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Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Announces 2026 Return

On the road again…it was announced yesterday that Willie Nelson‘s Outlaw Music Festival was coming back again this year. With only 12 shows on the schedule, the festival has been pared down some compared to previous years, but the lineup hasn’t. Along with Willie Nelson & Family, the tour will feature (depending on the date) The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Wilco, Lukas Nelson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Margo Price, Sierra Hull, Robert Randolph, Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, and Lily Meola. The tour also includes Willie’s annual Fourth of July Picnic, which will feature special guests Billy Strings and Rodney Crowell. Presales start tomorrow ahead of the general sale on Friday at 10am local time. Check out the dates and performers below; visit Willie’s website for complete information. 

2026 Outlaw Music Festival Tour Dates:

Friday, July 3, 2026
The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, Irving, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola

Saturday, July 4, 2026
Germania Insurance Amphitheater, Austin, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Billy Strings
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Rodney Crowell
Lily Meola

Sunday, July 5, 2026
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
sponsored by Huntsman, The Woodlands, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola

Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, Maryland Heights, MO
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Mystic Lake Amphitheater, Shakopee, MN
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Friday, August 21, 2026
Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Saturday, August 22, 2026
Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Sunday, August 23, 2026
Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville, IN
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Friday, August 28 2026
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Saturday, August 29, 2026
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Sunday, August 30, 2026
Albany Med Health System at SPAC, Saratoga Springs, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

