Rona Kobell
@rkobell.bsky.social
Cover Balt Co. for The Baltimore Banner. Priors: Balt Sun, Bay Journal, Md. Sea Grant, etc. Produced Eroding History, on PBS.org now. Wolverine, Terp, Yinzer. Hopkins SNF AGORA, Knight-Wallace fellow. Writing book on E. Shore for JHU Press. Bunny/girlmom.
For reporters, no tool can replace shoe leather, sourcing and hard work. I put all of them to work to get this story about animal abuse - 328 accounts - and the likelihood that the accused abuser will reclaim both her animals and the money she spent to get them.
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
Halethorpe woman charged with 328 counts of animal cruelty could get animals back
A Halethorpe woman charged with 328 counts of animal abuse wants to amend her sentence so she can sell some of the 80 animals seized and possibly reclaim some as pets.
www.thebanner.com
February 16, 2026 at 1:35 PM
For reporters, no tool can replace shoe leather, sourcing and hard work. I put all of them to work to get this story about animal abuse - 328 accounts - and the likelihood that the accused abuser will reclaim both her animals and the money she spent to get them.
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
Baltimore County needs apartments. One councilman is in control of many of them, but he's been slow to turn the key and open the door. My latest.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Baltimore County needs more apartments built. One councilman’s absence may be stalling them.
Baltimore County Councilman Wade Kach said he regrets missing meetings, but added: “If I thought for one minute that I was shortchanging my constituents in my district, I would resign.”
www.thebanner.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Baltimore County needs apartments. One councilman is in control of many of them, but he's been slow to turn the key and open the door. My latest.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
A Baltimore County grand jury indicted her on 328 counts of animal cruelty. Animal control took her 82 animals. A couple were in such bad shape they had to b euthanized. And a year later, Kimberly Klein gets a year of probation and gets to help rehome her animals.
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
A woman charged with 328 counts of abusing animals is now helping decide where they go
A Halethorpe woman charged with 328 counts of animal abuse a year ago is taking a role in finding homes for the dogs, cats, birds and reptiles that prosecutors say were harmed in her care.
www.thebanner.com
February 7, 2026 at 2:28 PM
A Baltimore County grand jury indicted her on 328 counts of animal cruelty. Animal control took her 82 animals. A couple were in such bad shape they had to b euthanized. And a year later, Kimberly Klein gets a year of probation and gets to help rehome her animals.
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
The Baltimore County Police Dept. hired a convicted rapist. My colleague Ceili Doyle investigated the story and interviewed the convicted rapist and the woman he assaulted and told the story. @thebaltimorebanner.com
Why did Baltimore County Police hire a former registered sex offender?
Baltimore County follows Maryland regulations when hiring police officers, which stipulate that departments can disqualify applicants with criminal histories from becoming police officers. But Marylan...
www.thebanner.com
February 4, 2026 at 6:16 PM
The Baltimore County Police Dept. hired a convicted rapist. My colleague Ceili Doyle investigated the story and interviewed the convicted rapist and the woman he assaulted and told the story. @thebaltimorebanner.com
SCOOP: The rent is too damn high.
Not news. But in Baltimore County, many people are considered "burdened" because they're paying between 30-50 percent of their salaries on rent. Where that happens may surprise you.
www.thebanner.com/baltimore-co...
Not news. But in Baltimore County, many people are considered "burdened" because they're paying between 30-50 percent of their salaries on rent. Where that happens may surprise you.
www.thebanner.com/baltimore-co...
Most Baltimore County renters struggle to afford housing
Baltimore County renters are facing one of the most severe housing affordability crises in Maryland, a Banner analysis of new census data found.
www.thebanner.com
January 29, 2026 at 9:22 PM
SCOOP: The rent is too damn high.
Not news. But in Baltimore County, many people are considered "burdened" because they're paying between 30-50 percent of their salaries on rent. Where that happens may surprise you.
www.thebanner.com/baltimore-co...
Not news. But in Baltimore County, many people are considered "burdened" because they're paying between 30-50 percent of their salaries on rent. Where that happens may surprise you.
www.thebanner.com/baltimore-co...
We interrupt the wall-to-wall local pension story to bring you news of a house that is not going to be landmarked, which will save the new owner $160,000 on windows.
www.thebanner.com/economy/real...
www.thebanner.com/economy/real...
Baltimore County Council won’t landmark Ruxton house, saving owner a $160K window tab
Joseph Coale, a local historian who nominated the home for inclusion on the Baltimore County Landmarks List a year ago, withdrew his application for the property, known as Maroney House, to receive la...
www.thebanner.com
January 28, 2026 at 9:43 PM
We interrupt the wall-to-wall local pension story to bring you news of a house that is not going to be landmarked, which will save the new owner $160,000 on windows.
www.thebanner.com/economy/real...
www.thebanner.com/economy/real...
This is the fourth story I have written in a week on pensions.
If you missed the other three, this one tells you what you need to know.
You could say I am paying pension attention.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
If you missed the other three, this one tells you what you need to know.
