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Learning Resources® Family of Brands Expands Back-to-School Toy Assortment at Target

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Curated selection gives families and educators easier access to screen-free toys that support foundational learning skills through play

VERNON HILLS, Ill., July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Learning Resources® Family of Brands, pioneers in educational toys and hands-on learning tools for over 60 years, is expanding its availability at Target ahead of the back-to-school season. The increased assortment from Learning Resources®, Educational Insights®, and hand2mind® include learning toys and tools designed to support key classroom and at-home learning moments.

The product lineup includes hands-on learning tools designed to support early literacy, phonics, math, STEM, confidence-building, social-emotional learning, and independent learning. These items have long been part of the brands’ portfolios, and some are returning favorites in Target’s back-to-school assortment. With expanded availability this season, more families and educators can access trusted learning tools for homes and classrooms.

Learning Resources®
Learning Resources’ Target back-to-school assortment features educational toys and tools that help children build school-readiness skills, including early literacy, phonics, math, time and money concepts, problem-solving, and self-regulation. Products include:

Money Activity Set (Ages 5+ | $18.89): Realistic play coins, bills, price tags, and activity cards help children practice counting, adding, subtracting, and making change.MathLink® Cubes Early Math Activity Set (Ages 4+ | $14.99): Children explore addition, subtraction, and early math concepts through tactile play with 100 vibrant cubes and 15 double-sided activity cards featuring 30 challenges.Time Activity Set (Ages 5+ | $14.99): Kids learn to identify the hour and minute hands, understand the difference between analog and digital time, and practice telling time to the hour and half-hour.Skill Builders! Multiplication Quiz Wheel (Ages 7+ | $10.19): Kids practice multiplication by spinning to a math equation, solving it, and flipping the card to check the answer.Skill Builders! Sight Words Quiz Wheel (Ages 5+ | $12.29): Beginner readers practice sight words by spinning to a word and building early reading confidence.Skill Builders! Smart Stickers – Colors, Numbers & Shapes (Ages 3+ | $8.59): Kids practice counting, colors, and shapes through reusable 3D puffy stickers and ready-to-use activity pages.Skill Builders! Smart Stickers – Letters & Phonics (Ages 3+ | $9.59): Kids practice early alphabet and phonics skills through reusable 3D puffy stickers and interactive activity pages.Cool Down Cubes Sensory Fidget Set (Ages 4+ | $9.49): Includes four calming sensory cubes with different fidget actions – squeeze the slow-rise foam, spin the spinner, solve the maze, and sift the falling beads – to help kids reset, refocus, and self-regulate.

Educational Insights®
Educational Insights’ Target back-to-school assortment includes literacy and language products that spark curiosity, support reading readiness, and help children build confidence as they learn. Products include:

Lowercase Alphabet BubbleBrix™ (Ages 3+ | $16.89): Kids build alphabet recognition, letter sounds, and early reading readiness as they pop, snap, and connect lowercase letter blocks to form simple CVC words.Sentence Building Dominoes (Ages 6+ | $19.26): Kids practice reading, parts of speech, and sentence formation with tactile dominoes featuring parts of speech and punctuation.ABC Arc Mat AlphaMagnets® Set (Ages 3+ | $17.69): Children build key early literacy skills through magnetic, hands-on play, from letter matching and recognition to spelling and phonics.

hand2mind®
hand2mind’s Target back-to-school lineup includes learning products spanning literacy, math, STEM, sensory play, and social-emotional learning. Products include:

Express Your Feelings® Sensory Bottles (Ages 3+ | $22.99): Give children a quiet, hands-on way to identify their emotions and explore their feelings! These four engaging bottles embody an emotion with expressive faces, colors, and liquid insides. Collect all the Express Your Feelings® Sensory Bottles from the second and third set as well.Math Practice Boards: Boost math confidence with these tactile, hands-on, self-checking boards. Each board includes 81 equations for independent multiplication, addition, and subtraction practice.Multiplication Practice Board (Ages 7+ | $16.99)Addition Practice Board (Ages 5+ | $17.99)Subtraction Practice Board (Ages 5+ | $17.99)Letter Tracing Sensory Pad (Ages 3-6 | $16.99): Now in new, open-face packaging, the Letter Tracing Sensory Pad encourages young learners to practice letter formation and build fine motor skills through engaging, multisensory exploration.

hand2mind also offers a lineup of new and exclusive back-to-school products at Target, including classroom-ready tools created with its teacher-author partners Tara West and Brooke Brown. The product lineup gives educators and parents easy access to engaging, hands-on learning tools designed to support math, literacy, STEM, and social-emotional learning and includes: STEM Bins® by Brooke Brown Builder Pack ($24.99), Little Minds at Work® Early Math Activity Set ($21.99), and Little Minds at Work® Game Tray Activity Set ($19.99).