This day in Country Music History

  • Today in 1939, “Billboard” magazine introduced the hillbilly chart, which has since become the country music chart.
  • Today in 1950, Hank Williams charted what would be come the number one single “Long Gone Lonesome Blues.”
  • Today in 1960, Roy Orbison recorded “Only the Lonely.”
  • Today in 1961, Elvis Presley made his last concert appearance for eight years with a show on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The show was a benefit concert, which raised 62-thousand-dollars for the USS Arizona memorial fund.
  • Today in 1966, Buck Owens played a sold-out concert at New York City’s Carnegie Hall.
  • Today in 1963, Johnny Cash recorded “Ring Of Fire.”
  • Today in 1966, Buck Owens recorded a live album at Carnegie Hall, starting with “Act Naturally.”
  • Today in 1969, Roy Orbison married his second wife, Barbara, in Nashville.
  • Today in 1971, Lynn Anderson’s “Rose Garden” won her the one and only gold album of her career.
  • Today in 1972, Donna Fargo’s “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA” charted.
  • Today in 1974 at the Academy of Country Music Awards, Charlie Rich won Top Male Vocalist, Single Record, and Album of the Year for “Behind Closed Doors,” which was also named the Song of the Year.
  • Today in 1981, Eddie Rabbitt got his second gold single for “Drivin’ My Life Away,” just fifteen days after the first.
  • Today in 1985, Kenny Rogers performed for the first time in months following surgery to remove nodules from his vocal cords.
  • Today in 1987, Randy Travis released “Forever And Ever, Amen.”
  • Today in 1989, “New Fool At An Old Game” earned Reba McEntire the top spot on the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 1989, Garth Brooks made his chart debut with “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old).”
  • Today in 1991, Alan Jackson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 1994, Alan Jackson scored another number one hit with “(Who Says) You Can’t Have It All.”
  • Today in 1997, new album releases included Tanya Tucker’s “Complicated” and Alison Krauss’ “So Long, So Wrong.”
  • Today in 2002, the re-release version of LeAnn Rimes’ “I Need You” album arrived in stores. While the original version of the project had ten tracks, the new edition had bonus cuts including “Light The Fire Within,” the theme song of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. There were also brand new radio mixes of four songs.
  • Today in 2003, Reba McEntire’s WB sitcom, “Reba,” was renewed for a third season on the network.
  • Today in 2004, the Georgia State House of Representatives voted unanimously to name a stretch of Interstate 85 in honor of Alan Jackson. The measure had already passed in the State Senate.
  • Today in 2005, Blaine Larsen made his first career appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” during his first-ever trip to New York City.
  • Today in 2006, Chely Wright performed at a USO show during the “Welcome Home” celebration at Fort Stewart, Georgia for members of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
  • Today in 2006, Mark Wills performed a benefit concert for the TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers & Untouchables Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. Money raised benefits families of fallen officers.
  • Today in 2006, Kenny Chesney’s “Living in Fast Forward” was spending its third week at number-one on Billboard’s country chart.
  • Today in 2007, Billy Currington sang the National Anthem prior to the Food City 500 NASCAR race in Bristol, Tennessee.
  • Today in 2007, Willie Nelson, Ray Price and Merle Haggard embarked on their “Last of the Breed” tour. They were backed by Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel.
  • Today in 2008, new releases included “Clover Country,” a compilation CD supporting the 4-H featuring Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Martina McBride, and Faith Hill, as well as Sugarland, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Luke Bryan, and Alabama.
  • Today in 2009, Lee Ann Womack performed at the T.J. Martell Foundation’s first ever Honors Gala, which took place in Nashville. Country Music Hall of Famer Frances Preston and former Vice President Al Gore were among those recognized at the event.
  • Today in 2009, Phil Vassar, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Lee Greenwood were among the celebrities who appeared on “Americans Feeding Americans,” a Hallmark Channel special supporting the charity Feed The Children.
  • Today in 2010, Jamey Johnson, Mac McAnally, and Mac Davis were inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
  • Today in 2011, the Texas prosecutor handling Willie Nelson’s marijuana possession case proposed a deal in which the country legend could resolve the matter by paying a 100-dollar fine and performing approximately two-and-a-half-minutes of community service — in the form of singing his 1975 chart-topper “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” in court.
  • Today in 2011, it was George Strait and Reba McEntire Day in New Mexico. The singers’ performance at the Pan Am Center in Las Cruces set a new attendance record of 13-thousand-44. The previous record had been set by Elton John, who in 2005 entertained a crowd of 12-thousand-560.
  • Today in 2012, the Eli Young Band and the Randy Rogers Band were the big winners at the second annual Texas Regional Music Awards, which took place in Arlington, Texas.
  • Today in 2006, Buck Owens died in his sleep. He was known for his red, white, and blue guitar, for hosting the TV Show “Hee Haw,” and for classics including “Together Again,” and “I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail.”
  • Today in 2013, “The Voice” began its fourth season on NBC. The winner-to-be, Danielle Bradbery joined Blake Shelton’s team after performing “Mean,” and other contestants sang “Blown Away,” and “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” Judges Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Usher, and Shakira sang “Come Together.”
  • Today in 2013, Charlie Daniels was admitted to a Nashville area hospital to have a pacemaker implanted in his chest. Doctors discovered he had an irregular heartbeat while treating him for a mild case of pneumonia.
  • Today in 2014, new country releases included Jerrod Niemann’s “High Noon” and the “lost” Johnny Cash album, “Out Among The Stars. ”
  • Today in 2014, at Charlie Daniels annual fundraiser for veterans scholarships at Nashville’s David Lipscomb University, Luke Bryan joined him for a surprise rendition of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Clint Black, Kellie Pickler, and The Grascals also appeared, and Lee Greenwood came unannounced to perform “God Bless the U.S.A.”
  • Today in 2015, the Oak Ridge Boys, The Browns and guitarist Grady Martin were announced as 2015 inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.
  • Today in 2015, Reba McEntire and Deana Carter were featured on ABC’s telecast of “Nashville: On The Record.” Also performing were cast members Chris Carmack, Jonathan Jackson, Will Chase, Sam Palladio, Clare Bowen, Charles Esten and Lennon & Maisy Stella.
  • Today in 2016, Hank Williams biopic, “I Saw The Light,” debuted in theaters.
  • Today in 2016, the Margo Price album, “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter,” was released.
  • Today in 2017, LeAnn Rimes was recognized with the Ally for Equality Award when the Human Rights Campaign held its Nashville Equality Dinner at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
  • Today in 2017, Craig Morgan kicked off a USO tour at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii.
  • Today in 2019, Brett Young’s single, “Mercy,” was certified double-platinum by the RIAA.
  • Today in 2019, Caylee Hammack’s debut single, “Family Tree,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2019, Luke Combs was named New Male Artist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music, while Ashley McBryde wins New Female Artist and LANCO takes New Group.
  • Today in 2020, Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman” and Eddy Arnold’s “Make The World Go Away” were announced by the Library of Congress as new additions to the National Recording Registry. Also in the class are the Dusty Springfield album “Dusty In Memphis” and Whitney Houston’s version of the Dolly Parton-penned “I Will Always Love You.”
  • Today in 2020, Kelsea Ballerini was paired with pop singer Halsey as a new episode of “CMT Crossroads” debuted. Music during the one-hour telecast includes Ballerini’s hits “Peter Pan,” “homecoming queen?” and “Miss Me More.”
  • Today in 2021, the North Carolina Department of Transportation launched two anti-litter PSAs featuring native son Luke Combs.

