Smart Safety - Best & Worst States for Teen Drivers

Summer is a popular time for teens to get driver’s licenses and teen auto accidents cost us around $40.7 billion per year, so the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on the Best & Worst States for Teen Drivers in 2026, as well as expert commentary, to identify where teens can enjoy this rite of passage while remaining as safe as possible.
 
WalletHub compared the 50 states based on 23 key metrics. The data set ranges from the number of teen driver fatalities to the average cost of car repairs to the presence of impaired-driving laws.
 

Best States for Teen Drivers	Worst States for Teen Drivers
1. New York	41. North Dakota
2. Oregon	42. New Hampshire
3. New Jersey	43. South Dakota
4. Indiana	44. Idaho
5. Connecticut	45. Nebraska
6. Massachusetts	46. Alabama
7. Rhode Island	47. Wyoming
8. Washington	48. Mississippi
9. West Virginia	49. Missouri
10. Maine	50. Montana

 
Best vs. Worst

• Alaska is the state with the fewest teen driver fatalities per 100,000 teens, which is 12.4 times fewer than in Mississippi, the state with the most.
   
• Kansas has the lowest share of major roads in poor or mediocre condition, which is 7.1 times lower than in Rhode Island, the state with the highest.
   
• Hawaii has the lowest premium increase after adding a teen driver to a parent’s auto-insurance policy, which is 70 times lower than in Virginia, the state with the highest.
   
• New York has the fewest vehicle miles traveled per capita, which is 2.7 times fewer than in Wyoming, the state with the most.

 
To view the full report and your state’s rank, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-for-teen-drivers/4598

 

“Learning to drive is an exciting experience for teens, but the process is equally nerve-wracking for their parents, who know the risks of driving from experience. The best states for teen drivers promote safety through easy access to driving classes, strict laws for bad behavior on the road and well-maintained roads. They also have residents who drive safely and obey the laws. In addition, some states minimize the costs for insurance and gas, which is a big plus when prices are inflated.”
–
“New York is the best state for teen drivers, despite traffic congestion in its biggest cities, in large part due to the fact that it has the fourth-fewest teen driver fatalities per capita. In addition, New York has the fourth-lowest percentage of drivers who use phones while driving and the third-lowest prevalence of poor turning. When it comes to teens specifically, New York has the third-fewest DUI arrests per capita and the seventh-lowest rate of texting while driving.”

- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst


Expert Commentary
 
What tips do you have for parents of teen drivers?

“Parents of teen drivers need a lot of patience. Sitting next to your child, watching them learn how to operate a two-ton moving vehicle in real time can feel frustrating and anxious. Our anxiety does not help them when they are driving, and can make them lose focus on the road as they respond to our comments and body language. We should also model good driving behavior so that they can see how to safely navigate the road. Finally, parents should make sure that teens have options available for them if they are out with other teens who may be under the influence of substances, like a ride share app on their phone.”
Martine Hackett – Associate Professor, Hofstra University
 
“Parents play one of the most important roles in developing safe driving habits. Learning to drive should be viewed as a gradual process rather than a milestone achieved simply by passing a licensing exam. Parents should spend substantial supervised driving time with their teens in a variety of conditions, including nighttime driving, adverse weather, rural roads, and heavy traffic. Simply put, the more quality driving experience teens gain under supervision, the better prepared they will be to handle unexpected situations on their own. Open communication is equally important. Parents should establish clear expectations regarding seat belt use, distracted driving, speeding, passenger limits, and impaired driving before handing over the keys. Modeling safe driving behaviors is also critical, as teens are often more influenced by what parents do than what they are told. When my children were learning to drive, I would often narrate my own driving, talking through what I was observing and the decisions I was making in real time. This helped them understand not just how to operate a vehicle, but how to anticipate potential hazards and think defensively behind the wheel. As the parent of two teenage drivers, I am also grateful for the variety of driving and location-tracking technologies available today. They provide peace of mind by letting me know when my teens have arrived safely at their destination, while also allowing us to review driving habits such as speed and braking.”
Kristal A. Gerdes, Ph.D. – Professor, University of Wisconsin-Stout / Wisconsin's Polytechnic University
 
 
What is the biggest risk that teen drivers face?
 
