Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: New Acting Police Chief Named For Howard County

Coming up: Safety & The Disability Community on the Columbia Patch calendar

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Wednesday August 19th Patch AM
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Coffee in hand, Columbia? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Howard County names new acting police chief overseeing Columbia's safety
  • How a multi-state theft ring allegedly reached a Columbia big-box store.
  • How a Columbia HR expert says AI hiring could land you in court.

Also on today's calendar: Safety & The Disability Community and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and less humid, with a high of 86 and low of 67 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, temps: high: 82, low: 63.
  • Friday: A shower and thunderstorm, with a high of 80 and low of 67 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• New Acting Police Chief Named For Howard County (patch.com) — Howard County residents, including those in Columbia, will see a new face leading local law enforcement as Acting Colonel Antonio Thomas steps in as acting police chief under the county charter's 60-day limit. Named by County Executive Calvin Ball, Thomas brings two decades of public safety experience and recent oversight of deputy chiefs, technology, and staffing as the county awaits appointment of a permanent chief.
   

• Multi-State Retail Theft Ring Dismantled by Federal and State Authorities (radiofreehubcity.com) — This summary may be inaccurate; visit RadioFreeHubCity.com for the full article. A multi-state retail theft ring allegedly hit a national chain's Columbia store among others, with losses topping $48,000. Federal and state prosecutors say coordinated thefts across several states led to indictments, with defendants presumed innocent until proven guilty. This article may be copyrighted content from Radio Free Hub City, and should not be reproduced or summarized without a valid license agreement.
   

• Disparate Impact Shift Puts HR in a Compliance 'Gray Area' (shrm.org subscription) — A Columbia–based HR expert helps unpack how shifting federal enforcement of disparate impact discrimination law is putting employers in a legal gray area, especially around AI hiring tools. While Washington debates guidelines, companies are urged to keep validating tests, monitoring data, and documenting business reasons to avoid discrimination risks that still very much apply in Maryland and beyond.
   

📸 Around Columbia

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • We are looking for recommendations for reliable, trustworthy pet (1 cat) and house sitters.
    We have been using a lovely young lady that we found on Rover but she is moving. I'm sure we can find another sitter on Rover, but would also like… (Nextdoor Bryant Woods)
  • Is there a quick place to get vaccines in Columbia (when it's time for flu/covid)?
    I've gone to Giant the last couple of years - no line at all, but a long form each time, they don't save the info, then wait another 20 minutes. … (Nextdoor Fairway Hills)
  • CVS Health posted a job opening for District Support Pharmacist Full Time in Columbia. Apply here.
  • PepsiCo, Inc. posted a job opening for Merchandiser in Columbia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.

🗞 Nearby News

Ellicott City

  • Hot Garbage Pizza targets September for Old Ellicott City opening (baltimorefishbowl.com)
  • Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Seeks Update from Commission on Disabilities on Implementation of Best Practices for Disabilities Services (howardcountymd.gov)
  • 8 Real Haunted Day Trips in Maryland (onbetterliving.com)

Elkridge

  • Maryland's Coolest Hands On Experiences for Anyone Tired of Ordinary Day Trips (myfamilytravels.com)

Ok Columbia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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