Jess Nocera
@jessmnocera.bsky.social
Howard County reporter at The Baltimore Banner // Always Metro4ever // [email protected]
Reposted by Jess Nocera
By @jessmnocera.bsky.social: The lore behind Columbia’s quirky street names. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
The lore behind Columbia’s quirky street names
Columbia's distinctive, some say quirky, street names have been around since its founding in 1967. But they’re gaining a new appreciation thanks to social media posts by a Columbia native who recently...
www.thebanner.com
August 21, 2025 at 10:09 PM
By @jessmnocera.bsky.social: The lore behind Columbia’s quirky street names. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
Reposted by Jess Nocera
‘Rabbits deserve better’: A look inside a bunny rescue in a Columbia home, @jessmnocera.bsky.social reports. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
Dozens of abandoned rabbits get care at bunny rescue based at Columbia home
Friends of Rabbits, a large animal rescue, recently took in 60 abandoned bunnies from a farm. Many of the bunnies gave birth.
www.thebanner.com
September 4, 2025 at 10:17 PM
‘Rabbits deserve better’: A look inside a bunny rescue in a Columbia home, @jessmnocera.bsky.social reports. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
Reposted by Jess Nocera
Howard county SHOULD be the perfect place for young families.
It has great schools, close proximity to DC and Baltimore, plenty of parks...
...so why are only 7% of homeowners under 35?
@jessmnocera.bsky.social & I on how HoCo became a "victim of its own success"
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
It has great schools, close proximity to DC and Baltimore, plenty of parks...
...so why are only 7% of homeowners under 35?
@jessmnocera.bsky.social & I on how HoCo became a "victim of its own success"
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
Can’t afford to buy a home in Howard County? New census data offer clues why
New data released by the U.S. Census Bureau suggests a harsh reality: it’s never been harder for young families to move to Howard County.
www.thebanner.com
September 11, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Howard county SHOULD be the perfect place for young families.
It has great schools, close proximity to DC and Baltimore, plenty of parks...
...so why are only 7% of homeowners under 35?
@jessmnocera.bsky.social & I on how HoCo became a "victim of its own success"
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
It has great schools, close proximity to DC and Baltimore, plenty of parks...
...so why are only 7% of homeowners under 35?
@jessmnocera.bsky.social & I on how HoCo became a "victim of its own success"
www.thebanner.com/community/lo...
Reposted by Jess Nocera
It's been over five years since the onset of COVID-19, which means the babies born into the pandemic are off to pre-K 4 and kindergarten. How exactly can teachers support these kiddos, who spent their earliest years in isolation? I dug into it: www.thebanner.com/education/ea...
The pandemic babies are off to pre-K and kindergarten
In a major pandemic milestone, the babies born during the early days of COVID-19 are finally old enough to start school.
www.thebanner.com
September 16, 2025 at 2:16 PM
It's been over five years since the onset of COVID-19, which means the babies born into the pandemic are off to pre-K 4 and kindergarten. How exactly can teachers support these kiddos, who spent their earliest years in isolation? I dug into it: www.thebanner.com/education/ea...
Reposted by Jess Nocera
Tubing down the Gunpowder River is the perfect way to spend a summer day— except when E. coli levels are soaring, as they have frequently this year. I spent time with the Gunpowder Riverkeepers to see how they’re working to protect the river. www.thebaltimorebanner.com/gunpowder-ri...
They speak for the Gunpowder River. That includes warning about E. coli.
Volunteers with the Gunpowder Riverkeepers are uncovering dangerously high E. coli levels in parts of Baltimore’s beloved river, raising concerns about water safety, pollution and what’s at stake for ...
www.thebaltimorebanner.com
August 5, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Tubing down the Gunpowder River is the perfect way to spend a summer day— except when E. coli levels are soaring, as they have frequently this year. I spent time with the Gunpowder Riverkeepers to see how they’re working to protect the river. www.thebaltimorebanner.com/gunpowder-ri...
