The Laurel Independent

12/30/2024

Get the latest from last month's council meeting right here:

By: KATIE V. JONES Laurel Police Chief Russel Hamill advised the city council of several issues to be aware of during the holiday season during the Mayor and City Council meeting on Nov. 25. Hammill said that now, through New Year’s, is “the worst time for alcohol-involved collisions throughout ...

12/27/2024

Interested in some winter holiday crafts for the New Year? Columnist Miss Floribunda has some great ideas for wreaths:
https://streetcarsuburbs.news/miss-floribunda-on-pines-and-needles/

12/24/2024

"My heart is full of joy as I write my column during this Thanksgiving week. The coming holidays bring back great memories of family celebrations in the Philippines, where they celebrate the longest Christmas season in the world — Filipinos start decorating for Christmas as early as September! My family celebrates many of our Philippine traditions here at home in West Laurel."
Read columnist Agnes Pasco Conaty's reflections on her celebrations: https://streetcarsuburbs.news/the-laurel-inner-space-our-christmas-trees-rich-family-history/

12/23/2024

"It was cold, gray and rainy, yet that didn’t stop 600 plus runners from showing up Thanksgiving morning to participate in Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services (LARS) 20th Annual Race Against Hunger 5K."
Learn more about this successful local race: https://streetcarsuburbs.news/lars-race-against-hunger-a-success/

12/21/2024

With winter weather returning, volunteers are working hard to help our local unhoused population:
"The organizers of the Laurel Winter Shelter program are looking for volunteers to support unhoused people on nights from Jan. 5 through March 31."
Learn more about this local program: https://streetcarsuburbs.news/homeless-shelter-seeks-volunteers/

12/20/2024

Have you been out to see our local Laurel holiday tree? Look at our pictures from the lighting back in November:
https://streetcarsuburbs.news/holiday-season-in-full-swing/

12/20/2024

"Mary Gibson never thought she would see the day when the community of Bacontown, located on the Anne Arundel County side of Laurel, was recognized for its importance to the Black community."
Learn more about this local history in our recent coverage! https://streetcarsuburbs.news/bacontowns-history-recognized/

12/03/2024

It's here, NewsDay, when we invite and celebrate the contributions of local donors. You keep our hyperlocal news grounded and independent. Your contributions help keep all Laurel residents connected and informed. Please join our community of donors today: StreetcarSuburbs.News/donate. Today, and through the end of the year, your gift will be matched by NewsMatch, a national movement to support independent public service journalism.

When we surveyed our readers in September, we learned you want more from us -- more in-depth city reporting, more county news, and more curated listings of local events. We want to bring you that in 2025: what we can do will depend on the generosity of our community. Donate today!

12/02/2024

Now that the turkey-fueled shopping frenzy is dying down, what's coming next? A Tuesday for radical generosity, which we call Giving NewsDay. Please support our hyperlocal news nonprofit! Keep hyperlocal stories coming, like our recent piece on Laurel Lakes residents ordered to vacate their homes. Get ready to join the community of donors who keep our city connected and informed! Give at StreetcarSuburbs.News/donate

11/27/2024

"On Nov. 21, residents of The Tiers of Laurel Lakes Condominiums learned that the city will order them to vacate their homes – 116 units – if repairs to the complex’s staircases are not completed by Jan. 10, 2025."

Read more about this recent decision: https://streetcarsuburbs.news/laurel-lakes-residents-ordered-to-vacate-jan-10/

11/23/2024

"Dear neighbors, friends and readers,

American democracy and American journalism are entwined — this is especially clear during an election year. And yet, in many places across the U.S., communities are losing news sources and the journalists they once counted on. "
Read more of our Executive Director's letter here:
https://streetcarsuburbs.news/laurel-needs-public-service-journalism/

11/08/2024

"An afterschool program providing a safe and supportive home-like environment for pr***en and teenage girls? A one-to-one mentor match? Tutoring support, enrichment field trips and a whole lot of fun activities and celebrations? And all of this, right here in Laurel?"
Learn more from coverage by Jessie Newburn Writer https://streetcarsuburbs.news/bernadettes-house-helps-girls-blossom-and-soar/

11/06/2024

Have you ever wanted to learn more about the area's mantids? Columnist Rick Borchelt has you covered: https://streetcarsuburbs.news/rewilding-route-1-let-us-prey-marylands-mantids/

11/05/2024

As Election Day gets underway, you can follow the Maryland results right on our website:
https://streetcarsuburbs.news/november-2024-election-results/

11/05/2024

It's election day! Before you head to the polls, review the questions and candidates you will see on your ballot.
https://streetcarsuburbs.news/get-ready-for-the-november-election/

11/04/2024

"The Laurel Historical Society’s (LHS) popular walking tours are back this fall with new stops and new information to share.

“History happens every day, and the Laurel Historical Society works hard to capture, preserve and share as much of the full story as it can,” Abby Carver, education and outreach coordinator for the society, wrote in an email."
Discover what the LHS has to offer in their walking tours right here: https://streetcarsuburbs.news/historical-society-launches-updated-revised-main-street-laurel-tours/

11/03/2024

Every day, our newsroom seeks to bring the local news you care about right to your home. But we can’t do this work without you.

We are kicking off this year’s campaign here at The Laurel Independent! With your help, we can raise important funding to keep our independent newsroom strong.

Through Dec. 31st, NewsMatch will match your new monthly donation 12x (or double your one-time donation), up to $1,000.

Donate right here: https://streetcarsuburbs.news/donate/
Thank you for your generosity!

11/01/2024

Thanks to all who participated in our survey last month! Our Executive Director has written an article outlining some of the insights we have already gathered and how we look to use your feedback moving forward.
https://streetcarsuburbs.news/from-the-executive-director-you-spoke-up-we-are-listening/