“Not having the driving experience that their parents have. Education on just how important it is to pay attention to the road is needed. Raising a teen who takes driving lessons and what they do as drivers seriously. Driving is not a game (even though we do have games featuring cars). Respect for the car and other drivers on the road is important.”
Rob Weiner – Popular Culture Librarian, Texas Tech University
 
“The biggest risks for teen drivers come from a lack of experience and overconfidence. For example, they may never have driven in snow or heavy rain before and feel like they can drive as they usually do when more caution is needed. More experience behind the wheel increases their confidence and knowledge. Teens are also at risk of being distracted by phones and friends while driving and having their attention diverted.”
Martine Hackett – Associate Professor, Hofstra University
 
 
What tips do you have for minimizing the costs (insurance, etc.) associated with having a teen driver in the household?
 
“One is to get the insurance package that bundles multiple family assets. Another is to have their child take driving lessons with the best possible driving school around them, where they will learn how to drive in different weather conditions, as well as how to parallel park. Parents can tell their children that any traffic violations and fines will come out of their pockets, thus improving the incentives for good driving habits.”
Dr. Miren Ivankovic – Professor, Anderson University
 
“Families should compare insurance providers annually, ask about discounts for good grades, driver education courses, safe driving programs, and multi-vehicle or multi-policy discounts. Vehicle choice also matters. A safe, reliable vehicle with strong crash-test ratings and lower repair costs is often less expensive to insure than a newer sports car or luxury vehicle. Parents should also remember that avoiding even one accident or traffic violation can save substantially more in insurance premiums than many other cost-saving measures. More broadly, this is another example of why budgeting is so valuable. Incorporating insurance premiums, fuel, maintenance, and unexpected repairs into the household budget before a teen begins driving can reduce financial stress and help families make informed decisions that fit their overall financial goals.”
Kristal A. Gerdes, Ph.D. – Professor, University of Wisconsin-Stout / Wisconsin's Polytechnic University

 
More From WalletHub

• Best & Worst Cities to Drive In
• Best & Worst States to Drive In
• Safest States in America
• Best & Worst States for Summer Road Trips

Music Minute - Son of James: There's Your Trouble

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Vancouver's Son of James has released a cover of The Chicks' "There's Your Trouble," rebuilt through the band's own Chinese Canadiana lens and pulled from an unlikely source: a Lunar New Year party still in the planning stages.

The idea took shape mid-commute. "I was driving home from work while organizing Fire Horse Rising, our Lunar New Year celebration built around a country-inspired Kung Fu Saloon, when The Chicks' 'There's Your Trouble' came on my playlist," says frontman Shon Wong. With that event already blending Johnny Cash favourites, line dancing, mahjong and ping pong through the lens of Vancouver's Chinatown, the song landed differently than it ever had before. "Almost instantly, I stopped hearing it as the original recording and started hearing it as a Son of James song," he says.

The reimagining happened fast, and by ear. "When the fiddle came in, I could hear Anna Fang's erhu. When the banjo and pedal steel entered, I imagined Michelle Kwan's guzheng weaving through those parts," Wong says. "Then I started hearing all of our voices, Richard, Adam, Tannie, Yung, and mine, stacking harmonies throughout the song." That drive, he says, became the beginning of the band's version.

The recording brought together the musicians Wong calls the heart of Son of James: Richard Pinto and Adam Richards on guitars and vocals, Johnny Walsh on stand-up bass, Ed Whelan on cajón, Michelle Kwan on guzheng, Anna Fang on erhu, and vocalists Tannie Lam and Yung Coffey.

Rather than a straight tribute, the cover was built around a single question. "Our goal wasn't simply to reinvent a country classic. It was to ask a different question: what would this song sound like if it had been written in Vancouver's Chinatown instead of Nashville?" Wong says. "The erhu and guzheng don't replace the country influences, they sit beside them, creating a conversation between musical traditions that reflects who we are as Chinese Canadians."

Wong says the finished track holds onto the spirit of the original while carrying a sound distinctly its own. "It's country soul, Chinatown, and a whole lot of Chyna Trucker Funk," he says. "We hope people don't just hear a cover. We hope they hear how music from different cultures can naturally belong together and maybe hear a familiar song in a completely new way."

"There's Your Trouble" follows Son of James' earlier singles "Come On" and their cover of Queen's "We Will Rock You," both drawn from a catalogue built on the same premise: rock, funk and soul instrumentation running alongside the guzheng, erhu, and the sounds of Vancouver's Chinatown. The track arrives ahead of the band's forthcoming album, 'Things I Never Knew.'