Reposted by Jess Nocera
Hi, federal workers: Are you or someone you know stuck in job limbo because of court cases or legal uncertainty? Reporter Sapna Bansil at @thebaltimorebanner.com is looking to hear from those affected. Please reach out at [email protected]
July 2, 2025 at 2:57 PM
Hi, federal workers: Are you or someone you know stuck in job limbo because of court cases or legal uncertainty? Reporter Sapna Bansil at @thebaltimorebanner.com is looking to hear from those affected. Please reach out at [email protected]
Reposted by Jess Nocera
EXCLUSIVE: The University of Baltimore turned 100 years old this year. It is also facing a structural deficit, 50% less enrollment in 10 years, and is cutting positions.
“Our ability to generate revenue is under duress," the CFO told me. Read:
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/un...
“Our ability to generate revenue is under duress," the CFO told me. Read:
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/un...
After a century, the University of Baltimore is struggling
Over the last 10 years, the University of Baltimore’s enrollment has dropped, its faculty has halved, leaving its deficit swollen amid state cuts.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com
June 25, 2025 at 9:14 PM
EXCLUSIVE: The University of Baltimore turned 100 years old this year. It is also facing a structural deficit, 50% less enrollment in 10 years, and is cutting positions.
“Our ability to generate revenue is under duress," the CFO told me. Read:
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/un...
“Our ability to generate revenue is under duress," the CFO told me. Read:
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/un...
Reposted by Jess Nocera
At 11, she’s turned heartbreak into hope on the National Spelling Bee stage
Read the story by @kris10griffith.bsky.social on the @thebaltimorebanner.com ---> tinyurl.com/2rj9mrb5
Read the story by @kris10griffith.bsky.social on the @thebaltimorebanner.com ---> tinyurl.com/2rj9mrb5
At 11, she’s turned heartbreak into hope on the National Spelling Bee stage
This week, Amelia “Bindi” Ray will take the national stage as the youngest Maryland competitor in the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
tinyurl.com
May 27, 2025 at 11:59 AM
At 11, she’s turned heartbreak into hope on the National Spelling Bee stage
Read the story by @kris10griffith.bsky.social on the @thebaltimorebanner.com ---> tinyurl.com/2rj9mrb5
Read the story by @kris10griffith.bsky.social on the @thebaltimorebanner.com ---> tinyurl.com/2rj9mrb5
Reposted by Jess Nocera
Getting a master's degree is hard. Kayla Case managed to study for her second while teaching part-time, pursuing the prestigious teacher's National Board certification and raising two toddlers. Oh: and she was also in chemo for Stage 3 cancer. www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/hi...
Her final assignment before graduation? Beating Stage 3 cancer
Anne Arundel County teacher Kayla Case earned her second master’s degree after battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com
May 23, 2025 at 1:49 PM
Getting a master's degree is hard. Kayla Case managed to study for her second while teaching part-time, pursuing the prestigious teacher's National Board certification and raising two toddlers. Oh: and she was also in chemo for Stage 3 cancer. www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/hi...
Reposted by Jess Nocera
Reposted by Jess Nocera
“Even though she’s got aches and pains, she still gets to look beautiful for one more day.”
Once, they owned Pimlico. On Saturday, the De Francis family, friends and longtime employees grappled with saying goodbye to the track they’ve known so well.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/horse...
Once, they owned Pimlico. On Saturday, the De Francis family, friends and longtime employees grappled with saying goodbye to the track they’ve known so well.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/horse...
May 19, 2025 at 12:48 PM
“Even though she’s got aches and pains, she still gets to look beautiful for one more day.”
Once, they owned Pimlico. On Saturday, the De Francis family, friends and longtime employees grappled with saying goodbye to the track they’ve known so well.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/horse...
Once, they owned Pimlico. On Saturday, the De Francis family, friends and longtime employees grappled with saying goodbye to the track they’ve known so well.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/sports/horse...
