Royal Examiner

09/10/2026

Twenty-two Warren County High School students have joined the National Honor Society, continuing a school tradition that dates back more than 60 years. During Wednesday evening’s induction ceremony, students were recognized not only for academic achievement, but also for service, leadership, and character. Principal Ken Knesh challenged the new members to remember that their impact extends beyond their GPA: “Be the person who makes someone feel seen every opportunity you can.” 👏 Congratulations to all 22 inductees! Click to see the full list and more from the ceremony.

Warren County High School welcomed 22 students into its chapter of the National Honor Society on Wednesday, Sept. 9, during an evening ceremony that celebrated academic achievement while reminding the new members that scholarship is only one part of the responsibility they have accepted. Parents, sc...

09/09/2026

A young raccoon got into trouble this week after getting her head stuck inside a spaghetti and meatballs can. Blue Ridge Wildlife Center was able to sedate the juvenile, carefully remove the can, check her health, and return her to the area where she was found later that same day. Wildlife officials say incidents like this are more common than many people realize, especially when food residue attracts curious animals. The simple takeaway? Rinse out cans, jars, and other food containers before recycling them. 👉 Click to see the rescue and learn how a few seconds at the sink can help protect wildlife.

Please let this be your reminder to thoroughly rinse out used cans, jars, and other food containers before recycling them! This juvenile Northern Raccoon was transported to us early Monday morning with her head completely stuck inside a can of spaghetti and meatballs, with plenty of leftover sauce s...

09/09/2026

Virginia voters will decide three proposed constitutional amendments on Nov. 3. Question 3 focuses on voting and political rights. The proposal would establish voting as a fundamental right for qualified Virginians and automatically restore political rights to people convicted of felonies once they are released from incarceration. It would also change the standard involving voters found to lack mental capacity. Supporters and opponents disagree over when rights should be restored and whether additional requirements should apply. 👉 Click to read exactly what Question 3 would change, what a YES or NO vote means, and arguments from both sides.

Editor’s Note: Virginia voters will consider three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution on the Nov. 3 ballot. This is the third in a series examining each proposed amendment. We are providing information on what each proposal would change, along with arguments from supporters and oppon...

09/09/2026

Ten people lost their lives in eight crashes on Virginia roads over the Labor Day holiday, matching the holiday death toll from 2025. Virginia State Police said three of those killed were pedestrians, while three others died in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 66 in Fairfax County. During the holiday enforcement period, troopers responded to 848 crashes and issued thousands of citations, including 2,823 for speeding and 1,571 for reckless driving. Seventy-four people were charged with DUI. 👉 Click for the full Labor Day traffic report and State Police reminders for drivers and pedestrians.

Ten people died in eight crashes on Virginia roads over the Labor Day holiday, including three pedestrians, according to Virginia State Police. The death toll matched the 10 traffic fatalities reported over the Labor Day holiday in 2025. Three of this year's fatalities were pedestrians. One pedestri...

09/09/2026

Could Congress revisit the Medicaid changes approved last year? During a Henrico County roundtable, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine said he believes there may be growing support in Congress for adjusting or reversing some provisions of H.R. 1, though he and U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan acknowledged that doing so remains a long shot. The discussion also covered ACA insurance costs, rural hospitals, food assistance, and housing affordability as Virginia officials prepare for changes to federal programs.
👉 Click to read what Kaine, McClellan, state health officials, and Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said about the potential impact on Virginians.

09/09/2026

Remembering Daniel R. Keyser, who passed away at age 92. A U.S. Army veteran, photographer, farmer, school bus driver, and dedicated community volunteer, Daniel spent a lifetime serving others. His family and friends remember a man who was always ready with a joke and a big smile. Daniel also shared a special bond of more than 50 years with his “adopted” Fresh Air Fund children and their families. A public Celebration of Life will be held Oct. 24 in Sperryville. 👉 Click to read Daniel’s full obituary, including service details and memorial contribution information.

09/09/2026

A dispute over new U.S. Postal Service requirements for mail-in ballots is now before the U.S. Supreme Court. More than 250 current and former members of Congress filed a brief arguing the rule oversteps executive authority and interferes with states’ constitutional role in administering elections. The Trump administration says the requirements are modest technical measures governing mail delivery, not election administration. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the rule, and the administration is asking the Supreme Court to allow it to take effect. 👉 Click to read what the rule would require and the arguments being made on both sides.

The hotly contested U.S. Postal Service rule restricting mail-in voting usurps Congress’ authority, as well as states’ power to administer elections, more than 250 current and former members of Congress said in a filing to the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday. All 47 members of the U.S. Senate Demo...

09/09/2026

The U.S.-Canada trade dispute is escalating as new Canadian retaliatory tariffs take effect. According to the report, nearly $28 billion in U.S. exports to Canada now face tariffs of up to 50%, matching tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration on certain Canadian goods. Products affected include goods tied to industries in Maine, Michigan, Wisconsin, and other states. The dispute follows the collapse of U.S.-Canada trade talks in August and comes amid broader disagreements between the two longtime trading partners. 👉 Click to read which American products are affected and how businesses and lawmakers are responding.

WASHINGTON — Canada’s retaliatory tariffs on American goods kicked in Tuesday, escalating a trade war with one of the largest U.S. trading partners that President Donald Trump continued to antagonize over the holiday weekend. Trump posted an AI-generated cartoon image of himself Sunday evening i...

09/09/2026

Dry conditions are expected today, although can’t rule out an isolated rain shower in the Shenandoah Valley this afternoon. Chances for showers and thunderstorms return Thursday as a cold front impacts the area. Precipitation chances linger on Friday in the southwest.

09/08/2026

Early Voting for the November 3, 2026 - General & Special Elections begins on Friday, September 18 - 9:00am - 5:00pm at our office located at 465 W. 15th St., Ste. 800, Front Royal, VA.

Early Voting hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm - Monday - Friday

Saturday Early Voting:
Saturday, October 24, 2026 - 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday, October 31, 2026 - 9:00am - 5:00pm

Sunday Early Voting:
Sunday, October 18, 2026 - 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Sunday, October 25, 2026 - 12:00pm - 5:00pm
Office Closed (No Early Voting) - Monday, October 12.

Last day to register to vote or update registration is Friday, October 23, 2026.

Last day to request an absentee (vote-by-mail) ballot: Friday, October 23, 2026 5:00pm (in-person) or (online).

Last day to vote early is Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Election Day - Tuesday, November 3, 2026 - all normal polling locations will be open from 6am - 7pm.