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.

Senator Charles Sydnor at a press conference in Towson on Oct. 12, 2021.

State Sen. Charles Sydnor considering run for Baltimore County executive in 2026

October 22, 2024 at 5:57 p.m.

State Sen. Charles Sydnor, a Democrat, is considering a run for Baltimore County Executive in 2026 to succeed Johnny Olszewski Jr.

Baltimore County seal outside council chamber.
Nov. 21, 2022.

Baltimore County votes to condemn proposed Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project

October 21, 2024 at 7:59 p.m.

The Baltimore County Council voted Monday to condemn a proposed 70-mile transmission line.

An official state vehicle used to transport work crews and equipment rests as Maryland and MDOT officials hold a Work Zone awareness week kickoff on the westbound I-70 bridge over I-695. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Baltimore-area leaders tell Wes Moore’s administration transit cuts are going too far

October 21, 2024 at 7:10 p.m.

Baltimore-area leaders took aim at Wes Moore’s administration Monday and decried the latest cuts to Maryland's transportation plan.

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. looks around during the ceremonial opening of Bedford Elementary School's new location on Campfield Road.

If Olszewski wins seat in Congress, who will be Baltimore County’s next executive?

October 16, 2024 at 7:24 p.m.

Baltimore County is beginning to consider life after County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr.

Ralph Robertson, retired head of Carroll County’s agricultural preservation office, points on the proposed path of a new 500,000-volt overhead transmission line that would cut through his family’s New Windsor farm. (Baltimore Sun Staff)

Baltimore County Council to vote on resolution condemning transmission project

October 15, 2024 at 6:04 p.m.

Three Baltimore County council members have proposed a resolution for Baltimore County to officially condemn a 70-mile power line project.

Committees to oppose Baltimore council shrinkage, boost Harborplace development report fundraising hauls

October 14, 2024 at 6:32 p.m.

Baltimoreans have a habit of rubberstamping most ballot questions, but a few have drawn more scrutiny — and money.

These are the ballot questions Baltimore County voters will decide next month

October 26, 2024 at 11:35 a.m.

Baltimore County residents will vote Nov. 5 on whether to expand the County Council, among other changes to the government.

An artist's rendering of "The Sail," part of P. David Bramble's plan to redevelop Harborplace.

Baltimore’s Harborplace ballot question votes will be counted, high court rules

October 10, 2024 at 4:34 p.m.

Election officials can certify a ballot question concerning the effort to redevelop Baltimore's Inner Harbor.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott talks with Morgan State University student Christian Ato at Oriole Park at Camden Yards before a game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sept. 14, 2023.

Brandon Scott dismissed as Baltimore Circuit Court juror after plea deal

October 10, 2024 at 3:17 p.m.

Mayor Brandon Scott was selected to serve jury duty, joining thousands of Baltimoreans selected to serve every year.

Thiru Vignarajah holds a news conference Wednesday afternoon after arguing before the Supreme Court of Maryland over the fate of a ballot question that would allow Baltimore to redevelop the Inner Harbor. (Lia Russell/Staff)

Supreme Court of Maryland hears arguments on Harborplace ballot question

October 10, 2024 at 7:00 a.m.

The Supreme Court of Maryland heard arguments Wednesday in the case of Baltimore's Harborplace redevelopment ballot question.

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