“Accidents devastate lives in an instant. They are often sudden, violent, and shocking, leaving families and communities to cope with consequences that can last a lifetime.”

Nearly 800 deaths and 10,000 hospital admissions from accidents have been recorded in a single year in Northern Ireland, new statistics show.

And accidental deaths are rising in Northern Ireland, a new report from safety charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) warns today.

Accidents killed nearly 800 people in Northern Ireland in 2023/24 while around 10,000 were admitted to hospital.

READ MORE: Asylum seekers will no longer use Co Down hotel, UK Government saysREAD MORE: The easiest places to pass a driving test in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s accidental death rate of 39 per 100,000 people is higher than the UK average of 34 per 100,000, meaning people here are 23% more likely to die in accident than people in England

Falls and accidental poisonings (including alcohol and drugs) are the biggest killers, with other causes including road traffic collisions, choking, and exposure to smoke.

The safety charity is calling on the UK Government to implement a National Accidents Prevention Strategy to tackle the “public health emergency”.

Alongside the disparity between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK, there were also varying rates of accidental deaths across socio-economic backgrounds. Those in the most deprived 50% of the population were almost three times more likely to be admitted to hospital than those in the less deprived 50%.

The RoSPA also estimates that immediate treatment costs to the NHS run to £6 billion annually, and accidents account for a minimum of 5.2 million bed days – reducing capacity and driving up waiting lists across the health service.

CEO of RoSPA Becky Hickman says accidents “devastate lives in an instant”, adding: “They are often sudden, violent, and shocking, leaving families and communities to cope with consequences that can last a lifetime. What makes this devastation even harder to bear is the knowledge that so many of these incidents are entirely preventable.”

Dr Sally-Anne Wilson, vice president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM), said A&E departments “see first-hand the rising impact of accidental injuries, particularly among older people”.

She added: “The patients I worry about most are those who fall from standing height, often in their own homes, and arrive in the ED with serious injuries such as hip or rib fractures. These seemingly simple accidents can have devastating consequences.

“We know that older people are disproportionately affected by crowding in Emergency Departments, and that delays transferring them to inpatient wards are linked with longer hospital stays and increased mortality.

“Prevention must be a priority. Anything we can do to reduce the number and severity of avoidable injuries will make a meaningful difference to patient outcomes and help relieve pressure on a stretched emergency care system. RCEM strongly supports RoSPA’s focus on this vital area of public health.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

While the cost of renewables plays a part, the principal driver for this is, ironically, gas itself. The UK energy mix at any one moment usually includes plenty of renewables, but some gas is still frequently still needed. The way the market works, generators bid to supply power in half-hour blocks, with the cheapest bid accepted first. But all successful bidders end up being paid the price of the most expensive source needed to meet demand.

Living in Bath between 2006 and 2011, outside of the antique rivalry of two frankly middling buns, food only played a supporting role to the tourism economy. Chain restaurants took the Wetherspoons approach, attempting to obscure their hegemony by cloaking it within the character of the city’s period architecture, as if it might elevate what’s inside by osmosis. However, a decade later, one name would crop up repeatedly, becoming an attraction in its own right. This is Landrace.

ATLANTA (AP) — A man has been charged in a string of attacks near Atlanta that left two women dead and a man in critical condition, drawing the Trump administration’s attention after one victim was identified as a Department of Homeland Security employee who was walking her dog.

The killing of the DHS worker, Lauren Bullis, and shootings of the two other victims on Monday led Homeland Secretary Markwayne Mullin to issue a statement raising concerns that the 26-year-old defendant, U.K.-native Olaolukitan Adon Abel, was granted U.S. citizenship in 2022, when Democrat Joe Biden was president.

“These acts of pure evil have devastated our Department and my prayers are with the families of the victims,” Mullin wrote in a statement posted on social media, cataloging a litany of the defendant’s previous alleged crimes but not specifying whether they happened before he was granted citizenship.

Court records show that Olaolukitan Adon Abel, whose name appears in different variations in court and government records, pleaded guilty in California in October 2024 to assaulting two police officers with a deadly weapon and attacking another person when he was stationed at Naval Base Coronado.

Authorities have said they believe at least one victim in this week’s shootings was targeted at random, and possibly more.

A morning of violence

The first victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds near a restaurant in the Decatur area at around 1 a.m. Monday. She was taken to a hospital but died, DeKalb County Police Chief Gregory Padrick said at a news conference. Police have not publicly identified her.

