Thursday on Political Rewind: In his State of the State speech, Gov. Brian Kemp pledged to crack down on violent crime and laid out his plan for Georgia's surplus. Democrats responded, saying the funds should strengthen social safety nets. Meanwhile, there are continued efforts to stop mining in the Okefenokee.

The federal government will stand "shoulder to shoulder" with communities working to fight gun violence, Merrick Garland tells a meeting of U.S. mayors.

Monday on Political Rewind: Sen. Amy Klobuchar is in Atlanta today to hold a field hearing on the impact of Georgia’s new election law on voters of color. It’s unlikely that any Republicans on the committee will attend the hearing, which Klobuchar hopes will shine a spotlight on the need to pass a federal voting rights act.

Meanwhile, Georgia Republicans are doing a bit of counterprogramming today. At the same time of the Klobuchar event, GOP House leaders are holding a committee hearing to look at rising violent crime in Atlanta. And Gov. Brian Kemp has scheduled a conference call with reporters to defend the new election law.

The mass exodus comes at a delicate time for many communities large and small as violent crime is on the rise and recruitment remains difficult.