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Va. A.G. Jones and Coalition of States Win Trial Against Live Nation and Ticketmaster

RICHMOND, Virginia, April 17 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:

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Attorney General Jay Jones and Coalition of States Win Trial Against Live Nation and Ticketmaster

Jury Finds Live Nation and Ticketmaster Illegally Eliminated Competition; Hurting Fans, Artists, and Other Venues in Virginia

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Attorney General Jay Jones and a coalition of 33 other attorneys general today won their lawsuit against Live Nation after a five-week trial resulted in a jury finding that Live Nation and Ticketmaster violated federal and state antitrust laws ... Show Full Article RICHMOND, Virginia, April 17 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on April 16, 2026: * * * Attorney General Jay Jones and Coalition of States Win Trial Against Live Nation and Ticketmaster Jury Finds Live Nation and Ticketmaster Illegally Eliminated Competition; Hurting Fans, Artists, and Other Venues in Virginia * Attorney General Jay Jones and a coalition of 33 other attorneys general today won their lawsuit against Live Nation after a five-week trial resulted in a jury finding that Live Nation and Ticketmaster violated federal and state antitrust lawsby eliminating competition and driving up costs for fans, artists, and venues across the country.

"Today's verdict is a huge win for Virginia's vibrant live music and entertainment venues and for the loyal consumers who purchase tickets," said Attorney General Jones. "I am proud of the dedicated attorneys and staff of the Virginia OAG, and in partner states across the nation, who worked tirelessly to ensure that Live Nation and Ticketmaster can no longer pad their pockets on the backs of hardworking consumers. My office looks forward to continuing to hold these corporations accountable as the court determines the best remedy to right these egregious wrongs and lower costs moving forward."

In May 2024 the Commonwealth and a coalition of 40 other states, and the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) sued Live Nation, alleging that its control over almost every aspect of the live event business - from venue ownership to event promotion to ticketing services through Ticketmaster - allowed it to raise costs for both fans and artists and to suppress competition. During the trial that began on March 2, 2026, DOJ reached a settlement with Live Nation, which Attorney General Jay Jones and the coalition of 33 states rejected, choosing to continue litigation.

The jury today found Live Nation and Ticketmaster liable for violating federal and state laws by engaging in anticompetitive conduct. The jury found that Ticketmaster unlawfully maintains a monopoly in the market for ticketing services at major concert venues. The jury also found that Live Nation has a monopoly in the market for large amphitheaters used by artists and that Live Nation unlawfully requires artists who use the amphitheaters it owns to also use its event promotion services. In addition, the jury determined that fans have been overcharged for concert tickets at major concert venues across the country.

Having successfully proven their case on liability to the jury, Attorney General Jay Jones and the coalition will argue for remedies and financial penalties at a separate bench trial.

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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3004-attorney-general-jay-jones-and-coalition-of-states-win-trial-against-live-nation-and-ticketmaster

Va. A.G. Jones Joins Bipartisan Coalition in Support of Federal Rule to Increase Transparency in Prescription Drug Pricing and Lower Costs

RICHMOND, Virginia, April 17 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:

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Attorney General Jay Jones Joins Bipartisan Coalition in Support of Federal Rule to Increase Transparency in Prescription Drug Pricing and Lower Costs

Comment letter supports stronger disclosure requirements for PBMs, seeks clarity that proposed rule doesn't preempt state PBM transparency laws

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Attorney General Jay Jones today joined a bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter supporting a proposed U.S. Department of Labor (Department) ... Show Full Article RICHMOND, Virginia, April 17 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on April 16, 2026: * * * Attorney General Jay Jones Joins Bipartisan Coalition in Support of Federal Rule to Increase Transparency in Prescription Drug Pricing and Lower Costs Comment letter supports stronger disclosure requirements for PBMs, seeks clarity that proposed rule doesn't preempt state PBM transparency laws * Attorney General Jay Jones today joined a bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter supporting a proposed U.S. Department of Labor (Department)rule that would require greater transparency from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that service employer-funded health plans covered under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The new rule would require PBMs to disclose twice a year how they generate revenue and would give employers the right to audit them. PBMs have also long sought to avoid state regulation by claiming federal preemption under ERISA. The attorneys general urge the Department to clarify that the proposed rule does not preempt state PBM transparency laws.

Today, the top three PBMs manage approximately 80% of prescription drug claims. Due to the power imbalance held by PBMs and the negative effects of such power on drug pricing, all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have enacted laws to rein them in. Common provisions include limits on patient out-of-pocket costs, bans on "gag clauses" that prevent pharmacists from telling patients they could save money by paying for their prescription out of pocket instead of using insurance, and protections against unfair treatment of independent pharmacies.

