Draft:Voices of Laurel
Quarterly newspaper in Laurel, Maryland
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Voices of Laurel is a free quarterly newspaper published by The Laurel History Boys, Inc., a 501(c)(3) volunteer nonprofit organization based in Laurel, Maryland. Launched in January 2021 and focusing exclusively on news and stories that directly relate to Laurel, the publication was the first community newspaper to fill the void when the city's weekly newspaper, the Laurel Leader, stopped reporting local news stories before ceasing operations after 125 years in October 2022. Voices of Laurel is produced in both print and digital formats. Printed editions (current circulation 3,500 copies) are distributed in dedicated newspaper boxes throughout Laurel and in key civic locations, including the Laurel Museum and Laurel Branch Library.[1][2]
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 Distribution box at the Laurel train station | |
| Type | Quarterly newspaper |
|---|---|
| Publisher | The Laurel History Boys |
| Founded | January 2021 |
| Headquarters | Laurel, Maryland, U.S. |
| Price | Free |
| Website | voicesoflaurel.com |
Free online archives | Print editions |
Decline and end of Laurel Leader
By June 2021, the Laurel Leader no longer included local articles written by Laurel staff, instead recycling content from The Baltimore Sun and other local papers owned by Tribune Publishing—but with no particular emphasis on Laurel. Its final edition published on October 13, 2022. The lack of relevant local content was the catalyst for Voices of Laurel being created. The inaugural edition was printed and launched online in January 2021.[citation needed]
After 125 years of continuous weekly publishing, the Leader officially announced its end in an unceremonious "Note to readers" in fine print on the front of its October 13, 2022, final printed issue. The paper had been in precipitous decline for years under the ownership of Tribune Media, and continued publication as Laurel's hometown newspaper under Alden Global Capital despite rarely including any actual Laurel-specific news—instead simply reprinting content from The Baltimore Sun. For generations, the newspaper was an important part of the Laurel community, but its fate was sealed when the Sun was acquired by Alden—a hedge fund that has decimated journalism in cities and small towns nationwide, bringing it heavy criticism. The note to readers blamed the newspaper's demise on "the changing habits of our readers," along with "the shifting demands of our advertisers."[3][4]
Format
Voices of Laurel is created by an all-volunteer staff. Core writers and editors contribute content regularly, and guest writers are frequently published. Over 70 different volunteer writers have had work featured.[citation needed]
Volunteers prepare each issue with research, writing, editing, and proofreading, and design its print and web layout. Hard copies are printed by a subsidiary plant of The Washington Post and distributed throughout Laurel by the same volunteers.[citation needed]
The printed edition is typically 40 pages in length with sections on neighborhood news, community features, local history, resident profiles, and obituaries. Voices of Laurel does not charge a fee for obituaries, but rather curates local funeral home notices and republishes select obituaries as a public service.[citation needed]
Other recurring categories include "Laurel Noir," which focuses on historic crimes and mysteries from the region; and "Laurel Archaeology", a photo array of vintage artifacts and ephemera from local businesses and organizations of the past.[5]
As a quarterly publication, news stories are compiled over a three-month period. Breaking news and important notices that occur between issues are published on the newspaper's Facebook page and website.[citation needed]
The publication design primarily uses a magazine format, with large photos and feature stories being used in favor of heavy, dense text. Human interest stories make up a large portion of its content.[citation needed]
Other media
In addition to its quarterly newspaper, Voices of Laurel often releases special issues or sections and organizes free community events.[6]
Election guides
In the post–Laurel Leader era, Voices of Laurel published a nonpartisan voter's guide to the mayor and city council elections. Each candidate was interviewed and given equal space to respond to a consistent series of questions. The publication does not endorse any single candidate.[7] The Fall 2023 edition was prepared after interviews with all 16 candidates.[8]
Laurel Light Award
The newspaper accepts nominations from the public for an individual or organization to receive its annual Laurel Light Award, created in 2024 to recognize Laurel citizens (Laurelites) who make the community a better place through their charitable efforts. Nominations are reviewed and a winner selected by the all-volunteer staff of Voices of Laurel and the board of directors of The Laurel History Boys.[citation needed]
Voices of Laurel Day at the Races
With news in 2024 that Laurel Park, the city's historic thoroughbred racetrack, could be closing and the site redeveloped, The Laurel History Boys and Voices of Laurel organized a Day at the Races promotion. The free event, co-sponsored by the Maryland Jockey Club, allowed guests to explore the grandstand and paddock areas, learn how to place bets, and discover more about the history of the venue, which has hosted numerous concerts, circuses, and other events since its founding in 1911.[13]
A second Voices of Laurel Day at the Races event was announced in March 2026, coinciding with the news that Laurel Park would no longer be demolished, but would instead become a thoroughbred training facility after Pimlico Race Course has been fully renovated. While Pimlico underwent construction, Laurel Park hosted its first running of the Preakness Stakes in May 2026. The Voices of Laurel Day at the Races 2026 event on April 25 fell one week before the Kentucky Derby and three weeks before the Preakness at Laurel.[14]
Reception and accolades
Readers have consistently praised Voices of Laurel for its authenticity and hometown focus, which was lost when the quality of the Laurel Leader began to noticeably decline and the paper ultimately folded.[citation needed]
The Laurel History Boys received a Governor's Citation from Maryland Governor Larry Hogan in 2022, recognizing their contribution to the community by producing Voices of Laurel.[citation needed]
In January 2026, The Laurel History Boys were presented with a citation from Laurel Mayor Keith Sydnor, noting the 10th anniversary of their organization and the fifth anniversary of publishing Voices of Laurel.[citation needed]
Gallery
Governor's Citation presented to The Laurel History Boys, 2022
The Fall 2023 article on the origin of Laurel road names is an example of a history-based feature.
The inaugural Laurel Light Award, presented in Spring 2024 to Ruth Walls for her commitment to the health and welfare of Laurel residents[9]
Summer 2024 cover featuring story on former Laurel Police Chief David Crawford, convicted of arson and attempted murder[15]
Voices of Laurel Day at the Races at Laurel Park, October 26, 2024[13]
One of the ten live races at the October 2024 Day at the Races event was named for Voices of Laurel.[13]
2026 citation from Laurel Mayor Keith Sydnor recognizing The Laurel History Boys on the 10th anniversary of their organization and fifth year of publishing Voices of Laurel
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