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Tests keep coming for Auburn and Duke, who collide at Cameron Indoor Stadium in a typical prove-it game in a rare environment on Wednesday night. No. 2 Auburn and No. 9 Duke square off less than one month into the season as two of the most battle-tested teams in basketball. They're matched as one of the marquee games in the crossover showcase known as the ACC-SEC Challenge. Auburn (7-0) jumped two spots in the latest Top 25 poll propelled by its Maui Invitational championship. In one of Feast Week's toughest brackets, the Tigers rallied from 18 points down to beat then-No. 4 Iowa State, handled then-No. 12 North Carolina 85-72 and rolled past Memphis 90-76 in the title game. With a week off to shed any remnants of jet lag returning from the islands, Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl is pointing to another potential resume-building win. "The confidence that we're going to get from (Maui) is that we know we can play with anybody," Pearl said. "I promise you this, we'll stay humble and hungry. We will not begin to think too much of ourselves." Helping lead Auburn in Maui was fifth-year power forward Johni Broome. The tournament's MVP, Broome averaged 21.7 points, 15 rebounds, 4.3 assists and three blocks in the three-game sweep. Spearheading a veteran Tigers roster, Broome couldn't care less about individual honors. "I wanted to come to a place where the foundation was already built, and that's why I came to Auburn," Broome said. "Winning player of the year doesn't matter to me. I care about winning games, and making sure I can help my team in any way." Broome's 20.7 points and 12.9 rebounds per game lead the Tigers, while Chad Baker-Mazara adds 12.6 ppg and Denver Jones chips in 11.1. Auburn's next roadblock is earning its first-ever win against Duke. The Tigers are 0-3 all-time against the Blue Devils, including a six-point loss in the 2018 Maui Invitational. Duke (5-2) has already been through three games against ranked opponents. The Blue Devils had a 77-72 loss against then-No. 19 Kentucky, a 14-point win at then-No. 17 Arizona and a 75-72 defeat against No. 1 Kansas last week in Las Vegas. "Best team we've played so far," Pearl said of Duke. Bouncing back on Friday, the Blue Devils took down Seattle 70-48, holding the Redhawks to just 10 made field goals on 47 attempts (21.3 percent). Despite the suffocating defensive effort, Duke head coach Jon Scheyer knows his team has a long way to go. "I wasn't really happy with much tonight, to be honest," Scheyer said on Friday. "I thought we rushed some shots, had too many turnovers. We need to finish stronger, drive stronger, make extra passes, there were a whole bunch of things. ... We just need to get back to practice. In fairness to our guys, we've been traveling a lot and we just need practice time." Pacing the Blue Devils in scoring is five-star freshman Cooper Flagg. He's averaging 15.9 points per game to go along with 8.3 rebounds. Fellow freshman Kon Knueppel adds 13.4 points per contest. Far less seasoned raw freshman, big man Khaman Maluach has given Duke's interior defense an edge it was lacking last season. A projected lottery pick who can be overshadowed by the Flagg publicity train, Maluach (7-2, 248) is averaging 8.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and has two three-block games. In last year's inaugural ACC-SEC Challenge, Duke lost at Arkansas 80-75 and Auburn topped Virginia Tech 74-57. --Field Level MediaREADY to wave goodbye to 2024 and see what lies in store for the next 12 months? The Sun’s astrologer shares twists and turns for the different zodiac signs in 2025 when it comes to work, finances and good fortune. 13 Sun astrologer Maggie Innes shares twists and turns for the different zodiac signs in 2025 Find out if it will be a year of celestial celebration for you. And don’t miss tomorrow’s paper, when Maggie maps out events that await at home, in health and on new horizons. ARIES March 21 – April 20 13 Saturn’s steady hold on Aries from May to September chairs great negotiations CAREER: Your “take charge” Mars magic swells throughout spring and, by mid-June, you can make your boldest move. Work-based new moons on August 23 and September 21 rejig false starts into genuine opportunities. READ MORE ON HOROSCOPES MYSTIC MEG Love deepens where new looks and sounds are sampled MYSTIC MEG The perfect partner can be waiting quietly for you to notice them CASH: Saturn’s steady hold on Aries from May to September chairs great negotiations – you possess a prime poker face! February 4 and April 30 are rich dates for finding lost tickets, accounts or legacies. Answer questions honestly in November. CHANCE: Neptune enhances intuition in everything from number choices to lucky colours from March onwards. Most read in Fabulous MIND THE GAP I'm 32 