IJR News

Venable Wins AL Manager Award After Sox Turnaround — 2hWill Venable was named 2026 American League Manager of the Year after leading the Chicago White Sox to an 84-78 record and their first postseason appearance since 2021, following three straight 100-loss seasons. The turnaround, driven by player development and Venable’s leadership, made Chicago the first MLB team to reach the playoffs after consecutive 100-loss seasons and included its first playoff series win since 2005.

+3

Sam Okafor Getting that first series win since 2005 feels like a big step for Chicago. Venable clearly knew how to build the right team culture.

Soul Train Awards Hold First Chicago CeremonyBusiness — 1dThe Soul Train Awards returned in Chicago for the first time, taping Nov. 5 at the Harris Theater in a homecoming for the franchise rooted in the city. Hosted by Anthony Anderson, the ceremony honored Chicago native Chaka Khan and is set to air Nov. 27 on BET and CBS.

0

South Carolina State beats Chicago State 82-67 — 2dSouth Carolina State beat Chicago State 82-67 as Noah Treadwell scored 22 points; Mike Price led the Cougars with 26. Chicago State’s next game is at Cal Baptist.

0

Bears Survive Five Turnovers, Beat Buccaneers 27-24 — 1dThe Chicago Bears beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27–24 on a walk-off field goal after overcoming five turnovers, including four interceptions thrown by Caleb Williams. Tampa Bay rallied to tie the game late, but Williams led the winning drive to give Chicago its seventh win of the season.

+1

Nicole Hardy Bears got lucky surviving all those turnovers and the Bucs late rally. Their defense finally showed up when it counted.

Chicago Parking Strike Ends With Ratified Five-Year DealBusiness — 4dTeamsters Local 727 reached a tentative agreement with the Chicago Parking Association to end a four-day strike by about 1,200 Chicago-area parking workers, averting possible disruption to parking at venues including Soldier Field ahead of Sunday’s Bears game. The deal, which requires union ratification, includes wage and benefit increases, more paid time off, a retiree benefit and protections against technology-related job losses; parking operations are expected to resume normally.

0

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.

Hurricanes rout Blackhawks 9-2, tie franchise scoring record — 4dThe Carolina Hurricanes routed the Chicago Blackhawks 9-2, tying a franchise record for goals since relocating to Carolina. Jordan Martinook and Andrei Svechnikov scored twice each as Carolina extended its strong run, while Chicago lost its sixth straight game.

0

Chicago Fire to Host Charlotte FC in MLS Playoff Series OpenerSports — 2dChicago Fire FC, the Eastern Conference’s No. 4 seed, will host No. 5 Charlotte FC in Game 1 of their best-of-three MLS Cup Playoffs series on Nov. 22 at SeatGeek Stadium; Game 2 is Nov. 28 in Charlotte, with a decisive Game 3 back in Bridgeview on Dec. 2 if needed. Tied matches go directly to penalty kicks, and the winner of two games advances to the conference semifinals.

+3

Priya Raman Charlotte can pull an upset if they defend well away from home in the first game.

IBM Deploys First Quantum Computer in IllinoisTech — 4dIBM has installed its first Illinois quantum computer, the Quantum System Two powered by its Nighthawk processor, at the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park Labs. The system will support research and industry collaborations through the National Quantum Algorithm Center before moving to Chicago’s planned Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, part of the state’s effort to build a quantum technology hub.

+1

Tom Gallagher Illinois building a whole hub around it could draw good jobs if they follow through on the park plans.

Two Fatal Scooter Crashes Hit Chicago in Two DaysAuto — 5dA 39-year-old man riding an electric scooter was killed early Thursday after being struck by a marked Chicago police vehicle on South Princeton Avenue. The two officers were hospitalized for treatment, and the circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.

0

Bears Edge Buccaneers as Mayfield Questions Penalties — 4dTampa Bay lost to Chicago amid costly penalties and an ineffective passing offense: Baker Mayfield suggested the Bears’ cadence contributed to false starts, while coach Todd Bowles said the Buccaneers needed to hold their composure. Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho blamed Mayfield for the loss, as pregame analysis had identified Chicago’s vulnerable pass defense and the teams’ strength in the run game as key matchup factors.

0

EVgo opens first Chicago Supercharger, plans expansionAuto — 5dEVgo opened its first Tesla Supercharger site near downtown Chicago, a 12-stall station with Magic Dock that supports NACS and CCS vehicles. The site is the first in a planned nationwide rollout of hundreds, alongside EVgo’s separate effort to add 500 NACS-equipped stalls by the end of 2026.

0

Toy Story vs ShrekYourlist — VS BattleThe toy box vs the swamp: two animation revolutions, one inevitable playground argument.

Fall Out Boy Announces 2027 World TourMusic — 3dFall Out Boy’s cryptic “Twilight of the Punks” teasers and interactive website have fueled speculation about a major 2027 tour, including UK and Ireland dates and a possible North American stadium run. No tour dates have been officially confirmed, though a leak pointed to a July 24 show at Chicago’s Soldier Field as the band prepares to release its new single, “ACES.”