Reposted by Jess Nocera
Preakness, schmeakness. Tonight is also Gunz of Steel, an arm-wrestling competition for women and non-binary people featuring a deranged lunch lady, a gym-obsessed rat and a flying crocheted placenta. 📸: @jessicagallagher.bsky.social www.thebaltimorebanner.com/culture/life...
At Gunz of Steel, arm wrestlers flex muscles and mayhem
A dozen costumed participants, many joined by a costumed manager, will lock arms across Stellmon’s custom-built arm wrestling table for four rounds of competition at Gunz of Steel.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com
May 17, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Preakness, schmeakness. Tonight is also Gunz of Steel, an arm-wrestling competition for women and non-binary people featuring a deranged lunch lady, a gym-obsessed rat and a flying crocheted placenta. 📸: @jessicagallagher.bsky.social www.thebaltimorebanner.com/culture/life...
Reposted by Jess Nocera
NEW: Thousands of Baltimore students begin their school days on MTA buses.
But how many? And what are their commutes like?
Neither City Schools nor MTA know for sure.
Experts say a survey would help. But first someone has to conduct one.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-...
But how many? And what are their commutes like?
Neither City Schools nor MTA know for sure.
Experts say a survey would help. But first someone has to conduct one.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-...
Want better school commutes? First, find out who’s riding the bus
Without data, experts say, it’s all but impossible for school officials and transit planners to find solutions for the thousands of Baltimore City kids who struggle to get to class on time every day.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com
May 9, 2025 at 1:02 PM
NEW: Thousands of Baltimore students begin their school days on MTA buses.
But how many? And what are their commutes like?
Neither City Schools nor MTA know for sure.
Experts say a survey would help. But first someone has to conduct one.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-...
But how many? And what are their commutes like?
Neither City Schools nor MTA know for sure.
Experts say a survey would help. But first someone has to conduct one.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-...
Michael Martirano, who abruptly retired as superintendent of Howard County schools last year, will soon take the helm in Allegany County.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-...
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-...
Retired Howard schools chief to lead Western Maryland school district
Michael Martirano left the Howard County Public School System abruptly last year.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com
May 8, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Michael Martirano, who abruptly retired as superintendent of Howard County schools last year, will soon take the helm in Allegany County.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-...
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-...
Reposted by Jess Nocera
The Baltimore Banner, not even 3 years old, just won a Pulitzer Prize.
I am so, *so* proud to work here. Today and every day. The work continues.
I am so, *so* proud to work here. Today and every day. The work continues.
Baltimore Banner wins Pulitzer Prize for coverage of overdose crisis
The Baltimore Banner was awarded the Pulitzer Prize on Monday for groundbreaking local journalism that exposed Baltimore as the deadliest large city in the nation for drug overdoses.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com
May 5, 2025 at 7:20 PM
The Baltimore Banner, not even 3 years old, just won a Pulitzer Prize.
I am so, *so* proud to work here. Today and every day. The work continues.
I am so, *so* proud to work here. Today and every day. The work continues.
Reposted by Jess Nocera
‘The Mall in Columbia has become a different world’: Restaurateur blames crime for closures
‘The Mall in Columbia has become a different world’: Restauranteur blames crime for closures
Bennie's Pizza owner Desmond Reilly alleges the closures of his Howard County restaurants The Walrus Oyster & Ale House and Chicken + Whiskey are because of crime at the Mall in Columbia.
buff.ly
May 3, 2025 at 12:00 AM
‘The Mall in Columbia has become a different world’: Restaurateur blames crime for closures
Reposted by Jess Nocera
Howard County will change how it picks schools for upgrades. Will it work?
Howard County will change how it picks schools for upgrades. Will it work?
Communities at aging schools are still waiting to see how the fate of their buildings could change.
buff.ly
May 1, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Howard County will change how it picks schools for upgrades. Will it work?
