4 more COVID deaths (3 in Floyd, 1 in Gordon); new cases rising. What was to be wood-fire pizza restaurant giving way to business incubator in Cotton Block. Services set for Mike McDougald.

Today's first headlines:

• Rough weekend: 3 more die in Floyd (2 COVID, 1 probable); another in Gordon. State posts 7,708 new cases since Friday; 168 in NW Georgia. 29 virus patients in Rome hospitals, up 1. Rome, Emerson free test sites will be open Dec. 23.
• Five years ago, a wood-fired pizza restaurant was turn-key ready in the Cotton Block. Soon, it will be 'baking' some of Rome's newest businesses.
• Buzz: DOT to suspend construction for Christmas, New Year's Eve travel. Upgrades to state to close tag office Dec. 31 through Jan. 3. Floyd Board of Education meets Jan. 3.
• Ware Mechanical Weather: Welcome to the shortest day/longest night of the year -- and official start of winter.
• Funeral services set for Wednesday for radio legend/businessman Mike McDougald.
• Obituaries: Rev. Carl M. Alexander, Tina Marie Mason Wigley, Mr. Wayne Phillips Winters.
• Dining: Public Health restaurant inspection scores, Tuesday-Saturday.
• Crimewatch brought to you by Big Dan's Car Wash. Updates on arrests.

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Truett's Chick-fil-A Sports Report

• Model hosting five teams for annual Big Blue Classic on Dec. 28-30.
• Today's bowl schedule.
• Falcons home Sunday vs. Detroit, 1 p.m.
• Georgia vs. Michigan, Orange Bowl, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31.
• Alabama vs. Cincinnati, Cotton Bowl, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 31.