About an hour later in Brookhaven, an Atlanta suburb about 12 miles (19 kilometers) northwest of the first attack, a 49-year-old homeless man sleeping outside of a grocery store was shot multiple times, Brookhaven Police Chief Brandon Gurley said. The man, whose name hasn’t been released, remains hospitalized in critical condition.

“It is apparent to us that it was a completely random attack on a member of our unhoused community,” Gurley said.

Just before 7 a.m. and more than 10 miles (16 kilometers) away in the suburb of Panthersville, officers responding to a call found Bullis with gunshot and stab wounds, Padrick said. She died at the scene.

Investigators in Brookhaven determined that the three attacks were connected, Gurley said.

Adon Abel was taken into custody later Monday during a traffic stop in Troup County, which borders Alabama. He is charged with two counts of malice murder, aggravated assault and firearms counts, court records show. He waived an initial court appearance Tuesday, and a public defender listed as his attorney did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Toyin Adon Abel Jr., the defendant’s brother, said he did not want to talk about his brother when reached by phone but expressed sympathy for the victims. “I feel terrible for the victims, their families and their connections,” he said. “It’s a horrible thing.”

Remembered for her warmth and compassion

Bullis served in multiple roles at DHS Office of Inspector General, including as an auditor in the Office of Audits and as a Team Leader in the Office of Innovation, DHS posted on social media, saying she brought “warmth, kindness, and a genuine sense of care to her colleagues each day.”

Relatives said in a statement, that she loved her family, running, reading and traveling, and “her warmth and generosity touched everyone surrounding her.”

Fellow DHS auditor Ashley Toillion of Denver said she met Bullis at a work conference last year. The two became fast friends as they bonded over running and quickly made plans to do a race at Walt Disney World.

“You couldn’t meet her and not be her friend,” Toillion said, choking back tears. “She was just the nicest, sweetest, most encouraging person I’ve ever met.”

Naval service and criminal case in California

Military records show the defendant enlisted in the Navy in 2020, last serving in the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron in Coronado, California, and as a petty officer received a Navy “E” Ribbon for superior performance for battle readiness.

But in 2024 he was arrested and charged with assaulting two Coronado police officers and attacking another person. He pleaded guilty, court records show, and he was kicked out of the Navy in September of that year.

Mullin says suspect had criminal record

Mullin said Adon Abel has a criminal record that includes a sexual battery conviction.

Online court records show that someone listed with a similar name and the same birth date pleaded guilty last June in Chatham County, Georgia, to four misdemeanor counts of sexual battery.

Mullin also noted that since President Donald Trump took office, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which DHS oversees, has worked to ensure that people with criminal histories don’t attain citizenship. But the U.S. has long barred people convicted of most violent felonies from becoming citizens, and it wasn’t immediately clear if Adon Abel had a criminal record that predated him becoming a citizen in 2022.

In response to a request for further details about the case and the defendant’s criminal history, DHS referred The Associated Press to its post about Bullis and her death.

___

Brumfield reported from Cockeysville, Maryland, and Watson from San Diego. Associated Press writers Rebecca Boone in Boise, Idaho, and John Hanna, in Topeka, Kansas, contributed.

I compared three popular methods for cooking salmon to find out which produces the juiciest, most flavourful results.

Advertisement

Salmon is a nutritious and versatile protein that can be prepared in numerous delicious ways. Whether you bake, pan-fry, or air fry it, each technique offers a wholesome meal that draws out distinct flavours and textures.

While the air fryer is my preferred method for cooking salmon, I was keen to discover whether pan-frying or baking would yield superior results.

All three tests were carried out using identically sized skinless salmon fillets, which had been patted dry and left to marinate for one hour in the same glaze. The glaze recipe comprised sugar, soy sauce, white vinegar, paprika and garlic granules.

When comparing each method, I had several criteria in mind. First and foremost, I was after that succulent, moist texture.

However, an evenly cooked, perfectly flaky fillet wasn’t sufficient; I also wanted great flavour and simplicity, with a technique that demanded minimal time, effort, or culinary skill.

Advertisement

Oven

When I’m not reaching for my air fryer, the oven is invariably my next choice for cooking salmon.