Reposted by Jess Nocera
3 things to know about the funding gap for Howard County’s schools
3 things to know about the gap in funding for Howard County schools
Educators, parents, residents and others urged the Howard County Council to provide additional funding for the school system, which is warning that program and staff cuts will be necessary without additional...
buff.ly
May 1, 2025 at 10:00 PM
3 things to know about the funding gap for Howard County’s schools
Reposted by Jess Nocera
Baltimore County man gets 50 years in nonfatal Howard County road rage incident
Baltimore County man gets 50 years in nonfatal road rage incident
The Howard County State’s Attorney’s office sentenced a Baltimore County man to 50 years in prison for his role in a violent road rage shooting.
buff.ly
May 2, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Baltimore County man gets 50 years in nonfatal Howard County road rage incident
Reposted by Jess Nocera
BREAKING: U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Nancy V. Alquist on Thursday granted a petition to force Chasen Construction LLC into Chapter 11 involuntary bankruptcy. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com) (w/ @halliemiller.bsky.social, @invisibae.bsky.social)
April 24, 2025 at 10:42 PM
BREAKING: U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Nancy V. Alquist on Thursday granted a petition to force Chasen Construction LLC into Chapter 11 involuntary bankruptcy. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com) (w/ @halliemiller.bsky.social, @invisibae.bsky.social)
Reposted by Jess Nocera
Super proud of the @thebaltimorebanner.com newsroom for winning an IRE award for our Key Bridge collapse coverage. At the time, we didn't even have a live blog, but we did have great journalists who know this community and what the bridge meant to it.
The IRE Award for Investigations Triggered by Breaking News goes to @thebaltimorebanner.com for reporting on the Key Bridge collapse. “This was a colossal effort for 24 hours, with journalists waking up in the middle of the night and working well together.” www.thebaltimorebanner.com/specials/key...
April 16, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Super proud of the @thebaltimorebanner.com newsroom for winning an IRE award for our Key Bridge collapse coverage. At the time, we didn't even have a live blog, but we did have great journalists who know this community and what the bridge meant to it.
Reposted by Jess Nocera
From Wawa to the woods: Rachel Morin’s final hour traced through technology and witnesses. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
Rachel Morin’s final hour traced through technology and witnesses
Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five, was killed on Aug. 5, 2023.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com
April 9, 2025 at 9:45 PM
From Wawa to the woods: Rachel Morin’s final hour traced through technology and witnesses. (via @thebaltimorebanner.com)
Reposted by Jess Nocera
New: Named after a turn of phrase from the governor, the Maryland Tough, Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Relief Fund raised $16 million. None of it went to help the victims’ families despite the Baltimore Community Foundation initially saying it would.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/lo...
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/lo...
Families of Key Bridge victims shut out of $16M relief fund
A community foundation raised money for the Maryland Tough, Baltimore Strong fund under the explicit premise that Key Bridge victims’ families would see some of it.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com
April 9, 2025 at 11:32 AM
New: Named after a turn of phrase from the governor, the Maryland Tough, Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Relief Fund raised $16 million. None of it went to help the victims’ families despite the Baltimore Community Foundation initially saying it would.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/lo...
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/lo...
Reposted by Jess Nocera
BREAKING: The U.S. has revoked more student visas at Maryland colleges. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County reported four students lost their visas today, while the University of Maryland, College Park confirmed but did not share their number:
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/hi...
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/hi...
U.S. revokes visas of some international students at UMD, UMBC
The campuses joined the Johns Hopkins University and campuses colleges the country in publicly acknowledging a wave of visa cancellations affecting their students.
www.thebaltimorebanner.com
April 8, 2025 at 9:18 PM
BREAKING: The U.S. has revoked more student visas at Maryland colleges. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County reported four students lost their visas today, while the University of Maryland, College Park confirmed but did not share their number:
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/hi...
www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/hi...