Seven Things to Know About Columbia, 9/16

1) The Weather

"Increasing clouds, with a high near 66. North wind between 6 and 9 mph." From the National Weather Service

2) Event Not To Miss

Dancing Under the People Tree

Free dance instruction with music held under the People Tree at Town Center Lakefront from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday. Tatia Zack will give instruction for beginners and those with experience. When the dance session ends the movie begins.

3) One Week. Three Homicide Arrests.

It was a big week for the Howard County Police Department.  On Thursday, Wael Ali, was charged with first-degree murder in the 2007 death of his twin brother, Wasel Ali. was charged Wednesday in the Monday shooting death of bail bondswoman Nichole Bernadette McNair, 42, of Baltimore. And was charged Wednesday in the stabbing death of Philip Edward Wise, 46, who was found Tuesday in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 5500 block of Harper’s Farm Road.

4) Question of the Day

Some readers and residents are blaming the recent violence on what they call an increase of people who receive public housing assistance in Columbia. What do you think of this viewpoint? Post your reactions here.

5) What You Love To Read

Even with all the crime news this week, our story on Athar Khan, the Columbia man who struggles with mental illness and bikes around town and picks up trash, has been the most popular story on Columbia Patch. Do you have a person around town with an interesting story you’d like us to profile? Email me at lisa.rossi@patch.com

6) Featured Reader Comment

“’He is being held at the Howard County Detention Center on $2 million bond.’ I wonder if he'll be able to find a bail bondsman to cover him?” -  Reader “” on the story about the Columbia man accused of killing a bail bondswoman earlier this week.

7) Headlines You May Have Missed, 9/14

GOP Vaccine Debate Draws Ire From Maryland Doctors, Moms