"We're living in a time when Virginians especially are pinching every single penny to afford basic necessities like medications, food, and fuel. They deserve to have transparency from pharmacy benefit managers, and they deserve to pay reasonable prices for their life-saving medications," Attorney General Jones said. "It is beyond time to reform and improve this system and keep costs low for local pharmacies so that higher prices are not passed on to consumers."

Further, in the comment letter, the attorneys general ask the Department to clarify that it supports working with them to enforce the rule. According to the coalition, there should be mention that nothing in the rule is intended to prevent the Department from referring matters to state attorneys general, requesting their investigative or enforcement assistance, or coordinating with them when the Department discovers violations of state law.

Created in the late 1960s to process prescription drug claims, PBMs now play a far broader and more powerful role in the health care system by managing prescription drug benefits for health insurers. This includes, among other things, negotiating rebates and reimbursements with drug manufacturers and determining which drugs are covered and at what cost. Approximately 136 million Americans receive health coverage through an employer -- either their own job or a family member's -- and the proposed rule responds to concerns that employers often lack visibility into how PBMs are making money or why drug costs change.

In submitting today's comment letter, Attorney General Jones joins the attorneys general of Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3005-attorney-general-jay-jones-joins-bipartisan-coalition-in-support-of-federal-rule-to-increase-transparency-in-prescription-drug-pricing-and-lower-costs

STATE OF HAWAII PREVAILS: FEDERAL CASE SEEKING TO BLOCK FOSSIL FUEL CLAIMS DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE

HONOLULU, Hawaii, April 17 -- Hawaii Attorney General Anne E. Lopez issued the following news release on April 15, 2026:

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STATE OF HAWAII PREVAILS: FEDERAL CASE SEEKING TO BLOCK FOSSIL FUEL CLAIMS DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE

The state of Hawaii today secured a significant legal victory in federal court, with the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii issuing an order dismissing a lawsuit filed by the United States, that sought to stop Hawaii's separate lawsuit filed in state court against major fossil fuel companies.

In April of last year, the United States sued the state of Hawaii, ... Show Full Article HONOLULU, Hawaii, April 17 -- Hawaii Attorney General Anne E. Lopez issued the following news release on April 15, 2026: * * * STATE OF HAWAII PREVAILS: FEDERAL CASE SEEKING TO BLOCK FOSSIL FUEL CLAIMS DISMISSED WITH PREJUDICE The state of Hawaii today secured a significant legal victory in federal court, with the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii issuing an order dismissing a lawsuit filed by the United States, that sought to stop Hawaii's separate lawsuit filed in state court against major fossil fuel companies. In April of last year, the United States sued the state of Hawaii,Governor Josh Green and Attorney General Anne Lopez in federal court after learning that the state would be filing its own action to hold fossil fuel companies accountable for decades of deceptive marketing practices in Hawaii. The state filed its lawsuit as planned and asked the federal court to dismiss the United States' separate case.

In a decisive ruling, the federal court granted the state's motion, agreeing with its argument that the United States lacks standing to sue over hypothetical allegations that imposing liability on fossil fuel companies will have some harmful future effects on the federal government.

The court also recognized that, contrary to the United States' allegations, Hawaii's state case seeks only to recover damages for harmful and deceptive marketing undertaken by fossil fuel companies in Hawaii; not to regulate international greenhouse gas emissions.

The court's decision comes roughly a year after President Trump ordered the U.S.

Department of Justice to take legal action against any state efforts to combat climate change, and three months after a similar case against the state of Michigan was dismissed.

"The climate crisis is here and Hawaii taxpayers should not have to foot that bill when fossil fuel companies deceived and failed to warn consumers about the climate dangers lurking in their products. The climate-deception lawsuit is about holding those parties accountable and shifting the costs of surviving the climate crisis back where they belong," said Governor Green. "Today's decision allows the state to continue doing just that."

"The United States' lawsuit was an example of gross federal overreach. The Department of the Attorney General is thrilled that the Court agreed with our arguments and dismissed the United States' complaint in its entirety," said Attorney General Lopez. "My department will continue to fight deceptive practices that erode Hawaii's public health, natural resources and economy."

With the federal case dismissed, Hawaii's lawsuit against fossil fuel companies will proceed in state court.

A copy of the court's order can be found here (https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/USA-vs.-State-of-Hawaii-Climate-Change-Lawsuit-Order-to-Dismiss.pdf).

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Original text here: https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/News-Release-2026-17.pdf

N.J. Division of Gaming Enforcement Announces March 2026 Total Gaming Revenue Results

TRENTON, New Jersey, April 17 -- The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:

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New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement Announces March 2026 Total Gaming Revenue Results

ATLANTIC CITY -- Today the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement announced the March 2026 total gaming revenue results.