You could say I am paying pension attention.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Baltimore County Council pension boost bill intensifies county executive battle
A pension bill the Baltimore County Council passed 15 months ago that could double their retirement payouts is heating up the competitive four-way race for county executive.
www.thebanner.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:06 PM
This is the fourth story I have written in a week on pensions.
If you missed the other three, this one tells you what you need to know.
You could say I am paying pension attention.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
If you missed the other three, this one tells you what you need to know.
You could say I am paying pension attention.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Reposted by Rona Kobell
I wrote about my childhood friend Alexi Pretti. Please read it and share it and remember him as a human being. @theverge.com
I grew up with Alex Pretti
The kind-hearted ICU nurse shot by ICE agents was my childhood best friend.
www.theverge.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:45 PM
I wrote about my childhood friend Alexi Pretti. Please read it and share it and remember him as a human being. @theverge.com
@thebaltimorebanner.com has been reporting on the pension bump since November 2024. The heat intensified last month, when a county board recommended doubling the council's salaries. That also would double the council's current pension. Two councilmen now saythey'll repeal the pension bump bill.
Baltimore County Council members announce plan to rescind pension bill
Baltimore County Council members announced plans to repeal legislation that would double the pensions of four of its seven members.
www.thebanner.com
January 27, 2026 at 2:53 AM
@thebaltimorebanner.com has been reporting on the pension bump since November 2024. The heat intensified last month, when a county board recommended doubling the council's salaries. That also would double the council's current pension. Two councilmen now saythey'll repeal the pension bump bill.
Councilman Todd Crandell announced he would not run for re-election to focus on sobriety. He could earn more as a retired councilman than as a working one - because of a pension boost tied to a salary increase for future council members that 6 of 7 supported. His $41,400 benefit jumps to $84,000.
Baltimore County Council members could earn more as retired lawmakers than working ones
A bill could increase the earning power of Baltimore County Council members, giving them more in retirement than as working members.
www.thebanner.com
January 23, 2026 at 11:54 AM
Councilman Todd Crandell announced he would not run for re-election to focus on sobriety. He could earn more as a retired councilman than as a working one - because of a pension boost tied to a salary increase for future council members that 6 of 7 supported. His $41,400 benefit jumps to $84,000.
Why did Towson Square die? In this story, I circle the square, or square the circle, to find out why. And it's not what anyone has said before. It's something else.
All of Towson Square's restaurants went out of business. Why?
Visitors to the county seat value local ownership, variety
www.thebanner.com
January 14, 2026 at 7:56 PM
Why did Towson Square die? In this story, I circle the square, or square the circle, to find out why. And it's not what anyone has said before. It's something else.
I asked myself, what if I wrote about Baltimore County's growing Nepalese community through its food? And then, I did. Mo Momos!
Nepalese restaurants bring delicious meals to Baltimore County
Don’t let the uninviting strip malls of Eastern Baltimore County deter you. They offer cuisine every bit as flavorful as the city’s.
www.thebanner.com
January 7, 2026 at 8:26 PM
I asked myself, what if I wrote about Baltimore County's growing Nepalese community through its food? And then, I did. Mo Momos!
I received an email today from a woman who had heard all her life she was a descendant of Harriet Tubman.
Mary Dennard helped her prove it.
Now, the woman is educating all of her nieces and children that they are Harriet's cousins.
This cynical scribe shed a tear.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Mary Dennard helped her prove it.
Now, the woman is educating all of her nieces and children that they are Harriet's cousins.
This cynical scribe shed a tear.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
As Trump targets Black history, a Maryland ranger guards Harriet Tubman’s place in it
Mary Dennard has served as a guardian of Harriet Tubman's history since the 2000s, when residents and later federal and state officials came together to develop a plan for the $21 million Harriet Tubm...
www.thebanner.com
January 5, 2026 at 11:39 PM
I received an email today from a woman who had heard all her life she was a descendant of Harriet Tubman.
Mary Dennard helped her prove it.
Now, the woman is educating all of her nieces and children that they are Harriet's cousins.
This cynical scribe shed a tear.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
Mary Dennard helped her prove it.
Now, the woman is educating all of her nieces and children that they are Harriet's cousins.
This cynical scribe shed a tear.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
They thought the property would remain ballfields.
Then, a few days before Christmas, the bulldozers came.
What will become of the site now?
We are at the council meeting trying to learn!
www.thebanner.com/economy/grow...
Then, a few days before Christmas, the bulldozers came.
What will become of the site now?
We are at the council meeting trying to learn!
www.thebanner.com/economy/grow...
www.thebanner.com
January 5, 2026 at 11:36 PM
They thought the property would remain ballfields.
Then, a few days before Christmas, the bulldozers came.
What will become of the site now?
We are at the council meeting trying to learn!
www.thebanner.com/economy/grow...
Then, a few days before Christmas, the bulldozers came.
What will become of the site now?
We are at the council meeting trying to learn!
www.thebanner.com/economy/grow...