years younger than my man, trolls call me a gold digger but it's love FAUX PAS Bride bans wedding guests from wearing smart WATCHES and some say it’s 'a sign' NO EXPENSE SPARED Sue and Noel Radford accused of Christmas 'overkill' for kids' gift haul JETS GO The celebs racking up the most holidays in 2024 & Nicole Scherzinger's 18 trips Teams of three, packs of four, and any talking or rapid-response challenge, are Aries-significant. TAURUS April 21 – May 21 13 An October choice is a key decision CAREER: Friends or family who dream together can make a great business team, taking shape over the summer. Who should a Leo date? Discover the best and worst zodiac matches! With Pluto set for 20 years in your success sector, your future can break records. An October choice is a key decision. CASH: Until June, Jupiter spotlights smart ways into and out of some big money situations. Your smile can be worth a fortune! Around July 4, you can identify earning potential in a learning scenario. CHANCE: Staying silent and keeping secrets is a challenge, but with potential rich rewards. You can also find 2025 luck with music played by trios and dates that include a three. GEMINI May 22 – June 21 13 A saving goal can come closer by September CAREER: Closing a decision around January 13 can lead to open doors by September 7. You see many clever ways to pivot your career profile in 2025, guided by mentor Mercury. Late November, surf a success wave straight into 2026. CASH: You have Jupiter financial flair all year – but build in Saturn common sense, too. A saving goal can come closer by September. Vintage records hide new value. CHANCE: Number two, twinned towns or cities and second-time-around entries can all have a Gemini luck link. Uranus, with its “try anything” vibe, finds success for you in contests with unusual settings, or hi-tech themes, July to November. CANCER June 22 – July 22 13 Mars boosts risk taking from day one CAREER: Your work journey speeds up from January and Saturn-strong shoots push through in June and July. Yes, you can learn and lead. An unusual ambition around the time of October 7 deserves your full attention. CASH: Mars boosts risk taking from day one – April to June you reap rewards. Then Mercury steps in with smart strategies to double that. Stick to a money plan in September, even when temptation is strong. CHANCE: As Jupiter’s number one, by June you can feel personal luck flow. First answers, especially under pressure, your first initial and any list of number ones, past or present, can be winners. LEO July 23 – August 23 13 Number 12, December dates/birthdays and following clue trails can lead to luck CAREER: Take the first three months to suss out what you really need from work – in April and May, Mars encourages action. Saturn supports learning all summer to ace any test or interview, however many times you’ve tried. CASH: The March 14 eclipse mixes emotions and finances – and people who love each other can enrich each other. Double new money moons in August and September show that you can start again, no matter what. Believe in better! CHANCE: Number 12, December dates/birthdays and following clue trails can lead to luck. Team up with your least-likely friend or colleague for summer success. VIRGO August 24 – September 22 13 From March to May, you have crystal clear future vision CAREER: Look for Mercury career guidance and intelligence and it’s there for you, all year. From March to May, you have crystal clear future vision. Your personal moon shines so bright in August and September, nothing can stop you. CASH: Pluto’s new position underlines that people matter more than possessions – review 2025 spending plans accordingly. Wellbeing businesses, tests of patience and “H” addresses carry cash potential. CHANCE: A silly family game, a new social media connection and a local celebrity challenge can all be luck-linked for Virgo. So can football teams, November journeys and someone who changes their name in 2025. LIBRA September 23 – October 23 13 Pluto’s willingness to break rules and be creative brings rich Libra chances all year CAREER: Valentine’s Day to mid-April, you hit your Mercury progress stride, pushing obstacles aside and embracing challenges. June to late August, your best friend at work can be your best promotion ally. “Six” dates are career firsts. CASH: Set high saving/spending standards as the year begins, and Mars helps you meet them, maybe exceed them. Pluto’s willingness to break rules and be creative brings rich Libra chances all year, but especially when things feel toughest. CHANCE: Jackpots that double daily, sets of ten questions and a person or place first encountered in October can all add extra luck to 2025. SCORPIO October 24 – November 22 13 Creative skills – your own or others’ – can boost your 2025 bank balance CAREER: Planet leader Pluto