112 under care for COVID at Floyd, Redmond; state also sees surge. 25 new cases in Floyd, Rome schools; Bartow hit, too. Hearing on Cave Spring school moved; some want options. Fiery elections chief on attacks: 'It. Has. To. Stop!'

Today's first headlines:

• 112 patients in Floyd, Redmond as of Tuesday, up 16 in a day. 3 more 'probable' deaths Tuesday -- 2 in Floyd, 1 in Bartow. 111 new cases reported.
• Georgia Health News: Many Georgia hospitals report rise in COVID patients, fear coming surge (just as we're seeing in Rome).
• COVID on campus: Floyd County, Rome Schools see big huge drop in quarantines over the break -- spike in new COVID cases, 26 in all. Bartow: Red Top Mountain moves to yellow phase with 8 new cases; one new case at Cartersville High.
• As Dec. 8 community hearing on closing Cave Spring Elementary moves to a larger venue for distancing purposes, school supporters mobilizing to offer options, including a STEAM magnet school.
• State elections official explodes at briefing over continued threats to those during the recount. Sterling calls out Trump, Perdue, Loeffler for doing nothing to stop the attacks. 'It. Has. To. Stop!' Plus: Recount updates; deadline is 11:59 tonight.
• Buzz: Flu season continues mild start; Bartow County Public Health offers drive-up shots. Plus: Business notes.

Also today:

• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: We're in the mid-50s through the weekend with more rain due Friday into Saturday.
• Obituaries: Miss Alicia Ann Black, Ms. Lillie Blakemore, Mrs. Patricia Ann Crowe Ray, Ms. Tracy J. Johnson, Baby Washington.
• 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 playoff picks: Four Northwest Georgia teams expected to continue championship run this weekend. McClellan

 

This weekend's high school playoffs schedule.

 

Darlington announces fall sports awards.

 

Colleges:

• Georgia Tech: At NC State, Saturday.
• Georgia: At home vs. Vanderbilt, 4 p.m. Saturday.
• Alabama: At LSU, 7 p.m. Saturday, CBS.

SEC to update Dec. 12, 19 football games on Friday.

 

Baseball America names the Braves' Brian Snitker as manager of the year.

 

Falcons home vs. Saints, 1 p.m. Sunday, Fox, 92.9 FM The Game.