Month: February 2026

MIAMI, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) is now accepting entries for the 2026 Green Eyeshade Awards, the nation’s oldest and largest regional journalism competition.

Coming off a milestone 75th anniversary that saw a 57% surge in participation, the contest continues its evolution in 2026 by introducing its first-ever Spanish Language category. This addition reflects SPJ’s commitment to recognizing the diverse voices and vital reporting serving communities across the Southeast.

Eligibility & Scope

The 2026 competition honors work published, broadcast, or posted during the 2025 calendar year. The contest is open to professional and student journalists in the following locations:

• States: AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV.
• Territories: Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Contest Divisions

Entries are accepted across six primary divisions,:

1. Print & Digital Writing
2. Graphics & Photography
3. Video / Television
4. Audio / Radio
5. Digital / Online
6. Students

Managed by SPJ volunteers, the Green Eyeshade Awards competition is judged by a panel of active and retired professionals and educators from outside the region. Judges may award first, second, and third-place honors. First-place winners in each category compete for “Best of Division” honors. Those winners then vie for the competition’s top overall prize: The Green Eyeshade Award.

Deadlines

• Standard Deadline: Monday, March 16, 2026
• Late Deadline: Monday, March 30, 2026 (additional fees apply)

ENTER TODAY: Visit the contest website to view full category descriptions and submit entries.

About the Green Eyeshade Awards

Since 1950, the Green Eyeshade Awards—hosted by SPJ Regions 3 and 12—have recognized the best journalism in the Southeastern United States. As a volunteer-led initiative, all net proceeds are reinvested into professional training, programming, and advocacy for journalists.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spjs-2026-green-eyeshade-awards-recognizing-the-best-journalism-in-the-southeast-us-now-accepting-entries-302699771.html

SOURCE SPJ Florida Pro Chapter

MIAMI, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) is now accepting entries for the 2026 Green Eyeshade Awards, the nation’s oldest and largest regional journalism competition.

Coming off a milestone 75th anniversary that saw a 57% surge in participation, the contest continues its evolution in 2026 by introducing its first-ever Spanish Language category. This addition reflects SPJ’s commitment to recognizing the diverse voices and vital reporting serving communities across the Southeast.

Eligibility & Scope

The 2026 competition honors work published, broadcast, or posted during the 2025 calendar year. The contest is open to professional and student journalists in the following locations:

• States: AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV.
• Territories: Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Contest Divisions

Entries are accepted across six primary divisions,:

1. Print & Digital Writing
2. Graphics & Photography
3. Video / Television
4. Audio / Radio
5. Digital / Online
6. Students

Managed by SPJ volunteers, the Green Eyeshade Awards competition is judged by a panel of active and retired professionals and educators from outside the region. Judges may award first, second, and third-place honors. First-place winners in each category compete for “Best of Division” honors. Those winners then vie for the competition’s top overall prize: The Green Eyeshade Award.

Deadlines

• Standard Deadline: Monday, March 16, 2026
• Late Deadline: Monday, March 30, 2026 (additional fees apply)

ENTER TODAY: Visit the contest website to view full category descriptions and submit entries.

About the Green Eyeshade Awards

Since 1950, the Green Eyeshade Awards—hosted by SPJ Regions 3 and 12—have recognized the best journalism in the Southeastern United States. As a volunteer-led initiative, all net proceeds are reinvested into professional training, programming, and advocacy for journalists.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/spjs-2026-green-eyeshade-awards-recognizing-the-best-journalism-in-the-southeast-us-now-accepting-entries-302699771.html

SOURCE SPJ Florida Pro Chapter

Peer-Reviewed Research Published in Nature Communications Confirms Lindamood-Bell’s Seeing Stars® Program Improves Reading Skills and Strengthens Brain Circuitry in Children with Dyslexia

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A peer-reviewed study led by Stanford University and published in Nature Communications shows that intensive, evidence-based reading instruction not only improves reading skills in children with dyslexia, it physically changes the brain. The six-year randomized controlled trial, conducted in partnership with the University of Washington and Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, found that children who received intensive reading intervention grew the brain region responsible for word recognition. Children who did not receive intervention showed no comparable change.

What the Study Found

Forty-four children with dyslexia, ages 7–13, received eight weeks of intensive instruction using Lindamood-Bell’s Seeing Stars® program, delivered live and virtually by trained instructional professionals. A control group of 43 children, including students with and without dyslexia, received no intervention. Brain activity was measured up to five times over one year using functional MRI.

