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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

Howard County voters should finally know who is representing them on the Board of Education for the next four years.
Howard County school board election results are in — finally
After a weeklong wait, winners are finally becoming clear.
A voting booth in Oakland Mills High School in Howard County.
Mail-in, provisional votes will decide the fate of Howard County’s school board
Andre Gao conceded to opponent Meg Ricks over the weekend, but two races remain too close to call.
Howard County voters complete their ballots within the gymnasium at Oakland Mills High School in Columbia, Maryland on Nov. 5, 2024.
Howard County election officials continue to tally votes in three close school board races
In the District 1 race for Howard County school board, Meg Ricks moved into the lead over her opponent, newcomer Andre Gao.
election results
Howard County school board races could be decided by razor-thin margins
In two races, candidates lead by just a few dozen votes.
What a Howard County school board race says about the politics of education
The culture wars infiltrating public schools all over the country are creeping into Maryland. That’s became especially apparent in this race.
Howard County surveyed families, staff and students to inform a new policy on when it’s OK for students to use their phones during the school day.
Kids and adults are divided on whether cellphones should be allowed in Howard County schools
Howard County Public Schools has joined a local and national and national movement to crack down on students’ phone use in classrooms.
Five seats are up for grabs on Howard County’s Board of Education.
What to know about Howard County school board candidates
Five seats are up for grabs. Here’s where the candidates stand on issues like cellphones and building new schools.
Produce inside of The Market at Hollins Market, in Baltimore, Tuesday September 17, 2024.
A Howard County produce wholesaler is closing, taking away over 400 jobs
Lancaster Foods notified the Maryland Department of Labor that it will close its Jessup plant by Dec. 14 and lay off as many as 424 employees.
David Clark puts a cape over a customer before a haircut at Warren’s Barbershop in Columbia. Warren's, the first Black-owned barbershop in Howard County, recently celebrated 100 years in business.
Columbia barbershop marks 100 years of haircuts — and mentoring Black barbers
Warren’s Barbershop in Columbia is celebrating 100 years in business. Longtime owner Julius Warren Jr., 86, retired about a decade ago, but the shop remains family-owned and its legacy continues with the younger Black barbers he mentored.
Attendees of the October 7 Baltimore Community Commemoration event get emotional during a speech about Israeli hostages at the Beth El Congregation in Pikesville, Md., on Oct. 7, 2024.
Baltimore’s Jewish community, state leaders remember Oct. 7 at Beth El
More than 1,500 gathered at Beth El Congregation in Pikesville Monday night to remember the lives lost last year during Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.
Reporter Jess Nocera checked out the nightlife options for young folks living in Columbia. One was Main Event in Columbia (above).
Not too sleepy, not too wild: What I found hanging out in Columbia on a Saturday night
After a colleague and I reported on things for young professionals to do in Columbia, my editors asked me to hang out one night and see what the vibe was like.
The crowd braved Day Two at All Things Go Music Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion. This year, fans can see Chappell Roan, Reneé Rapp, Hozier and more.
7 things to do in Howard County: All Things Go music festival to feature dozens of acts
Seven things to do in Howard County, like seeing Chappell Roan, Reneé Rapp, Hozier and more at the All Things Go Music Festival.
HoCo Pirate Adventures founder Chris Fuchs organizes nine pirate treasure hunts a year on the trails of Columbia.
How a father’s love transformed Columbia into a pirate adventure
A pirate treasure hunt that started as a Columbia dad’s way to bond with his daughter has grown into a full-blown event that draws hundreds of families.
President of Howard Community College Daria J. Willis speaks during an event.
Howard Community College board rejects calls to oust president, assails online critics
The board of Howard Community College sent an email to the campus community voicing confidence in President Daria J. Willis, defending her against criticism.
Ellicott City bucked a trend seen in many places across Maryland, where gains in the Hispanic population offset losses in white and Black populations.
Ellicott City grew less diverse, Columbia lost population, new data shows
Ellicott City bucked a trend seen in many places across Maryland, where gains in the Hispanic population offset losses in white and Black populations.

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