Latest news with #TOPS
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Check your fridge! Salads, salsas recalled for salmonella concerns sold in Vermont.
Some salad and salsa products sold in Vermont were called this past week due to concerns over salmonella contamination. The Food and Drug Administration published a recall announcement saying that 17 products were made with cucumbers grown by Bedner Growers, Inc., who recently recalled some of their cucumbers due to salmonella contamination. Out of a similar concern, these products were recalled. "Consumers, restaurants, retailers, and wholesalers should not eat, sell, or serve the recalled products containing those cucumbers," the administration said. The affected items were distributed to stores between May 6, 2025, and May 21, 2025, to multiple customers in Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. Here are the salad and salsa products recalled in Vermont. Here are the recalled salad products, according to the Food and Drug administration. UPC PACK/SZ BRAND DESCRIPTION ALL LOT CODES 766375251385 1/8 OZ Jack and Olive The House Salad All Lot Codes 766375241973 1/8 OZ Created Fresh The House Salad All Lot Codes 766375737018 1/8 OZ Spring and Sprout The House Salad All Lot Codes 766375241607 1/5.2 OZ Created Fresh Mini Garden Salad All Lot Codes 766375261681 1/5.76 OZ Created Fresh Chicken Salad on Everything Fecelle All Lot Codes 766375261698 1/5.76 OZ Created Fresh Egg Salad on Everything Fecelle All Lot Codes 766375261674 1/5.76 OZ Created Fresh Tuna Salad on Everything Fecelle All Lot Codes 766375253044 1/11.25 OZ Created Fresh Southwestern Breakfast Bowl All Lot Codes One of the recalled products is not technically a salad, but instead a breakfast bowl. Here are the recalled salsa products, according to the Food and Drug administration. UPC PACK/SZ BRAND DESCRIPTION ALL LOT CODES 640344010282 1/16 OZ East Coast Fresh Fresh Mild Salsa All Lot Codes 640344012781 1/16 OZ East Coast Fresh Fresh Mild Salsa All Lot Codes 070784034140 1/16 OZ TOPS Salsa HOT TOPS (E) All Lot Codes 070784033846 1/16 OZ TOPS Fresh Salsa 1lb CUP All Lot Codes 888670065808 1/30 OZ Wellsley Farms Wellsley Farms Mild Salsa All Lot Codes 041497075959 1/16 OZ WEIS Salsa Mild WEIS All Lot Codes 688267031953 1/16 OZ AHOLD Salsa HOT AHOLD All Lot Codes 688267032523 1/16 OZ AHOLD Salsa 1#-AHOLD All Lot Codes 640344069624 1/16 OZ East Coast Fresh SALSA RETAIL 1# CUP All Lot Codes According to the FDA, illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating food that is contaminated with salmonella, and the symptoms usually last four to seven days. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Children younger than five, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe infections, the FDA says. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you think you may have symptoms of a salmonella infection. Gabe Hauari and Mary Walrath-Holdridge contributed to the reporting of this story. Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@ This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: FDA says some salads, salsas recalled for salmonella concerns in VT
Business Wire
7 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Valmark Financial Group and Lincoln Financial Expand ETF Portfolio Solutions Within Variable Universal Life Products
AKRON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Valmark Advisers, Inc., a leading provider of portfolio management, is pleased to announce an expanded partnership with Lincoln Financial (NYSE: LNC) to offer three additional TOPS® ETF Portfolios, managed by Valmark Advisers, within Variable Universal Life (VUL) products offered by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company. Effective May 12, 2025, subaccounts investing in the TOPS® Conservative ETF Portfolio, TOPS® Growth ETF Portfolio, and TOPS® Aggressive Growth ETF Portfolio will be added to the Lincoln AssetEdge® VUL (2025), Lincoln AssetEdge® VUL (2022), and Lincoln AssetEdge® SVUL policies. 'This expansion allows both TOPS® and Lincoln to move forward with greater strength and alignment in meeting clients' evolving needs." 'It's always a significant milestone when a longtime partner chooses to deepen the relationship,' said Michael McClary, Chief Investment Officer of Valmark Advisers. 