Key findings include:

• Children who received intervention improved their reading levels by approximately one grade level in eight weeks.
• The Visual Word Form Area (VWFA), the brain region critical for fluent word recognition, grew larger and more detectable in students who received instruction.
• The VWFA did not show comparable growth in students who received no instruction.
• Some neurological differences persisted one year later, confirming that dyslexia reflects enduring brain traits alongside the brain’s capacity for change.

What Researchers Said

“It’s as if evidence-based intervention builds this region in the dyslexic brain,” said lead researcher Dr. Jason Yeatman of Stanford University. “The intervention is not only improving reading — it’s also building the brain circuit.”

Why This Matters

Dyslexia affects approximately 5–10% of people and is linked to reduced size and responsiveness in the VWFA. This study, funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, provides neurobiological evidence that the right instruction can produce measurable brain and behavioral change. Lindamood-Bell donated the intervention used in the research.

For Lindamood-Bell, the findings validate 40 years of instructional practice focused on building the sensory-cognitive foundations of reading. Effective help exists, and the right instruction can change outcomes.

About Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes

For 40 years, Lindamood-Bell has been committed to helping individuals learn to their potential. Through evidence-based instruction delivered at 46 Learning Centers and through professional development for educators worldwide, Lindamood-Bell addresses the underlying sensory-cognitive processes needed for reading and comprehension. The organization engages in peer-reviewed research with universities, including MIT and Stanford, and continues to advance the science of learning. Visit www.lindamoodbell.com to learn more.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stanford-study-finds-evidence-based-reading-intervention-physically-rewires-the-dyslexic-brain-302699722.html

SOURCE Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes

Peer-Reviewed Research Published in Nature Communications Confirms Lindamood-Bell’s Seeing Stars® Program Improves Reading Skills and Strengthens Brain Circuitry in Children with Dyslexia

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A peer-reviewed study led by Stanford University and published in Nature Communications shows that intensive, evidence-based reading instruction not only improves reading skills in children with dyslexia, it physically changes the brain. The six-year randomized controlled trial, conducted in partnership with the University of Washington and Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, found that children who received intensive reading intervention grew the brain region responsible for word recognition. Children who did not receive intervention showed no comparable change.

What the Study Found

Forty-four children with dyslexia, ages 7–13, received eight weeks of intensive instruction using Lindamood-Bell’s Seeing Stars® program, delivered live and virtually by trained instructional professionals. A control group of 43 children, including students with and without dyslexia, received no intervention. Brain activity was measured up to five times over one year using functional MRI.

Key findings include:

• Children who received intervention improved their reading levels by approximately one grade level in eight weeks.
• The Visual Word Form Area (VWFA), the brain region critical for fluent word recognition, grew larger and more detectable in students who received instruction.
• The VWFA did not show comparable growth in students who received no instruction.
• Some neurological differences persisted one year later, confirming that dyslexia reflects enduring brain traits alongside the brain’s capacity for change.

What Researchers Said

“It’s as if evidence-based intervention builds this region in the dyslexic brain,” said lead researcher Dr. Jason Yeatman of Stanford University. “The intervention is not only improving reading — it’s also building the brain circuit.”

Why This Matters

Dyslexia affects approximately 5–10% of people and is linked to reduced size and responsiveness in the VWFA. This study, funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, provides neurobiological evidence that the right instruction can produce measurable brain and behavioral change. Lindamood-Bell donated the intervention used in the research.

For Lindamood-Bell, the findings validate 40 years of instructional practice focused on building the sensory-cognitive foundations of reading. Effective help exists, and the right instruction can change outcomes.

About Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes

For 40 years, Lindamood-Bell has been committed to helping individuals learn to their potential. Through evidence-based instruction delivered at 46 Learning Centers and through professional development for educators worldwide, Lindamood-Bell addresses the underlying sensory-cognitive processes needed for reading and comprehension. The organization engages in peer-reviewed research with universities, including MIT and Stanford, and continues to advance the science of learning. Visit www.lindamoodbell.com to learn more.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stanford-study-finds-evidence-based-reading-intervention-physically-rewires-the-dyslexic-brain-302699722.html

SOURCE Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes

MANCHESTER, N.H., Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What makes a home security system reliable in regions with tough seasonal weather? A HelloNation article answers this question by explaining how careful design, planning, and local knowledge create better protection than off-the-shelf products. Readers can explore these details in a HelloNation article.