Healthy Habits - National Gum Health Month: Why Healthy Gums Are the Foundation of Great Cosmetic Dentistry

  Cosmetic dentistry is becoming faster, more precise and less invasive, with innovations such as 3D-printed veneers giving patients new options for transforming their smiles. But as dental technology advances, one fundamental hasn't changed: a healthy smile starts with healthy gums. With September recognized as National Gum Health Month, Dr. Kooper Ruminer, founder of 405 Dental Aesthetics in Oklahoma City, says patients considering cosmetic treatments should pay just as much attention to the health of their gums as the appearance of their teeth.

 

“We cannot overlook the important role that healthy gums play in our lives and even their impact on our overall health.” said Dr. Ruminer. “We can have incredible technology and new ways to improve the appearance of teeth, but gum health has to be part of the conversation. Before we talk about veneers or a smile makeover, we want to make sure the foundation is healthy.” 

 

One of the emerging technologies changing cosmetic dentistry is 3D-printed veneers. Unlike traditional porcelain veneers, which may require more extensive preparation and laboratory fabrication, 3D printing can provide a faster and potentially more conservative option for appropriate patients.

 

Research published in the January 2025 Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry reported that dentistry is evolving toward the reduction of invasiveness. This means preserving as much of the tooth as possible and potentially using more thin and minimally invasive or non-invasive restorations. They conclude that 3D printed veneers demonstrate excellent fit. It examined ultra-thin, non-prep 3D-printed veneers as dentistry continues moving toward more conservative restorative approaches designed to preserve natural tooth structure. 

 

For some patients, 3D-printed veneers may also provide a more accessible entry point into cosmetic dentistry. They can cost significantly less than traditional porcelain veneers and may require less alteration of the natural tooth. They are an ideal option for someone who is not ready to make the financial commitment to porcelain ones and wants to keep their options open. It allows them to have a beautiful smile as they save for more durable and longer-lasting ones, or decide on their next plan of action. 

 

Yet, even the latest cosmetic technology depends on what is happening beneath the smile. It is crucial that people have healthy gums in order to help protect their oral health, as well as their overall health. Many people don’t realize that their gums are tied to their overall health and well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), gum disease (periodontal disease), is largely preventable and treatable. 

 

Gum disease, the CDC reports, is a broad term for conditions involving inflammation and infection of tissues that surround and support the teeth. They report that 4 out of 10 adults over the age of 30 have some degree of periodontitis, and around 60% of adults over the age of 65 have some level of it. The condition can be treated, but left untreated, it can worsen other health conditions, such as diabetes. Gum disease is caused by a buildup of bacteria that can trigger inflammation and may affect health beyond the mouth.

 

Dr. Ruminer recommends five everyday habits for protecting gum health:

 

• Proper brushing and flossing are essential. Many people quickly brush and may not even engage in flossing daily. Avoid being too abrasive when brushing, or it can lead to gum damage. Brushing should be done with soft, short strokes or tiny circles, and for two minutes twice daily.

 

• Cleaning the tongue should be part of a daily routine. The tongue is the largest organ in the oral cavity, and it can hold bacteria. Whether using a tongue scraper or toothbrush, make cleaning the tongue a daily habit.

 

• Eat healthy foods so they will help scrape plaque off the teeth and keep gums healthier. These include things like apples, carrots, celery, and nuts. Fiber-rich foods will help to keep the teeth cleaner.

 

• Avoid tobacco use. Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease and can interfere with the body's ability to heal. Smoking restricts blood flow, increases bacteria due to less saliva, causes slower healing, and puts people at higher risk for tooth loss. 

 

• Keep up with dental visits. Regular exams and professional cleanings can help identify gum problems early, before they become more advanced. This will help to keep the teeth and gums healthier, and issues can often be detected and addressed before they become severe.

 

“Patients often come in because they want to change something they see in the mirror, but our first responsibility is making sure the smile is healthy,” said Dr. Ruminer. “Once we have that foundation, today's cosmetic options give us more ways than ever to create a smile that looks natural and feels like you.”

Dr. Kooper Ruminer is a cosmetic dentist and smile specialist located in Oklahoma City. 

