Voices of Laurel

06/24/2026

Michelle García won the Democratic primary for Prince George’s County Council District 1, defeating Martin Mitchell and Darwin Romero in the race to succeed term-limited Council Member Tom Dernoga. In our area, the Democratic primary is widely viewed as the key contest, making García the likely next representative for District 1.

For the Laurel area specifically, District 1 includes the City of Laurel, Montpelier, South Laurel, and West Laurel.

06/24/2026

A proposal meant to address local challenges is once again drawing sharp debate in Laurel. Supporters say it could move the city forward, while critics are raising concerns about transparency, priorities, and long-term impacts. Read why the mayor's latest proposals are sparking controversy and what it could mean for residents:

By Diane Mezzanotte, Wednesday, June 23, 2026At last night’s in-person Laurel City Council meeting, Council President Brencis Smith told the audience, “A lot of passion has been going on. Please don’t mistake that for dysfunction.” It was a good segue to what followed, as Mayor Keith Sydnor ...

06/18/2026

In our Spring 2026 issue, we reported on a woman born in Laurel, Dulce Consuelo Diaz Morales, 22, who was taken into ICE custody in December 2025 and held in detention centers for a month, accused of being an illegal immigrant. Her legal team had won her release from ICE custody in January, but she was required to stay in her Baltimore home, wear an ankle monitor, and check in regularly at a local immigration court while deportation efforts continued.

Now the Department of Homeland Security has dropped its case against Diaz Morales, according to reporting from the Baltimore Banner. That action came on June 15, with the DHS motion to dismiss stating only that she had “established good cause.” Her legal team revealed that Diaz Morales had obtained a U.S. passport on June 1—by presenting the same documentation she had shown upon her arrest, including her birth certificate. They maintained that her arrest, detention, and home detention all were illegal because, as a lifelong U.S. citizen, she should not have fallen under the jurisdiction of immigration court.

https://www.thebanner.com/community/local-news/ice-drops-deportation-us-citizen-maryland-woman-EG2DPO3UG5B6XGPS6D6336SZNM/

06/12/2026

On June 10th, Laurel Parks & Recreation and the Laurel Police Department collaborated in hosting the annual bike parade. Participants decorated their bikes and helmets inside the Armory, and then headed outside to listen to a brief bike safety talk. After a practice run through an obstacle course, the kids rode their bikes up and down the 400 block of Montgomery Street. The event ended with sweet treats.

(Photos: Caitlin Lewis/Voices of Laurel)

06/11/2026

SUMMER YOUTH CURFEW IN EFFECT STARTING JUNE 18

Mayor Keith R. Sydnor has issued Executive Order 2026-05 establishing a temporary citywide curfew for anyone under the age of 18 in the City of Laurel.

Effective: June 18, 2026 – September 8, 2026
Curfew Hours: 10:00 PM – 5:00 AM, seven days a week

The curfew is part of the City's efforts to promote public safety, support families, and provide a safe environment for youth during the summer months.

Mayor Sydnor stated, “Summer should be a time for young people to enjoy recreational programs, community events, and opportunities that foster growth and success. This curfew is one part of a broader effort to keep our youth safe and ensure our community remains a welcoming place for everyone.”

Exceptions include youth who are:
• Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
• Traveling directly home within one hour after a school, religious, community, or public event
• Traveling directly to or from work and able to provide proof of employment

The Laurel Police Department will enforce the curfew in accordance with City law. Parents or guardians will be notified and required to respond if a juvenile is detained for a curfew violation.

For more information, contact the Laurel Police Department at (301) 498-0092 or visit www.cityoflaurel.org.

06/09/2026

Few people shaped Laurel quite like the late Fred Frederick. In this special feature, Fred reflects on opening his dealership in 1959, his decades of community involvement, and some unforgettable stories from a life well lived. Drawn from a 2014 interview with our Kevin Leonard, these are Fred Frederick's own words—a fascinating look back at Laurel through the eyes of one of its most influential citizens.

Read it here:

Fred Frederick, who passed away in January, was a Laurel icon. Since he opened his Chrysler dealership in its present location on Route 1 in 1959, he was involved in more community efforts than probably anyone. When I interviewed him in his office in 2014, he had so many stories that my recorder’s...

06/09/2026

Calling all Howard County Renters!

You’re invited to participate in a Renter Town Hall on June 29th from 6–8pm in Columbia.

The event is hosted by the Columbia Housing Association, which invites renters to come share their experiences, discuss challenges, and help shape a more affordable, safe, and accessible housing system in the county.

One in three Howard County residents is a renter. To strengthen renter rights, make it easier to navigate services, and expand accessible and affordable housing supply, the voices of renters need to be heard.

The event is free and open to residents in Howard County. Dinner will be served.

Use the QR code to register. Spaces are limited!

Monday, June 29th, 6–8pm
Horizon Foundation
10221 Wincopin Circle, Suite 200
Columbia, MD 21044

06/06/2026

On June 5th, Laurel Elementary School hosted a celebration marking one hundred years of existence. The community was invited to an assembly that included the mayor, former employees, Principal Tyrone Harris, and members of the city council. A reception with hors d'oeuvres and dessert followed, and attendees had the opportunity to tour classrooms and the media center. Exhibits showcasing the history of Laurel Elementary School were on display.

(Photos: Amy Graver and Caitlin Lewis/Voices of Laurel)

06/03/2026

SUMMER CONTEST ALERT!

Taking a trip this summer? Bring a copy of Voices of Laurel with you. We love seeing it reach beyond city limits!

Snap a photo of the newspaper at a recognizable landmark and post it on Facebook (tagging Voices of Laurel) or send it to us directly. After Labor Day, we'll award a free Laurel History Boys book of your choice—"Laurel at 150," "Postmark Laurel," or "Capital Centre: a Retrospective"—to the reader who traveled the farthest from Laurel. The winner will also be featured in our Fall issue!

Safe travels—we can't wait to see where Voices of Laurel goes next!

06/01/2026

In a special session this evening that lasted just over 15 minutes, the Laurel City Council voted unanimously to override two mayoral line item vetoes related to the FY2027 budget. One amendment, which originally passed 4 to 1 at last week’s council session, removed a $1 million housing assistance program that Mayor Keith Sydnor had added to the budget on April 29. Tonight, the council voted 5 to 0 to override that veto, with multiple council members explaining that they were not opposed to the program, but needed more time to examine it before approval.

The other amendment had increased the amount budgeted for an advertising contract with the Laurel Independent from the mayor’s $30,000 to $45,000. Last week, there were four votes for that amendment and one against, which was enough to pass, but Sydnor had vetoed it. Tonight‘s vote was unanimous on that amendment, as well, although council members offered no comments on that particular action.