COVID: 6 more local deaths (4 Bartow, 2 Floyd). Surge in new cases swamps hospitals; clinics; 316 additional cases here Wednesday. Updates on our overnight weather. 2022: Housing boom expected.

Today's first headlines:

 

COVID UPDATES

• 6 more deaths: 4 in Bartow, 2 in Floyd. 47 virus patients in Rome hospitals, up 8. Also, 316 new cases in NW Georgia posted Wednesday; 13,834 in the state.
• Atrium Health Floyd, including Polk and Cherokee hospitals, limiting visitation amid COVID surge.
• As Delta, Omicron cases surge in Northwest Georgia and the state, area health officials plead with area residents to visit emergency rooms only for dire needs.

MORE HEADLINES

• 2022 Headlines: As developers respond to housing needs with 2,800-plus residences now proposed, concerns emerging including overtaxed roads, other changes.
• Ware Mechanical Weather: Latest updates on our overnight weather; what's ahead today.
• Flu making a comeback this season; more people have died since October (4) vs. all of last year (3). The season continues until mid May.
• Buzz: Exchange Club already snagging deals for Toys for Tots 2022.
• Obituaries: Mr. Carl Gibson, Cynthia Jenkins, Mr. Harry Lee, Jerle J. Lockaby.
• 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

• Georgia vs. Michigan, Orange Bowl, 7:30 p.m. Friday
• Alabama vs. Cincinnati, Cotton Bowl, 3:30 p.m. Friday.
• College bowl updates.
• Falcons home at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Sunday, Fox 5, 92.9 FM and Le Mejor.
• Falcons have 12 players on the COVID list.
• Model's Big Blue Classic basketball tournament concludes today.