transforms what job security means to you – for the next 20 years, you can run risks, aim for the sky. The solar eclipse makes March 29 super-special. Neptune endows summer insight to read bosses’ lips – and minds. CASH: Creative skills – your own or others’ – can boost your 2025 bank balance as soon as Saturn gets involved. Productivity is off the scale. Minor plans that start around August bank holiday build to major profits by Christmas. CHANCE: Old maps, new languages and a decision to believe in your ability to learn, no matter what, enhance Scorpio’s winning streak. SAGITTARIUS November 23 – December 21 13 In July, only invest in people and projects that mean something CAREER: Saturn helps secure success where you are in 2025, with roles or responsibilities you may not have considered. But big offers can be irresistible in August and September. On October 29 and December 11, follow facts, not fantasy. CASH: Start 2025 taking stock of what you have, as financial genius Venus backs you until summer to build on this brilliantly. In July, only invest in people and projects that mean something. Mars goes big or goes home around December 15. CHANCE: Fortune flows from feelings, so trust yours implicitly. Figures of eight and August trips can also have lucky influence. CAPRICORN December 22 – January 20 13 Combining birthday dates, wedding planning and brokering deals can spell 2025 luck CAREER: Talk your way to success in March, put in extra hours in June. Maverick planet Uranus upends your career chart from July to November, and cautious Capricorn is no more. Get ready to surprise everyone, especially yourself. CASH: Your inner voice counts most from January to June, so ignore external spending pressures. Two travel moons, in August and September, spot some big cash chances on the move. Pluto power helps focus on the financial future, so ditch the past. CHANCE: Combining birthday dates, wedding planning and brokering deals can spell 2025 luck. An old family story can scoop a unique prize. AQUARIUS January 21 – February 18 13 Reinventing yourself can start with the full moon on January 13 CAREER: The positive vibes of Jupiter are zooming in on your work zone, so you approach serious ambitions with a lighter touch. Reinventing yourself can start with the full moon on January 13, alongside the “never say no” spirit of Mars. You’ve got this. CASH: Saturn has been on call in your money chart for years – but 2025 is the last one. So spend it finishing what you have started with a cool, clear head. April 7 and October 22 are crucial cash decision dates. CHANCE: Six o’clock, contests in three rounds and an event that has been postponed until next June can be Aquarius luck-finders. PISCES February 19 – March 20 13 Pluto toughens up secret ambitions, giving an inner shine CAREER: Mercury focuses your work mind from July to September, when you can visualise yourself in an exciting new role. February 28 and September 7 are Pisces push harder days. Pluto toughens up secret ambitions, giving an inner shine. CASH: Go your own way until May, when Saturn’s six-month shift encourages pooling money plans, working and winning as part of an “F” team. Pisces’ key money moon is October 7, so swap distractions for determination. Read more on the Scottish Sun GHOST TOWN Former Scots shopping hotspot 'decaying' as multimillion pound revamp ‘failing’ VAX HORROR Striken Scots 'gaslit' by health bosses after complications from Covid vaccine CHANCE: Neptune’s natural number-choosing and success-seeking instincts kick in strongest April to October. Families of five and locations to the east can be lucky all year.Jimmy Carter, the 100-year-old former US president and Nobel peace laureate who rose from humble beginnings in rural Georgia to lead the nation from 1977 to 1981, has died, his nonprofit foundation said Sunday. Carter had been in hospice care since mid-February 2023 at his home in Plains, Georgia -- the same small town where he was born and once ran a peanut farm before becoming governor of the Peach State and running for the White House. Carter died "peacefully" at his home in Plains, "surrounded by his family," the Carter Center said in a statement. "My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love," Chip Carter said in the statement. Carter was the longest-lived US president -- an outcome that seemed unlikely back in 2015 when the Southern Democrat revealed he had brain cancer. But the US Navy veteran and fervent Christian repeatedly defied the odds to enjoy a long and fruitful post-presidency, after four years in the Oval Office often seen as disappointing. During his single term, Carter placed a commitment on human rights and social justice, enjoying a strong first two years that included brokering a peace deal between Israel and Egypt dubbed the Camp David Accords. But his administration hit