'Since 2019, Lincoln has offered our TOPS® Balanced and Moderate Growth ETF Portfolios across several of their solutions. After five years of successful collaboration and strong performance, we're excited that Lincoln is expanding the suite to include our TOPS® Growth and Aggressive Growth ETF Portfolios, offering policyholders greater opportunity for equity exposure and long-term growth potential within their Variable Universal Life policies. Additionally, the introduction of our TOPS® Conservative ETF Portfolio offers a compelling solution for clients seeking a more bond-oriented allocation—enhancing flexibility across risk profiles and providing a valuable option for those prioritizing stability and risk management.' Along with being one of the longest-standing and largest managers of Exchange-traded Fund (ETF) portfolios—pioneering the ETF movement since 2002—Valmark Advisers now oversees approximately $10.6 billion in total Assets Under Management and Advisement (AUMA). In addition, the firm continues to expand its position as a premier provider of diverse financial services and life insurance solutions. Larry J. Rybka, Chairman and CEO of Valmark, is recognized throughout the industry as a leading authority and influential voice in the life insurance space. 'I've been a strong advocate for variable life products since the 1990s,' said Rybka. 'In fact, the desire to provide our Member Firms with access to the broadest possible range of high-quality variable life solutions was the driving force behind the launch of our broker-dealer, Valmark Securities, Inc., back in 1996. This was well ahead of what any other independent insurance distributor or producer group was offering at the time. This latest expansion of the TOPS® ETF Portfolios reflects the convergence of two core Valmark strengths: our long-standing belief in the power of variable products and the innovative work Michael McClary has led within our RIA to pioneer ETF-based investment strategies. Offering a full range of cost-conscious, transparent, and diversified portfolios within variable life policies just makes sense. With this expansion, clients now have meaningful choices across the risk spectrum, tailored to meet their evolving financial goals.' Valmark and Lincoln have enjoyed a collaborative relationship in life insurance and annuity distribution for over 25 years. 'Lincoln is focused on delivering a range of tailored solutions and optionality that empower financial professionals to meet their clients' unique needs,' said Jared Nepa, senior vice president and head of Insurance Solutions Distribution. 'The TOPS® brand is synonymous with ETF-based solutions for VUL, and we are excited to expand our partnership, further demonstrating Lincoln's commitment to offering flexible life insurance solutions that deliver both protection and the freedom to pursue long-term, market-driven wealth accumulation potential.' Lincoln's variable life products now include all five TOPS® ETF-focused funds. TOPS® ETF strategies are widely respected for their proven investment process, transparency, and cost efficiency - attributes that align well with the goals of many long-term VUL policyholders. This is Lincoln's latest in a number of moves taken this year to enhance its Life offerings. 'This expansion allows both TOPS® and Lincoln to move forward with greater strength and alignment in meeting clients' evolving needs,' said Michael McClary, Chief Investment Officer of Valmark Advisers. 'It's not just about adding new funds—it's about delivering a comprehensive spectrum of investment options that give financial professionals the flexibility to build portfolios that adapt over time, keeping pace with changing client goals and market conditions for years to come.' For information on Valmark Financial Group or TOPS® ETF Portfolios, visit or About Valmark Financial Group, LLC Valmark Financial Group is a holding company of several subsidiaries, including Executive Insurance Agency, Inc., a national producer group; Valmark Securities, Inc., a broker-dealer and member of both FINRA and SIPC; Valmark Advisers, Inc., a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registered investment adviser; and the Valmark Policy Management Company, LLC, which provides ongoing policy management and monitoring services for life insurance policyholders. With a proud history of working with independently owned financial services firms committed to high ethical standards in over 30 states throughout the United States, Valmark offers a wide range of insurance and investment solutions for high net-worth clients. Headquartered in Akron, Ohio with operations in St. Paul, Minnesota, Valmark, through its affiliated entities, has helped its member firms place over $70 billion of life insurance death benefits and manage insurance policies with a cumulative cash value of over $8 billion dollars. Valmark's affiliated RIA, Valmark Advisers, has an estimated $10 billion in assets under management and advisement, including approximately $1.2 billion in variable sub-account assets within its TOPS® funds. To learn more about Valmark Financial Group, visit Securities offered through Valmark Securities, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory services offered through Valmark Advisers, Inc., a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. About Lincoln Financial Lincoln Financial helps people confidently plan for their vision of a successful financial future. As of December 31, 