US District Judge Troy Nunley halted the merger between Nexstar Media Group and Tegna, stating that the companies must stop integrating their assets and operations. Nunley argued that immediate integration could eliminate competition, result in newsroom layoffs and shutdowns, and make it more difficult to divest Tegna stations if the court requires a divestiture. The temporary restraining order can be converted to a preliminary injunction during a trial to determine whether the merger violates anti-competition law. The merger is being challenged by state attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, and Virginia.