Southeast Emmy Chapter Elects New Leadership Team as Media Industry Navigates Rapid Transformation

Award-winning journalists, media executives, educators, and innovators join the Southeast Chapter of the NATAS Board of Governors, signaling a renewed focus on excellence, digital innovation, and the future of storytelling across the region.

ATLANTA | The Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), the organization responsible for recognizing excellence in television and media through the Emmy® Awards, has announced a new slate of executive officers and governors who will guide the chapter through a period of significant change and innovation in the media landscape.

Effective June 15, 2026, the incoming Board of Governors and Executive Committee will oversee initiatives designed to strengthen journalism, foster professional development, expand educational outreach, and support the next generation of media professionals across the Southeast.

The newly elected leadership team brings together decades of experience from broadcast television, digital media, public broadcasting, content strategy, education, multilingual journalism, and community engagement. Industry observers view the appointments as a reflection of the increasingly diverse and evolving nature of modern media organizations.

At the helm is Tracey Rogers, an eight-time Emmy® Award-winning communications executive and media strategist whose career has spanned journalism, healthcare communications, corporate leadership, and digital innovation. Rogers succeeds outgoing President Evelyn Mims and assumes leadership at a time when local news organizations and content creators continue to adapt to shifting audience habits, emerging technologies, and the growing demand for multiplatform storytelling.

“The strength of our Chapter has always been its people,” Rogers said in a statement. “I am honored to serve alongside this exceptional group of leaders as we continue celebrating excellence in storytelling, expanding educational opportunities, supporting our members, and preparing future generations for successful careers in media.”

Joining Rogers on the Executive Committee are Vice President Alex Sanz, Managing Editor of CBS Atlanta and a veteran newsroom leader with experience at CBS News and Stations, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and The Associated Press; Secretary Sussy Ruiz, Vice President of Weather Affiliates Programming at The Weather Channel and a National Emmy® Award recipient recognized for her work in multilingual media; and Treasurer Donna Lowry, an eight-time Emmy® Award-winning journalist and host of Georgia Public Broadcasting’s “Lawmakers” and “Lawmakers Spotlight.”

Apache Downed Near Oman Signals New Era of Drone Warfare, Defense Analysts Warn

AH-64 Incident in the Gulf Raises Questions About Helicopter Survivability as Iran-Linked Shahed Drones Evolve into Air-to-Air Threats

WASHINGTON | The reported downing of a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter near Oman after an encounter with an Iranian-designed Shahed drone is fueling new concerns among military planners and defense analysts about the future of rotary-wing warfare in increasingly contested airspace.

While Pentagon officials have released few details about the early June incident, confirming only that both Apache crew members were rescued after ditching the aircraft in the water, experts say the event could represent a pivotal moment in the evolution of modern combat.

For decades, attack helicopters like the Apache have dominated low-altitude battlefields, destroying armored formations, providing close-air support, and conducting precision strikes against enemy forces. Today, however, the rapid proliferation of unmanned aerial systems is challenging that dominance in ways military planners once considered unlikely.

Critics Compare Trump’s UFC Embrace to Ancient Rome’s ‘Bread and Circuses’ Strategy

Supporters call it cultural outreach; opponents argue that high-profile sporting spectacles distract voters from inflation, healthcare costs, energy prices, and broader economic concerns.

WASHINGTON, D.C. | President Donald Trump's frequent appearances at Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events have become a defining feature of his public image during his second term, drawing enthusiastic crowds and generating viral social media moments. But critics increasingly argue that the strategy reflects a centuries-old political playbook: keeping public attention focused on entertainment rather than policy challenges.

The comparison traces back to ancient Rome, where emperors used lavish public spectacles—including gladiatorial games—to maintain public support and reduce political unrest. Historians often describe the practice as "bread and circuses," a phrase suggesting that entertainment and public diversion can help leaders avoid scrutiny of controversial policies or economic hardships.

Trump's supporters reject the comparison, arguing that the president's UFC appearances reflect his longstanding relationship with the sport and demonstrate his connection to working-class Americans who feel overlooked by traditional political institutions.

Yet political opponents contend that the administration's highly visible engagement with sporting events comes at a time when many Americans remain concerned about inflation, housing affordability, healthcare access, food prices, and energy costs.

GAO Report Finds Millions in Waste, Major Security Lapses at ICE’s Largest Detention Facility

Camp East Montana's rapid launch under a $1.3 billion contract led to taxpayer-funded inefficiencies, safety concerns, and oversight failures, according to a new Government Accountability Office review.

