Media Report: July 23, 2025

Public Broadcasting Funding Rescission

Summary: On July 17, the U.S. House advanced a proposal to rescind $9 billion in previously approved funding for public broadcasters NPR and PBS, as part of a presidential rescission request. This funding cut wo

uld delay or cancel grants, support for local stations, and digital media projects.

Relevance: Public information officers rely on CPB‑funded outlets for disseminating critical information—budget cuts could force shifts to alternative media partnerships, online strategies, or increased dependency on paid platforms.

Public Sentiment: Public sentiment is mixed regarding the proposed $9 billion reduction in public broadcasting funding. Some express concern over impacts on local station operations and educational programming, while others support reallocating funds for different federal priorities.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/pbs-npr-budget-cuts-trump-republicans-b0044285659ab708e23eb2dc2f3eabfa

Emergency Alert System Overhaul NPRM

Summary: On July 18, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking public comment on redesigning the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA). The request focuses on integrating alerts across broadcast, mobile, and streaming platforms to improve resilience and reach.

Relevance: Any changes in EAS/WEA structure will directly affect how jurisdictions issue emergency warnings. PIOs should monitor the rulemaking, prepare for compliance, and plan updates in multi-platform alert protocols.

Public Sentiment: Stakeholders generally support FCC efforts to modernize the Emergency Alert System, citing benefits in improving digital reach. However, there are calls to ensure that rural areas and multilingual audiences continue receiving adequate alert coverage.

Source: https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/fcc-releases-details-of-plans-to-fundamentally-review-eas

State Department Layoffs Impacting Public Affairs

Summary: In July, the U.S. State Department eliminated 1,350 positions, including diplomats and public affairs staff. This downsizing focuses on overseas posts and communication roles, reducing coverage in key regions.

Relevance: The cuts will strain public affairs teams abroad, weaken local engagement, and create delays in messaging coordination. States may need internal backup plans and alternative communications channels.

Public Sentiment: The State Department's recent reduction of 1,350 positions has generated mixed reactions. Some express concern about diminished diplomatic capabilities, while others view restructuring as necessary for operational efficiency.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/21/us-state-department-trump-firings-cuts

Oregon SB 224 Protects Officials’ Personal Data

Summary: In late June, Governor Kotek signed SB 224, removing home addresses and other personal information of elected officials from public records to protect their privacy.

Relevance: This changes transparency protocols under FOIA/PRA. Public information officers must revise data disclosures, internal response procedures, and public-facing directories accordingly.

Public Sentiment: Oregon’s SB 224 has broad support among privacy advocates and officials as it safeguards personal information of public figures. Transparency advocates acknowledge safety concerns but encourage continued openness in government operations.

Source: https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/06/24/oregon-law-protects-officials-minnesota-shootings

Texas Senate Bill 20 Bans AI‑Generated Child Pornography

Summary: Effective September 1, Texas's Senate Bill 20 criminalizes possession, distribution, or creation of AI-generated sexual content featuring children. This extends liability to AI creators and platforms.

Relevance: Public Information Officers should stay abreast of new legislation that may impact how arrests are made in their community, especially when those laws are as new and unique as this. As AI continues to be incorporated into our daily lives, we can expect to see laws adapt to cover the malicious ways it can be used.

Public Sentiment: Texas SB 20 received widespread bipartisan support for enhancing protections against harmful AI-generated content. Some commentators emphasize the complexity of enforcement, but general public response on AI regulation remains favorable.

Source: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/05/23/texas-ai-bill-legislation-regulation/

Connecticut State Police Launch Transparency Dashboard

Summary: In early July, the Connecticut State Police debuted an online dashboard providing real-time data on traffic stops, including demographic breakdowns and outcomes, in response to past data inconsistencies.

Relevance: The dashboard setting a new standard for data transparency. PIOs should explore similar tools to build public trust, improve stakeholder engagement, and demonstrate accountability.

Public Sentiment: The launch of Connecticut’s State Police transparency dashboard was widely praised as a positive step toward increased accountability. Stakeholders recommended future expansions, including more detailed data from local agencies.

Source: https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/state-police-launch-dashboard-track-tickets-20780580.php

California AB 1178 Limits Police Records Access

Summary: Introduced in mid‑June, AB 1178 would restrict access to police records and disciplinary data for undercover officers and those involved in sensitive cases, citing safety concerns.

Relevance: This could limit transparency and complicate media inquiries. PIOs may need to adopt new redaction guidelines and craft public messaging to balance privacy with openness.

