Jess Nocera

2 days ago | thebaltimorebanner.com | Jess Nocera

To most people, it’s been inconceivable to be outside during the recent heat wave. But as temperatures ease, there are plenty of reasons to get outside. Head down to the Columbia Lakefront Friday night for a screening of “The Princess Bride” or Saturday night for live music. Here’s what else is going on in Howard County for the week ending Wednesday, July 2. Fiddlers & Fireflies6 to 8:30 p.m. ThursdayThe Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.

4 days ago | thebaltimorebanner.com | Jess Nocera

A chemical company with a history of environmental violations has gotten the green light to move forward with a pilot plastics recycling plant at its Columbia headquarters. W.R. Grace & Co. submitted an air permit application to the Maryland Department of the Environment in September 2023. The agency’s decision comes nearly two years after the company submitted the application and despite fierce opposition from nearby residents and other community members.

1 week ago | thebaltimorebanner.com | Jess Nocera

Thursday marks the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth, which commemorates the freeing of the last enslaved people in the United States. Although President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Emancipation Proclamation ending slavery on Jan. 1, 1863, it could not be carried out in areas under Confederate control. As a result, more than 250,000 enslaved people in Texas were not freed until more than two years later, on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021.

2 weeks ago | thebaltimorebanner.com | Jess Nocera

Outside the Howard County Public Schools building, marching band students performed on the lawn as community members walked in for the school board meeting. Members of the color guard also performed. Inside, the boardroom was standing room only. The majority of students, parents and community members in the audience held signs pleading with school board members not to eliminate third grade orchestra to close a budget gap.

2 weeks ago | thebaltimorebanner.com | Jess Nocera

Light blue signs hanging from the Hickory Ridge Village Center proclaim, “You Belong Here. Space Available.”In its heyday, Columbia residents could buy groceries, go to the bank and maybe catch up with a friend over a bite at Hickory Ridge Grill in one trip. But as the years passed,shopping patterns shifted, foot traffic dwindled and empty storefronts multiplied; it more resembles a dead suburban mall now than a vibrant village center.Hickory Ridge Grill closed seven years ago.