numerous snags -- the most serious being the taking of US hostages in Iran and the disastrous failed attempt to rescue the 52 captive Americans in 1980. He also came in for criticism for his handling of an oil crisis. In November of that year, Republican challenger Ronald Reagan clobbered Carter at the polls, relegating the Democrat to just one term. Reagan, a former actor and governor of California, swept into office on a wave of staunch conservatism. Active post-presidency As the years passed, a more nuanced image of Carter emerged -- one that took into account his significant post-presidential activities. He founded the Carter Center in 1982 to pursue his vision of world diplomacy, and he was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless efforts to promote social and economic justice. He observed numerous elections around the world and emerged as a prominent international mediator, tackling global problems from North Korea to Bosnia. Carter, known for his toothy smile, said basic Christian tenets such as justice and love served as the bedrock of his presidency. He taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist, his church in Plains, well into his 90s. In recent years, he had received various hospital treatments, including when he revealed in August 2015 that he had brain cancer and was undergoing radiation. 'Leader, statesman and humanitarian' Egyptian leader Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Sunday hailed Carter as "a symbol of humanitarian efforts" for his role in brokering the 1978 Camp David Accords, predicting his work would "remain etched in the annals of history." Tributes poured in from White House leaders past, present and incoming. Bill Clinton said Carter "worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world." George W. Bush said Carter's legacy would "inspire Americans for generations," and Barack Obama said the former leader "taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service." Donald Trump said Americans owed the Democrat "a debt of gratitude," later adding, in a second social media post, that "I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically." One of Carter's defining foreign policy achievements -- negotiating the return of the Panama Canal to Panama -- has come back into focus as Trump has threatened to retake the channel. "America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian," current President Joe Biden and his wife Jill said in a statement. "For anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning -- the good life -- study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility." In April 2021, the Bidens met with the Carters at their home in Plains. The White House later released a photo showing the couples smiling together, although only Rosalynn was seen by the press outside, bidding the Bidens farewell while using a walker. Rosalynn, Carter's wife of 77 years, died on November 19, 2023 at age 96. The former president, who looked frail, poignantly appeared at her memorial service in a wheelchair, with a blanket on his lap bearing their likenesses. Carter is survived by the couple's four children, three sons and a daughter. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has just unveiled its last major push to aid distressed farm loan borrowers, announcing nearly $300 million in financial assistance as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. This isn’t just another round of payouts—it’s the grand finale of a program that has already helped thousands of farmers keep their land, their livelihoods, and their futures intact. Over the past two years, the USDA has delivered an impressive $2.5 billion in relief to more than 47,800 struggling agricultural producers. This latest funding aims to stabilize an additional 12,800 farmers in one final life-saving effort. “USDA has always been committed to standing by our nation’s farmers and ranchers, especially in their most challenging times,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The final round of payments announced under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act provides much-needed relief to more than 12,800 producers, helping them stay on their land and continue farming. At USDA, we are not only addressing immediate financial challenges but also working every day to build a stronger, more supportive loan system that ensures farmers have the tools they need to succeed now and into the future.” For many, this announcement couldn’t come soon enough. Thousands of farmers nationwide have faced mounting pressure from climate challenges, volatile markets, and rising operational costs—piling debt they couldn’t climb out of. The funds help pay off outstanding farm loans, cover delinquent debts, and extend lifelines to those at risk of losing it all. For these farmers, the message is clear: USDA isn’t