It’s 2:30am here in Accra, Ghana, where I live. For some reason, I can’t sleep so I’ve had to open up my MacBook and start writing. Here are some interesting country news I’m seeing around the web this early morning:

Reckless Kelly, Mark Chesnutt Among Independent Releases: Reckless Kelly and hitmaker Mark Chesnutt are among the artists releasing new albums this week on independent record labels.

Jessica Simpson Appearing on The View: Jessica Simpson will be discussing her move to country music during an appearance Wednesday (June 25) on ABC’s The View.

Ricky Skaggs Records Bluegrass Versions of His Country Hits: Ricky Skaggs has recorded bluegrass versions of his best-known country hits for The High Notes, a new album to be sold exclusively at Cracker Barrel Country Stores.

Rissi Palmer Joins IMG Models: Country singer Rissi Palmer has signed a deal with IMG Models, home to models such as Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum, Selma Blair and Mischa Barton.

CMA Songwriters Series Continues in New York City: The CMA Songwriters series will return to New York City, beginning with a concert at Joe’s Pub on July 17.

Trace Adkins Named Honorary Chair of Food Allergy Walk: Trace Adkins will serve as the national honorary chair of the 2008 Walk for Food Allergy event which will be held in 26 cities in the fall, as well as online.