What we're hearing about Shorter, the Rome Braves, annexation talk and newspaper chains. Spike in advance voting Tuesday. Georgia no. 1, Alabama no. 2 in first 'playoff poll.' Back to the 70s today; some rain.

Northwest Georgia's campaign headquarters for 2017 with news updates all day: Hometown Headlines

What we're hearing: Unsettled times at Shorter. Add-ons for the new Rome Braves' season. Annexation a new four-letter word.  And why you should care about Cox selling some newspapers. What we're hearing.

Ballot 2017: Nice surge in advance voting Tuesday; largest single-day turnout this campaign season.  Politics

Buzz: Hufstetler, Dempsey chair transparency committee meeting Thursday. Digging deep for Rome City Brewing renovations. Updates from Floyd, Willowbrooke. Cartersville Medical site of disaster drill Nov. 8. Buzz

Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Yo-yo weather returns with highs in the low to mid 70s through next Tuesday. Weather

Georgia Health News: Annual safety ratings for area hospitals show As for Redmond, Cartersville, Gordon hospitals; C for Floyd. Health

Obituaries: James Elzie 'Fluffy' Matney,Mary Ellen Shirah. Obituaries

Public Health restaurant inspection scores. Dining

Area arrest reports brought to you by Dr. Miniyar's Pediatrics. Crimewatch

For more on the election, click here to find:

• Candidate profiles, Q&As.
• Advance voting: Latest update, where to vote this week.
• Comprehensive stories on both tax extension bids plus radio interviews.
• Sample ballots for the City Commission, School Board races.
• Election calendar: Democrats meet Thursday.

Chick-fil-A Dwarf House Sports Report:    

Please click here for the expanded update.

 

Georgia atop first playoff rankings; Alabama no. 2.

 

Darlington no. 10 in football power rankings.

 

Statewide props for Calhoun's O-Line.

 

Hometown Headlines Radio Edition, 7-9 a.m. weekdays, WRGA 98.7 FM, streaming.

7:40 a.m. Bill Shiflett, who's retiring as Floyd County's chief of police, after 43 years on duty.

8:10 a.m.  Georgia Highlands College's men's coach, Phil Gaffney, and women's coach, Brandan Harrell, as the new basketball season begins.