0

Chicago’s First Elected School Board Takes ShapePolitics — Nov 3, 2026Chicago school board races across several districts feature contests between incumbents and challengers, with candidates divided over charter schools, school choice, closures, funding and the influence of the teachers union. Some candidates are backed by the Chicago Teachers Union and school staff unions, while others have support from charter-school advocates and anti-union groups; local concerns also include enrollment, overcrowding, academic performance and district debt.

0

Joe Miñoso Exits Chicago Fire in 300th Episode — Nov 1, 2026Chicago Fire’s 300th episode is Joe Miñoso’s final appearance as firefighter Joe Cruz, whose recovery from a serious injury forces him to reconsider his future at Firehouse 51. The milestone episode also brings the Cruz family together for the birth of his twins and features returning characters and a Chicago Med crossover.

0

Chicago Rivet Reports $916K Loss, Going-Concern WarningBusiness — 4dChicago Rivet & Machine’s third-quarter revenue edged up 2.3% to $7.53 million, but the company swung to a $916,000 loss as lower production volumes, unfavorable product mix and rising costs sharply cut gross profit. Management warned that recurring losses and negative operating cash flow raise substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern; its nine-month results also showed a $2.27 million net loss and declining cash reserves.

0

How charismatic are you, really?Quizie — QuizNot a score out of ten — the AI identifies your specific brand of charm and where it's most dangerous.

Ex-Chicago FBI chief sues alleging scapegoat role in Broadview case — Nov 2, 2026Ex-Chicago FBI chief Douglas DePodesta sued Patel, Blanche, Boutros, the FBI and DOJ on Nov. 2, 2026, alleging he was forced out as a scapegoat for the Broadview Six collapse.

+3

Marcus Bell DePodesta deserves his day in court if he can prove they made him the fall guy to cover for bad decisions on those investigations.

Cider Destinations Span Five U.S. StatesLifestyle — 2dAcross the Midwest and Georgia, orchards, cider mills and urban taprooms offer visitors local cider alongside distinctive seasonal and community-centered experiences. The destinations range from farm-made cider and orchard treats to Chicago’s craft cidery scene.

0

Fatal Scooter Crashes Kill Riders Across Four CitiesAuto — Nov 3, 2026Separate fatal crashes involving scooter riders were reported in Fort Myers, Chicago, Norwalk and Portland. The Portland rider died weeks after a collision with a TriMet bus, while the other three died after crashes involving a minivan, a Chicago police vehicle and an unspecified motor vehicle, respectively; investigations were ongoing in several cases.

0

Chicago Fire beat Colorado Rapids 4-2 — Oct 30, 2026Chicago Fire beat the Colorado Rapids 4-2 in a back-and-forth MLS match, with Jonathan Bamba scoring twice and Robert Lewandowski also helping secure the win. The three points boosted Chicago’s push for a top-four finish, while Colorado’s playoff hopes took a hit.

0

Kansas, Kentucky set for Champions ClassicSports — 1dUndefeated No. 15 Kansas and No. 24 Kentucky meet in Chicago’s Champions Classic, an early-season test for both teams; Kansas brings a strong start led by Tre White, Trey Kaufman-Renn and freshman Tyran Stokes, while Kentucky will look to its perimeter shooting and backcourt to counter. The matchup continues a storied series between two of the event’s four blue-blood programs, with Kansas holding a 3-2 edge in their Champions Classic meetings.

+2

Nicole Hardy The 3-2 series lead for Kansas means little if their perimeter defense doesn't show up against Kentucky.

Loyola Chicago beats Citadel 77-52 — Nov 1, 2026Loyola Chicago’s men opened their season with a 77-52 win over The Citadel, led by Dayan Nessah’s 19 points. The women’s team was set to open at home against Wright State, beginning a season under first-year head coach Paige with a roster featuring returning players, transfers and a freshman.

0

Buccaneers Seek Sole NFC South Lead Against BearsSports — 4dThe Buccaneers moved into sole possession of first place in the NFC South after the Saints beat the Browns and the Panthers and Falcons lost; a win over the Bears would strengthen Tampa Bay’s lead. Separately, Chicago could take over first place in the NFC North with a win over Tampa Bay followed by a Vikings loss to Buffalo.

0

Joe Minoso exits Chicago Fire after 300 episodes — 5dJoe Miñoso’s Joe Cruz leaves Firehouse 51 after choosing to focus on recovery and his young family, though Miñoso says he would be open to returning. As the probies’ rotation ends, Burke is expected to stay and take Cruz’s place, while the other three leave the show.

0

Shootings in Chicago, Newark and Dallas Leave Seven Dead Over Halloween — Oct 31, 2026At least 13 people were shot and three killed in Chicago over Halloween weekend, with incidents across the city including fatal shootings in Mayfair, North Lawndale and the South Side. Several others were wounded, including two teenagers left in critical condition; police reported a person of interest in custody in the Mayfair killing.

0