IN A NUTSHELL: The Laurel City Council passed an amended version of the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, 3–2 with no abstentions, but Mayor Keith Sydnor non-concurred and reserved the right to veto. At issue was one line item that would fund a $1 million housing assistance program administered by local non-profit group LARS. Council members voiced support for the intent of the program but felt that the line item was not introduced properly, and thus adopted an amended budget that re

Local news covering Laurel Lakes, Victoria Falls, Oakcrest, Montpelier, and the Route 197 corridor The Laurel Manor Recreation Center in The Villages, Florida, is named after Laurel Park Racecourse. (Photo: Diane Mezzanotte) The “Six Degrees of Laurel, Maryland” Most of us are familiar with the social science theory called the “six degrees of separation.” (Think Kevin Bacon and that American Express commercial.) I have come to believe that there is also a “Six Degrees of Laur

A line of people form a chain along Route 1 in Beltsville as part of Hands Across America, which took place 40 years ago this May. (Photo: Ralph Bull) A high-angle photo by Doug Kasputin on the cover of the May 29, 1986 edition of the Laurel Leader captures the line of attendees along Washington Boulevard in front of the Tastee Diner and what was at that time Herb’s Carry-Out. This May 25th marks the 40th anniversary of one of the most iconic charitable events ever held: Han

Local news covering Laurel Lakes, Victoria Falls, Oakcrest, Montpelier, and the Route 197 corridor Greater Washington Deliverance Temple, a small church on Locust Grove Drive in Oakcrest, is led by Pastor Karen Rutherford. (Photo: Diane Mezzanotte) Second-Generation Minister Leads “Love-Filled” Oakcrest Church Tucked among homes on Locust Grove Drive in South Laurel’s Oakcrest neighborhood is a church. I used to walk past it daily, many years ago, when my son was still in a s

An original artwork of the preamble to the Constitution, created for the We Are America march by artist Lucy Larkin, displayed at Laurel Presbyterian Church on September 17. Marchers and supporters were invited to sign the canvas artwork. (Photo: Diane Mezzanotte) The nationwide protests that made headlines throughout 2025 might have brought back memories from the 1960s and 70s for many Laurel residents—some of whom brushed off their sign-making skills from 60 years ago and t

Local news covering Laurel Lakes, Victoria Falls, Oakcrest, Montpelier, and the Route 197 corridor Gude Mansion, now known as The Mansion...

A roundup of local news, events, and announcements (Photo: Richard Friend) Laurel Hosts Statewide ADA Celebration Dignitaries from across...

Editorial: Why Should I Vote? (Photo: Richard Friend) Laurel residents will once again take to the polls on Tuesday, November 4, to elect...

If you’ve ever navigated a paddleboat on Laurel Lake, played at Discovery Park, or struck a yoga pose at the Armory, you’re one of...

A roundup of local news, events, and announcements Laurel Police Chief Russ Hamill (center) speaks at a May 28 presss conference covering...

Local news covering Laurel Lakes, Victoria Falls, Oakcrest, Montpelier, and the Route 197 corridor A mural in the dining room of La...

Photos by Charles Sisler/Soft Reflections Vision Solutions The morning of May 10 started out as the perfect Spring day: sunshine, clear...

Over 200 people lined Talbott Avenue near the Laurel Branch Library in a local rally coordinated by LaurelResist (Photo: Diane...

Local news covering Laurel Lakes, Victoria Falls, Oakcrest, Montpelier, and the Route 197 corridor A view of the Montpelier House Museum,...

Local news covering Laurel Lakes, Victoria Falls, Oakcrest, Montpelier, and the Route 197 corridor Zeny and Milo Punsalan on their...

The Laurel community mourns a warrior Photos courtesy of Martin Mitchell For anyone following (or reporting on) the local rent...

The Race That Changed the World In the world of thoroughbred racing, certain cities have become synonymous with their famous races....

Local news covering Laurel Lakes, Victoria Falls, Oakcrest, Montpelier, and the Route 197 corridor Dirty Dough Offers Decadent Stuffed...

It was Fall 2023 and St. Vincent Pallotti’s football team was playing an away game. They had scored a touchdown and were lining up for an...

Local news covering Laurel Lakes, Victoria Falls, Oakcrest, Montpelier, and the Route 197 corridor South Laurel Crafting Group Produces...