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Friday, February 27, 2026
Thrifty Thinking - Best Cities for DIY Outdoor Weddings
Music Minute - Bree Taylor: Worship
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Canadian country-rock powerhouse Bree Taylor announces the arrival of her most ambitious and defiant work to date, the electrifying new single and title track from her upcoming album, "Worship." Out now, the project marks a triumphant milestone in Taylor’s career, blending country grit with a rock-driven edge and unapologetic storytelling. Recorded at the prestigious Saxman Studios in Nashville, the track features the world-class production of Grady Saxman—famed for his work with Luke Combs and Jelly Roll—resulting in a sassy but strong and confident punch that perfectly encapsulates Taylor’s signature Country sound.
The single "Worship" serves as a sonic manifesto for an artist who has fully stepped into her creative clarity and self-worth. Lyrically, the song is an infectious, female-forward anthem that demands the respect and devotion Taylor knows she brings to every partnership. As she powerfully declares in the chorus: “Know ya gotta Earn it / Cause I know I’m worth it / You gotta worship, worship, worship”. This release represents the final chapter of a transformative period of self-discovery, moving toward a future defined by confidence and a refusal to settle for anything less than excellence.
Taylor’s sophisticated artistic evolution seamlessly weaves her rock and punk roots into the fabric of modern country storytelling. This genre-blurring approach has allowed her to rediscover herself on her own terms, creating a pivotal piece of her journey that resonates with audiences craving grit and honesty. By blending raw energy with heartfelt vulnerability, Taylor is redefining the modern country landscape and proving that resilience and passion can truly defy limits.
Adding to the momentum, Taylor’s rapid rise in the industry is backed by major recognition, including an Established Vocalist MARTY Award and a Civic Award for her contributions to the Arts community. Having recently performed on the national stage at CMA Fest in Nashville and opened for stars like Jade Eagleson and Sawyer Brown, she has cemented her reputation as one of Canada’s most magnetic live performers. Her breakout single “Standing Still” previously surpassed 300,000 Spotify streams and generated over 2 million social video views, signaling a massive and loyal digital audience ready for this next phase.
With the release of "Worship," Taylor is not only sharing her story but inviting her listeners to find their own strength and value. This project is a deeply personal representation of a seasoned artist poised for the international stage, armed with powerhouse vocals and a relentless drive to inspire.
As she looks ahead to the next phase of her career, Taylor remains a fearless force in country-rock, committed to constant growth and the celebration of authentic, loud, and honest music.
Smart Safety - National Snow Guards Safety Month
For the second year, Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc., a leader in the snow retention industry, is hosting National Snow Guards Safety Month during the month of March. The focus on the importance of snow guards for property owners living in areas with accumulating snowfall and the safety value of snow retention products are the primary goals of the monthlong educational program.
“A properly installed and well-maintained snow guard system on a home can help save lives and prevent property damage,” according to Brian Cross, operations manager at Rocky Mountain Snow Guards out of Englewood, CO. “Accumulating snow on roofs can come sliding off in one mass sheet. This is dangerous for people, pets and landscaping below.”
Check and Double-Check
Cross recommends that homeowners with snow guards or a snow retention system have the installation inspected annually to ensure the system remains properly secured and functioning as designed.
"If your area has seen snow activity during the past winter months, then contact your roofer to conduct a complete inspection of your snow retention system and roof," says Cross. "You want to make certain that accumulating snowfalls have not moved any of your snow guards. Additionally, while on the roof, your contractor can inspect your roof and make sure everything is solidly in place to perform at its peak during the coming year.”
What are Snow Guards?
Snow guards are sturdy pieces designed to be attached to a roof, usually in specific patterns, to help prevent snow from sliding down in a “snow blanket” as the snow melts. The snow guards can be made of plastic, metal, copper, aluminum or even rubber. They can be attached at the time a roof is installed or retrofitted years after the roof is in place.
The experts at Rocky Mountain Snow Guards manufacture snow guards and create plans for where they should be placed on a roof for maximum benefit. They take into consideration the areas with the most potential exposure where people least wish to see snow drop off in large masses, such as door entryways, driveways, walkways and decks. And they use scientific configurations related to the roof slope, roof snow load and other factors. Even the type of materials on the roof (such as asphalt, composite, metal or slate roofing) factor into the calculations.
Avalanche Experts Weigh In
In a joint statement from the National Avalanche Center and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) in support of National Snow Guards Safety Month, Theresa Blake Graven, Public Information Officer said, “Roof avalanches pose a serious risk every year in mountain communities. It’s critical to stay aware of snow-loaded roofs, minimize time spent beneath them, and keep a shovel nearby in case of an emergency.”