Jury finds that Bill Cosby sexually assaulted woman in 1972 and awards her nearly $60 million

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A civil jury in California found Monday that Bill Cosby was liable for drugging and sexually assaulting a woman in 1972 and awarded her $59.25 million.

After a nearly two-week trial in Santa Monica, jurors found Cosby, 88, liable for the sexual battery and assault of Donna Motsinger. They awarded her $17.5 million in past damages and $1.75 million for future damages, including “mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, inconvenience, grief, anxiety, humiliation, and emotional distress.”

Then in a second phase of the trial Monday afternoon, they awarded an additional $40 million in punitive damages.

Cosby’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, said in an email after the initial award earlier Monday that they are disappointed and fully intend to appeal the verdict. She did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the punitive damages.

Deliberations lasted about two days.

The decision came nearly five years after Cosby was freed from prison in Pennsylvania when the state Supreme Court threw out a criminal conviction based on similar allegations. He has settled some similar lawsuits and has been ordered to pay in others, but Monday’s award is likely the most he has had to pay in a case.

“This verdict is not just about me – it’s about finally being heard and holding Mr. Cosby accountable,” Motsinger said in a statement. “I have carried the weight of what happened to me for more than 50 years. It never goes away. Today, a jury saw the truth and held him accountable. That means everything. I hope this gives strength to other survivors who are still waiting for their moment to be heard.”

Motsinger had been a server at a restaurant in Sausalito near San Francisco who said in her lawsuit, filed in 2023, that Cosby had invited her to his stand-up comedy show at a theater in nearby San Carlos. Both were in their 30s at the time. She said Cosby gave her wine and two pills that she believed were aspirin, and that she was going in and out of consciousness as two men put her in a limousine.

“She woke up in her house with all her clothes off, except her underwear on – no top, no bra, and no pants,” the lawsuit said. “She knew she had been drugged and raped by Bill Cosby.”

In court filings, Cosby’s lawyers argued that the allegations rested almost entirely on speculation and assumption, saying Motsinger “freely admits that she has no idea what happened.”

Motsinger’s lawsuit moved with surprising quickness through the California courts, taking just 2 1/2 years from filing until verdict while other lawsuits against him stalled.

“We are grateful to the jury for their careful attention to the evidence and to Ms. Motsinger for the extraordinary courage it took to come forward,” said Jesse Creed, one of her attorneys from the Panish Shea Ravipudi law firm that represented her.

Cosby did not testify at the trial, whose witnesses included Andrea Constand, the Temple University sports administrator he was convicted of sexually assaulting in a Pennsylvania criminal court in 2018. The state’s Supreme Court threw out the verdict and Cosby was freed from prison after serving nearly three years of a three- to 10-year sentence.

Motsinger first made her allegations anonymously in a 2005 lawsuit filed by Constand.

The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly and consent to be named, as Constand and Motsinger have.

