Concert Deals, Texas Lawsuits and School Rules: A Week of Big Moves

The week began with a surprise for music fans:

Justice Department + Live Nation are close to settling a lawsuit that criticizes their grip on concert tickets.
The case, launched by the Biden team and joined by 30 state attorneys general, claims that Live Nation’s purchase of Ticketmaster in 2010 created a monopoly that drives up prices.
A settlement would let the company keep its control over venues and ticketing, a move many state leaders say ignores fans’ complaints.
New York’s attorney general argues the deal does not curb the alleged monopoly and will benefit Live Nation at consumers’ expense.

Texas HUB Program Overhaul

Acting comptroller Kelly Hancock issued an emergency rule on December 2, replacing the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program with VetHUB.
VetHUB limits eligibility to veteran‑owned businesses with service‑connected disabilities.
The change eliminated over 15,000 minority and women‑owned contractors who relied on HUB for public contracts.
Owners have sued, claiming the rewrite violated state law and denied them earned rights.
Civil‑rights groups back the lawsuit, arguing the executive branch cannot alter statutes without a court order or legislative approval.

A bill passed by Virginia lawmakers will shape how schools discuss the January 6 attack and the 2020 election.
The law forbids teachers from describing the protest as “peaceful” or suggesting widespread voter fraud.
Supporters say it protects students from misinformation; opponents claim it imposes partisan views on children.

The week marked the passing of Bernard Lafayette Jr., a civil‑rights activist who organized voter registration drives and marches in Selma, Alabama.
He was a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and later served as president of a Baptist college.
His death was mourned nationwide, with many recalling his pivotal role in the struggle for equal voting rights.

The administration ordered Arizona to hand over its 2020 voting records.
This follows a federal grand jury subpoena issued to Maricopa County, the state’s largest county.
The move is part of ongoing investigations into alleged election fraud, despite court rulings finding no evidence of widespread irregularities.
The subpoena has sparked controversy; some officials claim they received no notice.