Media News Daily: Top Stories for 12/30/2025

Court Rejects Trademark Claim Over Political Slogan “Proven Problem Solver”

A federal court has denied Stephen Cloobeck’s attempt to trademark the phrase “PROVEN PROBLEM SOLVER” for exclusive use in his political campaign, ruling that the slogan is too generic and descriptive to warrant protection under the Lanham Act. The court found no likelihood of confusion with opponent Antonio Villaraigosa’s use of the same phrase, deeming both campaigns’ use as core political expression rather than commercial activity. Citing cases like United We Stand and Browne v. McCain, the court noted that while the Lanham Act can sometimes apply to political contexts, this case more closely aligned with Think Rubix v. Be Woke. Vote, where similar language was ruled noncommercial. The judge also warned that granting exclusive rights to such a common political slogan could chill free speech and restrict routine campaign language. (Read More) (Reason Rating)

Wall Street Journal Blasts 2020 Georgia Election Conspiracy Theory

The Wall Street Journal editorial board condemned the resurgence of election fraud claims regarding Georgia’s 2020 vote, calling the latest theory about unsigned poll tapes in Fulton County “nonsense.” While acknowledging the county’s mistakes during early voting, the editorial stressed that such procedural errors do not justify overturning ballots or reviving debunked fraud allegations. The piece criticized Donald Trump’s continued claims of a stolen election and warned that Republicans hurt their credibility by indulging baseless theories. (Read More) (The Hill Rating)

Scott Faughn Acquires Three Missouri Newspapers Amid Ethics Concerns

Missouri political insider Scott Faughn has purchased the Jefferson City News-Tribune, Fulton Sun, and California Democrat from WEHCO Media Inc., raising concerns due to his controversial background in state politics and journalism. Though Faughn has pledged to maintain the papers’ operations and staff, critics cite his 2007 felony conviction and his secret role in the 2018 Eric Greitens scandal as red flags for editorial independence. WEHCO publisher Walter Hussman Jr. acknowledged the papers’ financial struggles but expressed hope that local ownership might stabilize them. The News-Tribune previously criticized Faughn’s ethics, but that history was not addressed at the announcement of the sale. (Read More) (News Facts Network Rating)