Bookmark and Share

Budget cuts force military jets to drop air shows

Mar 11th, 2013 - National News

— Deep budget cuts in Washington mean military flight teams will likely be no-shows at air shows across the U.S. starting this spring, leaving dozens of host cities bracing for thinner crowds and lost tourism dollars.

When $85 billion in automatic cuts kicked in March 1, the Air Force canceled shows at bases from Florida to Arizona and grounded its formation-flying pilots, the Thunderbirds. The Army's Golden Knights parachute team also canceled performances. The Navy's famous Blue Angels said only that military commanders intend to cancel their April shows, though nothing is officially canceled yet.

John Cudahy of the International Council of Air Shows says at least 150 U.S. air shows each year count on military performers. Without them, he estimates up to a third of the shows might cancel altogether.

Local News

Local News RSS

George W. Bush event raises $400,000 for school

— An event featuring President George W. Bush has raised $400,000 to support the West Michigan Aviation Academy.

Bush spoke Wednesday to a crowd of roughly 900 during the second annual Leaders of...

Pres. George W. Bush comes to Grand Rapids

The West Michigan Aviation Academy is preparing for a special Gala tonight that will take place in a hangar at the Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids. The featured speaker for this year's fun...

Read More Local News

State News

State News RSS

Power bills to rise for Consumers Energy customers

— The average electric customer of Consumers Energy will start paying $1.67 more per month.

The $89 million rate increase was approved Wednesday by state regulators. It's less than a $110 million...

Law enforcement agencies observing police week

— Law enforcement agencies statewide are holding events to mark National Police Week.

Ceremonies planned for Wednesday include the Port Huron Department of Public Safety, which will honor its pol...

Read More State News

National News

National News RSS

At least 6 dead in Texas tornadoes

— Parts of North Texas have been slammed by tornadoes with at least six people killed.

The spring tornado outbreak destroyed or damaged dozens of homes and injured dozens of people. Officials say...

House panel set to OK cut in food stamps

— The House Agriculture Committee is set today to consider small cuts to the $80 billion-a-year food stamp program in an effort to appease conservatives who say the food aid has become too expensiv...

Read More National News

International News

International News RSS

Deadly explosion in Afghan capital

— NATO says two of its service members and four civilian contractors were killed when a suicide car bomber struck a convoy belonging to the military alliance in the Afghan capital today.

At least...

Captain locked out as plane cockpit door jams

— Air India says the cockpit door of one of its planes got jammed during a flight while the captain was using the toilet, forcing an unscheduled landing by the co-pilot in central India.

An airl...

Read More International News

Sports News

Sports News RSS

Blackhawks edge Red Wings 4-1 in series opener

— Johnny Oduya and Marcus Kruger scored in the third period, Corey Crawford made 20 saves and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 in the opener of their second-round playoff serie...

Cabrera homers in Detroit's 6-2 win over Astros

— Miguel Cabrera homered, Doug Fister pitched seven impressive innings and Andy Dirks gave the Tigers a lift for a second straight night in Detroit's 6-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Tuesday. ...

Read More Sports News

Health News

Health News RSS

FDA will investigate added caffeine in foods

— Looking for a new way to get that jolt of caffeine energy? Food companies are betting snacks like potato chips, jelly beans and gum with a caffeinated kick could be just the answer.

The Food an...

New Diabetes Drug Treats Disease Differently

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration says it has approved a first-of-a-kind diabetes drug from Johnson & Johnson that uses a new method to lower blood sugar.

The agency cleared J&J'...

Read More Health News