2024, approximately 17 million customers trust our guidance and solutions across four core businesses – annuities, life insurance, group protection, and retirement plan services. As of March 31, 2025, the company had $312 billion in end-of-period account balances, net of reinsurance. Headquartered in Radnor, PA., Lincoln Financial is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE: LNC) and its affiliates. Learn more at Lincoln AssetEdge ® VUL (2025) is issued on policy form 24-VUL616/ICC24-VUL616 and state variations with the Enhanced Overloan Protection Endorsement (24END-7120/ICC24END-7120) and Lincoln Enhanced Allocation Rider (22LEAR-7100/ICC22LEAR-7100) and Lincoln AssetEdge ® SVUL is issued on policy form 24-SVUL618/ICC24-SVUL618 and state variations with the Enhanced Overloan Protection Endorsement (24END-7120JS/ICC24END-7120JS) and Lincoln Enhanced Allocation Rider (22LEAR-7100/ICC22LEAR-7100); Lincoln AssetEdge ® VUL (2022) is issued on policy form 22-VUL606//ICC22-VUL606, by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker-dealer. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company does not solicit business in the state of New York, nor is it authorized to do so. Valmark and Lincoln Financial Distributors are separate and not affiliated. All guarantees and benefits of the insurance policy are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. They are not backed by the broker-dealer and/or insurance agency selling the policy, or any affiliates of those entities other than the issuing company affiliates, and none makes any representations or guarantees regarding the claims-paying ability of the issuer. Lincoln variable universal life insurance is sold by prospectuses. Carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the policy and its underlying investment options. This and other important information can be found in the prospectus for the variable universal life policy and the prospectus for the underlying investment options. Prospectuses are available upon request and should be read carefully before investing or sending money. For current prospectuses, please call 800-444-2363 or go to With variable products, policy values will fluctuate and are subject to market risk and to possible loss of principal. Note: Jared Nepa is a spokesperson for Lincoln Life Solutions. Jared Nepa holds a leadership role within Lincoln Financial Distribution, the wholesaling broker-dealer of Lincoln Financial. He is compensated by Lincoln and is a shareholder of Lincoln National Corporation. LCN-7953660-050925
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Louisiana students might qualify for TOPS with conservative-backed ACT alternative
Rep. Raymond Crews. (LAI photo) Louisiana high school students might soon be able to take a conservative alternative to the ACT exam to qualify for the state's popular college scholarship program. State lawmakers quietly approved an amendment to a bill Monday that would make results from the Classical Learning Test acceptable to qualify for the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, which provides tuition assistance for qualifying Louisiana students. Conservative educators are the chief proponents of the Classical Learning Test, which evaluates students on math, writing and grammar with an emphasis on classic literature and historic documents. Its supporters frequently tout that the exam emphasizes texts that 'shaped Western culture.' The test has been embraced by conservative lawmakers in Oklahoma, Florida and Arkansas. and has the support of the conservative Cato Institution and Heritage Foundation. Oklahoma lawmakers extensively debated embracing the test to qualify for their version of TOPS, with Democrats arguing it doesn't meet the same academic rigor and anti-cheating measures as the ACT. In Louisiana, only Louisiana Christian University and the University of New Orleans Honors College accept the test for admissions, according to the CLT website. The change to TOPS acceptance standard was made through an amendment to House Bill 77 by Rep. Chris Turner, R-Ruston, which creates a new level of TOPS awards for high-achieving students. There was no debate on the amendment and it passed without objection. The House approved Turner's bill in a 91-4 vote. Rep. Raymond Crews, R-Bossier City, sponsored the amendment. Crews said Jeremy Tate, founder and CEO of Classical Learning Initiatives, which created and administers the test, asked him to do so. Crews said he had not heard of the Classical Learning Test before Tate brought it to him, and he did not know that Tate was associated with the test. Turner's bill was also amended on the House floor to allow students who leave the state for their undergraduate education to use their TOPS awards if they return to Louisiana to attend medical school. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Indian Express
