Tidewater, VA

Franklin City Public Schools released interim Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Edwards’ contract after The Tidewater News challenged its refusal under Virginia’s FOIA.

Camping on the Blackwater, the Riverguard caught catfish up to 23 pounds, saw otters and a juvenile bald eagle, and removed a wad of fishing line.

Newsoms received 75 mayoral and 101 Town Council write-in votes as officials await details on potential additional council winners.

Incumbent Mayor Danny R. Williams leads in Courtland, while close Town Council races remain with provisional and post-election ballots unreported.

Franklin Mayor Paul Kaplan leads challenger Linwood Johnson III by 42 votes after early ballots were counted, with provisional and post-election ballots still unreported.

Carraway, Baig and Dowdy hold leads for Windsor Town Council seats, while the mayoral write-in winner remains pending certification.

With six precincts partially reporting, incumbents Gregory McLemore and Wynndolyn H. Copeland lead Franklin City Council’s Ward 3 and Ward 5 races.

Write-in results in Isle of Wight and Southampton counties and the city of Franklin may not be known on Election Day, affecting races in Franklin, Windsor and Newsoms.

Ward 4 Councilman Dr. Linwood Johnson III leads incumbent Paul Kaplan by 10 votes in Franklin’s mayoral race, with some ballot categories not yet reported.

Franklin voters will choose a mayor and City Council members, decisions that will shape the city’s schools, services, economic development and leadership.