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Jess Nocera

Jess

Jess Nocera is a regional reporter covering Howard County. She previously worked for The Richmond-Times Dispatch, The Baltimore Sun and The Bristol Herald Courier. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a double major in multi-platform journalism and government & politics in May 2017. When not reporting, Jess enjoys practicing yoga, running and antique shopping. Jess lives with her boyfriend and their two adorable kitties.

The latest from Jess Nocera

How a Howard County principal helped a struggling middle school turn the corner
Since joining Harper’s Choice Middle School in August 2023, first as a co-assistant principal and then as principal, Tiffanie Nunley has brought the once struggling school fresh ideas and a new vision.
Since joining Harper’s Choice Middle School in August 2023, Tiffanie Nunley has brought the once struggling school fresh ideas and a new vision.
Atholton High School principal on leave after ‘emotional interaction’ with students on video
Atholton High School’s principal is on leave for the remainder of the school year after an “emotional interaction” with students in the cafeteria, according to district officials.
Atholton High School Principal Nick Novak is on leave for the remainder of the school year after an “emotional interaction” with students in the cafeteria, according to district officials.
Howard County kicks off Ellicott City flood tunnel construction this summer
Howard County begins construction on a mile-long flood tunnel in Ellicott City to prevent future deadly flash floods and protect historic Main Street.
County Executive Calvin Ball hosts a tour of the new North Tunnel in Ellicott City.
Columbia Association’s ethics panel blasts ‘deeply troubling’ conduct of 3 ousted members
On Friday, the Columbia Association published an 82-page report detailing the last seven months of board infighting that led to three members being removed.
Then-Columbia Association board members Karin Emery and Eric Greenberg attend a town hall this year. They were among three board members removed for alleged ethics violations Thursday evening.
3 Columbia Association board members removed over alleged ethics violations
Three members of the Columbia Association’s board of directors were removed for alleged ethics violations on Thursday, April 23.
Then-Columbia Association board members Karin Emery and Eric Greenberg attend a town hall this year. They were among three board members removed for alleged ethics violations Thursday evening.
Columbia’s mega homeowners association can’t get residents to vote
James Rouse founded Columbia with a vision of inclusivity. But as residents prepare to cast ballots for their village councils and Columbia Association board members, some worry varying rules are producing low turnout and elections lack transparency.
Wine Bin owner to open restaurant, cocktail bar on Ellicott City’s Main Street
Dave Carney, owner of The Wine Bin, is set to open a new cocktail bar and restaurant called Vesper at Pike & Main in Ellicott City.
Dave Carney, left, owner of The Wine Bin, is set to open a new cocktail bar and restaurant called Vesper. He and head chef Rachel Bindel describe their vision of the space as it is under construction.
5 takeaways from Howard County Executive Calvin Ball’s final budget proposal
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball is presenting his final operating budget to the County Council on Monday April 20.
County Executive Calvin Ball delivers the budget presentation to the Howard County Council on Monday.
Despite a troubled start, Zūm gets 5 more years to bus Howard County students
The Howard County Public School System extended its contract with Zum, the controversial school bus company, for five more years.
Zum, a California based tech company, will handle 230 of Howard County Public School's roughly 500 school bus routes for the next three years.
Video shows fatal Howard County Police shooting of man with autism
State investigators released video Monday that shows the fatal police shooting of a young man with autism outside his apartment in Columbia.
A police shooting at Patuxent Commons, a subsidized housing development for adults with disabilities, rattled residents.
Aging motels could soon be a thing of the past along Howard County’s Route 1 corridor
Howard County officials are supportive of removing aging motels along Route 1 to efforts to revitalize the area.
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026 - Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced his support on Tuesday for legislation that will redevelop and revitalize the county’s Route 1 Corridor.
What to do this weekend, from a Maryland Day festival to a Key Bridge exhibit
Whether you want to celebrate Orioles’ opening day all day, learn the history of the Key Bridge or sing along to R&B hits, we've got you covered.
Tammy Dent attends a pregame event outside of the Hampton by Hilton hotel in Baltimore, Md., ahead of the Orioles home opener on Monday, March 31, 2025,
7 Things to do in Howard County: Egg hunts galore
Seven things to do in Howard County from Thursday March 26 to Wednesday April 1.
The egg hunt. Parks & People Easter Egg Hunt, Mar 30 2024, Baltimore, MD.
Savage library branch closed for HVAC repairs after carbon monoxide concerns
The Savage library branch in Howard County is closed Tuesday and Wednesday for HVAC repairs.
The Savage Branch Library in Howard County.
Ellicott City teen gets 45 years in fatal shooting of man found near high school
A Howard County Circuit Court judge sentenced an Ellicott City teen to 45 years in prison after the 2024 fatal shooting that occurred near Howard High School.
Exterior of the Circuit Court for Howard County is seen on January 30, 2024.
Howard County Police charge 3 men in fatal shooting in Columbia parking lot
Howard County Police have charged three Baltimore men Wednesday in the fatal shooting of a Salisbury man in a Columbia parking lot in August.
The Howard County Police logo seen outside their headquarters on January 25, 2024.
Autistic man fatally shot by Howard police had called to report extortion scam
Howard County officials held a press conference Thursday to discuss the fatal police shooting of Alex LaMoire, a 25-year-old man with autism.
Earlier this week, a 25-year-old man with autism was fatally shot outside Patuxent Commons, a housing development for adults with disabilities.
Who’s running for office in Howard County? A doctor, a W.R. Grace opponent, a lone Republican and more
Everything you need to know about candidates for Howard County office in 2026.
Howard County Voters complete their ballots within the gymnasium at Oakland Mills High School in Columbia, MD on November 5th, 2024.
7 things to do in Howard County: St. Patrick’s Day edition
Here’s a look at seven things to do in Howard County during the week of March 12-18. The theme is St. Patrick’s Day.
Stepping into Kelsey’s Restaurant, Irish Pub & Banquet Hall it feels like St. Patrick's Day every day. Enjoy a cold Guinness with some traditional Irish fare.
Police shooting of autistic man raises concerns at Howard’s celebrated housing complex
Patuxent Commons residents are feeling uneasy after police shot and killed 25-year-old resident Alexander LaMorie, an autistic man, who authorities say refused commands to drop a knife.
Patuxent Commons, a subsidized housing development for adults with disabilities, opened recently to great fanfare. A police-involved shooting Sunday rattled residents and has their families worried.
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