Royal Examiner

07/05/2025

Dry and seasonable conditions continue today. Clouds and rain chances gradually increase late Sunday into Monday.

07/04/2025

A new community garden behind the Santmyer Youth Center is blossoming with more than veggies—it’s blooming with love, healing, and remembrance. Created in honor of Harlee Anne Hire, the garden brings together youth, families, and local groups to support mental wellness and connection. This summer’s harvest will fuel a teen culinary program, and on Aug. 16, a joyful block party will celebrate the garden’s spirit.

On a warm summer day in Front Royal, a garden began to grow, not just with tomatoes and herbs, but with purpose, memory, and healing. Behind the Student Union at the Raymond E. Santmyer Youth Center, a new community garden now stands in tribute to Harlee Anne Hire, a beloved local student lost too s...

07/04/2025

Authorities are investigating the death of 38-year-old Michael Anthony Glass of Ohio, who drowned Tuesday night at the Baymont Inn in Front Royal. A passionate hiker passing through town on the Appalachian Trail, Glass was pulled unresponsive from the pool and later died at Wi******er Medical Center.

A tragic incident at a Front Royal hotel has left a visiting hiker dead, prompting an ongoing investigation by local authorities. On the night of Tuesday, July 1, just after 10:00 p.m., officers with the Front Royal Police Department were dispatched to the Baymont Inn, located at 10 South Commerce A...

07/04/2025

Following Delegate Todd Gilbert’s appointment as U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, Democrat Cathy Rec congratulated him—and made clear she’s ready to lead. With House District 33 now an open seat for the first time in over 15 years, Rec is campaigning on healthcare, education, housing, and bipartisanship. “This is a pivotal moment for our district,” Rec said. “It’s time to put people over politics.”

With news that Delegate Todd Gilbert has been appointed as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, Cathy Rec, Democratic candidate for Virginia House District 33, responded with congratulations and a renewed focus on the road ahead. “I would like to congratulate Todd Gilbe...

07/04/2025

Congress has passed a massive spending package with big consequences for renewables. While the final bill dropped a proposed tax on solar and wind, it slashed key tax credits and set tight deadlines for projects to qualify—putting community efforts, like solar panels at Virginia schools, at risk. Critics say this could stall job growth and derail the state’s clean energy progress. Will this bill boost coal and gut green energy?

Congress on Thursday afternoon passed the sweeping spending package dubbed the “one big beautiful bill,” marking a major legislative win for President Donald Trump — but clean energy advocates say it could derail future renewable projects. The House approved the measure after the Senate signif...

07/04/2025

Scientists say they’ve uncovered stunning new proof of a mega-tsunami triggered by an asteroid strike in Virginia—35 million years ago. A rare rock formation in Moore County, NC, may be the first physical evidence of the cataclysmic wave from the Chesapeake Bay impact, the largest known in U.S. history. Fossils, ash, iridium, and even petrified wood helped crack the mystery. What really happened the day the ocean roared across the Southeast?

About 35 million years ago, Hampton Roads was underwater, with the coastline dozens of miles west toward Richmond. Dinosaurs were long gone, but the ocean teemed with marine creatures such as ancient whales, sharks and sea stars. That is until one unfortunate day, when life across what’s now south...

07/04/2025

📢 YOUR VOICE MATTERS! 📝💬 Have strong opinions on local issues? Want to respond to an article or share your perspective? Now’s your chance—send us your letter to the editor and join the conversation!

We’ve got enough to deal with in Warren County without people like John Massoud trying to turn neighbors against each other. Most of us out here just want to live our lives in peace. We want to raise our kids, earn an honest living, take care of our families, and be left alone. That’s freedom.

07/04/2025

From short-term rental debates to youth center updates, the Warren County Board of Supervisors had a full plate Tuesday night. Key decisions included the tabling of two controversial permit requests, new support for a community youth center, and a fiery exchange over a library services RFP. One member even launched into a 25-minute “1984” rant before the board wrapped up near midnight.

In business other than the County's fight with Samuels Public Library, its patrons, and supporters at the July 1 meeting of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, as reported in our lead story on that battle, there were a number of other items on the agenda. Those included four public hearings, a 1...

07/04/2025

In a surprise reversal, the Trump administration says the FBI will stay in D.C.—not move to the long-planned Greenbelt, MD site. Officials from Gov. Wes Moore to Sen. Tim Kaine are blasting the decision, calling it political and wasteful. Congress had already allocated funds for the Maryland move, and now Team Maryland vows to fight back. Will the Reagan Building become the FBI’s new home—or is this battle far from over?

State, federal, and local officials who fought for years to bring the new FBI headquarters to Prince George’s County said Tuesday the fight is not over after the surprise Trump administration announcement that the agency will stay downtown. The FBI will move into existing space at the Ronald Reaga...

07/04/2025

The Front Royal Cardinals take on the Woodstock River Bandits this Saturday, July 5, at Bing Crosby Stadium! First pitch is at 7 p.m. and gates open at 6. Can’t make it in person? Catch every inning live online thanks to the Royal Examiner’s stream starting at 6:45! Get ready for a night of big plays, ballpark snacks, and hometown pride. Valley League action is heating up—don’t miss this one! 🔥⚾

America’s pastime returns to Bing Crosby Stadium this Saturday night as the Front Royal Cardinals host the Woodstock River Bandits in an exciting Valley League Baseball matchup under the lights. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on July 5, with gates opening at 6:00 p.m. Whether you're ch...

07/04/2025

Less humid and slightly cooler conditions can be expected today. Dry weather likely continues through the weekend.

07/03/2025

After months of tense negotiations, Republicans pushed through an 870-page bill packed with sweeping tax cuts, deep Medicaid reductions, and historic spending changes—clearing it for President Trump’s signature Friday. Only five GOP lawmakers opposed the measure, which could reshape everything from food aid to student loans. Critics warn 11.8 million could lose Medicaid. Supporters hail it as a new economic dawn.

WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans cleared the “big, beautiful bill” for President Donald Trump’s signature Thursday, marking an end to the painstaking months-long negotiations that began just after voters gave the GOP unified control of Washington during last year’s elections. The final ...