Thursday on Political Rewind: Grady Hospital and other health care facilities across Georgia have begun limiting non-essential procedures, as a rush of COVID-19 cases demand their resources. Meanwhile, there are signs the dangers of the latest surge are still not being understood. This weekend, the University of Georgia will play its first home game of the season this weekend with no mask mandates for fans who are expected to fill Sanford Stadium to capacity.

Also: Former President Donald Trump’s efforts to interfere in the outcome of Georgia’s presidential election are driving two very different agendas. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis says she’s moving forward with a probe to determine if Trump violated election laws by pressuring state officials to overturn the Biden victory. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is accusing the Justice Department of conspiring with Georgia Democrats to challenge Georgia's new election laws.

Panelists:

Kevin Riley — Editor, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Dr. Tammy Greer — Professor of political science, Clark Atlanta University

Claire Sanders — Professor of political science, Georgia College