Mariela “Mari” Pepin, a 24-year-old marketing director and Meade High School graduate who lives in Odenton, is a contestant on the ABC-TV show The Bachelor. Find out more

The Howard County Council has finalized funding for a transformative first-class New Cultural Center in Downtown Columbia. See the details

Harry Blumenthal, a long-time zoning and land use attorney in Anne Arundel County, died on Dec. 22, 2020 following a complicated illness. Read more

Undoubtedly, 2020 was one of the most challenging years many of us have ever faced in our lifetimes. The Coronavirus pandemic contributed to business shutdowns, rising unemployment, virtual learning and missed family gatherings to name a few. Read more

Columbia was named the second Best City for Jobs in the United States for 2021 by WalletHub, the personal finance outlet. More info

BGE is accepting applications for its Emergency Response and Safety Grants program to help with the economic need of the community during the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis. Read about it

Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford announced executive order 01.01.2021.01, signed by Gov. Larry Hogan, enhancing the state’s Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program. Learn more

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, is partnering with the Howard County Government to develop a study that will determine SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in the county population. See the details

Columbia Association (CA) is releasing its $63.6 million budget for FY2022, which takes effect May 1 and is built on the organization’s fiscal responsibility and desire to serve as many people as possible across a diverse group of stakeholders. Find out more

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has partnered with the Jemicy School to increase staff understanding of the science of reading and dyslexia, as well as the appropriate strategies so that all students develop academic skills and a love of learning. More info

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman will host seven online Budget Town Halls during the next month to discuss the upcoming fiscal 2022 budget. Learn more