WASHINGTON, D.C. | A new report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is raising serious questions about how federal agencies rapidly expanded immigration detention operations following the Trump administration’s January 2025 immigration enforcement directives.

The report, released June 9, 2026, found that Camp East Montana—the largest immigration detention facility ever operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—experienced significant cost overruns, operational inefficiencies, and security shortcomings after it was opened on an accelerated timeline at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

According to GAO auditors, the U.S. Army and ICE rushed the planning, procurement, and construction process to meet directives from senior federal leadership, resulting in a series of costly mistakes that taxpayers continue to fund.

OPINION | Alabama’s Culture-War Campaigns Are Ending. The Real Test Begins Now.

As primary-season attack ads fade from Alabama airwaves, voters are left with a deeper question: Why did debates over “wokeness” dominate campaigns while economic concerns topped voter priorities?

MONTGOMERY, Ala. | The final wave of Alabama's primary campaign advertisements is coming to an end, bringing relief to voters who have spent months navigating a barrage of political messaging centered on cultural flashpoints, ideological labels, and personality-driven attacks.

The commercials are disappearing, but the questions they leave behind are not.

Throughout the campaign season, candidates devoted significant airtime to familiar political themes: election security, transgender participation in sports, immigration, “woke” ideology, and partisan identity. The messages were often emotionally charged, carefully crafted for social media, and designed to energize core supporters.

Less common were detailed discussions of the issues that consistently rank among voters' most pressing concerns: inflation, healthcare access, housing affordability, energy costs, education quality, and the overall cost of living.

Hollywood’s Production Crisis: Why Film and TV Are Leaving Los Angeles — and Whether Washington Can Save the Industry

As California loses jobs to Canada, the U.K., and overseas incentives, studio executives, producers, unions, and lawmakers are pushing for an unprecedented federal response to keep Hollywood competitive.

LOS ANGELES | For more than a century, Hollywood has been synonymous with the entertainment industry. From the golden age of cinema to the streaming revolution, Los Angeles served as the unquestioned capital of global filmmaking.

Now, industry leaders fear that dominance is slipping away.

A growing number of film and television productions are leaving California in favor of Canada, the United Kingdom, Eastern Europe, Australia, and competing U.S. states, drawn by lower costs, generous tax incentives, favorable exchange rates, and less burdensome production regulations.

The trend has accelerated dramatically since the end of the streaming boom, creating what many insiders describe as the most serious economic challenge facing Hollywood in decades.

Winds, Rain and Tough Conditions Define Day 2 as Veterans Shine at VGA Grand National Tournament

Flight Champions Emerge at RTJ Grand National Lakes Course as Veterans Golf Association Members Battle Alabama Summer Weather

OPELIKA, Ala. | Challenging weather conditions tested the field on Sunday during Day 2 of the Veterans Golf Association (VGA) Alabama Tournament at the renowned RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National (Lakes Course), but several golfers rose above the elements to claim flight championships.

While temperatures were slightly cooler than the previous day, shifting winds and threatening afternoon storms created constantly changing course conditions for competitors throughout the round.

"One hole the wind was blowing out of the east, and on the next hole it was coming from the west," tournament organizers noted. "It added another layer of difficulty to an already demanding championship course."

For the weekend's top performers, however, the unpredictable weather simply became another challenge to overcome.

Leading the list of champions was Kristofferson Nunez of Destin, who captured the Veteran A Flight title with a score of 86. In the highly competitive Veteran B Flight, Addam Lupo of Fort Mitchell carded an impressive 78 to earn top honors.

David Beckner of Summerdale secured the Veteran C Flight championship with an 86, while hometown golfer Patrick Sanderson of Opelika claimed the No Handicap Flight title after posting an 84.

Heat, Humidity, and Tough Competition Define Opening Day of VGA Tour Alabama Tournament at Grand National

Veteran Golfers Conquer Sweltering Conditions as Flight Champions Emerge at RTJ Grand National Links Course

OPELIKA, Ala. | Alabama's summer heat delivered a formidable challenge Saturday, but the Veterans Golf Association's competitors proved equally determined during Day 1 of the VGA Alabama Tour stop at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail's Grand National Links Course.