 

He is the owner of 405 Dental Aesthetics, where he offers general and cosmetic dentistry. His services include general dentistry, restorative dentistry, clear aligners, emergency dentistry, and sedation dentistry. Restorative treatments include dental bridges, bonding, crowns, dentures, implants, and root canals. Cosmetic services include 3D no-prep veneers, minimal-prep and traditional veneers, smile makeovers, gum contouring, clear aligners and other restorative and aesthetic treatments. He offers a complimentary cosmetic consultation. To get more information, visit the site at: https://405dentalaesthetics.com/.

 

 

About Dr. Kooper Ruminer: Dr. Kooper Ruminer is the founder of 405 Dental Aesthetics, a state-of-the-art boutique dental practice located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dr. Ruminer earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. The practice offers comprehensive dental care for children and adults, combining advanced technology with a highly personalized, patient-first approach. Services include cosmetic, restorative, general, emergency, and sedation dentistry, as well as aligners, implants, and no prep veneers. Follow @405.Dental to see smile makeovers and confident, natural results from@DoctorKooper. Learn more at405DentalAesthetics.com.

 

Source:

Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. 3D Printed Ultra-Thin Non-Prep Lithium Disilicate Veneers. January 2025. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12087940/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Periodental (Gum) Disease. May 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/about/gum-periodontal-disease.html

Parenting Pointers - Back-to-School Parenting Videos from ABCmouse

 Age of Learning, the company behind ABCmouse®, the most downloaded kids' education app trusted by families and educators for more than 15 years, today announced a new partnership with Emmy®, Grammy®, and Golden Globe®-nominated actress and mom of three, Mandy Moore as part of its 2026 back-to-school campaign.

The partnership comes at a moment when families are shifting from summer schedules to school-year routines and parents are thinking about how to help their children start the year feeling prepared, confident, and excited to learn. Whether a child is heading into a classroom for the first time, building foundational skills at home, or looking for extra practice beyond the school day, ABCmouse gives families a research-backed way to make learning part of everyday life.

The campaign is also rooted in a reality parents know well: raising young children means making countless choices every day and wanting to feel confident those choices are helping them learn, grow, and thrive. As screen time becomes an increasingly common part of family life, ABCmouse is helping parents make that time count, giving children an experience they love while helping them build the skills they need for school and beyond.

"Back-to-school brings lots of excitement, but it also brings a lot of questions for parents: Is my child ready? Are they building the right skills? Am I doing enough to support them?" said Alex Galvagni, CEO of Age of Learning. "Parents already have enough to think about every day. We want ABCmouse to be the one choice they don't have to second-guess. Our goal has always been to combine the joy and engagement kids love with meaningful learning that parents and educators can trust. This partnership with Mandy is about giving families confidence that even a small moment in a busy day can become a chance for their child to learn and grow."

Moore, a singer, actress, producer, and working mother of three young children, brings a deeply relatable perspective to the campaign. Like parents everywhere, she is navigating busy schedules, changing routines, and decisions about how and when her children use screens.

"As a parent, I want my kids to be excited about learning and to develop that love of learning early on," said Mandy Moore. "What I love about ABCmouse is that they're having fun and are engaged, while I know they're building important skills. It's screen time I can feel really good about."

The campaign will roll out across ABCmouse's YouTube and social channels, with a series of videos featuring Moore delivering her signature warmth and candor while sharing reflections on working motherhood, screen time, and the everyday choices parents make to support their children's learning, along with playful social content inspired by her Y2K roots.

At the center of the campaign is ABCmouse's research-backed learning experience, which offers more than 13,000 activities for children ages 2–8 in a safe, ad-free environment built just for kids. Its curriculum helps children strengthen foundational skills across key subjects while fostering the confidence and curiosity that can help set the stage for future learning.

Research shows ABCmouse can make a meaningful difference in children's learning. In a randomized controlled trial, children who used ABCmouse demonstrated more than twice the growth in reading and math skills compared with children who did not use the program^[1]. For parents, that means greater confidence that their children are building skills that can help them feel more prepared for the school year ahead.

The back-to-school campaign marks ABCmouse's first celebrity spokesperson partnership and reflects the brand's continued commitment to supporting families with high-quality learning experiences they can trust. At a time when parents have more digital options than ever, ABCmouse helps make one choice easier: giving children screen time that is engaging, purposeful, and grounded in learning.

ABCmouse is available for free on iOS, Android, Amazon, and desktop browsers. Families can download the app or get started at ABCmouse.com.