“Back-to-school season is a key moment for families and teachers as they look for tools that make learning feel approachable, engaging and fun,” said Kelly Goodwin, Vice President of Sales for the U.S. and Canada at Learning Resources. “Expanding our assortment at Target makes it easier for parents and educators to find trusted, screen-free learning products that help children build confidence in the skills they’ll use throughout the school year.”

Products from the Learning Resources Family of Brands back-to-school lineup are available in Target stores and on Target.com.

About Learning Resources®
We’re Learning Resources®, and learning is where we play. Trusted by parents and teachers since 1984, we create award-winning educational toys that help kids build a lifelong love of learning while developing essential school-ready skills through play. From early concepts like ABCs and 123s to hands-on problem-solving and screen-free STEM, our thoughtfully designed toys support learning for kids ages 18 months to 8 years, across developmental stages and skill levels. Discover learn-through-play favorites like the Pretend & Play® Calculator Cash Register, Farmer’s Market Color Sorting Set, and Toy of the Year winner Botley® the Coding Robot.

For more information, visit www.learningresources.com or follow the brand on TikTok @learningresources, Facebook @LearningResources, and Instagram @learningresources.

About Educational Insights®
Based in sunny Southern California, Educational Insights® has over 60 years of experience creating award-winning toys and games. Our products encourage curiosity, introduce new skills, and build confidence through play-based learning. We prioritize hands-on play and self-led discovery through our products like fan-favorite brainteaser line Kanoodle, GeoSafari science toys, Design & Drill construction toys, Playfoam and Pluffle sensory products, creative arts and crafts kits, foundational early learning sets, and more. 

Learn more at www.EducationalInsights.com, or follow the brand on TikTok @educationalinsights, Instagram @educationalinsights, YouTube @educationalinsights, and Facebook @EducationalInsights.

About hand2mind®
At hand2mind®, we believe children learn best by doing. That’s why, for over 60 years, we’ve been creating hands-on learning tools and educational toys that help kids build skills through exploration, problem-solving, and active play. From math and STEM to literacy and social-emotional learning, our screen-free educational tools and toys support engaged skill development in grades PreK and up. We inspire curiosity, build confidence and make learning fun—at home, in the classroom, and beyond. Unlock the power of hands-on learning by visiting www.hand2mind.com or following the brand on TikTok @hand2mind, Facebook @hand2mindinc, and Instagram @hand2mindinc.

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Landis+Gyr Secures Major Contract with Leading US Utility

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CHAM, Switzerland and ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Landis+Gyr Group AG (SIX: LAND), a global energy technology leader driving intelligent innovation across the grid, today announced that it has secured a major contract with a leading US investor-owned electric utility. The agreement covers more than 3 million advanced metering endpoints.

Under the agreement, Landis+Gyr will provide Revelo meters and associated network and head-end system technologies, complemented by advanced security solutions, premium support, and software maintenance and services. The deployment is expected to advance the utility’s grid modernization objectives by enhancing security, grid visibility and operational performance.

“This important win reflects the strong momentum of our Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio and the trust customers place in Landis+Gyr to support large-scale grid modernization programs. By combining advanced metering, integrated technology, security and support capabilities, we look forward to helping this utility enhance grid visibility, reliability and operational performance,” said Peter Mainz, Chief Executive Officer of Landis+Gyr.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is a global energy technology leader, delivering intelligent solutions that connect devices, data, and decisions across the grid. Trusted by more than 2,000 utilities worldwide, we transform traditional devices into intelligent, networked sensors, giving utilities real-time grid visibility and system control. With these combined insights, electric, gas, and water companies can anticipate demand, optimize operations, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, resilient, accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone. For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com.

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In HelloNation, Electrical Expert Sean McGahy Breaks Down How a Whole Home Surge Protector Works

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The Article Explains How This Type of System Protects a Home’s Electronics From Power Surges Throughout the Day.

WAKE FOREST, N.C., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does a whole home surge protector do? A HelloNation article answers that question and explains how this type of device defends a home’s wiring and electronics from voltage spikes.

The article explains that many power surges happen quietly throughout the day, often without anyone noticing. Large appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators create small voltage spikes every time they cycle on and off.

According to the article, a whole home surge protector is installed directly at the electrical panel, where it can monitor voltage across the entire house. Unlike a power strip, which protects a single outlet, this device works at the source.

The article notes that modern homes rely on sensitive electronics, including smart thermostats, entertainment systems, and connected appliances. Repeated voltage fluctuations can damage this circuitry over time, even when a homeowner never notices it happening.