With heat indices climbing into the upper 90s and humidity blanketing East Alabama, 58 veteran golfers battled not only one of the state's premier golf courses but also the demanding weather conditions that tested endurance throughout the day.

By the time players made their way back to the clubhouse, many shared a common feeling—relief.

"The heat was relentless," tournament organizers noted, as golfers relied on hydration and perseverance to navigate one of the most physically demanding rounds of the season.

Despite the conditions, several competitors delivered standout performances to claim their respective flight championships.

Leading the way in the Veteran divisions was Kristofferson Nunez of Destin, Florida, who captured the Veteran A Flight title with a score of 88. In one of the day's strongest performances, Trey Long of Opelika fired a 76 to win the Veteran B Flight, while Paul Wells of Canton, Georgia, secured the Veteran C Flight championship with an 87.

UC San Diego Women’s Tennis Lands Highest-Ranked Recruiting Class in Program History

Tritons Secure First Five-Star Recruit of Division I Era as Program Continues Rapid Rise in Big West Competition

LA JOLLA, Calif. | The future of UC San Diego women's tennis has never looked brighter.

The Tennis Recruiting Network released its annual recruiting class rankings Friday, and the Tritons earned the highest recruiting ranking in program history, checking in at No. 20 nationally among all mid-major programs. The recognition marks the second consecutive year UC San Diego has appeared in the rankings and further validates the program's growing reputation on the national stage.

After debuting at No. 23 in last year's rankings, the Tritons climbed three spots in 2026, becoming one of only two schools from the Big West Conference to earn a place in the prestigious rankings.

Auburn Equestrian Stars Shine at Devon Horse Show as Tigers Showcase Present and Future Talent

Auburn Riders Dominate Prestigious Devon Horse Show with Major Titles, National Recognition

DEVON, Pa. | The Auburn equestrian program continued to strengthen its reputation as one of the nation's premier collegiate riding powers as current athletes, alumni, and future Tigers delivered standout performances at the prestigious Devon Horse Show, held May 20-31 in Pennsylvania.

From Grand Prix podium finishes to amateur championships and equitation honors, Auburn's presence was felt throughout one of the most celebrated events in American equestrian sports.

Leading the charge was former Auburn standout McKayla Langmeier, whose remarkable week earned her multiple victories and some of the event's highest honors. Langmeier captured titles in both the $32,000 Devon Welcome Stake and the $32,000 Main Line Challenge – Two Phase, while also finishing second in the prestigious $210,000 Sapphire Grand Prix and third in the $32,000 Devon Speed Derby.

Her consistency and elite performances throughout the competition resulted in recognition as the Devon Horse Show Leading Open Rider, Leading Lady Rider, and Reserve Champion Open Jumper, capping one of the most successful showings of her professional career.

Current Auburn junior and All-American Ariana Marnell also delivered a dominant performance in the amateur ranks. The Las Vegas native earned victories in the $20,000 SJHF 1.45m Amateur Jumper Classic, the $3,750 1.40m Amateur Jumper, and the $3,750 1.40m Amateur Jumper Speed.

Marnell's impressive week was further highlighted by being named Champion Amateur Owner Jumper Champion and Devon Horse Show Leading Amateur Owner Jumper Rider, solidifying her status as one of the country's top amateur competitors.

The future of Auburn equestrian was equally impressive, as four incoming freshmen showcased their talent on one of the sport's biggest stages.

Jackson Koivun Caps Historic Auburn Career with Golfweek Amateur Player of the Year Honor, Turns Pro for PGA Tour

After a record-breaking junior season that helped deliver a national championship to the Auburn Tigers, Jackson Koivun earns Golfweek’s 2026 Amateur Player of the Year award and announces his move to the PGA Tour.

AUBURN, Ala. | The trophy case continues to fill for Jackson Koivun.

The Auburn All-American added another major honor to his remarkable collegiate résumé Friday when he was named Golfweek’s 2026 Amateur Player of the Year, further cementing his place among the most accomplished golfers in NCAA history.

Koivun’s award comes on the heels of a dominant junior season in which he won six tournaments in 14 starts, helping lead the Auburn Tigers to their second NCAA national championship in three seasons. His consistency was equally impressive, producing eight top-five finishes, 12 top-10 finishes, and a staggering 68.20 scoring average.

That scoring mark shattered the previous NCAA single-season record established by Colin Morikawa by more than four-tenths of a stroke, highlighting one of the most dominant campaigns ever recorded in collegiate golf.