Casino Win:

Casino Win for the nine casino hotels was $236.7 million for March 2026, reflecting an increase of 2.5% when compared to $230.9 million reported for March 2025. Year-to-date Casino Win was $652.9 million through March 2026, reflecting ... Show Full Article TRENTON, New Jersey, April 17 -- The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement issued the following news release on April 16, 2026: * * * New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement Announces March 2026 Total Gaming Revenue Results ATLANTIC CITY -- Today the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement announced the March 2026 total gaming revenue results. Casino Win: Casino Win for the nine casino hotels was $236.7 million for March 2026, reflecting an increase of 2.5% when compared to $230.9 million reported for March 2025. Year-to-date Casino Win was $652.9 million through March 2026, reflectingan increase of 1.3% compared to the prior year-to-date period. The Monthly Gross Revenue Reports are posted online at https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-of-gaming-enforcement-home/financial-and-statistical-information/monthly-gross-revenue-reports/

Internet Gaming Win:

Internet Gaming Win for the casinos and their partners was $272.1 million for March 2026, reflecting growth of 11.6% when compared to $243.9 million reported for March 2025. Year-to-date Internet Gaming Win was $782.8 million through March 2026, reflecting growth of 16.3% when compared to $673.3 million for the prior year-to-date period. The Monthly Internet Gaming Gross Revenue Reports are posted online at https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-of-gaming-enforcement-home/financial-and-statistical-information/monthly-internet-gross-revenue-reports/

Sports Wagering Gross Revenue:

Sports Wagering Gross Revenue for the casinos, racetracks, and their partners was $87.6 million for March 2026, reflecting an increase of 22.8% when compared to $71.3 million reported for March 2025. Year-to-date Sports Wagering Gross Revenue was $268.4 million through March 2026, reflecting an increase of 0.5% when compared to $267.1 million reported for the prior year-to-date period. The Monthly Sports Wagering Tax Returns are posted online at https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-of-gaming-enforcement-home/financial-and-statistical-information/monthly-sports-wagering-revenue-reports/

Total Gaming Revenue:

Total Gaming Revenue for casinos, racetracks, and their partners was $596.4 million for March 2026, reflecting 9.2% growth when compared to $546.1 million reported for March 2025. Year-to-date Total Gaming Revenue was $1.70 billion through March 2026, reflecting 7.5% growth when compared to $1.58 billion reported for the prior year-to-date period. Total Gross Revenue Taxes were $84.7 million for March 2026 and $246.1 million for year-to-date through March 2026.

Click here (https://www.nj.gov/oag/ge/docs/Financials/PressRelease2026/March2026.pdf) for the DGE press release for additional information.

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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/new-jersey-division-of-gaming-enforcement-announces-march-2026-total-gaming-revenue-results/

N.J. A.G. Davenport, Bipartisan Coalition Support Federal Rule to Increase PBM Transparency in Drug Pricing

TRENTON, New Jersey, April 17 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:

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AG Davenport, Bipartisan Coalition Support Federal Rule to Increase PBM Transparency in Drug Pricing

Pharmacy Benefit Managers Affect Affordability of Prescription Drugs, Hurting Patients and Taxpayers

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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and a bipartisan coalition of 44 other attorneys general filed a comment letter in support of a proposed U.S. Department of Labor rule that would require transparency from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that service ... Show Full Article TRENTON, New Jersey, April 17 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on April 16, 2026: * * * AG Davenport, Bipartisan Coalition Support Federal Rule to Increase PBM Transparency in Drug Pricing Pharmacy Benefit Managers Affect Affordability of Prescription Drugs, Hurting Patients and Taxpayers * Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and a bipartisan coalition of 44 other attorneys general filed a comment letter in support of a proposed U.S. Department of Labor rule that would require transparency from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that serviceemployer-funded health plans.

PBMs are third-party administrators of prescription drug programs for health insurers and health plans. Governor Mikie Sherrill called for more oversight into these middlemen in her budget address in March, noting that New Jersey's Medicaid program would save $20 million annually if PBMs were not allowed to inflate prices.

"We all feel the financial pain of rising drug prices, but it doesn't have to be this way," said Attorney General Davenport. "We're standing together with a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in urging the federal government to increase oversight over PBMs. Our office is committed to ensuring that PBMs are following the law--and to hold them accountable when they don't."

Created in the late 1960s to process prescription drug claims, PBMs now play a far broader and more powerful role in the health care system by managing prescription drug benefits for health insurers.

This includes, among other things, negotiating rebates and reimbursements with drug manufacturers and determining which drugs are covered and at what cost.

