ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Georgia officials and lawmakers are digesting a primetime address from President Donald Trump on Thursday, during which he made claims of unsafe election machines, noncitizen voting, and deep state cover ups all primarily tied to the country’s 2020 election.

The White House followed up Trump’s address with a large upload of documents purporting to show evidence of the president’s claims. The included reports from the nation’s national intelligence agencies on the topics the president touched on, but at times contradicted his sentiments.

Georgia officials were quick to respond.

Republican Congressman Mike Collins, who received Trump’s endorsement in his race against incumbent Georgia Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, defended the president’s willingness to keep a watchful eye on the nation’s election systems.

“Our right to free and secure elections should be protected relentlessly, and every American should be alarmed by our enemies’ ability to disrupt our elections and jeopardize our right to vote,” Collins said in an online post. “There is no time more important than now to pass the SAVE America Act and safeguard democracy.”

Trump, at the end of his address, urged Congress to pass his “Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements” or SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to cast a vote in the U.S. So far, it has stalled in the Senate.

“If you look at voting today it’s in such bad shape in so many states and we are committing to fix it,” said Trump. “Addressing this crisis of election security demands that congress must pass the SAVE America Act. How easy is that to do? Unless you want to cheat.”

Georgia’s Democratic lawmakers also were skeptical at best about Trump’s claims.

“The president is rehashing his demented fantasies about an election being stolen in 2020 as a pretext for interfering in the election in 2026,” said Sen. Raphael Warnock.

Gabriel Sterling was the COO at the Georgia Secretary of State office in 2020. He agreed with Trump that election security is extremely important, but said the president made claims he couldn’t back up.

“When it was done it was essentially, is that it” said Sterling of the president’s address. “He talked about how the vulnerabilities could be exploited. Well the vulnerabilities of any system could be exploited and every system has vulnerabilities. That’s why you have people, processes, rules and laws and training around it so that they won’t be exploited.”

But the real world effects of Trump’s address took shape Friday. In his own separate address, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said state’s that don’t conform to the White House’s plan for enhanced election security could risk losing funding and grant dollars.

“Meaning that if these states want grants and they want to be reimbursed to run federal elections, they’re going to have to implement security,” he said. “We’re not trying to get into anything else, but we’re saying that the machines had to be secured.”

Marietta-based Georgia Symphony Orchestra distributed the following announcement:

The Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO) is pleased to announce an expanded artistic leadership team for the 2026–2027 season, bringing together an exceptional group of conductors and educators dedicated to providing outstanding musical instruction and performance opportunities for young musicians throughout metro Atlanta.

Leading the changes is Dr. Nathaniel F. Parker, who will transition from his dual role as GYSO Symphony conductor and artistic & executive Director into a dedicated leadership role as Dr. Bobbie Bailey Artistic & Executive Director of GYSO. This change will allow Parker to devote his GYSO responsibilities entirely to providing artistic vision, strengthening educational programming, supporting staff, expanding student recruitment, and guiding the continued growth of one of the Southeast’s leading youth orchestra programs.

Joining the artistic team is Dr. Kathryn Encisco, who has been appointed director of GYSO Camerata. A former GYSO student, Encisco returns to the program after building an accomplished career as a conductor and music educator, bringing her experience and passion for student development to the next generation of young musicians.

Additional leadership appointments include Dr. David Doke, who will become conductor of the GYSO Symphony, and Dr. Will Whitehead, who will assume leadership of the GYSO Philharmonic. Together, these appointments create a clear artistic pathway for students as they progress through GYSO’s orchestral program.

The expanded artistic team joins a distinguished faculty that includes returning instructors Sam Skelton, Dr. Vera Ilyushina, Whitney Tinley, and Veronica Del Castillo, along with an accomplished roster of sectional coaches and teaching artists. Several members of the artistic staff also serve on the music faculty of the Kennesaw State University Bailey School of Music, giving GYSO students the opportunity to learn from respected collegiate educators and professional performers while preparing for their own musical futures.

“I’m incredibly excited about the artistic team we’ll have guiding our students this season,” said Parker. “Each member of our faculty brings not only exceptional musical credentials, but also a deep commitment to teaching and mentoring young musicians. Together with our returning faculty, we’ve assembled one of the strongest educational teams in our history. From students taking their first steps in orchestral music to those preparing for collegiate and professional opportunities, GYSO offers outstanding instruction, inspiring mentorship, and a clear pathway for musical growth.”

Founded in 2006, the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras has grown into one of the Southeast’s premier youth orchestra programs, serving hundreds of students from across metro Atlanta through five orchestras, a jazz ensemble, chamber music, and specialized instrumental programs. As the education division of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, GYSO is committed to developing confident, well-rounded musicians through exceptional instruction, challenging performance opportunities, and meaningful artistic experiences.

The program’s commitment to excellence is further strengthened through its longstanding partnership with the KSU Bailey School of Music, providing students with access to university faculty, collaborative educational opportunities, and mentorship that helps prepare many graduates for collegiate music study and beyond.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of GYSO,” Parker added. “Whether a student dreams of a professional music career or simply wants to experience the joy of making music with others, they’ll find a welcoming community, exceptional teachers, and opportunities that will challenge and inspire them.”

There is still time for students to join GYSO for the 2026–2027 season. Audition registration is open through August 5, with live auditions taking place August 8. Open seats remain available at every ensemble level, offering opportunities for musicians of all ages and experience levels.

For audition requirements and registration information, visit gyso.org/auditions.

Georgia Tech LB Kyle Efford was in Charlotte today representing the Yellow Jackets and talked to the media on Thursday at ACC Media Days. Here is what he had to say. 

On being more of a vocal leader… 

“Oh, man, it’s changed a lot. I’m at that point now where I’m in my redshirt senior year, man, my fifth year. I have no other option but to be a vocal leader and to lead my team by example, but also, if I need to speak up, I’ll speak up.” 

On benefiting from Jason Semore as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach… 

“Yes, sir. So Coach Semore is not only the best coordinator in the country, but he’s the best linebackers coach in the country. And his defense is made for linebackers to run the show, be the quarterbacks, get us in and out of defenses. And that’s what I’m willing to go for the defense, for the best of the team.

Coach Semore, he definitely has enigmatic defenses. His major thing is offenses are not the same from the 1990s. Why are the defenses the same? That’s his major point. I can see how it’s going to be great.” 

On the consistency of his game… 

“Man, just effort to the football. It ain’t nothing but seeing the ball and running the ball every single play.I mean, it’s one thing when you know what you’re doing, but it’s another thing when you empty the tank on every single play. And that’s all I’ve been doing, and the results show.”

On how to improve the run defense… 

“Oh, man, across the board, from the first level, second level, third level. There’s always places to develop. I mean, I feel like from our big guys getting vertical, cutting the ball off, to taking double-teams, to the backers, you know, filling gaps, going sideline to sideline all the way to the back and communicating and getting down. There’s room for development everywhere. There’s not one specific area. But I feel like we need to develop across the board.” 

On how his brother playing soccer allows him to think differently… 

“Yeah, I mean, my brother taught me what it takes to be a pro. I mean, growing up from as far as I can remember, he showed me my work ethic. I was probably in second, third grade, and he was getting me up 5:00 in the morning to go outside and work out with him.I mean, he and my father essentially made me who I am, showed me what it takes to play at a high level.” 

On rivalry vs Georgia… 

“We Georgia Tech men, it doesn’t matter to us. Bobby Dodd, in between the hedges, Piedmont Park. It don’t matter. We’re a group of guys wired like that. We don’t like to (indiscernible) on the road. We want to get them boys, and I’m sure we will.”