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
Esow Alben's accident scary, says cycling federation secretary
Cycling Federation of India (CFI) secretary Maninder Singh said road safety for professional cyclists was a concern in Delhi, calling the incident where a biker hit 24-year-old Asian Championship bronze medalist Esow Alben as 'scary'. In 2022, the Federation had shifted the camps for road cyclists to Patiala, Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati because of safety concerns and lack of 'open' roads, Singh said. Esow is one of India's top track cyclists and trains at the velodrome at the IG Stadium in Delhi. On Wednesday, Esow was riding as part of his weekly road-training session when a bike struck him from behind. Because of bruises at the hip and cuts, he has been advised at least a week's rest by coaches and doctors. 'I was shaken but I am feeling better than yesterday,' Esow said. CFI secretary Singh said riders do take safety measures. 'It is scary to be honest. There are safety protocols for our riders but sometimes unfortunate incidents happen,' Singh said. 'The cyclists usually take routes depending on their requirement. For example, if it is a short ride, they just go around the IG stadium which is a peripheral road and generally empty. But if they have a longer session they take other roads depending on the weather and traffic,' Singh said. Talking about shifting the road cyclists from the capital, Singh said: 'Endurance cyclists need long open roads and in Delhi there is a scarcity of such roads. That is why we moved to places like Patiala, Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati. Also the roads there are safer,' Singh said. After the accident, Esow took to social media platform Instagram to highlight what happened. The video showed an argument ensuing between the bikers and Esow. A damaged cycle and the injuries Esow suffered were also visible. 'I posted on Instagram to raise awareness about road safety. It is tough for us to get out on roads in Delhi during the day. We usually start at 5 am. During winters, we use reflectors and lights as safety measures,' Esow said. 'When we train in Europe, we can go out anytime, day or night. There it is safe to cycle on the roads but it is not in Delhi. I hope that this incident raises awareness about it,' Esow added. The cycles used by track cyclists are expensive, Esow's costs approximately Rs 6 lakhs. 'While the cycle was provided to me by the TOPS scheme, the wheel was my own. I spent Rs 70,000 on it,' Esow said. For now, Esow has been provided a replacement cycle by CFI. He has also filed an FIR at the Pandav Nagar Police station. 'With the help of my coaches, I have filed an FIR, ' the former junior world silver medalist said. The other riders, Ronaldo Singh, Rojit Singh, and Jemsh Singh were ahead of Esow during the road-training session when he was hit by the bikers. 'I was taking the flyover near Mayur Vihar, that's when the incident happened. The other riders were five minutes ahead of me while I was riding behind the safety car.'
New Indian Express
13-05-2025
- Sport
- New Indian Express
Wrestler Anshu loses Ranking Series selection trials
CHENNAI: Double Olympian Anshu Malik lost the 57kg wrestling selection trial bout held at the IG Stadium, New Delhi on Tuesday. The trials were held to pick the national team for the Ulaanbaatar Open Ranking Series scheduled in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from May 29 to June 1. Anshu, who represented the country in Tokyo and Paris in 57kg, initially didn't meet the criteria set by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for the trials but was later given a go ahead for the competition. Anshu had won a silver medal each in the 2021 World Championships and 2022 Commonwealth Games, "She was trailing 0-7 with a few seconds remaining in the bout when she opted out due to an injury. It was her first bout in the trials and the winner, Neha Sangwan, went on to finish first in the weight category," a WFI source, who watched the bout from the sidelines, told this daily. Anshu, 23, who is part of TOPS core group, hadn't taken part in the last selection trials held in March to pick the team for the Asian Championships. According to the WFI criteria, only those who competed in the previous trials were eligible for the latest competition. Besides, the federation had decided to conduct trials only in weight categories wherein Indian wrestlers had returned empty handed from the continental tournament. Sunil Kumar (87kg) and Nitesh (97kg) had won a bronze each in the Greco-Roman style while Udit (61kg silver), Deepak Punia (92kg silver) and Dinesh (125kg bronze) were the medallists in the freestyle in the Asian meet. The trials for men wrestlers were held in Lucknow on Monday. A trial was held in Sunil's weight category too as he is said to be injured and cannot compete in the Ranking Series.
