IJR News

Corporate Swag Shifts Toward Eco-Friendly, Practical Gifts — 1dU.S. companies spent $174 billion on corporate gifting last year as swag shifts to eco-friendly, practical items; 40% of event swag is thrown away immediately.

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Fathers of Nolan Wells friends sue Terrell Owens for defamation — 2dThree friends of Nolan Wells are suing Terrell Owens for defamation and false light, alleging his social media post urging their arrest falsely implicated them in Wells’ death. The suit says Owens posted after a grand jury found no credible evidence of criminal wrongdoing by the friends.

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Westbrook Develops Series on Smith and Jazzy Jeff — 2dWestbrook Studios and The Malar Group are developing “215,” a scripted series about Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff’s rise from teenage friends in late-1980s Philadelphia to hip-hop stars. The project will follow their pursuit of a record deal amid the city’s growing hip-hop scene and is the first title in the companies’ film and television partnership.

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Dodgers’ 1988 Championship Architect Fred Claire Dies at 91 — 2dFred Claire, architect of the Dodgers' 1988 World Series title, died Monday on his 91st birthday. Ross Porter: "I lost a close friend today. The world lost a good man."

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“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.” — Charles Dickens, Our Mutual Friend — 6dPosted to FaithTap by IJR.

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Most Influential Women in World HistoryYourlist — RankingFrom ancient queens who ruled empires to modern activists who changed laws, these women left indelible marks on politics, science, and culture. Vote for who you think shaped history most profoundly.

How to share your faith with a friendLifestyle — Sep 27, 2026For anyone ready to talk belief with a friend and keep the friendship whole.

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Chris Dalton Respecting their boundaries is what really keeps the friendship from falling apart.

Kashmiri Filmmaker Detained by ICE at DullesWorld — 2dKashmiri filmmaker Arfat Sheikh was detained by ICE at Dulles Airport on Sept. 24 while traveling to a Washington panel, according to friends and supporters, and is being held in Virginia. He has filed a federal habeas petition; supporters say he has a pending immigration application and valid work authorization, claims authorities have not confirmed.

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International Soccer Slate Spans Nations League, FriendliesSports — Oct 1, 2026Spain has dominated its five meetings with the Czech Republic, winning four, while also entering their recent form comparison on a five-match winning streak. Elsewhere in international soccer, Portugal earned its first win since Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, and Montenegro and Israel’s under-19 teams are set to meet in a friendly.

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US Wildlife Sites Welcome VisitorsLifestyle — 2dFamily-friendly wildlife outings range from Montpelier’s annual fall open house, with hayrides and nature activities, to close-up animal encounters at Georgia’s Hope Ranch Zoo. Other options include free-admission animal farms and sanctuaries in New York and Missouri’s Powder Valley nature center, which offers wildlife exhibits, trails and hands-on activities.

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Messi Set for Argentina Farewell Against Benin — 3dLionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina in a farewell friendly against Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium, closing a two-decade international career highlighted by major titles, including the 2022 World Cup. The match is expected to draw a packed crowd, while Benin’s delegation has reportedly raised concerns about travel and accommodation arrangements.

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“When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without further introduction.” — Mark Twain, Author, 1835–1910 — Sep 29, 2026Posted to IJR by IJR.

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New York Pizza vs Chicago Deep DishYourlist — VS BattleThe foldable slice versus the fork-and-knife casserole — America's longest-running food fight.

October Events Span Houston, Arkansas, ConnecticutLifestyle — 4dHouston offers a packed October calendar, from concerts by Sara Bareilles, wave to earth and other artists to theater, opera, dance and other cultural events. Seasonal options also include family-friendly fall activities and Halloween attractions, giving residents a range of ways to spend the month.

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Raye says Jordan is friend, teases project — Sep 28, 2026Raye dismissed dating rumors about Michael B. Jordan, saying they are “just friends who like roller coasters,” and confirmed they are working on a project she cannot yet discuss. At the 2026 MTV VMAs, she also spoke about her George Michael tribute performance and said she would welcome a collaboration with Madonna.

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“Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” — Groucho Marx, Comedian, 1890–1977 — Sep 29, 2026Posted to IJR by IJR.