The CAIC reports that 1,095 avalanches have been recorded in Colorado so far this season. Over the past 30 years, five people have died in roof avalanches in Colorado, with many more injuries and close calls documented. The most recent fatal roof avalanche in Colorado occurred on March 16, 2023, when a father and two children were buried. Tragically, one child died.
CAIC advises people to watch for thick snow buildup on roofs, avoid spending time directly beneath roof edges, and keep entryways clear.
The Cost of Saying No to Snow Guards
Snow guards are all about being proactive in keeping people and property safe from falling snow and ice. In addition, the snow guards can help reduce ice dams and gutter damage during severe winter weather.
Not having a well-installed snow guard system can lead to catastrophic damage, potential injuries, liability claims and insurance problems. Being proactive and having snow guards can keep you from paying avalanche-related insurance claims, repairing damaged roofing and constantly worrying during the winter season. Homeowners can gain peace of mind along with knowing their property is protected by installing and maintaining a snow guard system.
Homeowner Resources
- Snow Retention FAQ
- Q&A: Do I Really Need Snow Guards?
- Retrofitting Snow Guards on Your Roof
- Podcast: Snow Retention 101
- “No Maintenance Guarantee” on Snow Retention Products
Rocky Mountain Snow Guards, Inc. manufactures snow guards and fence-style snow retention systems designed to protect people and property. The company offers free layouts and quotes for product placement, plus free training for roofing contractors and architects. Metal products are warrantied for 50 years. Proud Corporate Partner of Freedom Service Dogs and founder of National Snow Guards Safety Month. For details visit www.rockymountainsnowguards.
Money Matters - Cities with the Most Credit Cards
As credit card debt continues to rise, fueled by inflation and high interest rates, the personal-finance company WalletHub has published an updated report on the Cities With the Most Credit Cards, to highlight areas that may face greater financial vulnerability this year.
To identify the cities with the fastest-growing credit card ownership, WalletHub analyzed its latest consumer-finance data based on four key metrics. These included the average number of cards owned per person, the average number of new cards opened per person in Q4 2025, and the percentage change in both from Q4 2024.
| Most Credit Cards | Fewest Credit Cards |
| 1. Henderson, NV | 91. Colorado Springs, CO |
| 2. St. Louis, MO | 92. Bakersfield, CA |
| 3. Garland, TX | 93. Boston, MA |
| 4. Irvine, CA | 94. Chandler, AZ |
| 5. Anaheim, CA | 95. Wichita, KS |
| 6. Santa Clarita, CA | 96. San Francisco, CA |
| 7. Chesapeake, VA | 97. Irving, TX |
| 8. Hialeah, FL | 98. Newark, NJ |
| 9. Durham, NC | 99. Seattle, WA |
| 10. St. Petersburg, FL | 100. Glendale, CA |
For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/
“There isn’t a magic number of credit cards you should have in your wallet. It’s good to own multiple cards if you can manage them well, by paying on time, keeping your credit utilization low and waiting at least six months between applications. However, if you’re opening new cards simply to spend beyond your means, you’ll quickly find many cards hard to manage.”
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“Henderson, NV ranks first because residents own a lot of cards and are adding new accounts quickly. Henderson residents opened more credit cards than people in any other city but one during Q4 2025, at 1.4 cards on average. People in Henderson own an average of 6.2 credit cards, which is more than the average in all but five other cities. Therefore, it's crucial that residents avoid overspending and make sure they pay all of their bills on time each month.”
- John Kiernan, WalletHub Editor
More From WalletHub
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Fun Freetime - The Wizard of Oz (CTC - MN)
Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is thrilled to announce the complete cast and creative team for the upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz, based on the classic motion picture. Directed by CTC Artistic Director Rick Dildine†, with music direction and orchestrations by Victor Zupanc and choreography by Christopher Windom, The Wizard of Oz will run from April 21-June 14, 2026, on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. Opening night is Friday, April 24, 2026, at 7pm.
‡Member of the Twin Cities Musician Union, Local 30-73, AFM.
By L. Frank Baum
Music Direction and Orchestrations by Victor Zupanc
Choreography by Christopher Windom†
UnitedHealth Group Stage
Best for all ages
Book Nook - Hettie and Friends in the Fens and Hettie in the Fens: Some Further Stories
In Hettie and Friends in the Fens and its sequel, Hettie in the Fens: Some Further Stories, author Mick Price introduces readers to a quietly enchanting world where community, humour, and gentle adventure shape everyday life. Set in the Fens, the books follow Hettie and her circle of friends through a series of short, engaging tales that reflect family life, school, and growing up.
