The Nick Craig Show

A Manhattan federal jury ruled yesterday that Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster operate an illegal monopoly over live events, ticketing, and major venues (controlling ~86% of the market).

Brought by 33 states + D.C. after a 5-week trial, the verdict found anticompetitive practices like exclusive deals and retaliation against competitors, plus overcharges of ~$1.72 per ticket in 22 states.

The judge will decide ...

The New Hanover County School Board voted 5-1 on April 14 against moving a teacher workday from May 4 to May 1. Superintendent Christopher Barnes proposed the switch to limit instructional disruptions if staff attend the NCAE-organized "Kids Over Corporations Rally" in Raleigh that day, protesting the state budget delay, Leandro ruling, and voucher expansion.

The majority opposed, calling it political pressure ...

VP JD Vance's 21-hour talks with Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, which concluded without an agreement on April 12. Vance described it as substantive but said Iran rejected U.S. red lines on fully ending its nuclear program and providing assurances against weapons development. He called it "bad news" primarily for Iran. The implications for the fragile ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, including risks to the Str...

Tina Descovich of Moms for Liberty outlined nationwide "May Day Strong" protests set for May 1, 2026. Organized by teachers' unions (like NEA, CTU, and NCAE) and labor groups, they promote "No School, No Work, No Shopping". She explained tactics like school walk-ins/walkouts, urging parents to prepare for disruptions and highlighting union priorities over classroom focus.

Show notes at: https:...

Sen. Ted Budd hosted DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin (in his first official trip) for a roundtable in Chimney Rock on April 7, focusing on Hurricane Helene recovery 18 months later.

Mullin emphasized clearing FEMA backlogs, cutting bureaucracy, and shifting more authority to state/local responders for faster aid. Budd noted $134M recently released and praised Mullin's proactive support. Local leaders discussed ongoing...

President Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran late Tuesday, just before his 8 p.m. deadline. It's conditional on Iran immediately reopening the Strait of Hormuz for safe maritime traffic.

Trump cited a "workable" 10-point proposal from Iran as a basis for talks, noting the U.S. has met its military objectives. Pakistan helped broker it. Negotiations begin soon in Islamabad to aim for a longer-ter...

President Trump has set a firm 8PM deadline tonight for Iran to agree to a deal reopening the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping. He warns of immediate, overwhelming U.S. strikes on power plants, bridges, and other key infrastructure if unmet—potentially "taking out" the country in one night. Iran has rejected the terms and a related ceasefire proposal, vowing defiance while calling for volunteers to defend sites. ...

A NC Supreme Court 4-3 ruling has ended the 32-year Leandro school funding case. The majority (led by Chief Justice Newby) vacated a 2023 lower court order for $677M+ in new spending (potentially billions more), dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice, and ruled courts can't dictate education budgets to the legislature—calling it a separation of powers win amid major changes in NC schools since 1994. Dissenters argued it ...

In his primetime speech from the White House, Trump stated that U.S. "core strategic objectives" in Operation Epic Fury are "nearing completion" after 32 days. He described "overwhelming victories," saying Iran's military capabilities (navy, air force, missiles) have been crippled and it is "no longer a threat."

Trump warned the U.S. will "hit them extremely hard" ove...

On April 21, 2026, Virginians vote on a constitutional amendment letting the General Assembly temporarily redraw congressional districts "to restore fairness" before the 2026 elections — then revert to the independent commission after 2030. We unpack why critics say the wording is biased and misleading.

Show notes at: https://patreon.com/NickCraig

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Two controversies are rocking the New Hanover County Democratic Party. First, school board candidate Rick Southerland withdrew after backlash over undisclosed ties to a registered sex offender, James Osborne—who lived with him, helped campaign, and is now facing charges for illegal voting.

Second, party leaders are dealing with allegations against David Andrews, the husband of a Wilmington city councilwoman and a Democrat...

A major shakeup in North Carolina politics—Senate leader Phil Berger concedes his GOP primary to Sheriff Sam Page by just 23 votes after recounts, despite Trump’s endorsement.

The Trump administration is floating a 15-point Iran ceasefire plan through Pakistan. Iran is dismissing it, but markets are reacting positively, with stocks up and oil prices falling.

Show notes at: https://patreon.com/NickCraig

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