Hoco BOE vs Big Drug Companies!

Good morning, Columbia.

In today’s Columbia Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Michelle Sinclair

The Howard County Board of Education is suing drug giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk plus CVS, UnitedHealth, and others, claiming they’ve driven up insulin prices through a “Insulin Pricing Scheme.”

The board, which insures over 7,800 employees, retirees, and dependents, says it’s been overcharged millions—money that could’ve gone to students. The suit argues prices have skyrocketed not due to rising costs or innovation, but through manipulation by both manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

PBMs like CVS Caremark and OptumRx are accused of inflating list prices and pocketing undisclosed rebates, while controlling which drugs make national formularies—essentially deciding what’s covered and what isn’t.

The companies deny wrongdoing. CVS says manufacturers alone set prices. OptumRx calls the claims “baseless” and says its negotiations have lowered insulin costs for many customers.

Bottom line: The BOE says this isn’t just about high drug costs—it’s about how those costs undercut school budgets and services. ($)

Looking for a real estate agent who listens, strategizes, and delivers? Meet Mike Sloan of Northrop Realty, a seasoned professional with over 18 years of full-time experience, 1,200+ homes sold, and $500 million+ in sales. Named one of The Wall Street Journal’s Top Agents, Mike’s a competitor who thrives on challenges and relationships. A Howard County native and family man, Mike’s ready to put his expertise to work for you. Reach out to Mike to see how he can help.

Howard County’s Planning Board just greenlit a proposal that could bring more nursing homes to the area—starting with the Columbia Inn at Peralynna. If zoning gets tweaked, the boutique hotel could become a quieter, 16-bed care facility. With an aging population, officials say the changes are about keeping older residents close to home. ($)

Howard County’s own Raj Pingili turned a vacation craving into a full-blown bakery biz. After falling for Paris Baguette in NYC, he opening the first Maryland location in Towson. With deep local ties and big plans for expansion (he has 4-5 more planned), Pingili’s serving up sweet success—one croissant at a time—straight from HoCo to Towson.

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Howard County’s wine game is officially award-winning. Wine Spectator just named three local restaurants—Facci Ristorante, Seasons 52, and Smashing Grapes—among the best in the world for their wine lists. With selections ranging from 90 to 300 bottles, these spots are putting HoCo on the global vino map. Cheers to that!

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.

Founded by two proud Columbia residents, Remedy Columbia is your neighborhood dispensary offering premium cannabis products and a personalized shopping experience. Whether you're seeking relief, relaxation, or inspiration, our curated selection and knowledgeable team are here to help. At Remedy, we believe in supporting our community, celebrating local culture, and making every visit feel like coming home. Visit Remedy Columbia—Where Healing Meets Home.

This week’s featured event. . . Good Kid-Izen Saturday 7-12, 10am at Color Burst Park BRING YOUR BIKE!

🚴‍♀️ Bike with a Cop rolls into Color Burst Park July 12! Kids 5+ (and parents) can ride a pop-up bike path, then join an officer-led ride through Symphony Woods. Helmets required. Good Kid-Izens only.

Lakefront Movie Night
🇺🇸 Captain America: Brave New World hits the big screen at Columbia Lakefront Friday, July 11! Bring a blanket, snag a spot, and enjoy this free flick under the stars. Movie starts at dusk!

Lakefront Live Family Fun Morning
Start your Saturday with Family Fun Mornings at the Columbia Lakefront! Starting at 10am, enjoy bubbles, balloons, magicians, games, and giggles—all with a waterfront view. Fresh air + family vibes = perfect weekend kickoff.

Patapsco Distilling Tasting @ K9 and Coffee
🥃 Sip local at K-9 and Coffee Lounge! On Saturday, July 12, from 12–3pm, enjoy a free tasting from Patapsco Distilling Co. Sample award-winning bourbon and zesty limoncello—no tickets, just taste and chill.

Wine Bin Movie Night
🎬 Groundhog Day at The Wine Bin! Pack your chair, grab your crew, and catch this cult classic under the stars July 12, 9–11pm. Wine tastings before, live music outside, snacks inside. Popcorn proceeds support Voices for Children. Free flick, cozy vibes, local love.

Wild Water Day @ Robinson Nature Center
💦 Dive into summer fun at the Nature Center’s biggest bash! Water games, river critters, a treasure hunt, snow + ice experiments, and more. July 13. $8–$10 admission. All ages welcome. Free shuttle from off-site parking. Come dressed to get wet. Event is rain or shine. Call 410-313-0400 for details.

Community Athletic Program @ East Columbia Library
Drop in Monday, July 14 at East Columbia Library from 10am-2pm for games, sports, and good vibes with local school resource officers. From Basketball to board games, it’s free fun for school-age kids—no sign-up needed!

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.

Howard County schools will stick with their strict no-phone policy next year, aiming to boost student focus and well-being. Adopted in March, the rule bans personal cellphone use during the school day. Officials say it’s working—and plan to collect more data before revisiting changes. Students may not love it, but engagement is up. ($)

2025 HCPSS Teacher of the Year Jessica Nichols is trading the classroom for the campaign trail. The Elkridge Democrat’s running for Howard County Council District 2, aiming to fight for working families, better school funding, and more youth spaces. Bonus? She’s keeping her day job—because who better to represent families than someone raising and teaching them? ($)

Eight Howard County K9s—Blade, Bronx, Duke, Falco, Max, Murph, Pegy, and Titan—are getting custom-fit bullet and stab-proof vests thanks to a generous donation from Vested Interest in K9s. Each vest will bear the words: “Born to Love – Trained to Serve – Loyal Always.” Delivery’s expected within 10 weeks.

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83 🌡️ 71 | ⛈️ | 80% | 💨 N-NE 2-10 mph

87 🌡️ 70 | 🌧️ | 50% | 💨 W 1-9 mph

86 🌡️ 72 | 🌨️ | 55% | 💨 NW-W 2-11 mph

86 🌡️ 71 | 🌨️ | 50% | 💨 NW 2-12 mph

Walkers | Damon Foreman 6pm
Morgan Inn | David Phenicie and Paula Richardson 6pm
Collective Encore | Deanna Bogart Band 730pm
Cured 1821 | Joe DeCara 6pm
Merriweather Post | Counting Crows 730pm

Blackwall | Mike Sharp 8pm
Morgan Inn | On The Fly 8pm
Looney’s Maple Lawn | Crushing Day
Bare Bones | Vertigo Red 8pm
Collective Encore | Deanna Bogart 730pm
Cured 1821 | John Waller 6pm
Reckless Shepherd | Paulie Boy Blues 9pm

Blackwall | Grayson Moon 8pm
Morgan Inn | McFadden-Garcia 8pm
Looney’s Maple Lawn | Cherry Crush
Manor Hill Brewery | Evelyn Acht 2pm
Bare Bones | Uncommitted 8pm
Collective Encore | Brencore Presents…. A Tribute to Motown 8pm
Cured 1821 | Bob Butta 6pm
Reckless Shepherd | Fitzkee Brothers 8pm

Blackwall | Stephen Henson 11am
Morgan Inn | Soul Family Band 2pm
Manor Hill Brewery | Mike Finazzo 2pm
Collective Encore | Steve Forbert 7pm
Cured 1821 | Mike Noonan 5pm

Thanks for reading Columbia Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who has paid too much for insulin.