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Bipartisan experts agree: Climate change poses security and economic risks



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Fifty-eight admirals and generals, along with 3,600 economists, press leaders to confront climate change with urgency and bipartisan resolve.

by Terry Hansen
      Guest Commentary

When it comes to climate change, many competing voices can be hard to sort through. But some of the clearest guidance has come from those who know the stakes best.

Fifty-eight former U.S. national security leaders, including 35 admirals and generals, sent a letter on climate change to President Donald Trump during his first term. This extraordinary letter states: “Climate change is real, it is happening now, it is driven by humans, and it is accelerating.” These senior military and national security leaders also assert that “climate change is a direct threat to the national security of the United States,” and that addressing it should be seen “as a threat reduction issue, not a political one.”

Meanwhile, over 3,600 economists, including 28 Nobel Prize-winners and top economic advisers to presidents of both parties, have endorsed a plan to fight climate change. Their “Economists' Statement on Carbon Dividends" advocates putting a consistently rising price on carbon dioxide emissions and returning the money to the American people.

This statement concludes that the price signal will encourage technological innovation and steer our economy toward a low-carbon future. Returning the revenue to households will shield consumers from rising energy prices, and “the majority of families, including the most vulnerable, will benefit financially.” A border carbon adjustment would protect U.S. competitiveness and encourage other nations to adopt their own carbon pricing systems.

When the admirals, generals, and Nobel economists are saying the same thing, the message is simple: act now.


Terry Hansen is a retired educator who writes frequently about climate change. He lives in Milwaukee, WI.


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climate change national security, military leaders climate action, economists carbon dividends plan, bipartisan climate agreement, U.S. climate policy guidance


Harper, Cler shine as St. Joseph-Ogden soccer stays perfect at 12-0



The Spartans are ranked No. 1 in Illinois Class 1A for the first time. Their 12-0 season has featured 10 shutouts and an 82-6 scoring margin.


FARMER CITY - The moment was years in the making, and St. Joseph-Ogden made sure to rise to it. For the first time in program history, when the Spartans stepped onto the field this week, they did so as the No. 1 ranked team in Illinois Class 1A boys soccer. Highly deserving of the recognition, SJO's domination on the pitch continued with a win over Blue Ridge yesterday.

Lucas Stevens dribbles the ball
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Looking to send the ball to an open teammate, Spartans' Buddy Stevens keeps the ball away from Urbana University's Jax Taylor during his team's home match in August. This week, St. Joseph-Ogden plays grueling five-match schedule from the top of the Class 1A rankings.

Behind four goals from junior Zach Harper and a hat trick from Hunter Cler, SJO powered past Knights 9-0 on the road, stretching their unbeaten season to 12-0 and keeping their storybook run alive.

Harper got down to business early, connecting twice in the first half on pinpoint feeds from midfielder Tyler Hess, who finished with four assists. Harper also turned provider, setting up goals for Cler and freshman Ainsley Freeman, who celebrated her first varsity score.

Cler went on to complete his hat trick, while the Spartans also benefited from a Hoopeston own goal. By the final horn, SJO’s relentless attack had overwhelmed the Knights, keeping their defensive dominance intact with a 10th shutout of the year.

"Steven Newman & Waylon Jones (Batman & Robin) are the dynamic duo on the back line," head coach Chris Stevens said. "Yadi Acosta holds down the middle and Lucas Stevens is up top looking to score or assist his teammates."

Jones and Newman are juniors, which means SJO's soccer program will simply reload in 2026.

The Spartans have now outscored opponents 82-6 this season, their No. 1 state ranking underscoring a rapid rise built on depth and determination. SJO also holds the No. 479 spot nationally, ranked ahead of Chicago Academy and Coal City in Illinois 1A. Since the start of 2022, the program has won 51 matches against just 11 losses, a turnaround that has placed the school the map, mirroring the school's storied football program.

Stevens said three attributes define this year’s roster: discipline, determination, and unselfishness. "They have set big team goals for postseason and want to see them through," he said. "[Every] player, seniors through freshman, want everyone to succeed. This is a cohesive group of players and it’s a privilege to be a part of this journey with them."

Now, the focus shifts to Illini Prairie Conference play. The Spartans host Monticello (4-7-1) today before a quick two-game road swing to Olympia on Wednesday and Bloomington Central Catholic on Thursday. After a short rest, they’ll return home to face Illinois Valley Central Saturday morning — all with their new No. 1 target on their backs.

Scoring Summary

  • Zach Harper (assist: Tyler Hess)
  • Hunter Cler (assist: Zach Harper)
  • Ainsley Freeman (assist: Zach Harper)
  • Own Goal (Hoopeston)
  • Zach Harper (assist: Tyler Hess)
  • Hunter Cler (unassisted)
  • Zach Harper (assist: Tyler Hess)
  • Zach Harper (assist: Tyler Hess)
  • Hunter Cler (penalty kick)


St. Joe-Ogden Athletics


St. Joseph-Ogden soccer unbeaten season, Illinois Class 1A soccer rankings, Zach Harper SJO soccer highlights, Hunter Cler hat trick SJO, SJO Blue Ridge soccer recap



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