Intensive care beds filling up as COVID outbreak continues. Christmas services set for outdoors (maybe), online. McAlister's Deli opens amid dining changes. Rainy Christmas Eve, maybe snow Christmas morning.

Today's first headlines:

• 139 of region's 156 intensive care unit beds in use (89.1%, higher than state average). 122 new positive tests in Northwest Georgia; 5,120 statewide.
• Christmas services amid the pandemic: Some hope to celebrate outdoors but the forecast is troubling; most offer digital worship. Changes to local Nativity,' Blue Christmas' as well.
• Dining: McAlister's Deli joins the local restaurant scene today amid pandemic guidelines and cautious diners.
• Newsmakers: Home Builders honor Will Pinson (Pinson's Construction), Bonnie Thomas of City Electric. Downtown Rome salutes Jay Shell, Jack Pearson, Harry and Dawn Brock, others.
• Advance voting Monday through Wednesday this week for the Jan. 5 runoff; precincts closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.

Also today:

• Ware Mechanical Weather Center: 1.30 inches of rain due Christmas Eve); early snow possible Christmas Day. Winter begins Tuesday; see the 'Christmas Star.'
• Obituaries: Mr. Wilburn Kenneth Bevels, Ms. Ola S. Cole, Mr. William Robert Copeland Jr., Mrs. Doris W. Freeman, Ms. Merylon Imogene Little Morgan,
• 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 champion picks for Dec. 28-30: Cartersville vs. Warner Robins at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 30. What to expect. McClellan

• This is John's final column for the 2020 season. We thank John for an excellent year of game forecasts, especially amid the pandemic challenges.

Falcons blow another lead against Brady, fall 31-27 to Tampa Bay.

• Next: At Kansas City, 1 p.m. Sunday, Fox and 92.9 FM

Georgia vs. Cincinnati in Peach Bowl Jan. 1 at 12:30 p.m.

• College football playoffs; bowl schedules.