In 2022, a jury in Santa Monica awarded $500,000 to a woman who said Cosby sexually assaulted her at the Playboy Mansion when she was a teenager in 1975.

Motsinger’s lawsuit echoed allegations of rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment made by at least 60 women against Cosby, all of which he has denied.

The former stand-up comedy and television superstar once widely known as “America’s Dad” became the first celebrity tried and convicted in the #MeToo era before his conviction was permanently thrown out when appeals court found he gave incriminating testimony in a deposition only after believing he had immunity from prosecution.

Iowa law on tinted vehicle windows may change

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

The Iowa Senate has sent the governor a bill that would let Iowa motorists have a slightly darker tint on the driver’s and passenger side windows of vehicles.

Under current law, windshields and those front side windows must let 70% of outside light pass through the glass. The bill would let the driver’s side and passenger side windows be tinted so just 50% of light would penetrate into the vehicle. Senator Kara Warme of  Ames said that’s closer to what’s allowed in surrounding states. “Minnesota is at 50%,” Warme said. “Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Nebraska are all at 35%.”

The change won approval in the Iowa House last year without debate and the bill cleared the Senate yesterday on a 31-16 vote. Senator Bill Dotzler of Waterloo voted no. Dotzler said he’s particularly concerned about police and state troopers who will be approaching vehicles at night. “Their job is dangerous enough and I’ve seen plenty of the tinted windows in my community at night and you really can’t see inside,” Dotzler said.

Warme sids bill supporters considered these concerns, especially when it comes to enforcing the state law that made it a crime to handle a cell phone while driving. “Any of you who’ve been in a movie theater recently with teenagers would notice that when there are bright screens on in a dark space, it’s that much easier to see them,” Warme said, “and so we know that our law enforcement will certainly be able to enforce the hands-free legislation.”

The Iowa Police Chiefs Association and the State Police Officers Council are opposed to the bill. Iowa’s current standard for the tint on vehicle windows was set in 1983. Advocates for the change say windows with a darker tint enhance driving safety by blocking the glare of headlighs from other vehicles at night and the intensity of sunlight during the day.

Newton Man Arrested for Sex Abuse

NEWTON – A Newton man faces a felony sex abuse charge for alleged sex acts with an underaged girl.

Court documents state that officers with the Newton Police Department responded to a residence in northwest Newton yesterday after a call was received reporting an adult man who had possibly committed sex acts with a female juvenile. Following an investigation, 21-year-old Ryan Hammen was taken into custody and charged with 3rd Degree Sex Abuse of a Child Victim by a Person 4 or More Years Older, 1st Offense, a class C felony.

Hammen made his initial court appearance yesterday after his arrest. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 30.

Growing Native: Supporting Pollinator Conservation in Iowa Presentation to be Held in Two Weeks

OSKALOOSA — The Mahaska County Master Gardeners are hosting Growing Native: Supporting Pollinator Conservation in Iowa a presentation by Sarah Nizzi with the Xerces Society on April 7 at 7 pm.  The presentation will be viewed at the Mahaska County Extension Office.

Join them to learn how you can support pollinators! Native plants are critical to pollinator conservation. Sarah will discuss the work of the Xerces Society, the biology and ecology of pollinators, and the conservation steps anyone can take to attract and sustain these important insects.

This presentation is open to the public for anyone wishing to learn about the topic; both adults and youth.  There is no fee to attend due to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach–Mahaska County and Mahaska County Master Gardener support.   Registration is not required, but appreciated. To register, or for additional information about horticulture programming please contact Suzette Striegel, Mahaska County Extension Horticulture and Education Program Coordinator by phone 641-673-5841 or email striegel@iastate.edu.

Inclement weather will postpone the presentation.  If in doubt, please check local media, ISU Extension Outreach – Mahaska County office, website or Facebook page, or Mahaska County Master Gardeners Facebook pages.

Knoxville Man Dies in Marion County Motorcycle Accident

MARION COUNTY – A motorcycle accident in rural Marion County over the weekend claimed the life of a Knoxville man.