Rather than relying on high drama, the stories draw their strength from warmth and observation. The Fenland setting is more than a backdrop. It is an active presence throughout the series, grounding each adventure in a recognisable and much-loved landscape. Written in an accessible style suitable for early readers and adults alike, the books balance simplicity with wit, appealing to readers across generations.
Synopsis
Hettie and Friends in the Fens introduces readers to Hettie’s world through ten short, quirky stories that serve as snapshots of childhood. Everyday moments quietly turn into adventures, whether that involves a shopping trip with Mum or Dad, a seaside holiday, a gentle cruise along a Broads river, or an activities day at school.
Set firmly in the English Fens, the stories celebrate the small dramas and delights of growing up. Each vignette captures the curious, humorous, and occasionally baffling logic of modern childhood, where ordinary days often take an interesting turn.
The sequel, Hettie in the Fens: Some Further Stories, picks up where the first book leaves off. There are fewer stories this time, but they are longer, allowing each adventure more space to unfold, linger, and draw readers further into Hettie’s world. Hettie is a little older now, with a growing sense of self-awareness, yet the gentle humour remains. The pace and scope expand, showing once again that even the most ordinary days in the Fens rarely end as they begin.
“Having spent my life in education, I wanted to write stories that invite children into reading without pressure,” says Price. “The Hettie books grew from a love of storytelling, place, and the belief that gentle humour and warmth can make reading feel like a pleasure rather than a task.”
He continues, “Hettie and Friends in the Fens is written for parents and children aged seven to thirteen who enjoy reading together, particularly at bedtime. The short stories are designed to help children drift off feeling safe and comforted. In the second book, Hettie is older and more self-aware, giving the stories a slightly more mature perspective while retaining the same warmth and humour.”
The Hettie series has earned strong ratings on Amazon, with readers praising its humour, recognisable settings, and appeal to both children and parents. One reviewer of Hettie and Friends in the Fens writes, “What a fantastic book! If you live in the Fens around Wisbech, Spalding, King's Lynn you'll be familiar with the area and identify with the stories. My kids love the book. The quirkiness of the stories, references to modern technology, family relationships, school and growing up is rife and so relevant…”
Hettie and Friends in the Fens is available on Amazon:
https://amzn.eu/d/g0pgjUf
Hettie in the Fens: Some Further Stories is available on Amazon:
https://amzn.eu/d/21wpCAJ
About the Author
Mick Price is a retired teacher and college lecturer in Mathematics and IT, with a career spanning both public and private sectors, including Local Government and further education. He has taught subjects ranging from basic skills numeracy to degree-level mathematics. He has a long-standing interest in developing educational resources, particularly for GCSE re-take students and adult learners. His previous publications include GCSE Mathematics – A Guide for Re-takers and Adults, as well as other educational texts and articles.
Motivated by a desire to encourage young people to read for pleasure, Price turned to children’s fiction later in life, resulting in the Hettie series. Now retired and living in the Fens with his wife, he enjoys writing, real ale, bird spotting, and attempting to avoid politics. He holds a BA (Hons) in Mathematics, an Advanced Diploma in Teaching, a Master’s Degree in Education, and is a Fellow of the Institute for Learning.
Music Minute - LeAnn Rimes: Wild Things Run
Written and produced by Rimes alongside her longtime friend, collaborator, and hitmaker Darrell Brown, “Wild Things Run” captures the raw essence of youth: reckless hope, conviction, and the fire that fuels becoming.
Rimes shares of the personal creative process, saying:
“When I read that scene in 9-1-1: Nashville, I could feel Dixie at twenty so clearly, who she was before the world shaped her. That edge, the wild belief, the innocence and fire all at once. The title Wild Things Run just came to me after sitting with the script. After talking with Rashad [Raisani] about what he wanted the song to emotionally convey in the montage, it just poured out. And when I went in to record young Dixie’s vocal after the scene was filmed, I softened my voice, took out most of the bottom end to make it sound a bit younger, which brought the whole scene to life for me.”
The single further blurs the line between Rimes’ artistry and her on-screen presence, marking a standout creative moment as music and storytelling collide.
“Wild Things Run” is available now on all streaming platforms. For more information on Rimes, please visit www.leannrimes.com.
About LeAnn Rimes: LeAnn Rimes is an internationally acclaimed, multi-platinum-selling artist whose genre-defying career has spanned nearly three decades. She has released 21 albums and 71 singles to radio worldwide, including her latest, All I Want for Christmas Is You, which is currently the #1 Holiday Single of the Year (Mediabase Holiday Chart) and featured on her newly released Greatest Hits: Christmas album.