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Africa Hotel Pipeline Hits Record 104,444 RoomsTravel — 3dTravel developments include Pine Cliffs’ June wellness retreat, Myrtle Beach’s expanded autism-friendly offerings, and a 12% increase in summer flights to Madeira from the UK. Separately, Africa’s hotel pipeline reached a record 577 properties, while Kyoto’s Imperial Hotel named a general manager and joined The Leading Hotels of the World ahead of its 2026 opening.

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Can you actually read a map?Quizie — QuizFifteen world-geography questions. Most people miss at least three — the AI grades you and names your traveler rank.

Trump calls Kim Jong Un friend and says nuclear threat manageable — Sep 30, 2026President Donald Trump said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is his friend and argued that their relationship makes Pyongyang’s nuclear situation different from Iran’s, while saying Kim respects him and the danger would remain manageable under his leadership. Trump acknowledged North Korea has a sizable nuclear capability, blamed previous administrations for failing to prevent its development, and contrasted his personal diplomacy with ongoing regional concerns over the arsenal.

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Maya Lindstrom Trump's friendship with Kim won't erase those nukes, and blaming past presidents ignores how hard it is to roll back what they already built.

Bangkok Pet Fair Expects 12,500 Trade VisitorsLifestyle — 3dPet-focused events range from Nashville’s Fur Ball fundraiser supporting low-cost services and stray-cat care to a dog-friendly zoo walk, an international Southeast Asian trade fair, and an Onalaska expo featuring pet first-aid and CPR guidance. The events serve different audiences, from local pet owners and animal-welfare supporters to industry professionals.

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Son Heung-min Eyes Scoring Record in South Korea Friendly — 3dThe articles preview international soccer matchups including South Korea–Uzbekistan, the United States–Canada, Guatemala–Suriname, Italy–Turkey and Rwanda–Kenya, with lineups or squad updates and broadcast information. Guatemala need a win and help elsewhere to reach the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals, while Suriname need only a point; the other previews highlight teams testing squads or seeking to build momentum.

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Derek Foss Uzbekistan will be tough to break down but South Korea looks strong enough to get the win.

Orchestras Plan Halloween Concerts Across CommunitiesEntertainment — 4dOrchestras in San Jose, Victoria, Tuscarawas County and a community identified as BHS are planning family-friendly Halloween concerts featuring seasonal music, costumes and activities. The Tuscarawas Philharmonic’s Oct. 24 program pairs trick-or-treating with spooky classical works and a children’s musical mystery, while the other events offer mixes of popular and classical selections, costume contests or other family attractions.

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How to lead a small group Bible study — Sep 27, 2026For a first-time host of friends or church members who wants the group to stay on the text and every voice to be heard.

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Rachel Meyers I like the tip about preparing questions in advance to keep everyone on the actual Bible passage instead of opinions.

Childcare centers turn to free teacher housing as wages lag — Sep 28, 2026Eric Gil left an eight-person Waterbury household for a free home minutes from his preschool job; Friends Center in New Haven now houses 10 teachers rent-free.

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Sam Okafor It's good they're helping with housing, but wages for these teachers need to go up so perks like this aren't necessary.

Silva Tackle Leaves Ødegaard Limping in Portugal-Norway — Sep 28, 2026Bernardo Silva told Odegaard "It's football, my friend" after a stoppage-time kick left the Norway captain shouting "f**k you," limping with an ankle knock in Portugal's 2-1 win.

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Jared Kim Silva's tackle came well after the ball was gone and deserved a stronger response from the ref than it got.

Kennedy Tells Vaccine Skeptics They Have Friend in White House — Sep 17, 2026RFK Jr. told Children's Health Defense on Sept. 17 they have a "strong and steadfast friend at the White House" as four measles deaths were reported in Pennsylvania.

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Rachel Meyers Parents with real safety questions deserve an ally in government rather than blanket mandates.

Perry Doc Trailer Features $7 Million Sobriety Revelation — Sep 29, 2026A new Netflix documentary about Matthew Perry will explore his fame as Friends’ Chandler Bing alongside his long struggle with addiction. In its trailer, his sister Mia Perry Bowick says he spent $7 million trying to get sober and describes the loneliness he struggled to overcome.

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Rachel Meyers It's incredible that someone would spend that much just to get clean.