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, on Saturday night, at around 7:14pm, law enforcement received a call about the accident, which occurred in the 1200 block of Highway T17.

Pella Fire and Ambulance, the Pella Police Department, and Marion County deputies responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they located 22-year-old Dylan Adkins of Knoxville, who had sustained serious injuries from the crash. Emergency personnel provided immediate medical assistance on scene, and due to the severity of his injuries, Adkins was transported to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines by Mercy Air Ambulance. Despite life-saving efforts, Adkins later succumbed to his injuries.

The accident remains under investigation by authorities.

Cody Johnson Sets New RodeoHouston Record

George Strait basically owns Texas, so that makes Cody Johnson‘s record-breaking feat at RodeoHouston even more impressive. Johnson closed out this year’s event with a headlining set on Sunday night with Jon Pardi and Randy Houser opening. The show set a new all-time concert-only attendance record of 80,203 fans attended the show at NRG Stadium. The previous record (held by Strait): 80,020, back in 2013.

 

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This day in Country Music History

  • Today in 1958, Private Elvis Presley was sworn into the U.S. Army. Thousands of fans wept the following day when his hair was cut by James Peterson. Elvis quipped, “Hair today, gone tomorrow.” His salary immediately dropped from $10,000 a month to $78 a month!
  • Today in 1973, Tanya Tucker’s first number one single “What’s Your Mama’s Name, Child” charted.
  • Today in 1977, the “Dreaming My Dreams” album by Waylon Jennings was certified gold.
  • Today in 1984, Toby Keith married his wife, Tricia.
  • Today in 1984, Alabama scored their 12th number one hit as “Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)” reached the top of the “Billboard” country singles chart.
  • Today in 1993, Diamond Rio earned a platinum album for their self-titled debut.
  • Today in 1995, Trisha Yearwood was at #1 with her single, “Thinkin’ About You.”
  • Today in 1999, Vince Gill’s “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” album was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1999, George Strait’s album, “Merry Christmas Strait To You,” was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1999, the album “Right Or Wrong” by George Strait was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1999, Reba McEntire’s album, “Rumor Has It,” was certified triple platinum.
  • Today in 1999, Trisha Yearwood’s “Songbook – A Collection of Hits” was certified triple platinum.
  • Today in 1999, George Strait’s “Strait Country” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1999, the “Strait Out Of The Box” album by George Strait was certified for multi-platinum sales of 6-million.
  • Today in 1999, Vince Gill’s album, “When Love Finds You,” was certified as selling 4-million copies.
  • Today in 2001, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, Lonestar, and Brad Paisley were part of the lineup as George Strait kicked off his fourth and final Country Music Festival tour in Tampa, Florida.
  • Today in 2002, Faith Hill returned to the hallowed stage at the Academy Awards. She performed an astounding rendition of the Oscar-nominated song, “There You’ll Be.”
  • Today in 2004, Toby Keith and Rascal Flatts picked up four nominations each at the third annual CMT Flame Worthy Video Music Awards.
  • Today in 2005, Keith Urban’s “Making Memories Of Us” video premiered on television for CMT.
  • Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood performed as the musical guest on NBC’s “Saturday Night Life,” singing “Before He Cheats” and “Wasted.” The segment was hosted by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.
  • Today in 2008, Sara Evans announced her engagement to Alabama radio personality Jay Barker.
  • Today in 2008, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant’s “Raising Sand” topped the Canadian folk magazine “Penguin Eggs'” list of the Critics’ Albums of the Year for 2007.
  • Today in 2009, new album releases included Martina McBride’s “Ride,” Eric Church’s “Carolina,” John Rich’s “Son Of A Preacher Man,” and Shooter Jennings & the 357’s’ “Bad Magick: The Best of Shooter Jennings & 357’s;” as well as the compilation CDs “NOW That’s What I Call Music! 30,” which included songs from Keith Urban and Taylor Swift, and “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” the soundtrack album with material from Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, and Billy Ray Cyrus.
  • Today in 2011, Sugarland made their “American Idol” debut, performing “Stuck Like Glue” on the Fox reality show.
  • Today in 2012, Reba McEntire marked her seventh consecutive year hosting the annual Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix, Arizona, supporting the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and other charities.
  • Today in 2013, Trace Adkins joked with team member Stephen Baldwin as he gave him the finger during an episode of NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice.” The team won an assignment to promote a hair-care product which would guarantee they’re stay for the next week.
  • Today in 2016, Kenny Chesney’s “Noise” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2016, Gary Allan received a gold album from the RIAA for “Set You Free” and a platinum cert for his single, “Watching Airplanes.”
  • Today in 2016, Jennifer Nettles teamed up with Cheap Trick on “CMT Crossroads.” The episode included the Sugarland hits “Stay,” “Something More” and “Settlin’,” plus the classic-rock titles “I Want You To Want Me” and “Dream Police.”
  • Today in 2017, Darius Rucker and John Mellencamp were featured as a new version of “CMT Crossroads” debuts. They lock voices on “Pink Houses,” “Hold My Hand,” “Alright” and “Wagon Wheel.”
  • Today in 2017, was a big day for RaeLynn. Not only was her self-titled debut album released, Houston mayor Sylvester Turner declared RaeLynn Day, AND she gave $10,000 check from her foundation to the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.

