Welcome to The Boot's News Roundup, a morning rundown of the news country music fans need to know. Read on to learn more about the latest goings-on in the country, Americana, bluegrass and folk genres.

Luke Combs and Lauren Alaina will perform at PBS' annual A Capitol Fourth celebration in 2018. Now in its 38th year, the Fourth of July event will be hosted by John Stamos and will also feature performances from the Temptations, the Beach Boys, Pentatonix, Jimmy Buffett and the National Symphony Orchestra. A Capitol Fourth will air on July 4 at 8PM ET.

Lucie Silvas Ego
Rick Diamond, Getty Images
loading...

Singer-songwriter Lucia Silvas has announced that she will release a new album this summer. Titled E.G.O., the 12-track record, produced by Jon Green, features songs co-written by Ruston Kelly, JD McPherson, John Osborne (Silvas' husband) and Natalie Hemby. Silvas' fourth full-length effort, E.G.O. follows 2015's critically acclaimed Letters to Ghosts. The album is set for release on Aug. 24; fans can pre-order E.G.O. via ThirtyTigers.com.

Craig Morgan son Jerry missing
Rick Diamond, Getty Images for Kicker Country
loading...

In recognition of his "dedication to entertaining troops and families around the world," Craig Morgan will be presented with the U.S. Army's Outstanding Civilian Service Medal. An Army veteran who logged more than 20 years of service in the Armed Forces, Morgan has completed 10 USO tours, including his most recent, which made stops in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq and Spain. Morgan will be presented with the honor at the GLAC AUSA Army Birthday Ball on June 23.

Sara Evans interview 2016
Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images for dcp
loading...

Sara Evans will receive the 2018 Service to America Leadership Award from the NAB Education Foundation. The honor, presented in recognition of Evans' work as a Red Cross ambassador and fundraising efforts for the CMA Foundation (among other charitable causes), is considered the organization's highest honor. “Sara Evans continues to grace the country music charts with her stunning voice and lyrical authenticity to the delight of fans everywhere,” NABEF President Marcellus Alexander says in a statement. “She also gives voice to a diverse group of causes working to make our world a better place. It is an honor to present her with NABEF’s highest award.” Evans will receive the award at a ceremony on June 12 in Washington, DC.

CMA Vanderbilt children's hospital donation
Ethan Miller, Getty Images
loading...

Up-and-coming musicians in Nashville will be able to get a little help from a new scholarship fund established in honor of longtime Country Music Association board member Kix Brooks. The KixStart Artist Scholarship will, according to Taste of Country, connect emerging artists with mentors in various parts of the music industry. “I suppose calling it KixStart was a little tip of the hat to me for getting this committee going in the beginning," Brooks says in a statement. "I’m honored, but I’m not taking any credit for this one.” Artists can submit their applications for the KixStart Artist Scholarship until June 30.

Spotify sued by Nashville publishers
Courtesy of Spotify
loading...

Shortly after announcing that it would no longer promote "hateful content," then slightly amending its original policy, Spotify has officially killed that policy. According to Rolling Stone, the digital streaming platform will no longer attempt to "play judge and jury" with regards to the conduct of the artists on its platform. "We will continue to seek ways to impact the greater good and further the industry we all care so much about," the company says in a statement. "We believe Spotify has an opportunity to help push the broader music community forward through conversation, collaboration and action."

More From TheBoot