Some churches staying with outdoor, online options for Christmas this year. NW Georgia tops 15,000 positive tests since March. COVID campus, closing updates. Election threats under investigation. First signs of flu in Georgia, maybe the region, too.

Today's first headlines:

• Advent, Christmas and the pandemic: Outdoor and online services to replace many traditional gatherings -- but not the reason for the season.
• Northwest Georgia tops 15,000 COVID cases since first local diagnosis March 5. That include 76 cases reported Sunday. Free tests only on Monday-Wednesday this week.
• COVID: Polk School leader wants students, staff in masks when classes resume Dec. 1. Latest school, college updates. Also: Schedules changes, closings caused by the virus.
• The vote: FBI, GBI investigate threats at Secretary of State's office. Kemp critical of Floyd in campaign email. Senate runoff debates set for Dec. 6; where to watch.
• Health: First cases of flu showing up in Georgia -- and maybe in our area as well. What to know and what to do.

Also today:

• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Gusts to 20 mph possible as cooler air moves in; Thanksgiving looks great: Sunny and 69.
• Obituaries: Mr. Warren Pound "Cutter" Lovett Jr.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch: Updates on area arrests.

Truett's Chick-Fil-A Sports Report:

• John McClellan's high school football playoff picks: Unity looks like a lock to win state title. Rome, Darlington, Cartersville, Calhoun, Cedartown, Rockmart to advance. McClellan
• High school rankings: Cartersville no. 4; Calhoun, Cedartown, Rockmart each no. 7 in their respective classifications.
• Jack Rush, Marissa Kimple post top times in Tillman 5K and 2-mile health walk.
• Falcons now 3-7 after 24-9 loss to New Orleans.
• AP Top 25: Alabama no. 1; Georgia holds at no. 13.
• Georgia at South Carolina, 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
• Georgia Tech: At home vs. Duke, 7 p.m. Saturday.

 

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