Criminal

After fireworks turned into fistfights and a teen was shot during Laurel’s July 4th weekend celebration, Mayor Keith Sydnor took decisive action. His executive order establishing a citywide youth curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. sent a clear message: public safety comes first. While critics call it heavy-handed, supporters see it as a necessary stand against rising juvenile lawlessness spreading through Maryland’s suburbs. For now, Laurel is drawing the line where others won’t.