Pilot and copilot killed in collision between jet and fire truck at New York’s LaGuardia Airport

NEW YORK (AP) — Two people were killed and several others badly hurt when an Air Canada regional jet struck a fire truck on a runway while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night, officials said.

The pilot and copilot were killed in the collision, which crushed the nose of the aircraft, while 39 passengers and crew members were taken to area hospitals, some with serious injuries. Most have since been released from treatment, authorities said Monday.

Two Port Authority employees who were traveling in the fire truck also suffered injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, said Kathryn Garcia, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airport.

The pilot and copilot were both based out of Canada, Garcia said during a news conference early Monday.

The airport will remain closed until at least 2 p.m. Monday to facilitate the investigation, which is being led by the National Transportation Safety Board.

The fire truck was traveling across the runway to respond to a separate incident aboard a United Airlines flight, whose pilot had reported “an issue with odor,” said Garcia, who deferred additional questions about the sequence of events leading up to the crash to the NTSB.

There were 72 passengers and four crew members aboard the aircraft, a Jazz Aviation flight operating on behalf of Air Canada, according to a statement from the airline. The flight originated at Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, the major airport serving Montreal.

Photos and videos from the scene showed severe damage to the front of the aircraft, with cables and debris hanging from a mangled cockpit. Nearby, a damaged emergency vehicle lay on its side.

Stairways used to evacuate passengers from the aircraft were pushed up to the emergency exits on the jet, a Bombardier CRJ. The impact left the jet with its crumpled nose tilted upward.

In the moments before the crash, an air traffic controller could be heard on a radio transmission giving clearance to a vehicle to cross part of the tarmac, then trying to stop it.

“Stop, Truck 1. Stop,” the transmission says. The controller can then be heard frantically diverting an incoming aircraft from landing.

Air traffic controllers are not impacted by the partial government shutdown that has caused long delays at airport security checkpoints in recent days. They have been affected by past shutdowns.

As passengers straggled out of the airport into the dark early Monday, some described having arrived at LaGuardia hours before their flight, hoping to beat the lines.

Arturo Davidson said his Miami-bound flight was on the tarmac Sunday night when fellow passengers saw the collision or its aftermath and reactions rippled through the cabin.

The passengers were soon told there had been an accident. About 20 minutes later, they were informed the airport was closing and they must return to the terminal, he said later Monday, gazing at a departure board filled with cancellations.

“I don’t think we’re going at two,” he sighed, referring to the time Monday afternoon that officials gave as the earliest for reopening LaGuardia.

LaGuardia was 19th busiest in 2024 out of more than 500 U.S. airports, with over 16.7 million passengers boarding there, according to a 2025 FAA database.

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