For this approach, I began by preheating my oven to 140C. Too high a temperature risks stripping the fish of all its moisture before it has finished cooking.

I then lined my baking tray with parchment to stop the fish from sticking, while also promoting even cooking. As I was working with skinless salmon fillets, there was a greater likelihood of the fish adhering to the tray. I placed the salmon in the oven and checked on it after 15 minutes, though it ultimately required an additional five minutes.

The salmon fillets emerged from the oven with an appealing colour. Upon tasting, it was full of flavour and delightfully moist. The only drawback I encountered with this approach was the cooking time, though it wasn’t excessively lengthy.

In the pan

This was arguably the most challenging cooking method of the lot, as I’d never previously cooked salmon in a frying pan.

Despite adding a splash of oil and using a stainless steel pan, I noticed the salmon began to stick almost immediately and started to catch on one side. After 12 minutes of pan-frying the salmon, six minutes on each side, it was ready to serve.

Advertisement

While it had developed a decent seared crust, it was noticeably drier, nowhere near as moist as the oven-baked salmon. Should you choose this method, I’d recommend keeping a close eye on the heat, as it can burn rather quickly.

Air fryer

With this method, there was no requirement to preheat the appliance; I simply placed the fillet inside and set the temperature to 180C for seven minutes.

I find cooking salmon can sometimes feel rather daunting, but that feeling never arises when using an air fryer.

Once the timer finished, the salmon looked golden and perfectly cooked. The fish had crisped up beautifully, and was moist and slightly juicier than the oven-baked version.

The air fryer utilises circulating hot air to cook the salmon rapidly and evenly, while sealing in moisture and producing a wonderfully crisp outer texture.

Manchester United look set to play Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven in defence at Chelsea with Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire suspended

They might be forced into it, but Manchester United will likely field rookie centre back pairing Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night.

The duo have struggled for meaningful minutes under Michael Carrick but with Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire suspended, and Matthijs De Ligt injured, the youngsters are poised to begin the crucial Premier League clash in the heart of defence.

Yoro has made 30 appearances for United this season, having taken advantage of a recent injury to Martinez, but he is yet to fully convince. The 20-year-old was signed for big money from Lille in 2024 and that decision was with one eye on the long-term.

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

United, who fought off competition from Real Madrid to sign the Frenchman, believe there is huge growth and potential in Yoro and the expectancy at Old Trafford is that he will form part of the backline for years to come.

It’s a similar story with Heaven. The 19-year-old arrived from Arsenal, seeing a quicker route into senior football. He has impressed with his quality and attitude and is another who is seen as a long term fixture in the defence.

Heaven was handed plenty of minutes by Ruben Amorim but has hardly featured since Carrick took charge with the boss preferring experience.

His last start was in the 2-2 draw at Turf Moor in January while he hasn’t started a game alongside Yoro since Leeds away at the turn of the year. That came under Amorim and in a back three. Heaven and Yoro have not played together in a back four, as they will at Chelsea on Saturday night.

It will be a glimpse into what United and Ineos hope will be the future with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co actively seeking to sign younger players who they can develop into first team stars.

Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.

Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.

But it should also serve as a transfer reminder that United need to address the defence in the summer. Maguire has extended his stay but Martinez and De Ligt are too injury prone to be relied on and the club must be close to reaching a tipping point with both where they try and cut their losses.

Certainly De Ligt’s days feel numbered and United need a an injury free prime age centre back to help fill the void and bridge the gap between Yoro and Heaven, and the experienced Maguire.

Saturday night will be an indication of the future but it should serve as a reminder of the present.

Several people called the police shortly after 7pm on Tuesday, April 14, to report that the man was following a group of young people and behaving suspiciously at Hull Road Park, near Millfield Avenue in Tang Hall.

Officers quickly arrived at the scene and detained the 31-year-old local man at 7.26pm to carry out a search.

Recommended reads:

Popular North Yorkshire shop up for sale after nearly two decades

Why York and North Yorkshire will be one of the top places for music this summer

Why dozens of vintage tractors rolled through North Yorkshire

New rooftop terrace offers VIP experience at popular North Yorkshire music venue

A spokesman said: “He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon, possession of a Class A drugs, obstructing a police officer, and assaulting an emergency worker.

Hull Road Park in York. (Image: Google)

“The man was initially taken to hospital for assessment and was later transferred to police custody, where he remains while enquiries continue.

