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Kid Spark Education and Special Olympics Washington Partner to Launch New Early Childhood STEM and Literacy Curriculum

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WEBB CITY, Mo., Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kid Spark Education and Special Olympics Washington have partnered to develop a new early childhood STEM, literacy, and sports-themed curriculum for Pre-K through 1st grade learners.

The new curriculum is part of Kid Spark Education’s Early Childhood STEM & Literacy Program, which helps young learners build strong foundations in STEM and literacy through hands-on learning, engineering, problem solving, and invention during a critical stage of development.

Designed to support both academic and social-emotional growth, the curriculum integrates literacy, STEM, sport, and inclusion in age-appropriate ways that help children build confidence, communication skills, creativity, and a belief in their ability to learn and solve problems.

Each lesson begins with a sports-themed read-aloud that supports early literacy development. Students then explore how creativity, engineering, and thoughtful design can help make sports more inclusive and accessible for everyone. Lessons conclude with hands-on engineering and invention challenges where students design and build their own solutions using materials from Kid Spark’s Early Inventors STEM Lab.

The lessons build on the foundation of Special Olympics Washington’s Young Readers program, which uses children’s books to promote inclusion and belonging. By extending ideas introduced during the read-aloud into hands-on STEM challenges and design activities, the collaboration helps students connect literacy, engineering, creativity, and inclusive problem solving in meaningful and engaging ways.

“What excites me about this partnership is how intentionally this curriculum brings together STEM, literacy, sport, and inclusion in ways that are meaningful and accessible for young learners.

These lessons encourage students to read, explore, build, communicate, and problem solve while thinking about how creativity, engineering, and thoughtful design can help create more inclusive opportunities for everyone. Early childhood is a critical stage of development, and these are the kinds of learning experiences that help children build confidence, strong foundations in STEM and literacy, and a belief in their ability to learn, create, and solve problems.”

– Ryan Neden, Executive Director, Kid Spark Education

The curriculum is grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and aligned with social-emotional learning practices to help support a wide range of learners and learning environments.

Designed for classrooms, afterschool programs, and community settings, the curriculum is supported by a curated collection of children’s storybooks, hands-on engineering materials, adaptable lesson plans, and educator training and support.

“Our partnership with Kid Spark Education strengthens Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools by bringing inclusive STEM, literacy, in conjunction with sport to early learners by using adaptable tools to support a wide range of skills. It’s another powerful option we can offer schools to create meaningful, accessible, and socially inclusive opportunities for every student.”

– Morgan Larche, Director of Unified Schools, Special Olympics Washington

Learn more about the curriculum and explore the new inclusive STEM & literacy lessons here.

About Kid Spark Education

Kid Spark Education is a national nonprofit whose mission is to help ignite a love of STEM and literacy in all young learners. We design hands-on learning solutions that meet today’s students’ needs and expand access to STEM and literacy learning, especially for underserved communities.

Visit kidsparkeducation.org to learn more about our programs or explore how you can partner with Kid Spark to expand access to STEM and literacy learning for all students.

Media, Partnerships, Program Information, or Funding Inquiries:
Ryan Neden – Executive Director
Kid Spark Education
ryann@kidsparkeducation.org

About Special Olympics Washington

Special Olympics Washington is dedicated to promoting inclusion and respect through sport. By providing year-round training and competition opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics Washington builds communities where everyone belongs.

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SOURCE Kid Spark Education

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InventHelp Inventor Develops Next-Generation Smartphone Case for the Trades (LBT-9737)

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PITTSBURGH, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As an HVAC contractor, inventor Michael Alleyne recognized a critical gap in the market:  a lack of seamless integration between a tradesperson’s most essential tools and their most important piece of technology – their phone. His solution is The Tech Case System, an innovative and versatile phone case with an integrated module that revolutionizes on-the-job efficiency.

The original patent-pending design includes a battery-operated case that contains a mini screwdriver, a laser pointer, LED lights, a level, and a ruler. In addition, the case also integrates a laser temperature scanner and a laser tape measure for quick, accurate measurements. The true innovation lies in The Tech-Case System’s platform for future integration. The modular design is specifically engineered to incorporate features such as:  AI-powered diagnostics, IoT connectivity, and enhanced functionality. The Tech Case System transforms a simple tool into a powerful, intelligent platform and is designed to make work safer, faster, and more efficient for tradespeople and do-it-yourselfers.

The original design was submitted to the National sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 25-LBT-9737, InventHelp, 100 Beecham Drive, Suite 110, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9801, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp’s Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/inventhelp-inventor-develops-next-generation-smartphone-case-for-the-trades-lbt-9737-302845997.html

SOURCE InventHelp

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Breakthrough Protocol Test Solution for USB4® 120Gb/s Asymmetric Link Analysis

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Teledyne LeCroy’s Voyager M4120 sets a new benchmark for USB protocol analysis with full support for USB4® Version 2.0

MILPITAS, Calif., Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Teledyne LeCroy Inc., the global leader in protocol test solutions, today announced the availability of the Voyager M4120 Protocol Analyzer/Exerciser, the world’s only solution supporting next-generation USB4® Gen 4 120Gb/s Asymmetric Link emulation and analysis. This new flagship system equips engineering teams with the visibility and capabilities needed to test, debug, analyze, and verify USB4 Gen 4 120Gb/s hosts and devices throughout the product development lifecycle. The all-new Voyager M4120 also provides numerous selectable views allowing the user to quickly and easily identify information of interest and resolve any issues that are contained in the data capture. 

