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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.

Latest content by Jess Nocera

Starting March 3rd, no Howard County Public Schools students will be able to use their cellphones during the school day.
5 things to know about Howard County’s school cellphone ban
Howard County Public Schools students will not be allowed to even glance at their cellphones during the school day starting March 3, under changes recently approved by the school board.
Manor Hill Brewing blanketed in snow on Wednesday Jan. 8, 2025. The brewery is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
7 things to do in Howard County, from Ghoul’s Night Out to Super Bowl Sunday
There is plenty to do in Howard County in the coming week, from celebrating Valentine’s Day early, to watching the big game Sunday with endless food.
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - JANUARY 31: An airplane takes off from Reagan National Airport as Roberto Marquez from Dallas, Texas, puts up crosses as part of a memorial for the victims of the midair collision between an American Airlines plane and a military helicopter earlier this week in the Potomac River, January 31, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Flights have resumed in and out of Reagan National Airport after an American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas collided midair with a military Black Hawk helicopter while on approach to the airport. According to reports, there were no survivors among the 67 people onboard both aircraft.
Ice skaters, company executives, hunters. These are the Marylanders we know died in the D.C. plane crash.
The number of Marylanders confirmed dead in an aviation crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that shook the nation this week continues to rise.
ONTARIO, CA - OCTOBER 22:  Coach Sasha Kirsanov, right, with Isabella Cannuscio and Ian Lorello after their performance in the Ice Dance Free Dance during Hilton HHonors Skate America at Citizens Business Bank Arena on October 22, 2011 in Ontario, California.
Alexandr ‘Sasha’ Kirsanov, decorated local skating coach, killed in Wednesday night plane crash
Alexandr 'Sasha' Kirsanov, 46, was a beloved local figure skating coach and retired ice dancer. The Delaware resident was among the 67 people killed in a plane crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Howard Community College’s Board of Trustees approved a $7.7 million five-year contract with CampusWorks, a higher education consultant company, to staff and manage the college’s human resources department.
Howard Community College enters contract to outsource its HR department
Howard Community College has entered into $7.7 million five-year contract with a higher education consultant company to staff and manage the college’s human resources department.
By a 7-1 vote, the Howard County school board on Thursday approved stricter rules on cellphone use.
Howard County students can’t use cellphones on campus during school day
Come March, no Howard County public school students will be able to use their cellphones during the school day.
The Howard Community College held a rally before the college's annual convocation ceremony on Friday Jan. 24, 2025 to voice their frustrations over contract negotiations with administration.
Faculty union calls on Howard Community College to ‘stop the stalling’ over contract talks
The Howard Community College faculty union is speaking up about what it deems to be inaction and constant stalling by the college's administration to meet at the bargaining table.
A focus group recommended that the proposed Howard County public garden on the grounds of Longwood in Glenwood include living tribute areas to enslaved and Indigenous peoples who once lived on the land, among other features.
Howard County’s public garden will honor land’s troubled past, focus group says
Howard County’s focus group released its recommendation plans for the county’s first-ever public garden.
Think of the Planet, an environmental education series, kicks off Tuesday Jan. 28 at the Miller Branch library.
7 things to do in Howard County, from ice skating to Think of the Planet
Seven things to do in Howard County for the week beginning Jan. 23.
Howard County lawmakers listen to testimony by three former Howard Community College trustees who abruptly resigned from the seven-member board in November.
Howard County senators move to fill vacancies on depleted community college board
Howard County senators are recommending three individuals to Howard Community College’s Board of Trustees, which will likely have to confront questions about the tenure of its controversial president, Daria Willis.
A Whole Foods worker looks out over a snow-covered Columbia Lakefront during snowfall earlier this month. Following weekend snow and bitter cold temperatures, schools in the Baltimore region will be opening late or closed on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
List: School closings and delays for Tuesday
What schools are either opening late or closed on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Snow falls in Charles Village on Sunday. Up to 3 inches of snow by day’s end in Baltimore and 4 or 5 inches north of the city, according to the National Weather Service, along with bitterly cold temperatures.
Temperatures plummet in Baltimore area as schools delay start
Baltimore City is under a code blue alert through Thursday because of freezing temperatures.
At least 28 incidents of alleged antisemitic activities across Howard County Public Schools occurred during the past two academic years, according to a newly released investigation by the U.S Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
Howard schools had 28 incidents of discrimination against Jewish students, federal investigation finds
The U.S. Department of Education and the Howard County Public School System have reached an agreement on how to resolve antisemitic harassment in the county schools.
The Howard County Board of Education office on Thursday Jan. 9, 2025.
Howard County schools could add jobs next year. Will it work?
Some education advocates commended the budget Superintendent Bill Barnes proposed, but other questioned whether adding certain jobs would work as intended.
The bar area of Pub Dog in Columbia, MD as seen on September 21st, 2024.
7 things to do in Howard County, from happy hour yoga to ‘Shrek’ drag brunch
Whether you’re looking to exercise, enjoy art or spend your Saturday night out on the town, there’s plenty to do in Howard County this week.

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