just stepping in to help—it’s staking its future on theirs. This final installment doesn’t come as a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it tackles the diverse and complex challenges of America’s farming community. Structured into categories, the assistance ensures that every dollar goes where it’s needed most, offering tailored solutions to borrowers with a variety of needs. Here’s what this $300 million package delivers to farmers across the country: $168.5 million to pay off outstanding overdue balances for direct loan borrowers delinquent as of November 30, 2024, and for guaranteed loan borrowers flagged for liquidation. $67.3 million to cover the next installment on Farm Loan Program direct loans for borrowers who already received prior assistance. $35 million in installment payments on loans for farmers who recently restructured their debts. $9 million to knock out direct Emergency Loan balances. $4.1 million to address emergency and protective advances on both direct and guaranteed loans. Additional funds for overdue interest, non-capitalized interest payments, and specific loan programs like Economic Emergency loans bring the plan full circle. For distressed farmers who are currently in bankruptcy, USDA promises customized, case-by-case solutions to help them take part in this vital initiative. Here’s the reality behind these numbers. For countless farmers, the stakes couldn’t be higher. When farmers lose their land, it’s not just their families who suffer—it’s the entire agricultural supply chain. Farms feed America. They stabilize rural economies. They keep grocery store shelves stocked. The ripple effect of failure in agriculture spans from small towns to global markets. This assistance ensures farmers have the breathing room they need to keep planting fields and raising livestock. And it’s not just about survival—it’s about progress. By helping distressed borrowers restructure their debts and gain access to financial tools for recovery, the USDA is promoting long-term resilience, not just short-term fixes. This program under the Inflation Reduction Act isn’t just money on paper—it reflects a broader shift in how USDA approaches farm lending. For years, many farmers viewed loan systems as inaccessible or even detrimental to their survival as they struggled to keep up with repayments during downturns. But programs like this aim to reform that narrative. They focus on proactive resilience-building, offering safety nets for the farmers who need it most. While this $300 million might signal the program’s end, its impact will echo for years. By erasing debts, funding restructures, and easing loan conditions, USDA has set a precedent for modern agricultural support systems. Farmers know now that failing financially doesn’t mean being abandoned. USDA is rewriting what it means to stand by rural America, and that trust could prove invaluable the next time farmers need a hand. The Inflation Reduction Act was hailed as a flagship achievement of the Biden Administration, and the nearly $2.5 billion devoted to assisting farmers is one of its crowning jewels. The program helped not only stabilize troubled farms but preserve the cultural and economic fabric of rural America. From small family farms to mid-sized operations fighting tooth and nail to stay competitive, this assistance turned doubt into hope for tens of thousands. Looking forward, USDA is signaling its commitment to ongoing improvements in its loan systems. While this chapter closes, it highlights an unwavering mission to make farming a sustainable livelihood. The Inflation Reduction Act laid the foundation, but the hard work of making lasting change starts now. With more than 12,800 farmers set to benefit from this final round, the future suddenly looks brighter for many who thought they were out of options. This isn’t just an investment in loans—it’s an investment in people, traditions, and the industries that feed America. It’s a reminder that no matter how steep the challenges, the country hasn’t forgotten the hands that sow, tend, and harvest its sustenance. If USDA follows through on its evolving mission, initiatives like this won’t just be emergency lifelines—they’ll become essential instruments for ensuring one of the country’s most vital industries thrives. For America’s farmers, that reassurance couldn’t come at a more critical time. With this final $300 million infusion, the USDA has done more than relieve debt—it’s helped secure a future where farmers can focus on what they do best, with fewer worries weighing them down. For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN .

