New laws for July 1st

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

Several new Virginia laws take effect July first, bringing changes that could affect many residents.

The new Clean Slate Act will allow eligible misdemeanor and some low-level felony records to be automatically sealed.

This will help more Virginians qualify for jobs and housing.

Job seekers will also benefit from new workplace rules.

Many employers will now have to include salary ranges in job postings and will no longer be allowed to ask applicants about their salary history.

For drivers, judges can now require certain repeat reckless driving offenders to install speed-limiting devices in their vehicles.

And beginning July first, all remaining food vendors across Virginia must stop using Styrofoam takeout containers as the state’s environmental ban expands statewide.

Most of the new laws take effect Tuesday, although some enforcement provisions will be phased in over time.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

FRPD investigating drowning at Baymont Inn

Front Royal Police Department seal used by permission

The Front Royal Police Department (FRPD) is investigating the drowning of a 38-year-old Appalachian Trail hiker at the Baymont Inn on Commerce Avenue.

Police responded around 10 p.m. on July 1 after reports of a man unresponsive in the hotel pool.

Officers pulled the victim, identified as Michael Anthony Glass of Dayton, Ohio, from the water and began CPR.

He was transported to Winchester Medical Center, where he died the following day.

Preliminary investigation suggests no foul play.

Police believe a possible medical emergency contributed to the drowning.

No drugs or suspicious items were found at the scene.

The incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Z.S. Wallace at 5406362208 or zwallace@frontroyalva.com.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

SNP is going cashless for entrance and campground fees starting July 1

Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive sign picture taken by employee of WZRV/WFTR used by permission

Beginning July 1, 2025, Shenandoah National Park (SNP) will shift to a fully cashless system for entrance and campground fees.

Visitors will be required to use mobile or electronic payments such as credit or debit cards when paying in person.

To streamline the process even further, visitors are encouraged to pay entrance, campground, and permit fees in advance through Recreation.gov.

While the park’s entrance stations and campgrounds will no longer accept cash, bookstores, concession-run gift shops, restaurants, lodging, and waysides will continue to offer cash payment options.

Park officials say entrance and campground fees are vital for maintaining and improving the park.

These funds support critical services such as road and facility repairs, trail improvements, and resource protection.

Going cashless also reduces time spent on handling cash, improves accountability, lowers risk, and increases the amount of
revenue available for park improvements.

For more information about planning a visit, go to www.nps.gov/shen.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

New laws come into effect July 1st

Big changes are coming to Virginia on July 1st:

  • Employers can now be held civilly liable if workers commit assaults on the job.
  •  Content creators must save earnings for underage kids in monetized videos.
  •  Overtime pay is now guaranteed after 40 hours a week.
  •  Drivers who injure pedestrians while failing to yield face Class 1 misdemeanors.
  •  Seatbelts are now required for everyone in the car, front and back.
  •  Speed cameras are expanding to more areas.
  •  Legacy admissions are banned at public colleges.
  • And threats to public spaces carry tougher penalties.

Stay informed—these new laws take effect July 1st.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Virginia The First State In South To Ban Child Marriage

Virginia has become the first state in the south to ban child marriage.

This new law goes into effect July 1st, and will close the loophole that has allowed minors sixteen or older to marry if a court has declared them a legal adult through emancipation.

This law establishes the minimum age of 18 to marry with zero exceptions.

Virginia is the 12th state to completely ban child marriage.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here

News Maker Dale Corey July 4 presentations starting July 1

The Sons of the American Revolution Colonel James Wood II Chapter will be reading the Declaration of Independence over the July 4 weekend.

We spoke with Sons of the American Revolution representative Dale Corey about where and when this will happen in our latest news maker.

News makers are brought to by Warren County Together We are Community.

Dale tells us about what happens at these presentations.

He also tells us where the presentations will be taking place starting July 1.

Dale also tells us what it takes to become a member of the group and how to get in touch.

Click here for Dale’s interview.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.