COVID claims 5 more local lives. 134 new positive tests. 6 sheriff's employees test positive. Shorter ending classes early; chamber goes virtual. Elections chief faces noon showdown. Popeye's review heats up.

Today's first headlines:

• 5 more die in Northwest Georgia: 2 in Floyd, 2 in Polk and 1 in Bartow. 77 patients in Floyd, Redmond; down 2. Another 134 positive tests through Wednesday.
• 6 sheriff's employees test positive for virus; another awaiting results. Shorter ending on-campus classes Friday rather than next week because of 'surge.' Rome chamber closes -- but continues services. Updates on Rome Municipal Court.
• COVID on campus: 1,091 students, staff in quarantine at Floyd, Rome City schools. Both systems already scheduled to be off Thanksgiving week.
• 2 years ago this week, Robert Brady was named Floyd's elections chief. A 2,700-vote mistake that drew national and state ridicule could help decide his fate today.
• Education: Shorter continues on 'warning' from accreditation commission, cited for failure 'to demonstrate compliance' with financial resources, responsibilities. University's response details changes in place to cut costs amid enrollment decline, other fiscal steps.
• Today's meeting on the proposed Popeye's on Turner McCall is still on. Zoom access also planned; overflow crowds will be in the City Auditorium with a live feed from the meeting.
• Jobs: Your first look at employment trends for October in Northwest Georgia.

Also today:

• Buzz: More honors for Berry College's Viking Fusion.
• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Another gorgeous fall weekend ahead: Sunny, highs in the low 70s.
• Obituaries: Ms. Annie "Sue" McCord Garrett, Jerry Garland Hubbard, Mrs. Thana McCrary Parks, Louise L. Purdy, Mrs. Opal Edwards Thurston,
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch: Updates on area arrests.

Truett's Chick-Fil-A Sports Report:

• Honors for the Unity football team.
• John McClellan's high school picks: What this week's games mean for the playoffs. Plus: Rome, Unity, Adairsville, Cedartown, Rockmart to win big. McClellan
• Postponed by COVID: Georgia Tech at Miami; Ole Miss v. Texas A&M.
• Georgia at home vs. Mississippi State, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, SEC
• Alabama at home vs. Kentucky, 4 p.m. Saturday, SEC Network
• SEC sets Nov. 28 game times, channels (most traditional rivalries).
• Atlanta Falcons vs Saints on Sunday at 1 p.m.
• Tillman run this Saturday.