Wishing you the brightest of Christmases. News: Southeast Bypass takes step forward ($84 million estimate). 3 more COVID deaths in Floyd. Cloudy, 70 degrees today.

Today's first headlines:

• Our wishes for a bright, beautiful Christmas with a gift of peace for all.
• Movement on planned Southeast Bypass from U.S. 411 to U.S. 27; bidding site now includes $84 million project. Highway now a factor in debate over mega housing development nearby.
• 2 more COVID deaths in Floyd County; another 'probable' as well. 120 new virus cases on Friday in NW Georgia; 7,998 in the state. 25 virus patients in Rome hospitals, down 1.
• Education: Communities in Schools/Helping Hands Ending Hunger open food pantry at Coosa Middle School.
• Ware Mechanical Weather: 70 degrees due today with gusts to 20 mph; even warmer through Wednesday.
• Obituaries: Ms. Hattie Harris Lawrence, Mrs. Barbara Ann Smith.
• 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

• Falcons home vs. Detroit, 1 p.m. Sunday, Fox 5, 92.9 FM and Le Mejor.
• Latest look at COVID surge and the impact on pro, college sports.
• Bowl game updates.
• Georgia vs. Michigan, Orange Bowl, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31.
• Alabama vs. Cincinnati, Cotton Bowl, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 31.