State Oversight: Virginia’s inspector general found misconduct by the head of Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute, including alleged manipulation of patient-related records. Dominion Merger: Clean Virginia is launching district-by-district texts detailing Dominion Energy’s donations to lawmakers as the utility seeks approval for its proposed $67 billion merger with NextEra; hearings begin Nov. 17. Election Results: Mark Warner won a fourth Senate term, Democrats gained two Virginia House seats, and Shannon Taylor flipped the 1st Congressional District while Republican John McGuire held the 5th. Loudoun County also reelected Democrat Suhas Subramanyam. Voters approved constitutional amendments on reproductive rights, marriage equality and automatic restoration of voting rights after felony convictions; a legal challenge now seeks to block the reproductive-rights amendment. Local Priorities: Most central Virginia counties rejected a proposed sales tax increase for school construction. DMV Rules: Starting Jan. 1, 2027, first-time license applicants ages 18 to 20 must complete driver education and hold a learner’s permit for 90 days.