Beyond her recording and performance career, Rimes continues to use her platform to advocate for mental health awareness, LGBTQ+ rights, anti-bullying, and chronic illness visibility. Her wellness podcast, Wholly Human, reached #2 on iTunes’ Health & Fitness chart and has been widely praised for its depth and vulnerability.
With a voice that has defined an era and a spirit that continues to evolve, LeAnn Rimes remains a singular force—bridging genres, generations, and global audiences with every new chapter.
Soul Sustenance - The Christ
Faith Podcast Network announces THE CHRIST, a groundbreaking four-part audio podcast masterpiece that brings the gospel narrative vividly to life, from the humble manger to the victorious resurrection. Through world-class voice talent, cinematic soundscapes, stirring music, and theological integrity, THE CHRIST invites listeners to experience the story of Jesus like never before. THE CHRIST will release four episodes during Holy Week, beginning with Episode 1 on March 30, with one new episode released each day through April 2, making the full series available ahead of Good Friday, April 3. Listeners will be able to access THE CHRIST for free wherever they get their podcasts or TheChristPodcast.com. This audio dramatization is the first-ever full-scale audio dramatization of Jesus’ life told across four immersive podcast episodes. Spanning His birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection, the series delivers the scope and emotional depth of a feature film entirely through sound. “Many have heard the story of Jesus preached, read it in Scripture, or seen it portrayed on screens large and small,” said Mark Ramsey, Co-director and Producer of THE CHRIST. “Through immersive sound, original production, and performances from stellar, award-winning actors, THE CHRIST brings listeners inside the moments that changed the world. This four-part audio epic invites audiences to hear the Gospel with fresh ears and experience the hope, love, sacrifice, and redemption at the heart of the story.” |
With more than 100 distinct characters and advanced sound design, THE CHRIST showcases cinematic-quality production that rivals major motion pictures, compressing an epic, two-hour storytelling experience into four powerful episodes. Every scene is rooted in biblical truth and crafted with care to awaken the imagination, stir the heart, and guide listeners through a profound spiritual journey. “We are incredibly excited to launch THE CHRIST, a project that reflects our heart and legacy”, said Faith Media Manager, Karisa Rogers. “For more than seven decades, we have shared the story of Jesus in ways that reach people where they are, and we believe this immersive audio experience has the power to impact lives, deepen faith, and introduce new audiences to the hope found in Christ. “ For more information, visit THECHRISTPODCAST.COM. About THE CHRIST Podcast From the courts of Rome to the hills of Galilee, from prophecy to resurrection, THE CHRIST chronicles the life, death, and triumph of Jesus of Nazareth — the man who turned suffering into salvation and forever changed the meaning of love, power, and grace. About Faith Media Faith Media is a part of the Northwestern Media Network, which has provided Faith-based content since 1949. Faith Media reaches audiences across the nation and globally through radio, podcasts, video content, and digital resources. Faith Media's Faith Podcast Network offers exclusive programs, inspiring stories, and meaningful conversations that take listeners deeper in their relationship with Jesus. Learn more at myfaithpodcasts.com. |
Smart Safety - Danger Index of Neighborhoods
New research by personal injury and criminal defense firm Omega Law Group has identified the most dangerous states in America for neighborhood safety, with New Mexico claiming the top spot by a significant margin. The study ranked all 50 states using a danger index built from two core metrics: home crimes per 100,000 residents and park crimes per 100,000 residents.
New Mexico leads the rankings with a danger index score of 82.9, the highest score of any state in the country. Its home crime rate of 3,465.75 per 100,000 residents is nearly 65% higher than the next closest state, suggesting that residential crime is a particularly serious problem there. The state's park crime rate of 69.57 per 100,000 adds further weight to an already alarming picture.
Colorado and Delaware both score 68.7 on the danger index, placing them joint second in the rankings. Colorado records 2,098.94 home crimes per 100,000 residents and a high park crime rate of 85.24. Delaware, by contrast, posts a much higher home crime rate of 2,683.43 per 100,000 but a lower park crime figure of 68.9 per 100,000.
Utah comes in third with a danger index score of 68.5, driven largely by a park crime rate of 94.98 per 100,000. Its home crime rate stands at 1,737.34 per 100,000.
Oregon ranks fourth with a danger index of 67.2. The state records 1,601.81 home crimes per 100,000 residents and a park crime rate of 96.7, the highest park crime rate of any state in the top ten.
Washington takes fifth place, scoring 63.1 on the danger index, with 2,126.05 home crimes per 100,000 residents and a park crime rate of 75.61.