The USB4 Version 2.0 specification introduces a revolutionary new feature in USB technology – Asymmetric Link configurations. In this configuration, the two directions of the connection operate at different lane rates. One direction transmits at the full 120Gb/s over three lanes while the opposite direction transmits a lower rate, such as 40Gb/s on just one lane. This enables systems and devices to dynamically provide more bandwidth for high-throughput applications, such as tunneled Ultra‑High Bit Rate (UHBR) DisplayPort 2.1 real-time video processing workloads.

“USB4 Version 2.0 represents a major step forward for the industry, delivering higher performance and more dynamic link behavior than previous generations,” said Jeff Ravencraft, President & COO of the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF). “Tools like the Voyager M4120 give developers the visibility they need to validate Asymmetric Link characteristics and ensure robust interoperability as these advanced capabilities enter the market.”

About the Voyager M4120 Protocol Analyzer

The Voyager M4120 is engineered from the ground up to capture and decode USB Gen 4 120Gb/s Asymmetric Links, fully supporting the USB4 Version 2.0 specification. The analyzer reveals what actually happens during Asymmetric Link bring up and operation—from how devices decide lane roles and rates to how links adapt dynamically under real workloads. Powerful software features, including a hierarchical display, protocol traffic summaries, detailed error reports and an automation API enable developers to quickly visualize protocol activity and streamline troubleshooting efforts. Built on a flexible architecture, the Voyager M4120 is designed to expand with emerging workflows, including asymmetric traffic generation and USB-IF compliance test capabilities as they become available, helping early adopters accelerate development and improve interoperability for the next wave of high speed USB4 connectivity. Fully backward compatible with legacy Gen 3, Gen 2 and Gen 1 USB links, the Voyager M4120 can seamlessly address the past, present, and future of USB protocol testing.

Availability

The Teledyne LeCroy Voyager M4120 protocol analyzer can be ordered now. For additional information, contact Teledyne LeCroy at 1-800-5LeCroy (1-800-553-2769) or visit Teledyne LeCroy’s web site at https://www.teledynelecroy.com/protocolanalyzer/usb-voyager-m4120.

About Teledyne LeCroy

Teledyne LeCroy is a leading manufacturer of advanced oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, and other test instruments that verify performance, validate compliance, and debug complex electronic systems quickly and thoroughly. Since its founding in 1964, the Company has focused on incorporating powerful tools into innovative products that enhance “Time-to-Insight”. Faster time to insight enables users to rapidly find and fix defects in complex electronic systems, dramatically improving time-to-market for a wide variety of applications and end markets. Teledyne LeCroy is based in Chestnut Ridge, N.Y. For more information, visit Teledyne LeCroy’s website at teledynelecroy.com.

© 2026 by Teledyne LeCroy. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice. USB4®, USB Type-C®, USB-C® and USB 2.0 Type-C® are registered trademarks of the USB Implementers Forum.

Technical contact: Chetan Kopalle – Product Marketing Manager 408-273-5684
Customer contact: Teledyne LeCroy PSG Customer Care Center 800-909-7211
Website: https://www.teledynelecroy.com   

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SOURCE Teledyne LeCroy

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Jorge Couto Named to Forbes Business Council; Debuts Thought Leadership Article on Turning Insight into Action

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Securitas North America Division President joins invitation-only community of business leaders and shares perspectives on leadership, decision-making and organizational performance in his first Forbes Business Council article.

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Securitas North America today announced that Jorge Couto, Division President, Securitas North America, has been accepted into the Forbes Business Council, an invitation-only organization for accomplished business leaders and executives. As part of his membership, Couto recently published his first thought-leadership article, “The Leadership Gap Between Insight and Action,” on the Forbes Councils platform.

“Organizations today have more information than ever before, but information alone does not drive results.” Jorge Couto

In the article, Couto examines a challenge facing organizations across industries: the inability to consistently translate data and insights into timely, effective action. Drawing on more than 26 years of leadership experience in operational transformation and business growth, he argues that successful organizations distinguish themselves not by access to information, but by their ability to empower leaders, clarify decision-making responsibilities, and foster cultures of accountability and trust.

“Organizations today have more information than ever before, but information alone does not drive results,” said Couto. “The real opportunity lies in creating environments where leaders are trusted and equipped to make informed decisions quickly, learn from outcomes and transform insights into meaningful action.”

In “The Leadership Gap Between Insight and Action,” Couto highlights several key themes, including the importance of clearly defined ownership, leadership development, confidence in decision-making and organizational cultures that encourage learning rather than blame. He notes that businesses that can effectively move from data to insight, from insight to action, and from action to learning are better positioned to compete in rapidly changing markets.

Forbes Business Council is recognized as a premier growth and networking organization for successful business owners and leaders. Through the Council, members contribute expert insights on leadership, strategy, innovation, and business performance to a global audience of executives and decision-makers.

Couto’s article, “The Leadership Gap Between Insight and Action,” was published on July 21, 2026, and is available on Securitas and the Forbes Councils platform.

Jorge Couto Byline

Jorge Couto serves as Division President of Securitas North America. Throughout his career, he has led operational transformation, organizational growth, and leadership development initiatives across complex, multinational business environments.

Media Contact
Ahlilah Longmire, Securitas USA, 1 973-791-3343, Ahlilah.Longmire@securitasinc.com, www.securitasinc.com

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SOURCE Securitas USA

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