🍦County officially blocks ICE detention center

Good morning, Columbia. You’ve probably heard of Mattress Mack from Texas. Every year, he bets big on the Super Bowl and runs a promotion in his furniture store. This year = buy a $4k+ mattress and get it free if the Patriots win. Mack bet $2 million on the Patriots. This morning, you might think Mack’s not a happy camper. Not so.

His famous promotions sell a lot of mattresses (which have a great markup). And since the Pats lost, no refunds. Plus, there’s all sorts of earned media coverage (like this) and the Internet loves him for it.

In today’s Columbia Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Michelle Sinclair

I don’t think I’ve ever heard a 7,300-square-foot home described as “cozy,” but honestly, this one somehow nails it. Maybe it’s the great room which has towering ceilings but a friendly footprint.

Or the eat-in kitchen with the cutest sitting area by the window.

Or the tiered backyard and patio surrounded by trees.

This home is really something else. The inside is grand and the grounds are simply magnificent.

The particulars: 6 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms. 4-acre lot. $1.8 million. Listed with Creig Northrop @ Northrop Realty.

In about a week, Howard County passed emergency legislation banning private detention centers — effectively halting a facility under construction in Elkridge. The bill, which was introduced on Monday, February 2, blocks new permits unless the applicant is a government agency. It passed unanimously on Thursday, February 5, and was signed Friday, February 6, with some big names present – like Governor Wes Moore. It takes effect immediately.

Legal challenges could follow, but for now, Howard County has shut down private detention centers. Senator Angela Alsobrooks said, “Today, we answered the question about detention centers in Howard County – it’s two answers – no and hell no.”

Alexander Stephenson, 53, turned himself in Sunday after allegedly fatally stabbing his estranged wife, Amethyst Stephenson, at her Ellicott City home. Police were called just after 8 AM and found Amethyst, 47, dead at the scene. Alexander had fled but later surrendered at the Northern District station. He’s charged with first-degree murder and violating a protective order. Police say he didn’t live at the residence. Before being taken into custody, Stephenson was treated at Shock Trauma for non-life-threatening self-inflicted wounds. He’ll be booked into the Howard County Detention Center once released.

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

Trivia, Bingo, Open Mic Nights, & Karaoke

Now I know what you’re thinking. “Summer camp! It’s February and my two-year-old could count up to the low temperature today (5ºF).” That’s all true (and good for your toddler), but summer camp signups are more competitive and cutthroat than some Olympic sports (looking at you, curling). Lil’ Acorns only has 4 spots left for the whole summer. Tiny Chefs is almost full, too. So do not dilly dally (click here to register) or you’ll just get stuck with whatever’s left.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

Attention: This is the final public hearing on HCPSS’ $1.278 billion FY2027 operating budget before it’s scheduled for adoption. Click here to learn how to participate. And click here to learn everything there is to know about the budget. Fair warning: the entire thing is 791 pages.

Major line items include:

The Howard County Board of Education voted Thursday to raise fees for two popular summer programs. The Gifted and Talented Summer Institutes will go from $320 to $470, while the Black Student Achievement Program (BSAP) Summer Institute jumps from $700 to $1,100. Board member Jolene Mosley opposed the BSAP increase, and Linfeng Chen abstained from both votes, citing concerns over cost.

The district says fee waivers will remain for students living in poverty. Both programs return June 29, offering academic enrichment through July. Next up for the board: decisions on potential athletic fees and facility rental hikes later this month. ($)

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

28 🌡️ 5 | ☁️ | 10% ☔ | 6 mph

41 🌡️ 19 | ☁️ | 10% ☔ | 8 mph

43 🌡️ 30 | ☁️ | 20% ☔ | 14 mph

36 🌡️ 24 | ⛅ | 10% ☔ | 15 mph

Cured 1821 | Bronson Hoover | 6–10 PM

Cured 1821 | Bob Butta | 6–10 PM
Judge’s Bench | Irish music | 7–9 PM

Cured 1821 | Kevin Howard | 6–10 PM
BareBones | Moonstone | 7–10 PM
The Morgan Inn | Dave Phenicie & Paula Richardson | 6–9 PM

Thanks for reading Columbia Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who’s calling out of work today because of the Super Bowl.