Public Sentiment: Public reactions to AB 1178 are divided. Proponents argue it protects officer safety, while others express concern that the restrictions could limit transparency and public oversight.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/17/california-transparency-police-records

Texas HB 1522 Alters Meeting Schedules in Montgomery County

Summary: As of July 18, Montgomery County will shift public meetings to Thursdays from January 1, 2026, to comply with HB 1522’s requirement for three business-day agenda posting.

Relevance: Government communication calendars must realign and PIOs should be afraid to pitch adapting meeting schedules to better meet the needs of public transparency. PIOs need to be mindful of timelines for agenda publication, stakeholder notifications, and pre-meeting outreach.

Public Sentiment: Stakeholders generally support HB 1522 for its transparency benefits, while acknowledging some public adjustment required due to changes in scheduling of local government meetings.

Source: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/trending/article/montgomery-county-meeting-schedule-change-20773726.php

Texas Special Session Invoked by Governor Abbott

Summary: In July, Governor Abbott called a special session to address redistricting, THC regulation, and flood mitigation. The agenda was amended mid-session, accelerating committee actions.

Relevance: Rapid session demands timely public briefings, updated FAQs, flexible messaging, and stakeholder coordination as legislative activity unfolds.

Public Sentiment: Public opinion is varied regarding Texas’s special session addressing redistricting, THC regulations, and flood mitigation. Many residents and stakeholders support tackling these urgent issues, while some question the effectiveness of multiple special sessions.

Source: https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/politics/lone-star-politics/texas-first-called-special-session-begins-redistricting-flooding-thc/3890077/

Montana HB 178 Restricts AI Use in Government

Summary: Governor Gianforte signed HB 178 on May 5. The law prohibits certain AI applications—such as surveillance, behavioral manipulation, and discriminatory profiling—and requires public disclosure and human review before implementation.

Relevance: PIOs in Montana must ensure all government AI usage in messaging is disclosed, accompanied by any human vetting procedures. Digital workflows and stakeholder communications must be updated accordingly.

Public Sentiment: Montana’s HB 178 has generally positive feedback for proactively regulating AI usage within government, although some municipalities raise concerns about resources needed to comply with disclosure requirements.

Source: https://flatheadbeacon.com/2025/03/28/montana-lawmakers-move-to-regulate-artificial-intelligence/

HHS Reorganization and Layoffs Affect Messaging Capacity

Summary: Between March and May, HHS merged divisions of CDC, FDA, and NIH, resulting in 20,000 layoffs including public affairs staff. The restructure aims to streamline operations but cuts communication resources.

Relevance: With fewer communication staff, remaining PIOs must manage broader portfolios, coordinate across agencies, and mitigate silos. Crisis response plans and interagency messaging frameworks will need review.

Public Sentiment: Public sentiment around the HHS reorganization is mixed. Some stakeholders see benefits in streamlined operations, while others raise concerns regarding loss of experienced personnel and potential impacts on health-related messaging.

Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/05/13/nx-s1-5381022/rfk-hhs-layoffs-restructuring-trump-budget

DOJ NSD Pauses Data‑Security Enforcement Temporarily

Summary: On July 12, the DOJ National Security Division announced a 90‑day pause on civil enforcement of data-security regulations for private actors, providing a compliance grace period.

Relevance: Agencies must ensure public guidance on breach reporting, new requirements, and deadlines is clear. Stakeholder communications and compliance advisory content will need timely updates.

Public Sentiment: DOJ’s temporary pause in data-security rule enforcement has been viewed positively in the industry as providing organizations sufficient compliance time, though some cybersecurity experts caution that delayed enforcement may affect overall readiness.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-implements-critical-national-security-program-protect-americans-sensitive

USPTO Resumes In‑Person PTAB Hearings

Summary: On July 23, the USPTO announced that beginning September 1, PTAB hearings will revert to live, in-person formats with limited virtual attendance by exception.

Relevance: PIOs must revise hearing logistics, media credentialing processes, public notices, security protocols, and accessibility plans. Outreach materials must reflect the updated format.

Public Sentiment: USPTO's decision to resume in-person hearings was generally welcomed by legal and intellectual property communities. However, advocates for virtual accessibility continue suggesting a hybrid approach to maximize participation.

Source: https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/news-updates/uspto-returning-person-ptab-hearings

ICE Interim Guidance Restricts Bond for Undocumented Noncitizens

Summary: On July 17, ICE issued guidance limiting bond eligibility for undocumented noncitizens, asserting that most will be denied bond and remain in detention during proceedings.

