Baltimore County government reporter

Lia Russell

Lia Russell covers Baltimore County as a member of The Sun's government and politics team. Lia is a 2021 Columbia Journalism School graduate. Prior to joining The Sun in 2022, Lia worked for the Bangor Daily News in Maine, and is originally from San Francisco, California.

The Baltimore City Council, led by Council President Nick Mosby, passed legislation last year creating a 17-member independent commission to oversee the city fund to compensate communities disproportionately impacted by anti-cannabis prosecution.

Baltimore voters to consider reparations fund for communities impacted by anti-cannabis prosecution

October 8, 2024 at 4:29 p.m.

Baltimoreans will vote Nov. 5 whether to create a fund to compensate communities disproportionately impacted by anti-cannabis prosecution.

Bird's eye view of proposed site for Red Maple Place.

Will Baltimore County meet its 2027 housing mandate? County, civic leaders are split.

October 7, 2024 at 5:46 p.m.

Baltimore County has until 2027 to build 1,000 affordable housing units. Civic and governmental leaders are skeptical it can be done.

Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka serves as council chair.

Baltimore County Council spars over bill amending council expansion

October 2, 2024 at 3:59 p.m.

Tuesday marked a new chapter in the ongoing conversation among Baltimore County Council members regarding redistricting.

Baltimore City Hall, with the Baltimore City flag in the foreground.

IG: Some Baltimore DPW workers found to be without health insurance. Many were unaware they lacked coverage.

October 1, 2024 at 6:03 p.m.

Nearly one in five Baltimore sanitation workers did not have city health insurance, according to an inspector general report published Tuesday.

Baltimore's Harborplace, a before and potential after view under redevelopment plan.

New survey: Most in Baltimore area support efforts to revitalize Harborplace

October 1, 2024 at 8:42 a.m.

A majority of people support plans to revitalize Baltimore’s Harborplace and rebuild the Key Bridge, according to a new survey.

Baltimore County Inspector General Kelly Madigan. August 11, 2022.

IG: Baltimore County employee paved personal driveway with county asphalt

September 26, 2024 at 1:59 p.m.

A Baltimore County Public Works employee paved his own driveway addition on the county's dime, according to the inspector general.

Larry Hogan, the Republican senatorial candidate from Maryland, speaks with Ms. Wheelchair Maryland Dominique Sessa as members of AFSCME District 3 hold protest signs during the 47th Annual J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake at Somers Cove Marina. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Hogan, Alsobrooks and other Maryland politicians gather for annual Tawes clambake

September 25, 2024 at 5:52 p.m.

Democrat Angela Alsobrooks and Republican Larry Hogan appeared at the Tawes Crab & Clam Bake at the Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield.

Baltimore City to update property tax collection system after ex-employee admits to taking bribes

September 25, 2024 at 4:44 p.m.

Baltimore City will replace its property tax collection system with an automated version after a former employee admitted to taking bribes.

Tug bots move the Dali back to port in Baltimore.

Baltimore County sues Dali owner on last day to file claims

September 24, 2024 at 5:22 p.m.

Baltimore County became the latest jurisdiction to sue the owner and manager of the Dali.

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr.

‘Shroud of mystery’: Baltimore County’s ballooning bill for an agency headquarters

September 26, 2024 at 9:32 p.m.

Baltimore County has spent almost $10 million to buy buildings for Recreation and Parks, but now has to spend millions rehabbing the sites.

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