Rona Kobell
regional reporter
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. Rona has twice been honored by Baltimore Magazine for her environmental reporting. She was a Johns Hopkins SNF Agora fellow studying democracy in 2023-24. She’s also taught journalism at the University of Maryland, Loyola University Maryland and Towson University.
The latest from Rona
Sharonda Dillard-Huffman and Artus Huffman are running for office — and recently declared bankruptcy
Student loans and federal taxes make up the bulk of the Essex couple’s debts.
Secret flights and texts to the governor: Inside the making of the Anduril deal
Here’s the story behind how Maryland and Baltimore County officials worked quietly with Anduril executives and Tradepoint Atlantic, a sprawling logistics hub in Sparrows Point, to craft a deal that could lead to Maryland’s largest employment surge in years.
Baltimore County Council votes for a 73% pay increase as it moves to full-time compensation
The Baltimore County Council approved higher salaries for council members, the county executive and the county administrative officer on Monday.
Baltimore County is set to give the Ravens $25 million. Here’s why.
The Ravens’ nest might seem to be M&T Bank Stadium, but really, it’s in Baltimore County. That’s where the players practice, primarily live, and — crucially — pay a bulk of their taxes.
Baltimore County poised to purchase St. Pius X property for much-needed ball fields
The council will vote Monday on a contract to buy the St. Pius X Church property for $6 million, with plans to use the site for parks and recreation.
Advocacy groups decry sentence modification for Towson man who pleaded guilty to sexual assault
Several women’s groups have condemned a sentence reduction for a Towson man who pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and fourth-degree sex offense.
Lewis Hine exposed child labor’s cruelty. Then his photos led to changes in the law.
New exhibit at UMBC showcases work of early-20th century photographer.
10 hiking trails near Baltimore to help nourish your soul and stretch your legs
Here are 10 hikes within 30 minutes of the city to suit various tastes, along with tips for how to get the most out of them.
Baltimore County Library CEO and board part ways after librarian layoffs backlash
“The Board of Library Trustees and our CEO Sonia Alcántara-Antoine have separated as of Tuesday, December 9,” Yara Cheikh, the president of the Board of Library Trustees, wrote in a letter to library employees. “We thank Sonia for her contributions over the years and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
Baltimore County names new library director
After 10 months without a library director, the Baltimore County Public Library has chosen one: Jason Homer of the Worcester Public Library System in Massachusetts.
Hikers come to Cromwell Valley Park’s kilns for the history and stay for the birds
Restored kilns at Cromwell Valley Park still bring visitors.
Outrage after judge cuts sentence in Towson sex assault case
Baltimore County Circuit Judge Mickey Norman modified the sentence of Samuel Logue, 28, of Towson, less than two months after ordering him to serve five years in prison for first-degree assault and fourth-degree sex offense.
Baltimore County Council proposes hefty pay raise for next council amid expansion
Members’ pay would jump from $69,000 to $119,000; the county executive would also see a raise.
Walter Boynton, folksy dean of Chesapeake Bay science, dies
Boynton, 79, died Sept. 14 at the George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D.C., after a long-term illness.
Baltimore archdiocese’s church sales earned millions. Abuse survivors may see none of it.
Baltimore Archdiocese church sales have brought in millions, but a court ruling means clergy abuse survivors may never see the proceeds.
Why Baltimore City doesn’t want to pay for a new Baltimore County bridge
A back-and-forth between Baltimore County and Baltimore City over an old bridge is about way more than just who should foot the bill — it indicates the localities could be moving toward a bigger change regarding ownership of critical infrastructure.
Empty stores and funky smells at the end of Eastpoint Mall
Eastpoint Mall is going the way of the stegosaurus whose replica once greeted onlookers pouring into the 63-acre shopping and entertainment emporium between Eastern Avenue and North Point Boulevard.
Baltimore County permit employee skips 239 hours of work, costing taxpayers $16,000
The inspector violated several policies, including rules governing the use of county vehicles and time and attendance.
An express bus to Tradepoint — and Baltimore County’s well-paying jobs — has arrived
The 411T bus offers 12 routes a day, beginning at 5 a.m. and ending at 12:10 a.m. to accommodate the shift work at the sprawling facility.
‘How did it break?’: Turner Station Girl Scouts visit Key Bridge wreckage
The trip to the bridge’s remains was the culmination of a summer partnership between the Girl Scouts of Turner Station and the Pleasant Yacht Club.