Nevada follows in sixth with a danger index score of 61.6 and a home crime rate of 2,425.49 per 100,000, reflecting a pattern of high residential crime that keeps it firmly in the upper tier of the rankings.
Arizona ranks seventh with a danger index score of 57, with 1,681.19 home crimes and 78.44 park crimes per 100,000 residents.
South Dakota sits in eighth place with a score of 55.1, posting 1,924.45 home crimes per 100,000 and a park crime rate of 68.59.
Rounding out the top ten, Tennessee records a danger index score of 51.8, with one of the higher home crime rates in the dataset at 2,733.73 per 100,000 residents, paired with a park crime rate of just 40.87. And finally, North Dakota is tenth with a score of 50.8.
The ten most dangerous states for neighborhood safety
| Rank | State | Home Crimes per 100k | Park Crimes per 100k | Danger Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Mexico (NM) | 3,465.75 | 69.57 | 82.9 |
| =2 | Colorado (CO) | 2,098.94 | 85.24 | 68.7 |
| =2 | Delaware (DE) | 2,683.43 | 68.90 | 68.7 |
| 3 | Utah (UT) | 1,737.34 | 94.98 | 68.5 |
| 4 | Oregon (OR) | 1,601.81 | 96.70 | 67.2 |
| 5 | Washington (WA) | 2,126.05 | 75.61 | 63.1 |
| 6 | Nevada (NV) | 2,425.49 | 65.00 | 61.6 |
| 7 | Arizona (AZ) | 1,681.19 | 78.44 | 57.0 |
| 8 | South Dakota (SD) | 1,924.45 | 68.59 | 55.1 |
| 9 | Tennessee (TN) | 2,733.73 | 40.87 | 51.8 |
| 10 | North Dakota (ND) | 2,471.92 | 46.56 | 50.8 |
At the other end of the rankings, a cluster of northeastern states record the lowest Danger Index scores in the country. New Jersey ranks as the safest state of all, with a score of just 12.3, a home crime rate of 1,037.23 per 100,000 and a park crime rate of 25.56.
Maine ranks second safest with a danger index score of 12.4, a home crime rate of 1,245.23 per 100,000, and a park crime rate of 19.92.
West Virginia ranks third from the bottom with a danger index score of 14.0 and a park crime rate of 17.55 per 100,000, the lowest park crime figure recorded across all 50 states. Its home crime rate of 1,424.18 per 100,000 places it in the mid-range of the dataset.
Massachusetts ranks as the fourth safest state with a score of 15.6, recording 1,377.11 home crimes per 100,000 and a park crime rate of 21.42.
New Hampshire ranks fifth from the bottom with a score of 17.3, with 1,229.13 home crimes per 100,000 and a park crime rate of 28.20.
The five safest states for neighborhood safety
| Rank | State | Home Crimes per 100k | Park Crimes per 100k | Danger Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey (NJ) | 1,037.23 | 25.56 | 12.3 |
| 2 | Maine (ME) | 1,245.23 | 19.92 | 12.4 |
| 3 | West Virginia (WV) | 1,424.18 | 17.55 | 14.0 |
| 4 | Massachusetts (MA) | 1,377.11 | 21.42 | 15.6 |
| 5 | New Hampshire (NH) | 1,229.13 | 28.20 | 17.3 |
A spokesperson from Omega Law Group commented on the findings:
"These numbers tell a story that goes beyond state borders. The gap between New Mexico's Danger Index of 82.9 and New Jersey's 12.3 is the kind of difference that shapes everyday decisions and how communities invest in public safety.
"For residents in high-ranking states, it's worth looking at what types of crime are driving the figures in your area. A state like Oregon has the highest park crime rate in this dataset at 96.7 per 100,000, which is a very different problem to solve than a state like Kansas, where home crimes account for the bulk of the danger picture at 2,865.15 per 100,000.
"Knowing the nature of the risk helps people make more targeted decisions about personal safety; whether that's securing property, being more alert in public spaces, or understanding what local law enforcement is prioritizing.
"States in the Northeast consistently have lower index scores, with New Jersey, Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire all sitting at the bottom of the rankings. That regional pattern suggests there are systemic factors at play such as urban planning, policing strategies, and community investment, which all feed into these numbers over time. No single policy fixes this overnight, but the data gives a clear starting point for the conversations that need to happen."
Post courtesy omegalaw.com
Methodology
The Danger Index was calculated using two metrics for each state: home crimes per 100,000 residents and park crimes per 100,000 residents. Each metric was scored and combined to produce a composite Danger Index for all 50 U.S. states. States were then ranked from highest (most dangerous) to lowest (least dangerous) based on their Danger Index score.