The latest from Rona Kobell
Sightings of quirky tropical spoonbills in Maryland leave birders tickled pink
The birders’ excitement is tempered by questions with less-happy answers.
Why doesn’t Baltimore County have any public pools? Blame segregation.
There are no public pools in Baltimore County. Nearly 70 years after the Supreme Court's Brown decision overturning the "separate but equal" principle, some attribute this to the legacy of segregation.
Lights out in a lighthouse? Unconventional accommodations abound in the region
This region is full of surprising places to sleep, from round houses with true 360-degree views to floating houseboats to, yes, sleeping in a caboose.
Baltimore County inspector general issues third COVID fraud report
Baltimore County Inspector General Kelly Madigan has found that a third county corrections officer with ties to Nigeria committed fraud by obtaining a federal COVID loan for a business that did not exist.
7 things to do in Baltimore County, from concerts to airplane building
Here are seven things to do in Baltimore County for the week ending Wednesday, July 16.
Baltimore County councilman proposes board to ‘depoliticize’ inspector general appointments
Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka introduces legislation to change the county charter so an appointment board chooses the inspector general.
If a forest closes, does it make a sound?
Patuxent Research Refuge’s North Tract in Laurel has cut visiting hours. Could the Trump administration could close it entirely?
The many faces of ‘Moses’: Cambridge art exhibit showcases Harriet Tubman in full color
Harriet Tubman is remembered in an Eastern Shore pop-up exhibit. This is the largest Harriet Tubman-focused art show.
Seven things to do in Baltimore County, from outdoor concerts to blueberries
Here are seven things to do in Baltimore County for the week ending Wednesday July 2.
Dion Banks symbolizes Black pride on the Eastern Shore. His first book takes a page from that life.
Dion Banks has written a children's book about a Black superhero who fights slavery titled “Kofi the Wind Whisperer: A Hero’s Fight to Freedom.” The story takes inspiration from the landscape of Dorchester County.
7 things to do in Baltimore County, from Juneteenth celebrations to a jazzy evening
There’s plenty to do in Baltimore County during the week ending 25, including several Juneteenth celebrations on Thursday, the federal holiday.
Proposed new political maps sent to Baltimore County Council. Are they DOA?
A Baltimore County panel sent its plan for redrawing political maps to the County Council, but it might end up being dead on arrival.
Dr. Ben Carson’s neighbors don’t want his solar farm. They’re running out of options to stop it.
Dr. Ben Carson’s neighbors are opposed to his proposed solar farm in northern Baltimore County. They’re running out of options to stop it, thanks to a new Maryland law.
To fight midges, Baltimore County is bringing out the big fly swatter – a helicopter
To combat the unprecedented numbers of midges that have invaded eastern Baltimore County’s waterfront neighborhoods this spring, the county's Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability will double the treatment area for its next helicopter treatment.
As Trump cuts diversity efforts nationally, Black women show daughters the way to lead
Arielle Green has seen her mother ascend in leadership, from homeowner association president to Democratic Central Committee member to, now, first Black female delegate representing her district.
Baltimore County Redistricting Commission recommends new council maps in 4-3 vote
The Baltimore County Redistricting Commission voted 4-3 Monday evening to recommend a new map that would divide the seven existing County Council districts into nine.
With council support for Madigan, Baltimore County IG search panel may be moot
A panel tasked to choose Baltimore County’s next inspector general needs its pick approved by at least four County Council members. They might not get the support.
One dead, several injured in I-95 crash involving Maryland state trooper
The crash occurred at around 2:02 a.m. when a Jeep Cherokee struck an on-duty state trooper’s vehicle, leading to a multi-vehicle crash.
After a lifetime in libraries, Carla Hayden was fired by Trump in two sentences
Hayden’s firing comes as libraries and archives are under siege nationwide by the Trump administration and factions of the Republican Party.
‘How about me?’ Kathy Klausmeier reflects on first five months as Baltimore County’s first female executive
Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier, the first woman to hold the post, sat down recently for an interview with The Baltimore Banner. She addressed permit delays, teacher salaries and her controversial decision not to automatically reappoint the county's inspector general.