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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

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.
Baltimore County pays former employee $100K to end inspector general’s suit
Baltimore County paid $100,000 to settle litigation that its inspector general initiated against a former employee, according to several County Council members
Protestors outside of the Old Baltimore County Courthouse in Towson ahead of a Baltimore County Council work session to protest Baltimore County Inspector General nominee Khadija Walker and to retain current Inspector General Kelly Madigan on July 29, 2025. Walker was County Executive Kathy Klausmeier’s choice for the nomination.
Serena Williams doesn’t deserve these slams for taking GLP-1 weight loss drug
Tennis great Serena Williams is again taking the heat, this time for unveiling a taut physique and announcing she achieved it through taking a GLP-1 drug, the injectable weight-loss medication.
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND - AUGUST 23: Serena Williams introduces Maria Sharapova during the 2025 Induction Celebration weekend at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, R.I. on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Seven things to do in Baltimore County, from the state fair to Music City Maryland
Our weekly listing of things to do in Baltimore County ranges from the Maryland State Fair to a conversation with author Erik Larsen.
A double exposure of bull riding at the Maryland State Fair on Labor Day September 2, 2024.
Why wasn’t Baltimore County Councilman Todd Crandell arrested after endangering police?
While the Dundalk Republican has publicly acknowledged his struggles with alcoholism, the altercation with police only came to light after Crandell’s wife filed a protection order.
Baltimore County Councilman Todd Crandell during a council meeting in January.
Seven things to do in Baltimore County, from championship golf to a ukulele jam
Here are seven things to do in Baltimore County for the week ending Aug. 20, 2025.
Scottie Scheffler will be among the pro golfers taking part in the 2025 BMW Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills through Sunday.
Baltimore County redistricting map increases minority representation, but is it enough?
The Baltimore County Council has introduced legislation to adopt a final redistricting plan, a move it hopes will raise minority representation in an increasingly diverse county.
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.
Some constituents ‘shouting into the void’ as Baltimore County councilman seeks sobriety
As Baltimore County Councilman Todd Crandell faces alarming revelations about a drunken encounter with police last year, some constituents have concerns about his accessibility as an elected official.
Baltimore County Council rejects Klausmeier’s pick for inspector general
The Baltimore County Council was to vote Monday night on the nomination of former EPA program manager Khadija Walker to be inspector general. County Executive Kathy Klausmeier tapped Walker to replace IG Kelly Madigan, who has ruffled feathers in the suburban county.
Baltimore County Inspector General nominee Khadija Walker attends a Baltimore County Council work session ahead of addressing the council at the Old Baltimore County Courthouse in Towson on July 29, 2025.
How the selection of a new Baltimore County inspector general set off a public furor
The Baltimore County Council on Monday is set to decide whether to confirm County Executive Kathy Klausmeier’s pick of Khadija Walker to be inspector general. The road to the vote has been anything but smooth.
Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier.
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