The piece highlights Security Systems Expert Brandon Richardson of Mount Major Tech in Manchester, who emphasizes that a security system’s success depends on understanding each property’s unique layout and environmental conditions. The article describes how climate, terrain, and building materials affect how sensors and cameras perform.

Many homeowners, the article notes, assume that any packaged system will deliver full protection. Yet, properties differ in ways that can weaken even high-end products. Factors such as thick walls, long driveways, and basement layouts all impact Wi Fi performance and signal reach, which are critical for a security system to function reliably.

Brandon Richardson shares that in New Hampshire, common home features like deep basements and steep roofs complicate installation. Heavy winter snow can block exterior cameras, while freezing temperatures can disable certain models. Detached structures, including barns or garages, often sit beyond a signal’s range, making them difficult to secure with standard kits.

The HelloNation feature stresses that these challenges are not just theoretical—they appear in daily use. A reliable security system requires a strategy that begins with a coverage map. Richardson walks each property to mark key entry points such as doors, windows, and driveways. This visual plan highlights where cameras should go to avoid blind spots and wasted coverage.

The coverage map also helps homeowners understand how the property layout interacts with natural movement patterns. By seeing where people might approach or linger, installers can position equipment where it captures the most meaningful footage. This kind of pre-planning often prevents unnecessary purchases and frustration after installation.

Power supply is another major factor in performance. Cameras and sensors need consistent electricity, and outdoor outlets must be weather-protected. The article explains that extension cords create risks and are not viable long-term solutions. Instead, sheltered mounting points and properly routed wiring ensure stability. Richardson recommends choosing devices that balance durability and energy efficiency so that the system remains steady in all conditions.

Wi Fi performance remains one of the most common weak links. Walls made of concrete, stone, or timber can cut signals dramatically. A camera that connects smoothly indoors may fail once moved outside. To ensure reliability, Richardson tests each unit in its final location, adjusting placement or adding signal support when necessary. The HelloNation article makes clear that guessing rarely works—signal strength must be verified before the system is finalized.

Weather, particularly in New Hampshire, adds another layer of complexity. Freezing temperatures can drain batteries, while snow and ice obscure infrared lighting. During summer, low sun angles and glare can also wash out images. The feature explains that testing at different times of day allows for better camera angles and more balanced lighting. A reliable security system, the article notes, adapts to both winter storms and bright summer days.

Exterior cameras, in particular, require attention to shielding and placement. Mounting under eaves or on sheltered walls reduces snow accumulation and water damage. A small adjustment in angle can keep the lens clear and prevent distorted footage. Richardson’s process prioritizes these adjustments to protect visibility and extend device life.

Terrain further complicates home security setups. Hills, trees, and uneven yards create blind spots that off-the-shelf systems rarely account for. The HelloNation feature details how shadows, slopes, and vegetation can block motion sensors or cause false alerts. By aligning camera placement with the property’s contours, Richardson ensures coverage that adapts to real movement patterns rather than textbook layouts.

This focus on environmental awareness turns a basic setup into a dependable network. The article illustrates how even a modest system, when tuned to its surroundings, can outperform a larger system installed without planning. It is not the number of devices that provides peace of mind, but how well they fit the property’s conditions.

Security Systems Expert Brandon Richardson advises that working with local professionals is often the smartest investment. Local installers understand the realities of New Hampshire weather, the materials used in regional construction, and the signal obstacles common to older homes. This insight allows them to prevent problems before they occur, saving homeowners both money and stress.

In the HelloNation article, Richardson’s experience shows that reliability starts with preparation. A property-specific coverage map, stable power, tested Wi Fi performance, and weather-aware installation all work together to form a durable and responsive system.

With the right design, even small or midrange security systems can provide clear footage and dependable protection. When combined with good planning and ongoing maintenance, they perform reliably through New Hampshire’s demanding seasons.

Smart Choices for Reliable Home Security Systems features insights from Brandon Richardson, Security Systems Expert of Manchester, NH, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reliable-security-systems-explained-by-security-systems-expert-brandon-richardson-of-manchester-nh-for-hellonation-302699701.html

SOURCE HelloNation

MANCHESTER, N.H., Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What makes a home security system reliable in regions with tough seasonal weather? A HelloNation article answers this question by explaining how careful design, planning, and local knowledge create better protection than off-the-shelf products. Readers can explore these details in a HelloNation article.