Approximately 136 million Americans receive health coverage through an employer--either their own job or a family member's--and the proposed rule responds to concerns that employers often lack visibility into how PBMs are making money or why drug costs change. It would require PBMs to disclose twice a year how they generate revenue and would give employers the right to audit them.

PBMs have also long sought to avoid state regulation by claiming federal preemption under ERISA. The attorneys general urge the Department of Labor to clarify that the proposed rule does not preempt state PBM transparency laws. PBMs have long sought to avoid state regulation by claiming federal preemption under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Further, in the comment letter, the attorneys general ask the Department of Labor to commit to collaborating with state regulators to achieve transparency. According to the coalition, the final rule should mention that nothing in the rule is intended to prevent the Department of Labor from referring matters to state attorneys general, requesting their investigative or enforcement assistance, or coordinating with them when the department discovers violations of state law.

Today, the top three PBMs manage approximately 80% of prescription drug claims. Due to the power imbalance held by PBMs and the negative effects of such power on drug pricing, all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have enacted laws to rein them in. In recent years, New Jersey has enacted several laws that apply to PBMs, including one that requires PBMs to report pricing information to the Division of Consumer Affairs and provides for civil penalties if they fail to report.

In submitting today's comment letter, Attorney General Davenport joins the attorneys general of Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

View Comment Letter (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-0415_Ltr-to-Dept-of-Labor-re-Pharm-Benefits-Mgr-FINAL.pdf)

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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-bipartisan-coalition-support-federal-rule-to-increase-pbm-transparency-in-drug-pricing/

Md. A.G. Brown Joins Bipartisan Coalition in Support of Federal Rule to Increase Transparency in Prescription Drug Pricing

BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 17 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:

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Attorney General Brown Joins Bipartisan Coalition in Support of Federal Rule to Increase Transparency in Prescription Drug Pricing

Comment letter supports stronger disclosure requirements for PBMs, seeks clarity that proposed rule doesn't preempt state PBM transparency laws

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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter supporting a proposed U.S. Department of Labor (Department) rule ... Show Full Article BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 17 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 16, 2026: * * * Attorney General Brown Joins Bipartisan Coalition in Support of Federal Rule to Increase Transparency in Prescription Drug Pricing Comment letter supports stronger disclosure requirements for PBMs, seeks clarity that proposed rule doesn't preempt state PBM transparency laws * Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter supporting a proposed U.S. Department of Labor (Department) rulethat would require greater transparency from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that service employer-funded health plans covered under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Created in the late 1960s to process prescription drug claims, PBMs now play a far broader and more powerful role in the health care system by managing prescription drug benefits for health insurers. This includes, among other things, negotiating rebates and reimbursements with drug manufacturers and determining which drugs are covered and at what cost. Approximately 136 million Americans receive health coverage through an employer -- either their own job or a family member's -- and the proposed rule responds to concerns that there often is little visibility into how PBMs are making money or why drug costs change. It would require PBMs to disclose twice a year how they generate revenue and would give employers the right to audit them. PBMs have also long sought to avoid state regulation by claiming federal preemption under ERISA. The attorneys general urge the Department to clarify that the proposed rule does not preempt state PBM transparency laws.

Further, in the comment letter, the attorneys general ask the Department to clarify that it supports working with them to enforce the rule. According to the coalition, there should be mention that nothing in the rule is intended to prevent the Department from referring matters to state attorneys general, requesting their investigative or enforcement assistance, or coordinating with them when the Department discovers violations of state law.

Today, the top three PBMs manage approximately 80% of prescription drug claims. Due to the power imbalance held by PBMs and the negative effects of such power on drug pricing, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have enacted laws to rein them in. Maryland has enacted transparency requirements and prohibits PBMs from paying independent pharmacies less than the amount that they pay pharmacies owned by the PBM.

In submitting the comment letter, Attorney General Brown joins the attorneys general of Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Joins-Bipartisan-Coalition-in-Support-of-Federal-Rule-to-Increase-Transparency-in-Prescription-Drug-.aspx

Alaska Law Dept.: Multi-Agency Human Trafficking Investigation Results in Multiple Arrests

JUNEAU, Alaska, April 17 -- The Alaska Department of Law issued the following news release April 16, 2026:

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Multi-Agency Human Trafficking Investigation Results in Multiple Arrests

Seven Anchorage and Wasilla businesses searched as part of ongoing investigation.

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(Anchorage, Alaska) - Following a year-long joint investigation, law enforcement officers from the Anchorage Police Department, Alaska State Troopers, the FBI Anchorage Field Office, and other partners executed search warrants this week at seven illicit massage parlors across Anchorage and the Matanuska Susitna Valley. The operation ... Show Full Article

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