IJR News

Corporate Swag Shifts Toward Eco-Friendly, Practical Gifts — 2dU.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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“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” — James 1:17, New International Version Holy Bible, New Int — 2hPosted to IJR by IJR.

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Michigan adds gift-card theft to retail crime law — 3dMichigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan laws adding gift-card tampering, theft of redemption information and fraudulent use of that information to the state’s Organized Retail Crime Act. Violators could face up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine, as state officials and retailers seek to deter card-draining schemes.

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Communities Plan Fall Festivals, Turkey TrotsLifestyle — 2dThanksgiving Turkey Trot events are gearing up in Merrimack, Charlotte, Tuscarawas County and Redmond, with races supporting local causes including children’s programs, holiday gifts and community services. Redmond is also marking its 10th race anniversary with an October Turkey Hunt giveaway.

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CSX Santa Train plans 84th Appalachian runTravel — 2dThe CSX Santa Train will make its 84th Appalachian run on Nov. 21, traveling 110 miles through Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee on a tradition dating to 1943. It will distribute more than 15,000 toys, gifts and winter items to families along the route.

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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.

Spirit Christmas plans 11 holiday stores across statesBusiness — 3dSpirit Christmas is expanding for the 2026 holiday season, with pop-up stores planned in 15 states—including Florida for the first time—and locations listed in Illinois, Tennessee and New York’s Hudson Valley. Most are expected to open in November, with offerings ranging from decorations and gifts to holiday apparel and attractions.

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Shell Donates $27.5 Million to LSU for Energy InnovationBusiness — 3dBaton Rouge-area coverage highlights major investments and development plans, including Shell’s $27.5 million gift to LSU for energy innovation and several proposed commercial and infrastructure projects. Reports also point to a cooling housing market and a widening gap between demand for skilled-trade workers and program enrollment.

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“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” — James 1:17, New International Version Holy Bible, New Int — Oct 1, 2026Posted to FaithTap by IJR.

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Elena Vasquez I like how this points out that only the good gifts come from above, which helps me sort out what really matters.

Wrap any gift using two inches of overlap on each sideLifestyle — Sep 27, 2026For anyone giving a present who wants neat edges and a cover that stays closed until it is opened.

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Dana Whitfield Two inches overlap keeps the paper from slipping but still lets you use less than I usually do.

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Quentin Tarantino vs Martin ScorseseYourlist — VS BattleThe video store savant versus the film-school don — two visions of American violence, guilt, and cool.

Zimbabwe Helicopter Crash Kills Six Near Harare — Sep 30, 2026Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, his wife Lucy Muteke and four others died when their helicopter crashed and caught fire near Marondera, east of Harare. Authorities are investigating the cause; Chivayo was a prominent, politically connected figure known for conspicuous wealth and lavish gifts.

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Artisan Markets Bring Makers to CommunitiesLifestyle — Sep 29, 2026Community craft fairs in several towns are bringing together local artisans and shoppers for handmade goods ranging from jewelry and artwork to baked treats and gifts, often alongside food, music and family activities. Organizers and vendors also emphasize the events’ community benefits, including supporting local businesses and ministries.

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Couple confirms Russian businessman funded Trump Jr. post-wedding celebrations — Sep 14, 2026Bettina Trump confirmed IBA head Umar Kremlev funded two post-wedding Bahamas nights after a Sept. 14, 2026 ProPublica report, calling him a dear friend and the outlay a wedding gift.

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Warpaint London Reports 17.8% H1 Revenue Drop — Sep 23, 2026Warpaint London PLC announced an increased interim dividend of 4.25 pence for 2026 and provided sales guidance for Q3 and the first nine months, with full-year revenue expected at the lower end of market forecasts; the outlook anticipates a stronger second half driven by Christmas gifting and ecommerce, aided by being debt-free. In H1 2026, revenue fell 17.8% to £40.5 million, but gross margin improved and cash flow from operations strengthened, supporting a more resilient positioning entering the second half.