The piece highlights Security Systems Expert Brandon Richardson of Mount Major Tech in Manchester, who emphasizes that a security system’s success depends on understanding each property’s unique layout and environmental conditions. The article describes how climate, terrain, and building materials affect how sensors and cameras perform.

Many homeowners, the article notes, assume that any packaged system will deliver full protection. Yet, properties differ in ways that can weaken even high-end products. Factors such as thick walls, long driveways, and basement layouts all impact Wi Fi performance and signal reach, which are critical for a security system to function reliably.

Brandon Richardson shares that in New Hampshire, common home features like deep basements and steep roofs complicate installation. Heavy winter snow can block exterior cameras, while freezing temperatures can disable certain models. Detached structures, including barns or garages, often sit beyond a signal’s range, making them difficult to secure with standard kits.

The HelloNation feature stresses that these challenges are not just theoretical—they appear in daily use. A reliable security system requires a strategy that begins with a coverage map. Richardson walks each property to mark key entry points such as doors, windows, and driveways. This visual plan highlights where cameras should go to avoid blind spots and wasted coverage.

The coverage map also helps homeowners understand how the property layout interacts with natural movement patterns. By seeing where people might approach or linger, installers can position equipment where it captures the most meaningful footage. This kind of pre-planning often prevents unnecessary purchases and frustration after installation.

Power supply is another major factor in performance. Cameras and sensors need consistent electricity, and outdoor outlets must be weather-protected. The article explains that extension cords create risks and are not viable long-term solutions. Instead, sheltered mounting points and properly routed wiring ensure stability. Richardson recommends choosing devices that balance durability and energy efficiency so that the system remains steady in all conditions.

Wi Fi performance remains one of the most common weak links. Walls made of concrete, stone, or timber can cut signals dramatically. A camera that connects smoothly indoors may fail once moved outside. To ensure reliability, Richardson tests each unit in its final location, adjusting placement or adding signal support when necessary. The HelloNation article makes clear that guessing rarely works—signal strength must be verified before the system is finalized.

Weather, particularly in New Hampshire, adds another layer of complexity. Freezing temperatures can drain batteries, while snow and ice obscure infrared lighting. During summer, low sun angles and glare can also wash out images. The feature explains that testing at different times of day allows for better camera angles and more balanced lighting. A reliable security system, the article notes, adapts to both winter storms and bright summer days.

Exterior cameras, in particular, require attention to shielding and placement. Mounting under eaves or on sheltered walls reduces snow accumulation and water damage. A small adjustment in angle can keep the lens clear and prevent distorted footage. Richardson’s process prioritizes these adjustments to protect visibility and extend device life.

Terrain further complicates home security setups. Hills, trees, and uneven yards create blind spots that off-the-shelf systems rarely account for. The HelloNation feature details how shadows, slopes, and vegetation can block motion sensors or cause false alerts. By aligning camera placement with the property’s contours, Richardson ensures coverage that adapts to real movement patterns rather than textbook layouts.

This focus on environmental awareness turns a basic setup into a dependable network. The article illustrates how even a modest system, when tuned to its surroundings, can outperform a larger system installed without planning. It is not the number of devices that provides peace of mind, but how well they fit the property’s conditions.

Security Systems Expert Brandon Richardson advises that working with local professionals is often the smartest investment. Local installers understand the realities of New Hampshire weather, the materials used in regional construction, and the signal obstacles common to older homes. This insight allows them to prevent problems before they occur, saving homeowners both money and stress.

In the HelloNation article, Richardson’s experience shows that reliability starts with preparation. A property-specific coverage map, stable power, tested Wi Fi performance, and weather-aware installation all work together to form a durable and responsive system.

With the right design, even small or midrange security systems can provide clear footage and dependable protection. When combined with good planning and ongoing maintenance, they perform reliably through New Hampshire’s demanding seasons.

Smart Choices for Reliable Home Security Systems features insights from Brandon Richardson, Security Systems Expert of Manchester, NH, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reliable-security-systems-explained-by-security-systems-expert-brandon-richardson-of-manchester-nh-for-hellonation-302699701.html

SOURCE HelloNation