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Dan Campbell stood at the podium after Detroit blew a 17-point lead to San Francisco in last season's NFC title game and talked about how that might have been the Lions' only shot at reaching the Super Bowl. The coach knew how difficult it would be to maintain that high level of play through injuries, attrition and with a target on their back as a top contender in the NFC. Eleven months later as Campbell and the Lions prepare to return to Levi's Stadium for the first time since that loss , that has proved to be prophetic — for San Francisco instead of Detroit. The Lions (13-2) head into the rematch Monday night with the inside track at the top seed in the NFC playoffs, while the 49ers (6-9) have already been eliminated from postseason contention . The element of revenge for last season's 34-31 loss is secondary for Detroit, considering what's on the line the last two weeks of the season. The Lions can clinch the top seed in the NFC by winning their final two games or with a win against the Niners if Minnesota loses to Green Bay on Sunday. “Anytime we lose, the thought of losing is going to motivate you to not want to lose again, particularly with where you were at,” Campbell said. “So, that’s always going to bring its own level of motivation to it. But this is where we’re at in the season, we know that we need another win, we understand where we’re at in the division and the NFC, so I think it’s all encompassing.” While the Lions have no need to search for motivation, that's not the case for the 49ers, who are playing out the string of a lost season after making losing back-to-back NFC title games in 2021-22 and the Super Bowl last season. A run of injuries to key players like Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, Nick Bosa and Brandon Aiyuk, combined with inconsistent play all season have led to the 49ers having nothing to play for in the final two games. “It’s obviously not where you want to be this time of year,” Bosa said. "It’s different, especially watching where we’re at last year against this team. Just that feeling of December, January football is a feeling that I’ve gotten used to being really competitive and being in the mix. I think we’re doing a good job of staying engaged and obviously this is our job, so we’re going to finish it strong. Detroit’s faith in Jameson Williams is paying off, taking advantage of his game-breaking abilities with big plays. Jared Goff heaved an 82-yard touchdown pass over Williams’ shoulders and into his hands in last week’s win at Chicago. Earlier this season, Goff threw 70-, 64- and 52-yard passes for scores to the third-year receiver. “We work on it a ton, him and I do, and it’s a testament to him,” Goff said. “He’s asking for it. He wants that work, and I’m more than happy to give it to him during the week. It’s good. Our connection continues to grow. He’s obviously one of the best deep threats in our league, even when it’s not perfect.” The 49ers head into the game scrambling to put together an offensive line. Williams has been out for more than a month with an ankle injury and his backup at left tackle, Jaylon Moore, is now sidelined by a quadriceps injury. Left guard Aaron Banks injured his knee last week, while his backup Ben Bartch is already out with an ankle injury. That will leave the Niners with two third-stringers protecting Brock Purdy. But Shanahan said he isn’t thinking of sitting Purdy to protect him. “People deal with that throughout the year on other weeks, too,” he said. “I mean, we’ve got a football team. We’ve got to go out and we’ve got two games here and we’ve got to see what guys we can put out there and whatever we do we’re going to put a game plan together to, as best as we can to give us a chance to win.” Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who may have a chance for the second straight offseason to be an NFL head coach, routinely pulls off trick plays and his latest was a doozy. Goff intentionally stumbled after taking a snap and Jahmyr Gibbs went to the ground as their teammates yelled, “fumble,” to fool the Bears on a 21-yard touchdown pass to Sam LaPorta. “Those make you feel good because everybody is invested in it,” Campbell said. “It’s fun. It’s different. It’s sound. “I know it sounds crazy, but it’s sound.” San Francisco kicker Jake Moody is having a rough second season after being drafted in the third round a year ago. Moody has missed seven field goals this season, including a 41-yarder last week at Miami. Moody is just 10 for 16 since coming back from a high ankle sprain in his kicking foot, but Shanahan said he still has confidence in him. “I still feel the same about him, that I believe he’ll be our guy,” Shanahan said. "I mean everyone’s got to perform and do things like that. I think he has had a tough year. Before his high ankle sprain, he missed one. ... I think he was 12 of 13 before that, so I thought he was doing really well." AP Sports Writer Larry Lage contributed to this report. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl