- Today in 1968, Jeannie C. Riley recorded “Harper Valley PTA.”
- Today in 1974, John Denver earned a gold record for his biggest hit, “Annie’s Song.”
- Today in 1990, Alabama’s “Pass It On Down” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1999, Shania Twain’s album, “Come On Over,” was certified for sales of 12-million.
- Today in 1999, Kenny Chesney’s “Everywhere We Go” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1999, Terri Clark’s “How I Feel” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1999, Clint Black played at “A Night at the Net.” The event was a charity doubles tennis match that kicked off the eighth annual Mercedes-Benz Cup.
- Today in 2000, Terri Clark’s video, “A Little Gasoline,” premiered on CMT.
- Today in 2001, Faith Hill’s album, “Breathe,” was certified for multi-platinum sales of 7-million.
- Today in 2001, Lonestar’s “I’m Already There” was certified gold.
- Today in 2003, Keith Urban’s “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me” video made its TV debut on CMT.
- Today in 2005, Dierks Bentley’s concert at the House of Blues in Los Angeles was interrupted by Marty Stuart, who extended an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Bentley’s response: “Hell, yeah!”
- Today in 2011, Eric Church’s album, “Chief,” was released.
- Today in 2014, Florida Georgia Line unloaded “Dirt” at #1 for the first of two weeks on the Billboard country singles chart.
- Today in 2016, Garth Brooks topped the “Forbes” list of Country’s Cash Kings after making an estimated $70-million in a year. Rounding out the Top 5 were Kenny Chesney, $56-million; Luke Bryan, $53-million; Toby Keith, $47.5-million; and Jason Aldean, $36.5-million.
- Today in 2017, Blake Shelton earned a gold single from the RIAA for “Gonna.”
- Today in 2018, Jordan Davis earned his first platinum single from the RIAA for “Singles You Up.”
- Today in 2019, officials with the Ulster County Fair in New York cancelled an August 1st Confederate Railroad concert, becoming the second fair to ban the group while citing racist connotations in the band’s name and its use of a Confederate flag in its branding.
- Today in 2020, Gabby Barrett’s single, “I Hope,” reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
- Today in 2021, Jimmie Allen led a team that won $25-thousand for youth charity Duffy’s Hope on ABC’s “Celebrity Family Feud.” His crew includes fellow artist Matt Stell.
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Mega Millions jackpot rises to $910 million after no one wins top prize
DES MOINES (AP) — The Mega Millions jackpot climbed to an estimated $910 million after Tuesday night’s drawing produced no big winners, extending a stretch of bad luck dating back to April.
The numbers drawn were: 3, 5, 6, 44, 61 and the yellow ball 25
The absence of a winner for the estimated $820 million jackpot brings the count of fruitless drawings to 28, at least for the big prize.
The new $910 million prize is among the largest in U.S. lottery history and follows a $1.08 billion Powerball prize won by a player July 19 in Los Angeles. California lottery officials haven’t announced a winner for that jackpot, which was the sixth-largest in U.S. history.
The largest U.S. jackpot was a $2.04 billion Powerball prize won in November 2022.
Jackpots in the two lottery games grow so large because the steep odds make winning so unlikely, allowing the grand prize to roll over again and again. The odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot are 1 in 302.5 million.
The game pays out many more smaller prizes, which start at $2. The overall odds of winning any prize is 1 in 24.
Two tickets for Tuesday’s drawing matched all five white balls to win the game’s second-tier prize. One, sold in Texas, is worth $4 million because it included the optional Megaplier (available in most states with an extra $1 purchase), which was 4X on Tuesday night. The other was sold in Maryland and wins the standard $1 million prize.
The $910 million pot on the line Friday night will be that high only if a sole player wins and they choose to be paid through an annuity of one immediate payment and 29 annual allotments. But jackpot winners nearly always take the cash in a lump sum, which for Friday night’s drawing would be an estimated $464.2 million.
Mega Millions is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Scammers expected to try and take advantage of student loan uncertainty
By Matt Kelley (Radio Iowa)
A recent court ruling means thousands of people will need to restart payments on their student loans this fall after more than three years of delays, and Iowans are being warned that scammers are lurking.
Lisa Schiller, spokeswoman for the Better Business Bureau, says this is the type of situation that will bring out crafty crooks. “People will either receive an email or a letter or a phone call from someone claiming that they are eligible for student loan consolidation, or a payment reduction program or something similar,” Schiller says, “and this new benefit is allegedly, according to them, part of the new 2023 guidelines.”
Schiller says the confusion over what’s happening with student loans gives scammers a hook to try and get your money. If anyone asks you for money or personal banking information over the phone, she says to hang up and report the scam. Schiller says criminals use events like this as leverage to try and get you to hand over money or personal information.
“This information might include them asking for your Social Security number, or your name and address, and even your FSA.gov login information,” she says, “so be aware of that and be very careful.” As always, no government agency or lender will ask you for information they should already have, nor will they ask for money over the phone.
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Biden’s plan last month to eliminate up to $20,000 dollars in federal student loans for eligible borrowers. The pause in payments ends October 1st and student loans will start accruing interest on September 1st.
Accident report says Pella man in Army’s basic training died of severe head injury from a fall
By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)
The Army Times is reporting the 19-year-old from Pella who died earlier this month at a military base in Georgia fell and hit his head during a nighttime drill.
The Army Times cites an accident report indicating J.T. Atchison was on a five mile march carrying a backpack when he tripped and fell onto the pavement and sustained a severe head injury. It happened just after midnight on July 12th. Atchison was two days away from completing basic training. His obituary shows he had earned top shot for his company, was made team leader in his platoon and his ultimate goal was to become an Army Ranger. Atchison’s funeral was held Monday afternoon at the Federated Fellowship Church in Pella. Atchison is survived by his mother, father and sister.
Heat Advisory In Effect Beginning at Noon Today
OSKALOOSA — The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a heat advisory for much of the state of Iowa beginning at 12pm today (7/26) and running through 9pm tomorrow night.
The NWS says heat index values of up to 105 are expected. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location.
SHANIA TWAIN AND BILLY CURRINGTON PERFORM “PARTY FOR TWO” FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ALMOST 20 YEARS
Time flies – and if you need proof, just know that the Shania Twain/Billy Currington duet “Party For Two” came out almost twenty years ago – 2004. The single was Shania’s last platinum single and hit the US and Canadian country Top Ten.
So it was a welcome trip back for Shania and Billy as they joined forces on stage at the Faster Horses Festival in Michigan last week to perform the song for the first time since it they performed it on “Good Morning America” in November, 2004. “Billy, let me ask you one more time. Billy, are you ready for a party?” Shania asked as the two settled into their old groove.
This day in Country Music History
- Today in 1981, “Elvira” by Oak Ridge Boys peaked at #5 on the pop singles chart.
- Today in 1989, the album, “Don’t Close Your Eyes,” by Keith Whitley was certified gold.
- Today in 1989, Earl Thomas Conley’s “Greatest Hits” was certified gold.
- Today in 1993, Willie Nelson announced he’d donate money from his next three concerts to Midwest flood relief.
- Today in 1995, Charlie Rich died in his sleep in a Hammond, Louisiana motel. The cause of death was listed as a blood clot in a lung. He was 62.
- Today in 1997, Martina McBride debuted her new single “Broken Wing” on the Grand Ole Opry with a special guest. Her father, Daryl Schiff, joined her on the stage.
- Today in 1997, “Elvis Presley’s Memphis” – the first restaurant to bear The King’s name – opened for business at 126 Beale Street in Memphis.
- Today in 2000, Aaron Tippin’s album, “People Like Us,” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2000, Lee Ann Womack topped the charts with her single, “I Hope You Dance,” for the fifth consecutive week.
- Today in 2001, the acts on Brooks & Dunn’s inaugural “Neon Circus & Wild West Show” ruled the country singles charts. While there’s never a shortage of hits when any of these acts rolls into town, it is highly unusual for all four acts on a tour to simultaneously have singles in the Top 10 of “Radio & Records’” country chart. Brooks & Dunn’s single, “Only in America,” was at #10, keith urban’s “Where the Blacktop Ends” held on to the #6 spot and Toby Keith’s “I’m Just Talkin’ About Tonight” was perched at #5. Montgomery Gentry’s “She Couldn’t Change Me” was enjoying its third consecutive week at #2.
- Today in 2006, Jake Owen released his debut album, “Startin’ With Me.”
- Today in 2008, Dixie Chick Martie Maguire and her husband Gareth welcomed daughter, Harper Rosie Maguire, in Austin, Texas.
- Today in 2011, Eric Church’s single, “Homeboy,” was certified gold.
- Today in 2013, Pistol Annies’ single, “Hell on Heels,” was certified platinum.
- Today in 2015, Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean co-headlined the first country concert in the history of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The package also includes Brantley Gilbert, Cole Swindell and Old Dominion.
- Today in 2015, Cassadee Pope performed during the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics in Los Angeles, where the bill includeed Stevie Wonder, Avril Lavigne and Siedah Garrett.
- Today in 2017, Blake Shelton earns a gold single from the RIAA for “Gonna.”
- Today in 2017, songwriter/producer/guitarist Billy Joe Walker Jr. died in Kerrville, Texas. He wrote Eddie Rabbitt’s “I Wanna Dance With You,” produced country hits for Travis Tritt and Bryan White, and played on singles by George Strait, Waylon Jennings, Randy Travis and Martina McBride.
Lawsuits filed by ex-volleyball player and former football player against Northwestern University
CHICAGO (AP) — The hazing scandal at Northwestern University has widened to include a volleyball player who on Monday became the first female athlete to sue the university over allegations she was retaliated against for reporting mistreatment and a new lawsuit by former Northwestern quarterback Lloyd Yates.
“This shows that it isn’t just men,” said Parker Stinar, one of her attorneys. “It isn’t just football players.”
The private school in Evanston, Illinois, is facing multiple lawsuits, including the one on behalf of Yates, which alleges hazing by teammates that includes sexual abuse. The 52-page complaint also says coaches made racially charged comments to players of color.
“This is the first in a series of lawsuits,” said civil rights attorney Ben Crump, adding he plans on filing more than 30 over the coming weeks involving athletes from “a variety of athletic programs and even mascots.”
He said it’s “too early to tell” if the cases will be combined into a class-action lawsuit. “We’re still trying to look at different legal aspects,” he said.
The scandal at the Big Ten school centers on a problem that seems to extend far beyond sports, even if it is sports that often gets the headlines. While major college sports have become multimillion-dollar programs, ritualistic hazing appears to remain a problematic tradition within them.
Speaking at a Monday news conference, Crump said Yates’ case is the first with a named plaintiff and includes comments from other named players.
“It’s a real big deal when these young people have the courage to take a stand and refuse to be victims anymore, refuse to have their voices silenced,” Crump said.
Crump called this college sports’ “Me Too” moment.
“I want justice for all the victims of this horrific hazing,” Yates said. “I want closure for myself and hundreds of other Northwestern football players who suffered in silence. Too often, many of us have blamed ourselves for things that were beyond our control. Lastly, I want protection for future players.”
Former football coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired after a university investigation found allegations of hazing by 11 current or former players, including “forced participation, nudity and sexualized acts of a degrading nature,” school President Michael Schill said. One previous lawsuit accuses Fitzgerald of enabling a culture of racism, including forcing players of color to cut their hair and behave differently to be more in line with the “Wildcat Way.”
The volleyball player, identified in Monday’s lawsuit as Jane Doe, says she was physically harmed to the point of requiring medical attention during a hazing incident in early 2021.
According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe contracted COVID-19 in February of that year, despite following the team’s COVID guidelines. Despite this, she says, Northwestern volleyball coach Shane Davis and an assistant coach informed her she would need to undergo a “punishment” for violating the guidelines. A day later, on March 2, 2021, the coaches permitted the volleyball team’s captains to pick the punishment: She was forced to run “suicides” in the gym while diving to the floor each time she reached a line on the court. As she did this, the suit says, volleyball coaching staff, team members and trainers watched.
Campus police were made aware of the incident, as was the athletic department, the lawsuit says. Jane Doe says she was isolated from the team and Davis forced her to write an apology letter to trainers. The lawsuit also says the player met with athletic director Derrick Gragg to discuss the culture of the volleyball program but he “did nothing in response” to her concerns.
Davis did not immediately respond Monday morning to messages seeking comment.
The school announced in December 2021 that it had signed Davis to a multi-year contract extension. A year later, in December 2022, the player medically retired from the sport.
Northwestern spokesperson Jon Yates confirmed the unnamed student made a hazing allegation in March 2021. Jon Yates said after suspending the coaching staff during an investigation, which confirmed hazing took place, two volleyball games were canceled and mandatory anti-hazing training was implemented.
“Although this incident predated President Schill’s and Athletic Director Gragg’s tenure at the University, each is taking it seriously,” Jon Yates said. “Dr. Gragg met with the student at her request last year, and as President Schill wrote in a message to the Northwestern community, the University is working to ensure we have in place appropriate accountability for our athletic department.”
The lawsuit was submitted in Cook County, Illinois, by the Chicago-based Salvi Law Firm and names as defendants Davis and Gragg as well as the university, its current and former presidents and the board of trustees. The suit also names Atlantic Coast Conference Commissioner James J. Phillips, who was Northwestern’s athletic director until 2021. Phillips, who has been named as a defendant in two other lawsuits, has said he never “condoned or tolerated inappropriate conduct” against athletes while he was Northwestern’s athletics director.
The complaint filed by Lloyd Yates says most of the hazing was led by a group of players known as the “Shrek Squad.” But he expressed sympathy for them, saying they were also “victims” of a culture that normalized the behavior. That is why they are not named in the lawsuit or listed as defendants, Crump said.
The complaint says longtime assistant coach Matt MacPherson witnessed some of the hazing and an unidentified strength and conditioning coach was subjected to a sexually-charged act of hazing by Wildcats players in front of the entire team and coaching staff in fall 2015 or spring 2016. Jon Yates said the school is “reviewing” the allegations against MacPherson.
Players of color were made to “feel inferior.” The complaint describes one instance in which a white coach allegedly told a Black player wearing new headphones in the snack area, “You stole them beats didn’t you?” It says the coach then walked away and laughed.
Fitzgerald, who led Northwestern for 17 seasons and was a star linebacker for the Wildcats, has maintained he had no knowledge of hazing. Fitzgerald said after being fired that he was working with his agent, Bryan Harlan and his lawyer, Dan Webb, to “protect my rights in accordance with the law.”
Webb said in a statement Monday the complaint does not list Fitzgerald as a defendant. He said Fitzgerald had “no knowledge whatsoever of any form of hazing” and “implemented and followed” protocols to ensure it would not happen while repeatedly emphasizing it was forbidden.
Man wanted by central Iowa police takes own life following chase
By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)
Police say a suspect in an assault and kidnapping in central Iowa took his own life in southeast Iowa after being chased by the Iowa State Patrol and other officers.
Des Moines Police sent an advisory Sunday afternoon that 31-year-old Joshua Paul Thompson had been involved in a violent domestic incident and a 31-year-old woman had been taken unwillingly in an SUV he was driving. Police said he was armed with a handgun.
About two hours later, police announced Thompson had been located in southeast Iowa and, following a police pursuit, he died in western Des Moines County of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The woman has been reunited with her family.
Another Closure on Highway T-15 Starts Tomorrow
KNOXVILLE — Highway T-15 across the Red Rock Dam will experience another short full road closure beginning tomorrow.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announced that the closure will last through Friday, and during that time, a detour will be in place. Additional partial and full road closures may be needed through 2024 for continued rehabilitation projects on the dam, according to the corps.
For questions, you may contact the Lake Red Rock office at 641-828-7522.
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