“At this time, it is not believed that any young people were threatened during the incident, and no one was harmed.”

Police say they are making further enquiries and carrying out reassuring patrols following the arrest.

The local Neighbourhood Policing Team is continuing to carry out enquiries and reassurance patrols in the area while the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has relevant information, including CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage, is urged to come forward.

Please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

Please quote reference number 12260066698 when providing information.

A man released with no further action after mass stabbing at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire has made formal complaint alleging officers’ actions were influenced by racial bias

Advertisement

A man who was arrested following a mass stabbing on a train in Cambridgeshire, then released without further action, has now lodged a formal complaint with police alleging that officers’ conduct was influenced by racial bias.

Two men — a 32 year old black British national and a 35 year old British national of Caribbean descent — were detained at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire, where the train was brought to a halt on 1 November last year.

Anthony Williams, 32, was subsequently charged with 10 counts of attempted murder in connection with the incident aboard the 6.25pm service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross.

He is due to stand trial in October this year.

The 35 year old man, who has not been identified, was released without further action after officers established he had no involvement in the incident.

It has now come to light that he has submitted a complaint to police regarding his arrest, encompassing the level of force used by officers, his time in custody, and an allegation that officers’ actions were driven by racial bias.

Cambridgeshire Police confirmed the force “received a complaint in relation to the arrest which was investigated by our Professional Standards Department”.

“The conclusion of this was that the service received was acceptable in line with policy and procedure,” a spokesperson said.

“The complainant has since appealed this via the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as part of the complaints process and therefore it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this stage.” A spokesperson said the police watchdog “received a review request from a man who was unsatisfied with the handling of a complaint” made to Cambridgeshire Police.

“The complaint related to their arrest on 1 November 2025 at Huntingdon train station, including the force used by officers, their detention in police custody and an allegation that the officers’ actions were influenced by racial bias,” the IOPC said.

“When carrying out a review, our casework team decide whether the force’s handling of the complaint or its outcome were reasonable and proportionate.

“We cannot reinvestigate the complaint.

“The parties involved will be notified of the outcome of our review.”

British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed at the time of the incident that the two arrested men were transported to separate police stations for questioning.

The force has been contacted for comment.

On Tuesday, the provisional trial date for Williams was postponed from June to October at Cambridge Crown Court while further reports are being prepared.

JD Vance said that cutting Ukraine off from US support is one of his proudest achievements of the Trump administration.

The US vice president told a Turning Point USA rally in Georgia on Tuesday that he still backed the decision to end nearly all new weapons deliveries for Kyiv, leaving Europe to pay for vital aid instead.

“I still believe that, obviously, and it’s one of the things I’m proudest that we’ve done in this administration is we’ve told Europe that if you want to buy weapons, you can, but the United States is not buying weapons and sending them to Ukraine anymore,” he said.

Referencing a clash with a Ukrainian-American over his push to withdraw funding for Ukraine, Vance added: “Being an American means caring about Americans first, and that’s the perspective we should be taking in his immigration policy”.

European countries have bought the vast majority of US weapons bound for Ukraine since Donald Trump took office last January.

Trump threatened to stop the supply earlier this month in an effort to pressure European allies to join a coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Financial Times reported, citing people briefed on the discussions.

Watch: Former MI6 chief and Rusi boss discuss Russia, Trump and the future of the West

Join us as world affairs editor Sam Kiley sits down with former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger and Dr Rachel Ellehuus, director-general of The Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) and former Pentagon official, to explore the shifting global security landscape.

Advertisement

In this episode of World of Trouble, The Independent’s new expert-led discussion series, our panel unpacks the fast-changing global security landscape in a discussion entitled Shifting Alliances.

They delve into the strategic importance of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Nato’s future, and whether Europe has the strength and resolve to face the Russian challenge.

Former MI6 chief on Russia, Trump and the future of the West

Join us as world affairs editor Sam Kiley sits down with former MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger and Dr Rachel Ellehuus, director-general of The Royal United Services Institute (Rusi) and former Pentagon official, to explore the shifting global security landscape. In this episode of World of Trouble, The Independent’s new expert-led discussion series, our panel unpacks the fast-changing global security landscape in a discussion entitled Shifting Alliances. They delve into the strategic importance of Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Nato’s future, and whether Europe has the strength and resolve to face the Russian challenge. During the panel, former MI6 chief Sir Alex warned Britain must rearm and rebuild its reserves – potentially through national service – to face the growing threat from Russia and the destabilising influence of leaders like Putin and Trump. Alongside Dr Ellehuus, he highlighted how Trump’s shift in US strategic priorities has shaken European security, emboldened Putin, and increased unconventional Russian attacks across Europe.