About ABCmouse

ABCmouse® is the most downloaded kids' education app and the most comprehensive digital learning program for children ages 2–8. Developed by Age of Learning, ABCmouse delivers a research-backed curriculum spanning reading, math, science, coding, and life skills through more than 13,000 games, activities, books, and videos. Research shows ABCmouse doubles early learning gains in reading and math*, giving children the foundational skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. ABCmouse is available on iOS, Android, Amazon, and desktop browsers.

*Randomized control trial conducted by Age of Learning. PreK children used ABCmouse for at least 2 days/week and for at least 1 hour per week. Go to www.aofl.com/research for more information.

About Age of Learning

Age of Learning® is the leading developer of engaging and effective Pre-K through 2nd grade learning resources that help children build a strong foundation for academic success and a lifelong love of learning. The company's research-based curriculum, developed by education experts, includes the award-winning programs ABCmouse®, ABCmouse for Teachers, Adventure Academy®, as well as the adaptive, personalized school solutions, My Math Academy®, My Reading Academy®, and My Reading Academy Español®. Having served over 55 million children worldwide, Age of Learning is a global leader in efforts to advance equity, access, and opportunity for all children. To learn more about Age of Learning, visit AgeofLearning.com.

^[1] Randomized control trial conducted by Age of Learning. PreK children used ABCmouse for at least 2 days/week and for at least 1 hour per week. Go to www.aofl.com/research for more information.

Music Minute - West Coast Songwriters Conference (LA, 10/9-10/11)

 West Coast Songwriters will bring its songwriting community together for the 46th Annual West Coast Songwriters Conference, a three-day event at the Los Angeles College of Music, 307 S. Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena, CA. Tickets to the event are available HERE. 

Designed to educate, connect, and inspire songwriters at every stage of their careers, the annual conference will feature industry panels, one-on-one meetings, networking opportunities, a keynote presentation, and opportunities for attendees to share their music.

Panel speakers include Ben Kramer, head of artist and label development at YouTube; Lauren Christy, songwriter whose credits include Avril Lavigne, Hilary Duff, Jason Mraz, Bebe Rexha, Dua Lipa and Enrique Iglesias; Kasia “KC” Livingston, whose credits include Whitney Houston, the Pussycat Dolls, Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson and Jessie J and Heather Holley, whose credits include Christina Aguilera, Jackie Evancho and Skylar Grey.

“West Coast Songwriters has always been about bringing people together through the power of a great song. Our 46th Annual Conference is a celebration of that tradition while looking boldly toward the future of songwriting, music, and the industry. We’re creating a space where songwriters can learn from the best, make meaningful connections, and leave inspired to take the next step in their careers. I’m incredibly proud to lead WCS into this next chapter and to welcome our songwriting community to what I believe will be one of our most exciting conferences yet,” said Jen Adan, President, West Coast Songwriters.

The conference kicks off Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. with attendee registration and an open mic, giving songwriters an opportunity to connect and perform as the weekend gets underway.

Programming continues on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring educational panels, one-on-one meetings, and networking opportunities. Lunch is included with Saturday’s programming.

On Sunday, conference activities run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include a keynote presentation and a speed-networking round, providing attendees with additional opportunities to meet and engage with fellow songwriters and music industry professionals.

The weekend concludes Sunday evening with a wrap party at 7 p.m. at The Blue Room, 916 S. San Fernando Blvd. in Burbank.

For more than four decades, West Coast Songwriters has supported the development of songwriters by providing educational programs, performance opportunities, and access to music industry professionals. The annual conference continues that mission by creating an environment where aspiring and established songwriters can strengthen their craft, build relationships, and gain practical insight into an evolving music business.

About West Coast Songwriters:
West Coast Songwriters (WCS) was born from a shared passion for music and a belief in the power of song to inspire, connect, and transform lives. Our journey began with Patty and Michael Silvashire, who envisioned a supportive, collaborative community where songwriters could come together to hone their craft, share their stories, and find their voice.
Inspired by the rich musical heritage of the West Coast, our founding members set out to cultivate a vibrant community that celebrates creativity, fosters growth, and champions artistic expression. They envisioned a space where aspiring songwriters could find mentorship, resources, and opportunities to showcase their talent, regardless of their background or level of experience.
Driven by their commitment to excellence and innovation, WCS was born and embarked on a journey of exploration and discovery, embracing the diversity of musical genres and the richness of human experience. We recognized the importance of creating an inclusive and equitable environment where all songwriters feel welcomed, respected, and supported on their creative journey.
With dedication, perseverance, and a shared sense of purpose, we laid the foundation for West Coast Songwriters, shaping it into a dynamic community that continues to inspire, empower, and uplift songwriters from coast to coast. As we continue to evolve and grow, we remain steadfast in our founding principles, guided by our passion for music and our belief in the transformative power of song. WCS is a 501(c)(3) Organization.