Relevance: PIOs managing detention communications must update FAQs, public guidance, and engage legal partners. Messaging should clarify status changes and rights under this policy.

Public Sentiment: Sentiment is divided on ICE's interim guidance limiting bond eligibility. Immigration enforcement advocates highlight improved public safety, while immigration rights groups express concern about increased detention periods and due process.

Source: https://www.nilc.org/resources/rapid-response-update-on-bond-eligibility-for-undocumented-immigrants/

ICE Blocks Bond Hearings, Plans 100,000‑Bed Detention Capacity

Summary: As of July 8, ICE interim policy bars bond hearings for unauthorized entrants and anticipates expanding capacity to 100,000 detainees under new funding.

Relevance: PIOs need to prepare messaging for increased detainee numbers, detention process transparency, legal rights, and interagency coordination.

Public Sentiment: Public opinion on ICE's expanded detention capacity and reduced bond hearings is polarized. Enforcement advocates see enhanced immigration control, while civil liberty groups raise concerns regarding detention conditions and legal rights.

Source: https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/new-ice-policy-blocks-detained-migrants-from-seeking-bond-f557402a

ICE Authorizes Rapid Deportation to Third Countries

Summary: An ICE memo issued in early July authorizes deportation to third countries with as little as six-hours notice, expanding expedited removal authority.

Relevance: Agencies need to coordinate messaging with legal teams, consular partners, and affected families, ensuring accurate public notice and due process explanations.

Public Sentiment: Public opinion on ICE's expanded detention capacity and reduced bond hearings is polarized. Enforcement advocates see enhanced immigration control, while civil liberty groups raise concerns regarding detention conditions and legal rights.

Source: https://www.thedailybeast.com/ice-memo-says-migrants-can-be-deported-to-third-countries/

ICE to Arrest Undocumented Migrants Without Criminal Record

Summary: ICE confirmed in July that funding increases allow arrests and deportations of undocumented individuals regardless of criminal history, signaling an expanded enforcement approach.

Relevance: Public affairs must prepare for heightened enforcement announcements, community impact communications, and legal resource coordination.

Public Sentiment: Public sentiment is split on ICE's expanded enforcement policies targeting undocumented migrants without criminal records. Supporters believe it strengthens border control, while opponents worry about community relations and resource allocation.

Source: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/ice-arrests-undocumented-migrants-no-criminal-record

ICE Detention Conditions in Manhattan Exposed

Summary: On July 22, leaked videos revealed overcrowded, unsanitary conditions at ICE’s Manhattan processing center, prompting public outcry and calls for improved oversight.

Relevance: This underscores the need for transparency—PIOs should actively address conditions, planned improvements, and detainee welfare in public statements.

Public Sentiment: ICE detention conditions in Manhattan generated public concern over detainee welfare. While ICE maintains operations meet required standards, advocacy groups demand greater oversight and improvements in facility management.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jul/22/ice-videos-new-york-trump

Diplomatic Protest Over Italian Detainees

Summary: Two Italian detainees at the Everglades center sparked protest from Italy on July 22, alleging poor conditions and denial of legal access.

Relevance: PIOs must engage in international coordination with consular officials, manage diplomatic messaging, and respond to human rights inquiries.

Public Sentiment: The diplomatic protest has received significant attention in both U.S. and international media. Italian officials and advocacy groups have voiced concern over detention conditions, which has been echoed by some local and national human rights organizations. Among the general public, sentiment is mixed, with some emphasizing the importance of upholding international standards and others focusing on the legal status of detainees.

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/07/22/italians-alligator-alcatraz-ice/

Operation Safeguard ICE Detention Campaign

Summary: Earlier this year, ICE launched Operation Safeguard to detain and deport 23,000 migrants with criminal records. The operation continues into this reporting period, with policy reinforcement.

Relevance: Public affairs teams should prepare for enforcement coordination, community notifications, and legal stakeholder outreach during urban raids.

Public Sentiment: Public opinion about Operation Safeguard is sharply divided along lines of policy preference. Supporters of stricter immigration enforcement view the operation as a necessary step for public safety, while others—including advocacy and faith-based groups—express concern over the impact on families and communities. The operation has resulted in a highly polarized response, with both support and criticism evident in public forums.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-ramps-up-immigration-enforcement-operation-safeguard-2025-05-12/