'Porch Pirates' Busted with 77 Packages | Patch PM

Stories to talk about this evening:

'Porch Pirates' Busted with 77 Packages: Howard County Police

Police officers will be playing Santa in Columbia Thursday night, attempting to deliver some of the 77 boxes that they recovered after an observant resident called authorities and led them to a pair of alleged porch pirates. >>> Read more.

Havre de Grace Duck Drop to Ring in 2017

The duck that has earned Havre de Grace national recognition will be dropping once again from its perch atop a Susquehanna Hose Company ladder truck. The 2017 Duck Drop is planned for midnight. Don't worry: It's a manmade duck. >>> Read more.

5 Restaurants at MGM National Harbor to Look Forward To

MGM National Harbor will be opening its doors on Thursday night, and while everyone is looking forward to the world-class casino that will serve as its centerpiece as well as a theater that will host some top musical acts, don't forget about the new restaurants opening as part of the experience. >>> Read more.

Patch Weekend Movie Guide: 'La La Land,' 'Office Christmas Party' and More

Target Recalls Melting Menorahs Because of Fire Danger

• Just in time for Hanukkah, Target has a recalled an acrylic menorah that melts when it holds burning candles.

Mikulski Urges Bipartisanship, Issues Warning in Senate Farewell

• Sen.Barbara Mikulski on Wednesday urged the members of Congress – of both genders – to embrace bipartisanship and work together.

Lothian Love Triangle Murders: Wife Pleads Guilty in 2 Deaths

• Ann Anastasi of Lothian pleaded guilty to killing her husband and his live-in mistress at their Lothian home.

Man Poses As Doctor, Then Steals from 'Friends': Police

• Montgomery County residents have been fleeced by a man who claims to be a doctor to bilk "friends" out of large sums of money, police say.

Patch PM shares a few of the day’s must-read items from our Maryland network. The Patch community platform covers communities across the state. | Photo of recovered packages courtesy of the Howard County Police Department.