Energy Costs & Utilities: Virginia Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi is taking her energy-cost listening tour to Hampton Roads as the State Corporation Commission weighs the proposed Dominion Energy–NextEra merger, pressing for assurances that bills won’t keep climbing. Public Health: Virginia health officials are tracking a small uptick in rabies cases around Richmond, including a bat case and a skunk case, urging pet owners to stay current on vaccinations. Transportation Safety: One person died in a fatal multi-vehicle crash on westbound I-66 Express Lanes in Fairfax County involving an oxygen-transport truck and an explosion; investigators are still working the scene. Housing Innovation: A federal housing law change is drawing manufactured-housing advocates, including removing the requirement for a permanent chassis to spur new designs and reduce stigma. Local Business: Fredericksburg’s Always Flavored marks six years in business, expanding retail and wholesale reach and becoming a Sysco vendor. Sports (Virginia): Virginia Tech opened James Franklin’s era with a 73-3 rout of VMI, while Virginia’s college teams posted wins and VCU’s men’s soccer fell to No. 15 Marshall.