James Reynolds16 April 2026 03:00

Advertisement

Watch: Starmer rejects Lord Robertson claim government ‘complacent’ on defence

James Reynolds16 April 2026 02:00

How Ukraine ‘recaptured occupied territory using only robots’

Ukrainian forces retook occupied territory in an unprecedented assault using only unmanned machines, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday, as he praised the country’s era-defining advances in frontline technology.

The president revealed in an address that drones have carried out more than 22,000 missions on the frontlines in three months – a major shift on the modern battlefield that he cast as key to protecting human life.

Advertisement

“For the first time in the history of this war, an enemy position was taken exclusively by unmanned platforms – ground systems and drones. The occupiers surrendered, and the operation was carried out without infantry and without losses on our side,” the president said, referencing a groundbreaking manoeuvre in Kharkiv oblast last year.

James Reynolds16 April 2026 01:00

Ukraine’s supply of US Patriot missiles ‘couldn’t be any worse’

Ukraine’s supply of US-produced Patriot missiles “could not be any worse” as the war in the Middle East impacts Ukrainian aid, the country’s president has warned.

Advertisement

Volodymyr Zelensky told German outlet ZDF that the air defence missiles were facing a critical shortage, with the Iran war reducing Ukraine’s chances of receiving foreign military aid.

“We are receiving (air defenses) slower than is possible, but we are receiving them,” he added.

James Reynolds16 April 2026 00:00

Watch: Vance claims cutting Ukraine aid ‘one of Trump administration’s proudest achievements’

James Reynolds15 April 2026 23:00

Advertisement

Recap: Cameroon says Russia has confirmed 16 Cameroonian soldiers died in Ukraine

Cameroon this week confirmed the deaths of 16 of its soldiers fighting in Ukraine, following a notification from Russia.

The nation’s foreign affairs ministry sent a memo to the Russian Embassy, acknowledging the fatalities among Cameroonian personnel serving in what Russia terms the “special military operations zone.”

The ministry stated that “necessary arrangements” were being made to inform the families of those who died.

Advertisement

In a separate communication issued on the same day, the ministry also invited the relatives of six other Cameroonian nationals residing in Russia to attend a meeting regarding “urgent matters,” though no further details were provided.

James Reynolds15 April 2026 22:00

Recap: US cutting off Ukraine support ‘one of Trump’s proudest achievements’

JD Vance said that cutting Ukraine off from US support is one of his proudest achievements of the Trump administration.

Advertisement

The US vice president told a Turning Point USA rally in Georgia on Tuesday that he still backed the decision to end nearly all new weapons deliveries for Kyiv, leaving Europe to pay for vital aid instead.

“I still believe that, obviously, and it’s one of the things I’m proudest that we’ve done in this administration is we’ve told Europe that if you want to buy weapons, you can, but the United States is not buying weapons and sending them to Ukraine anymore,” he said.

Referencing a clash with a Ukrainian-American over his push to withdraw funding for Ukraine, Vance added: “Being an American means caring about Americans first, and that’s the perspective we should be taking in his immigration policy”.

European countries have bought the vast majority of US weapons bound for Ukraine since Donald Trump took office last January.

Advertisement

James Reynolds15 April 2026 21:00

UK to send £752m and 120,000 drones to Ukraine to bolster defences against Russia

Britain has announced a major new package of support for Ukraine, worth millions of pounds, as senior ministers engage in a series of high-level international meetings.

In Washington DC, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed a £752 million payment to Ukraine, ahead of a meeting with Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko.

The payment, part of a larger £3.36 billion loan, is earmarked to procure essential military equipment, including long-range missiles, advanced air defence systems, and drones.

Advertisement

James Reynolds15 April 2026 20:00

Ukraine retook 50 sq km of land in March, army says

Ukraine has regained control of nearly 50 sq km (19 sq miles) of its territory from Russia in March, its army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Wednesday.

He added that with the change of weather conditions, Moscow’s forces have stepped up their offensive operations and were conducting them along virtually the entire 1,200-km front line.

