat Young, a Catonsville Democrat, chastises his council colleagues for their lack of transparency in council redistricting maps.
Olszewski’s former chief of staff identified as employee in inspector general lawsuit
Baltimore County paid former chief of staff Patrick Murray $100,000 to settle a lawsuit that its inspector general filed against him.
Patrick H. Murray, chief of staff for Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr., has resigned from his position and will be replaced Sept. 15.
Baltimore County Council moves at its own pace: V-E-R-Y slowly
Pack a lunch and bring a pillow. Baltimore County Council meetings have been lasting more than six hours, which some say may not be good for democracy.
Baltimore County Seventh District Councilman Todd Crandell, left, at a Baltimore County Council work session at the Old Baltimore County Courthouse in Towson on July 29, 2025.
Julian Jones launching campaign for Baltimore County executive
Julian Jones, a veteran Baltimore County Council member, is running for county executive in 2026. He would be the first Black person to hold the job.
Councilman Julian Jones is running for county executive.
7 things to do in Baltimore County, from the state fair to yoga at the farm
Fall is on its way, and Baltimore County’s farms and outdoor emporiums have some delightful ways to celebrate cooler temperatures. Here are seven things to do around the area for the week ending Wednesday, Sept. 3.
Cow with Maryland flag on it.
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