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Rachel Meyers Raising the dividend despite lower sales feels risky, though the ecommerce focus could still deliver in the second half.

The grammar gatekeeper testQuizie — QuizTwelve spelling and grammar traps that catch almost everyone. Pass, and the AI knights you. Fail, and it's gentle about it. Mostly.

DoorDash, Uber Expand Costco Delivery Nationwide — Sep 15, 2026Costco is expanding its delivery partnership ecosystem, with DoorDash offering same-day delivery from all US Costco warehouses and Uber Eats rolling out nationwide delivery to 47 states, expanding access to Costco’s member savings. Additionally, Costco.com has reintroduced discounted Uber/Uber Eats and DoorDash gift cards, signaling continued integration of Costco with its delivery partners.

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Trump Defends Son After Russian Oligarch Funds Wedding — Sep 18, 2026President Donald Trump defended his son Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas wedding as largely funded by Umar Kremlev, a Russian oligarch with ties to Vladimir Putin, saying the arrangement was 'totally allowed' and that repayment occurred. Bettina Trump also pushed back, confirming Kremlev hosted celebration events as a personal, generous gift and emphasizing the private nature of the ceremony amid scrutiny from ProPublica and congressional investigators.

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I Look Classy Launches Men’s Lifestyle Brand — Sep 16, 2026I Look Classy has launched a men’s lifestyle brand centered on the modern gentleman, offering leather goods, stone bracelets, and gift sets via an online store, including items like a top-grain leather automatic buckle belt and slim wallets. The brand emphasizes a lifestyle identity built on style, confidence, and accessible quality, aiming to differentiate itself from traditional luxury labels.

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Dana Whitfield Gift sets with slim wallets could make decent presents, though the brand needs more than accessible pricing to stand out.

Wendy’s Launches Lisa Barlow’s Digital-Exclusive MealEntertainment — Sep 16, 2026Wendy's is launching Lisa Barlow's Baby Gorgeous Meal, a digital-exclusive duo tied to The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City that includes 10-piece nuggets, fries, a beverage, and a dipping sauce, available only in the Wendy's app and on DoorDash as a limited-time offer. Purchases through the app trigger entry into the Baby Gorgeous Sweepstakes with prizes ranging from Wendy's gift cards to a $10,000 grand prize, reinforcing a Bravo-branded promotional push around the partnership.

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Slide deploys on Trump’s Qatar-gifted jet before Dallas flight — Sep 9, 2026A inflated emergency slide on the Qatar-donated Air Force One prompted questions as President Donald Trump prepared to travel to Texas, with officials saying it was part of a safety check rather than an emergency. Trump later described the slide test as a routine check, and reports indicate he remained on Marine One for about 20 minutes before boarding, while backup aircraft were involved in the logistics.

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Riley Bennett · IJR Editorial You're right that tarmac is not the accurate term for the concrete and asphalt surfaces used on aircraft ramps. We'll watch the wording on those details in future pieces. Feedback like this helps tighten our reporting.

Oscars Nominees to Be Hit with Up to $63,000 Tax Bill for What Was in ‘Free’ Gift BagsReporting — Mar 17, 2023Who gets to pay when you get a gift? All of those Hollywood A-listers who accepted gift bags at the Oscars or any other awards show. Over at Forbes , contributor Robert Wood looked at the cost of the freebies and…

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Trump Defends Boeing Gift From Qatar: ‘Only a Fool Would Not Accept’ — May 14, 2025As far as President Donald Trump is concerned, the U.S. should not look a gift horse in the mouth — or in this case, a gift airplane. Trump is referring to a $400 million Boeing 747 the U.S. reportedly plans to accept…

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Trump gave $45,000 holiday gifts to Natalie Harp and two other White House aides — Sep 9, 2026

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Report: Jill Biden Has Long List Of Valuable Gifts From Foreign Leaders — Jan 3, 2025A new report shows first lady Jill Biden has received a long list of valuable gifts from foreign leaders during calendar year 2023. According to the U.S. Department of State’s 2023 Federal Register , which details gifts…

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