Music Minute - Cole Swindell: Bronco

Multi-platinum selling superstar Cole Swindell chronicles his search for his late father's one-of-a-kind truck he and his brothers grew up with in “Bronco,” available everywhere. Written by Swindell alongside Lauren Hungate, Seth Mosely and Jameson Rodgers, the infectious anthem taps into the nostalgic, feel-good emotion Swindell is best known for, introducing a new summer-ready track to fans.   The special song went from “what if” to reality when Swindell sent his brothers the demo, inspiring them to track down their dad's old Bronco. Swindell's brothers surprised him with the car on the emotional music video set of “Girl Dad,” which honors all the moments he wishes he could share with his late father: meeting his wife, Courtney, and having his daughter, Rainey. The sentimental moment brought back all the joyful memories that inspired “Bronco” in the first place – watch here.    “I had no clue when I found this old picture of me and my brothers standing with our Dad by his old Bronco just how many memories it would bring back,” shares Swindell. “It was a huge part of my childhood, and something I've always wanted to find and restore. When my brothers surprised me with it, it was a moment I never thought I'd see and now one that I'll never forget. I'm so grateful for the memories we made with my Dad in that car, and I'm so excited to share this song with you all and sing it out on the road together.”   LISTEN: “BRONCO”   Today's release comes just days before the birthday of Swindell's late father, Keith, and follows the 10-year anniversary of You Should Be Here, the deeply personal title track written in the wake of his passing. It also comes on the heels of “Girl Dad,” Swindell's current single released in June. The “tender ballad” (Country Now) recently impacted airwaves, notching No. 1 most added at Country radio and marking Swindell's highest add date of his career.    Known for his mega-hits like “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” “Chillin' It,” “Ain't Worth The Whiskey” and more, Swindell is no stranger to honoring the moments that mean the most to us in life. With 13 No. 1s as an artist and 14 as a songwriter, Swindell continues to solidify his place as a “proven hit-maker” (Rolling Stone) in country music.   Keep up with his upcoming announcements at coleswindell.com and on Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook.

ABOUT COLE SWINDELL: Country music superstar Cole Swindell, who Rolling Stone has called “a proven hit-maker,” has solidified himself as a hit songwriter, recording artist and headlining performer over the past 12 years. His debut single, “Forever To Me,” from his fifth studio album, Spanish Moss, became his 13th No. 1 single as an artist – 14th as a songwriter. 12 of Swindell's 13 No. 1's are certified Platinum by the RIAA with three being 3x Platinum (“Chillin' It,” “You Should Be Here” and “She Had Me At Heads Carolina”) and two being 2x Platinum (“Ain't Worth The Whiskey” and “Break Up In The End”).   Swindell, who The Tennessean called a “hard charging competitor armed with a mastery of the art of the craft, tirelessly looking for ways to improve his work” charted three back-to-back, Platinum-certified, multi-week No. 1 hits off his fourth studio album, Stereotype: “Single Saturday Night,” “Never Say Never” (with Lainey Wilson) and the five-week 3x Platinum chart-topper, “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” that garnered three ACM Awards for Single of the Year and Song of the Year (as songwriter and artist), an iHeart Music Award for Country Song of the Year and received a nomination for Musical Event of the Year for the duet remix with Jo Dee Messina at the 57th CMA Awards.   Swindell and his wife recently welcomed their first baby, Rainey, inspiring the release of his viral single, “Girl Dad.” The track recently impacted airwaves, notching No. 1 most added at Country radio and marking Swindell's highest career add day to date. The release is accompanied by an emotional music video that sees Swindell, Courtney and Rainey visiting his dad's gravesite, an ode to the memorable moment in the “You Should Be Here” music video, which is celebrating 10 years since its release this year.   For more information and upcoming tour dates, sign up for the Down Home Crew at www.ColeSwindell.com and follow Swindell on Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook.