The Sentinel: 12/27/23

Spartans dive in to win first game at the State Farm Holiday Classic

NORMAL - St. Joseph-Ogden's Logan Smith dives in to catch a loose ball over East Dubuque senior Wyat Kruser and teammate Tanner Siems in the second half of their State Farm Holiday Classic first-round game on Wednesday. The Spartans (10-1) defeated the Warriors thanks to second-half reboot, 56-47. Siems led the SJO contingent with 15 points, while Smith delivered 13 in the first three quarters. St. Joseph-Ogden advances in the winner's bracket to face the Rockets of Rock Falls (10-3) in a quarterfinal contest at approximately 8:30 pm on Thursday.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Photo Gallery | Lady Irish topple Spartans at State Farm Classic

NORMAL - Addison Seggebruch makes a pass to an open teammate while being guarded by McNamara's Trinitee Thompson and Lydia Nugent in the second quarter of their State Farm Holiday Classic game. The Spartans fell 50-18 to the Lady Irish in the first Small School girls' game at Normal Community High School this morning. Seggebruch finished with five points for SJO. Moving into the consolation bracket, the Spartans will face Rockford Lutheran at 9:30 am at Bloomington High School tomorrow. The Lady Crusaders lost to Brimfield 49-39 in the contest following SJO's.

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Nearly half of older Americans can’t even afford basic needs

I worked hard my whole career and retired feeling secure. Then I lost every last dime in a scam. I was left with $1,300 a month in Social Security benefits to live on in an area where monthly expenses run about $3,700.

I’m a smart woman, but scams against older Americans are increasing in number and sophistication. Whether through scams, strained savings, or costs of living going up, half of older Americans — that’s 27 million households — can’t afford their basic needs.