External surges from lightning strikes or utility grid fluctuations tend to be more severe than everyday cycling surges, the article explains. A whole home system is designed to respond quickly and redirect excess voltage away from a home’s circuits.

Installation is typically straightforward for a licensed electrician and does not usually require major changes to existing wiring, the article states. Many systems include indicators that let homeowners confirm the device is functioning properly.

The article points out that surge protectors are rated by how much energy they can absorb, often measured in joules. Homes with more electronics generally benefit from a protector with a higher rating.

A protector does not last forever, the article notes. Absorbing a large surge can wear down its internal components, even if the device still looks functional. Periodic testing by an electrician can confirm the system is still working as intended.

Electrical Expert Sean McGahy of Zar Electric is featured in the article. The article explains how periodic testing can confirm that a whole home surge protector is still providing the level of protection it was designed for.

The article adds that surge protection works best as one part of a broader approach to electrical safety. Homes should still have properly functioning breakers, updated wiring, and routine inspections alongside this added layer of defense.

Homes in areas prone to storms or frequent power fluctuations may see added value from this protection, the article notes. New construction offers a convenient time to add it, though retrofitting an existing home is described as achievable and usually quick.

The article notes that cost varies depending on the type of system installed and the complexity of a home’s existing electrical setup. Many homeowners view the expense as reasonable compared to the potential cost of replacing damaged electronics after a serious surge event.

Some insurance providers take note of these systems when evaluating a home’s overall risk profile, the article adds, though policies vary from carrier to carrier. This is described as one more reason homeowners weigh the value of this type of protection.

The article closes by noting that deciding whether this protection makes sense often comes down to a home’s electronics, its location, and a homeowner’s comfort level with risk. A licensed electrician can walk through these considerations before a final decision is made.

How Does Whole Home Surge Protection Safeguard Your Home? features insights from Sean McGahy, Electrical Expert of Wake Forest, North Carolina, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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In HelloNation, Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold Explains How Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Minnesota Homes

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The Article Shows How Moisture, Temperature Swings, and Hail Shape Material Choices for Roofs, Windows, Walls, and Decks.

WACONIA, Minn., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How do freeze-thaw cycles damage a home in Minnesota? The answer appears in a HelloNation article that was newly published for homeowners choosing building materials for a cold climate. The article features insights from Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold, a fourth-generation member of the family behind Mayer Lumber.

The HelloNation article explains that a Minnesota home faces a wider range of weather than houses in most of the country. Below-zero nights, humid summers, and hailstorms all test the products used to build and repair it.

According to the article, moisture often does more harm than cold by itself. Water seeps into small gaps, freezes overnight, and expands, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles slowly push joints and seams apart.

The article also notes that large temperature swings make many products expand in summer and shrink in deep cold. Materials installed without room to move can buckle, crack, or pull loose from their fasteners.

The roof takes more of this stress than any other part of the house, the article explains. Asphalt shingles remain the most common choice because they are affordable and familiar to most roofing crews. In areas that see hail, many homeowners look at impact-resistant shingles that earn a Class 4 rating.

The article points out that some insurance companies offer lower premiums for Class 4 roofs, though discount rules vary by insurer. Metal roofing is another option that sheds snow quickly, and snow guards are often added above doors and walkways.

Ice dams get special attention in the piece. The article explains that no shingle stops them alone, because the real cause is warm air leaking into the attic and melting snow on the upper roof. Air sealing, attic insulation, and steady ventilation deal with that heat directly.

Cold-climate building codes also call for an ice barrier membrane under the shingles along the eaves, according to the article. This layer helps keep backed-up water away from the roof deck and the ceilings below.

For windows, the article points readers to the National Fenestration Rating Council label and its U-factor, which measures how easily heat passes through the whole unit. A lower number means better insulation and a warmer glass surface on a January night.

The article compares double-pane windows with triple-pane units, which cut heat loss further but cost and weigh more. It also notes that vinyl and fiberglass frames insulate well, while aluminum frames need a thermal break to suit Minnesota winters.

Walls, decks, and lumber are covered as well. The article explains that house wrap and flashing protect wall framing from water, and that wood touching concrete or soil generally needs pressure treatment.

The insights from Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold also address cost. The article encourages comparing the full life of a product rather than the purchase price alone, since a cheaper material that needs frequent repairs can cost more over 20 or 30 years.

Finally, the article advises checking with local building officials about code rules. It also stresses following manufacturer installation instructions, since many warranties depend on them.

How Do Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Building Materials in Minnesota? features insights from Andy Maetzold, Building Materials Expert of Waconia, Minnesota, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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