The Distraction Index

Weekly civic intelligence report · v2.2

DashboardUndercoveredSmokescreenTimelineTopicsSearchMethodCorrections

Undercovered High-Damage

Week 21: May 18 – May 24, 2025 · 🔒 FROZEN

◀ PrevNext ▶

Events with high constitutional damage but low media attention (Attention Budget < −30).

Voice of America Faces Grim Prospects After Appeals Court Order
Policy Changefederal · broad
A
79.3
B
23.2
-56 UNDERCOVERED
IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING

Monitor implementation of appeals court order and any resulting changes to VOA editorial independence, leadership appointments, or content decisions. Track congressional response and potential legislative action to reinforce statutory protections. Document any coordination between judicial ruling and executive branch actions targeting VOA. Assess impact on international broadcasting credibility and U.S. soft power. Compare to historical attacks on broadcasting independence (Nixon/CPB, Trump/VOA 2020). Watch for similar legal strategies targeting other independent government agencies or media entities.