Huge spring of college football, ACC tennis championships and Rome Braves scheduled -- pandemic permitting. Record month for new COVID cases in NW Georgia. AdventHealth grows again. Big week in high school, college football.

Today's first headlines:

• 2021 and the return of local sports? From the Rome Braves to spring college football to the ACC tennis championships, a busy year is scheduled with all eyes on the pandemic.
• Surge in new COVID cases continues with record increase this month in Northwest Georgia. Per day average: 171. Free testing sites reopen today.
• AdventHealth grows again, purchases the former Murray Medical Center in Chatsworth. This is in addition to expanding operations of the former Gordon Hospital in Calhoun.
• Final four days to vote in advance; where and when.
• Rome City Commission to honor 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and the League of Women Voters. Also: tonight's other agenda items.

Also today:

• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: Mid 50s through Wednesday and then more rain through New Year's Day, perhaps 2.50 inches in all.
• Colt Tyson Waid, one of the youngest Atlanta Braves' fans, loses 17-month battle with a brain tumor. Community rallying to support his family.
• Obituaries: Mrs. Gloris Riley.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch: Updates on area arrests.

Truett's Chick-Fil-A Sports Report:

• Phil Niekro, a Hall of Fame pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, dies at age 81 after battle with cancer.
• Huge week of high school, college football begins today.
• Chiefs edge Falcons, 17-14. Season finale at Tampa Bay on Jan. 3, 1 p.m. Fox and 92.9 FM
• John McClellan's high school football champion picks for today through Wednesday: Cartersville vs. Warner Robins at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 30. Watch on GPB. McClellan
• Georgia vs. Cincinnati in Peach Bowl on Friday at at 12:30 p.m. College football bowl updates including SEC schedule.