Media News Daily: Top Stories for 07/27/2025

This page hosts daily news stories about the media, social media, and the journalism industry. Get the latest Hirings and Firings, Media Transactions, Controversies, and more.

Federal Judge Upholds AP Ban from White House Press Pool

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has denied the Associated Press’s (AP) appeal to overturn a previous ruling allowing the Trump White House to restrict the AP’s access to certain press spaces. The AP was banned earlier this year after refusing to adopt the term “Gulf of America” instead of “Gulf of Mexico” in its Stylebook. Judge Justin Walker argued the case centers on political speech, reinforcing the administration’s stance. Following the ruling, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the Wall Street Journal would also be barred from covering Trump’s upcoming trip to Scotland, citing an ongoing lawsuit over an article linking Trump to Jeffrey Epstein. The AP expressed disappointment but reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

South Park Mocks Trump-Paramount Deal in Season Premiere

South Park targeted President Trump and his media entanglements during its season 27 premiere, satirizing his deal with Paramount Global and his feud with CBS’s 60 Minutes. The episode depicted a fictional settlement requiring schools to promote pro-Trump messaging, with a parody PSA titled “He Gets Us. All of Us.” referencing Christian ad campaigns. The show’s return coincided with its creators signing a new five-year deal and follows the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, a frequent Trump critic. Trump celebrated the cancellation online. (Read More) (Washington Examiner Rating)

NSF Staff Blow Whistle on Trump Administration’s Political Interference

Employees of the National Science Foundation (NSF) have issued a whistleblower letter detailing what they describe as “politically motivated and legally questionable” interference by the Trump administration. Signed by 149 staffers, the letter accuses the administration of canceling 1,600 grants, politicizing the grant review process, and withholding $2.2 billion in funding. Additional grievances include coerced resignations, threats of mass firings, and the eviction of employees from NSF headquarters. The letter was submitted to Rep. Zoe Lofgren as a protected disclosure. The NSF declined to comment, while union leaders and science advocates warn these actions severely undermine U.S. scientific integrity. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)