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.
Baltimore Archbishop William Lori encouraged area parishioners to learn from Pope Francis’ legacy by embodying light and hope through service to those in the margins.
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball unveiled a $2.3 billion operating budget proposal for the fiscal year beginning in July, recommending $100 million be trimmed from the county’s books.
After a tumultuous seven months, the Howard Community College board is at full strength and set to expand by two members, with new rules in place to ensure more transparency over its decision making.
The Howard County Police Department is establishing a full-time unit of officers to three areas in Columbia: the Merriweather District, The Mall in Columbia and Columbia Lakefront.
A Howard County bus attendant, contracted to serve students at the Linwood Center, was arrested and charged with two counts of assault and one count of fourth-degree sex offense this week.
Many Columbia residents and leaders are pushing back against proposals to turn over management of the village community association buildings and neighborhood centers to the Columbia Association.
The Columbia Association is weighing proposals to take over the community buildings and centers that are now run by the planned community’s 10 villages. The recommendations are triggering a debate about Columbia’s future.
As tensions continue to rise between Howard Community College’s administration and the full-time faculty union, the union is taking aim at an updated policy that restricts free speech and the right to gather on campus.
As state leaders have come together behind four nominees to fill vacancies on the Howard Community College board, a bill that would aims to bring more transparency to the board has the support of the county's senators and delegates.