Connecticut
Connecticut wins antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation upon New York court ruling
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A massive jury decision in New York this week is sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry, a decision that Connecticut has historically encouraged.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong and a coalition of 33 other attorneys general won their lawsuit against Live Nation when the Manhattan court ruled Wednesday that Live Nation and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, violated federal and state antitrust laws.
The decision from the court is to be met with appeals from Live Nation. One thing is for sure in the rest of the case; it is monumental, and it will be lengthy.
The lawsuits filed by dozens of states accused Live Nation of smothering competition and driving up prices for ticket buyers, resulting in the jury’s decision that Live Nation should be held liable for illegally maintaining monopoly power over the ticket industry.
“The fact that the states went ahead and litigated this case and won before a jury is really a remarkable, historical development,” legal expert Bob Langer said.
If the verdict holds, Langer says Live Nation could be facing strict penalties, including being forced to split from Ticketmaster, which would affect the entire industry.
“Eventually prices will go down, but we are a long, long way from that,” Langer said.
Langer told News 8 that appeals could reach the Supreme Court and take years. One New Haven event venue said it is too early to tell how the case will affect their ticketing practices.
Live Nation insists they are not a monopoly, but a successful company built by excellence and effort. The company said that it can and will appeal any unfavorable rulings.
Those who may be affected most are the buyers.
“We probably are being taken advantage of, but if there are people like me that have a crazy willingness to pay, the prices might increase at the end of the day,” Aaron Abrams, a fan of Peter Cat Recordings Co., said.
“I do see the monopoly, absolutely,” Laura, who buys her tickets off a site for military families, said. “I am very grateful that I don’t have to be a part of that. I will enjoy any ticket and any concert I can go to.”
Overall, music fans have shared a general consensus that they will follow the case, but will still be attending concerts either way.
“I would love to see the prices go back down,” Laura said. “I would love for everyone to have access to different events and concerts and be able to afford it.”
The case against Live Nation comes after the company agreed to a settlement with the federal government, but more than 30 states pressed on with the trial, saying not enough concessions were made by Live Nation.
New data is shedding light on the state of Connecticut’s economy and labor force.
On this episode of the CBIA BizCast, CBIA Foundation director Dustin Nord joins host Amanda Marlow to talk about new Connecticut Department of Labor data that highlights the mismatch between increased job openings and a shrinking labor force.
Connecticut job openings jumped 2.6% in May to 87,356—however, since May 2025, 37,700 people have left Connecticut’s labor force.
Nord breaks down some of the reasons for this mismatch and what needs to be done to address Connecticut’s economic challenges.
He also shares insights into a U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis report showing Connecticut’s economy expanded 1.8% in the first quarter of 2026.
Episode Highlights:
- Job Openings vs. Workforce Shortage
- Unemployment Trends
- GDP Growth Amid Labor Challenges
- Affordability and Long-Term Competitiveness
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Connecticut
This Underrated Connecticut Town Is Getting National Recognition as One of the Best Places to Live
According to Islands.com, one Connecticut town is getting some well-deserved national attention, and it’s probably not the one you’d expect.
When people think about standout Connecticut destinations, places like Mystic, Greenwich, or New Haven usually dominate the conversation. But this time, the spotlight is on Cheshire, which was recently recognized as one of the best places to live in the state.
The national travel website points to Cheshire’s combination of small-town charm, outdoor recreation, local businesses, and great restaurants as some of the biggest reasons it’s become such a desirable place to call home. It’s also no stranger to high rankings. Cheshire was named the best place to live in New Haven County by Niche in 2025 and has also landed on Money Magazine’s list of the best places to live in America. Its public schools continue to receive high marks as well.
One of Cheshire’s biggest draws is its access to nature. The town is home to scenic orchards, beautiful greenhouses, and is known as Connecticut’s bedding plant capital. During the fall, local farms and orchards become popular destinations for apple picking, fresh cider, and seasonal treats. Outdoor lovers also have easy access to Roaring Brook Falls, Sleeping Giant State Park, and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.
Of course, no Connecticut town earns national praise without having some great food. Islands.com highlighted Cheshire’s pizza scene, including Fuoco Apizza and Pop’s Pizza, along with Viron Rondo Osteria for Italian cuisine. Beer lovers can also stop by Counter Weight Brewing, while Sweet Claude’s Ice Cream and Shef’s Bagels round out the town’s lineup of local favorites.
Cheshire may not get the same attention as some of Connecticut’s bigger destinations, but this latest recognition suggests it deserves a spot on your list. Whether you’re looking for a weekend road trip or thinking about putting down roots, this quiet New Haven County town is proving it has a lot more to offer than many people realize.
7 of the Most Beautiful Towns in the State of Connecticut
Connecticut is overflowing with both manmade and natural beauty. In some places, the two intersect to create a magical, almost fictional feel. Here are 7 Connecticut Towns that look like they came straight from a storybook.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
5 Historic Connecticut Towns That Feel Frozen in Time
Connecticut is full of towns people rush past on the highway without realizing what they’re missing. Everyone knows the big names, but some of the best places in the state are the ones that don’t always make the travel lists. These towns are quieter, full of character, and worth slowing down for at least an afternoon.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
Look Inside the Largest Indoor Collaborative Artwork in the World
I visited the American Mural Project in Winsted, Connecticut for the first time recently, and for those who haven’t seen it, here’s a quick peek at what to expect when you gaze upon the largest indoor collaborative piece of artwork in the world
Gallery Credit: Photos by Large Dave
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