James Reynolds15 April 2026 19:00

Advertisement

EU ready to send Ukraine 90bn euro once Hungary gives green light

The EU is ready to supply Ukraine with its promised 90 billion euro loan as soon as Hungary drops its veto after last Sunday’s election, EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius said on Wednesday.

“The people have spoken. A new wind is blowing,” Kubilius said about the election that was convincingly won by Hungary’s opposition leader Peter Magyar.

“In any case, we are ready to implement the loan as soon as we get the green light,” the commissioner said.

The defeat of Hungary’s ​Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Ukraine’s harshest EU foe, could pave the way for the loan that Kyiv urgently needs to fund the war with Russia, and that was originally agreed on by all EU member states in December.

Advertisement

James Reynolds15 April 2026 18:00

NEW YORK (AP) — A jury found Wednesday that entertainment giant Live Nation, which hosts tens of thousands of concerts a year, and its Ticketmaster subsidiary had a harmful monopoly over big venues.

The ruling, in a lawsuit brought by dozens of states, won’t immediately bring relief for concertgoers who have long complained about high ticket prices. But it could cost Live Nation hundreds of millions of dollars and perhaps force the company to sell some of its concert venues when the judge hands out penalties later.

Among other things, the jury found Ticketmaster’s anticompetitive practices led to people in 22 states paying an extra $1.72 per ticket, which the judge could order the companies to pay back.

A jury in New York deliberated for four days before reaching its decision. State attorneys general who sued Live Nation said the verdict could potentially lead to lower ticket prices for music fans.

The company predicted that once a remedy phase of the litigation is completed before the judge and all appeals are resolved, the outcome likely won’t be much different from what the federal government achieved with a settlement it reached with the company just after the trial began.

That deal included a cap on service fees at some amphitheaters, plus some new ticket-selling options for promoters and venues — potentially allowing, but not requiring, them to open doors to Ticketmaster competitors such as SeatGeek or AXS.

The trial was a backstage pass

The trial gave fans the equivalent of a backstage pass to a business that dominates live entertainment in the U.S. and beyond.

Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino testified, answering questions about matters including the company’s Taylor Swift ticket debacle in 2022. Rapino blamed a cyberattack.

Jurors also got to see a Live Nation employee’s internal messages to another employee declaring some prices “outrageous,” calling customers “so stupid” and boasting that the company was “robbing them blind, baby.” The employee, Benjamin Baker, who has since been promoted to a position as a ticketing executive, apologetically testified that the messages were “very immature and unacceptable.”

Live Nation Entertainment owns, operates, controls booking for or has an equity interest in hundreds of venues. Its subsidiary Ticketmaster is widely considered to be the world’s largest ticket-seller for live events.

The civil case, initially led by the U.S. government, accused Live Nation of using its reach to smother competition — by blocking venues from using multiple ticket sellers, for example.

Live Nation denies it is a monopoly

Live Nation insisted it is not a monopoly, saying that artists, sports teams and venues decide prices and ticketing practices. A company lawyer said its size was simply a function of excellence and effort.

“Success is not against the antitrust laws in the United States,” attorney David Marriott said in his summation.

Ticketmaster was established in 1976 and merged with Live Nation in 2010. The company now controls of 86% of the market for concerts and 73% of the overall market when sports events are included, according to an attorney for the states, Jeffrey Kessler.

Ticketmaster has long drawn ire from fans and some artists. Grunge rock titans Pearl Jam battled the business in the 1990s, even filing an anti-monopoly complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, which declined to bring a case then.

Decades later, the Justice Department, joined by dozens of states, brought the current lawsuit during Democratic former President Joe Biden’s administration.

Days into the trial, Republican President Donald Trump’s administration announced it was settling its claims against Live Nation.

A handful of the states joined the settlement. But more than 30 pressed ahead with the trial, saying the federal government hadn’t gotten enough concessions.

Attorneys hail verdict

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said in a release after the verdict that Live Nation’s “illegal, anti-competitive practices” had driven up ticket prices and made it harder for fans to see their favorite acts.

New York Attorney General Letitia James called the verdict “a landmark victory.”

After the victory, Kessler would not say specifically what the states will seek in the next phase of the litigation, which was expected to involve another lengthy legal proceeding before penalties are decided.

But he celebrated the moment.

“It’s a great day for consumers,” he said.