On a national level, Trump officials have tried to erase Black history. In Harriet Tubman's home county, one 77-year-old part-time ranger is working to keep it alive. #Harriet @angryblacklady.blacksky.app @imaniperry.bsky.social @marthasjones.bsky.social
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
As Trump targets Black history, a Maryland ranger guards Harriet Tubman’s place in it
Mary Dennard has served as a guardian of Harriet Tubman's history since the 2000s, when residents and later federal and state officials came together to develop a plan for the $21 million Harriet Tubm...
www.thebanner.com
January 3, 2026 at 6:49 PM
On a national level, Trump officials have tried to erase Black history. In Harriet Tubman's home county, one 77-year-old part-time ranger is working to keep it alive. #Harriet @angryblacklady.blacksky.app @imaniperry.bsky.social @marthasjones.bsky.social
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
More IG news.
Howard County board member files complaint over Kelly Madigan selection
The complaint alleges that Steve Quisenberry violated Howard County ethics laws by serving on the advisory board that selected his boss, who in turn picked him for the top job in Baltimore County.
www.thebanner.com
January 3, 2026 at 4:19 AM
More IG news.
I was cooking dinner and my kids were fighting over which one was going to help me and I decided the best course of action was to step out of the kitchen and let them finish the meal I was making together.
January 1, 2026 at 10:40 PM
I was cooking dinner and my kids were fighting over which one was going to help me and I decided the best course of action was to step out of the kitchen and let them finish the meal I was making together.
The beer baron mansion owners have three showings this week, which I think is because of this story. If you're one of them, and you buy it, I hope you enjoy all the gimlets.
www.thebanner.com/economy/baue...
www.thebanner.com/economy/baue...
East Egg? No, East Essex. Gatsby-style mansion on Middle River is up for sale
Italianate mansion with water views is up for sale for under $800,000 in Essex, Baltimore County.
www.thebanner.com
December 28, 2025 at 4:46 PM
The beer baron mansion owners have three showings this week, which I think is because of this story. If you're one of them, and you buy it, I hope you enjoy all the gimlets.
www.thebanner.com/economy/baue...
www.thebanner.com/economy/baue...
This house is under $800,000 and it comes with all the period furniture, a saltwater pool, a view of the Chesapeake, and a boatload of local history. It's perfect for a gimlet and a day of reading on the porch. Pass the quail terrine!
www.thebanner.com/economy/baue...
www.thebanner.com/economy/baue...
East Egg? No, East Essex. Gastby-style mansion on Back River is up for sale
Italianate mansion with water views is up for sale for under $800,000 in Essex, Baltimore County.
www.thebanner.com
December 25, 2025 at 6:32 PM
This house is under $800,000 and it comes with all the period furniture, a saltwater pool, a view of the Chesapeake, and a boatload of local history. It's perfect for a gimlet and a day of reading on the porch. Pass the quail terrine!
www.thebanner.com/economy/baue...
www.thebanner.com/economy/baue...
Reposted by Rona Kobell
Bauernschmidt Manor was built for a beer baron. Now the Essex villa could be yours. "The map says Essex, but the house reads Gatsby." From @rkobell.bsky.social. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
East Egg? No, East Essex. Gastby-style mansion on Back River is up for sale
Italianate mansion with water views is up for sale for under $800,000 in Essex, Baltimore County.
www.thebanner.com
December 25, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Bauernschmidt Manor was built for a beer baron. Now the Essex villa could be yours. "The map says Essex, but the house reads Gatsby." From @rkobell.bsky.social. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
I just listened to an hour-long interview on @podsaveamerica.crooked.com with Rahm Emanuel and Tommy Vietor did not ask the presidential hopeful one question about the 16 shots Chicago police fired at LaQuan McDonald's back when Emanuel was mayor.
December 23, 2025 at 10:09 PM
I just listened to an hour-long interview on @podsaveamerica.crooked.com with Rahm Emanuel and Tommy Vietor did not ask the presidential hopeful one question about the 16 shots Chicago police fired at LaQuan McDonald's back when Emanuel was mayor.
Did you know that, in Baltimore County, you can ask for the County Council to change the zoning on a property you don't own? It's true. And did you know that someone can ask for your home to be considered a historic landmark without your knowledge or consent? Also true. This is the $160,000 bargain.
She had a budget to renovate the historic Ruxton home. Then a neighbor raised the price by $160,000.
Maroney House will be the first property considered for landmark status under a new law passed in October after the surprise demolition of Choate House.
www.thebanner.com
December 10, 2025 at 1:47 PM
Did you know that, in Baltimore County, you can ask for the County Council to change the zoning on a property you don't own? It's true. And did you know that someone can ask for your home to be considered a historic landmark without your knowledge or consent? Also true. This is the $160,000 bargain.
Breaking news: The CEO of the Baltimore County Public Library and the board overseeing the library have parted ways. This move comes just weeks after the CEO fired 14 part-time librarians via Zoom, then rehired them two days later after fierce backlash.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
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 ...
www.thebanner.com
December 9, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Breaking news: The CEO of the Baltimore County Public Library and the board overseeing the library have parted ways. This move comes just weeks after the CEO fired 14 part-time librarians via Zoom, then rehired them two days later after fierce backlash.
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...
www.thebanner.com/politics-pow...