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Politics & Government

Top News: Gifted and Talented Snafu, A Plea for Unwanted Guns and Spelling Bee Champ Crowned

Patch brings you the top headlines of the week from Columbia Patch.

School System Sent Inaccurate 'Gifted and Talented' Letters

A computer glitch caused everyone who received the letter to be told they were eligible for the gifted and talented program, even if they were not.

County Leaders and Activist Urge Residents to Turn in Unwanted Guns

Find out what's happening in Columbiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

County Executive Ken Ulman and Howard County Police Chief Bill McMahon shared the podium on Friday with a family member of a victim of accidental gun violence to ask residents to turn in unwanted guns on gun buyback day.

Top School Zone Speeding Locations in Columbia and Howard County

Find out what's happening in Columbiawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A new report released by the police department details how many tickets are issued by speed camera vans in locations around the county. We've used that data to figure out where the most tickets per hour were issued.

Maryland Death Penalty Moves Closer To Repeal

The House of Delegates rejects 18 amendments to a Senate bill that abolishes capital punishment.

The county has netted $60,000 for traffic safety projects, and police said that drivers are slowing down.

Pope Francis Elected: Howard County Catholics Excited by Choice

The Rev. Msgr. Joseph Luca said, "He is known as an exceptionally humble, gentle person with a heart for the downtrodden and the poor."

Downtown Columbia Plan Wins Fourth Planning Award

The plan has been honored four times since September 2012.

Nordstrom Rack Announces Columbia Opening Date

The opening celebration of the retailer will start at 8 a.m. with music and breakfast.

23-Year-Old Sentenced in Elkridge Meth Lab Bust

'I know what I did was wrong.' - Josiah David Martin.

Blandair Break-in: Howard County Crime Reports

The following information was supplied by the Howard County Police Department.

Columbia Academy Student Crowned Spelling Bee Champ

The 12-year-old will now head to the national championship in Washington D.C.

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