The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.
35°

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

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.
Jan 24, 2025
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.
Jan 23, 2025
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.
Jan 22, 2025
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.
Updated Jan 21, 2025
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.
Updated Jan 20, 2025
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.
Jan 17, 2025
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.
Jan 16, 2025
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.
Jan 16, 2025
Howard County Schools Superintendent Bill Barnes will present his FY2026 operating budget proposal in Ellicott City, MD, on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
Howard County schools chief wants to spend more on special education, security staff
Superintendent Bill Barnes is breathing a little easier this January as he proposes his $1.219 billion budget.
Jan 9, 2025
Howard County’s historic circuit courthouse in Ellicott City is set to reopen in 2026 as an arts, culture and history center.
Historic courthouse in Ellicott City being reimagined as an arts, culture and history center
A 182-year-old courthouse in Ellicott City made of local granite is being turned into an arts, cultural and history center. Howard County just secured $400,000 in state funds for the project, which is underway.
Jan 9, 2025
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 a whiskey dinner to Beatles trivia and jazz
Seven things to do in Howard County from Thursday, Jan. 9 through Wednesday, Jan. 15.
Jan 9, 2025
A Howard County man built a go-kart track on his property in Highland for his son.
Residents wave red flag on ‘illegal’ go-kart track in Howard County
A Howard County community association is pushing to have an unauthorized Go-kart track removed from one homeowner's 11-acre property.
Jan 2, 2025
Savage Mill will host a Three Kings Day event Sunday.
7 things to do in Howard County, from Manor Hill’s First Friday to 3 Kings Day
Seven things to do in Howard County from Thursday Jan. 2 through Wednesday Jan. 8.
Jan 2, 2025
From community college turmoil to new government watchdog, here are Howard Co.’s top headlines in 2024
If you missed a few things, don’t fret. Here’s a roundup of top headlines about Howard County in 2024.
Dec 26, 2024
An Anne Arundel County Police vehicle.
More speed cameras are coming to Anne Arundel County this weekend
About a month after installing two new neighborhood speed cameras, three more are coming to Anne Arundel County on Dec. 21.
Dec 19, 2024

The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one.

Oh no!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes. If the problem persists, please contact customer service at 443-843-0043 or customercare@thebaltimorebanner.com.