IJR News

El Mencho’s Brother Sentenced to 22.5 YearsWorld — 18hAntonio Oseguera Cervantes, brother of slain Jalisco New Generation Cartel co-founder El Mencho, was sentenced in Washington to 22 years and six months in prison after pleading guilty to drug-trafficking and firearms offenses. The sentence was shorter than prosecutors’ 30-year request; the judge cited his age and health in imposing a term above the 20 years sought by his defense.

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Derek Foss At least the judge didn't go easy with just 20 years like the defense wanted, though 22.5 still seems short for those charges.

New Jersey Town Votes to End 150-Year Ban on Alcohol Sales — 1dA New Jersey borough known for its restaurants and longtime alcohol restrictions is preparing for a major change after voters approved a measure allowing licensed establishments to… — by Andrew Powell

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Rubik’s Cube Production Returns to HungaryTech — 1dRubik’s Cube production has returned to Hungary, where inventor Ernő Rubik opened a new automated factory in Jászberény, more than 40 years after manufacturing moved abroad. The first cube made there, signed by Rubik, is being reserved for a charity auction to benefit a local hospital.

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Derek Foss The signed cube for the local hospital auction is a solid idea. Hope the factory brings steady work to the area.

WNBA interviews candidates for commissioner successor — 1dThe WNBA is interviewing candidates to replace outgoing commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who hopes a successor will be named by Dec. 31. Engelbert says she will remain in the role if the search continues into the new year.

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Chris Dalton Engelbert built real momentum for the league so the next commissioner needs to keep expanding TV deals and player pay without slowing down.

Barnes & Noble Opens Baltimore, NYC Store ExpectedBusiness — 2dBarnes & Noble is expanding with new stores in New York City’s East Village and Baltimore County’s Lutherville Station, part of a broader comeback after years of store closures. The Baltimore opening also marks the chain’s return to the Towson area nearly a decade after its previous location closed.

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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.

Shama Pitches Hong Kong Temples and Neighborhoods for New Year GetawaysTravel — 5dShama is promoting Hong Kong as a New Year travel destination, pairing temple visits and historic neighborhoods with local food and the comforts of serviced-apartment stays. Separately, New Taipei City’s Christmasland runs Nov. 13 through Dec. 27, featuring four themed lighting zones and characters from Kanahei’s Small animals.

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Evander Kane Signs KHL Deal After Missing Out on NHL Contract — 3dEvander Kane signed a one-year contract with KHL club Sibir Novosibirsk after playing last season for the Vancouver Canucks and failing to secure a new NHL deal. The 35-year-old leaves the NHL with 339 goals and 648 points in 1,001 regular-season games.

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Marcus Bell Heading to Sibir Novosibirsk at least lets him keep playing instead of sitting out entirely this season.

Communities Unearth, Open Decades-Old Time CapsulesLifestyle — 4dCommunities in Houston County, Panama City and New Lebanon opened decades-old time capsules, revealing historic documents and keepsakes and reconnecting residents with the past. In West Chester, residents instead filled a new capsule with local memorabilia to be opened in 50 years.

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Chipotle Opens New Restaurants in Ohio and Wisconsin With ChipotlanesBusiness — 4dChipotle is expanding across the Midwest, with new drive-thru pickup locations opening in Menomonie and Tipp City and another scheduled to open in Fort Wayne on Nov. 16. The chain is also planning a Brown Deer restaurant, while a Miamisburg location is expected by year’s end.

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U.S. New-Car Prices Hit Record $51,109Auto — 3dThe average U.S. new-vehicle transaction price hit a record $51,109, up 2.1% from a year earlier—a rise below inflation. Tariffs and demand for larger, higher-end vehicles are contributing to the cost, while elevated auto-loan rates make buying more expensive; sales of cheaper compact cars and SUVs are also growing.

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Jared Kim With new cars averaging over fifty thousand dollars, it's no wonder more people are buying cheaper compact models instead.

Italian eateries plan new locations in Texas, New York and North CarolinaBusiness — 4dRestaurant openings and expansions are bringing new Italian-inspired dining to several U.S. communities: Amy D’s is planned for downtown Frisco in 2027, Maggiano’s is expected at Raleigh’s Crabtree Valley next year, Tony’s Tacos is opening its sixth location in Holbrook, and Tony’s Italian Delicatessen has opened in Spring, Texas. The concepts range from upscale Italian dining to Italian-Mexican tacos and neighborhood sandwiches.

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Madonna vs Lady GagaYourlist — VS BattleThe Queen of Pop versus the artist who studied at her throne.

Boone to Perform at Utah’s First Winter Classic — 2dBenson Boone will perform during the first intermission of the Utah Mammoth–Colorado Avalanche Winter Classic at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on New Year’s Eve. Organizers are planning an elaborate, winter-themed stadium production for the high-energy set, with possible special guests.

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Capital Region Seeks Input on 25-Year Transportation PlanLifestyle — 4dRecent Baton Rouge-area coverage highlights a proposed 25-year transportation plan centered on a new bridge and interstate upgrades, alongside local property activity and Census estimates showing that about one in six East Baton Rouge Parish residents moved in 2025. Other coverage spotlights Baton Rouge’s cultural and dining attractions for visitors.

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New Haven Woman Charged in Wallingford Hit-and-RunWorld — Nov 7, 2026A 78-year-old New Haven woman was arrested and charged with evading responsibility after an October hit-and-run in Wallingford seriously injured an 11-year-old girl riding a bicycle. Police used surveillance footage to identify the vehicle; the girl has been released from the hospital, and the woman is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 1.

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Aftershock Returns to September Dates for 2027 Sacramento FestivalEntertainment — 3dAftershock will return to Sacramento’s Discovery Park Sept. 30–Oct. 3, 2027, for its 15th year, following a sold-out 2026 festival that drew 180,000 fans. The lineup has not been announced; ticket sales begin Nov. 16, and a new bundled pass will cover Aftershock and the returning GoldenSky festival.

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What hobby should you actually pick up?Quizie — QuizNot another 'try journaling.' Twelve questions and the AI prescribes the specific hobby your brain has been asking for.

Meow Wolf Unveils 55-Foot Rose Parade FloatEntertainment — 3dMeow Wolf will make its Rose Parade debut on New Year’s Day 2027 with a flower-covered, 55-foot float featuring its signature refrigerator portal and characters from its immersive worlds. The float will preview the company’s planned Los Angeles exhibition, slated to open in early 2027.

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Merged Montana Health Systems Unveil One Sky RebrandHealth — 3dBillings Clinic and Logan Health, which merged in 2023, are now unified as One Sky Health, a nonprofit, independent health system serving Montana and northern Wyoming. The new name takes effect immediately, with signage and other changes expected to roll out over the next two to three years; officials say the system aims to strengthen connected care, including in rural communities.

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Kelly Ayotte Wins Second Term Two Years After Kamala Harris Carried New Hampshire — Nov 4, 2026Republican New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte won a second two-year term Tuesday, defying a national blue wave that swept many Democrats into many states' governors' mansions.

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Montana Elects First House Democrat, Nonbinary LeaderPolitics — 4dSam Forstag’s election gives Montana its first Democratic U.S. House representative in more than 30 years, bringing a new voice for the state as he prepares for his freshman term. He has discussed what to expect in Congress and the Democratic Party’s direction, while local reaction weighs his prospects against outgoing Republican Troy Downing’s record.

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Decatur Superintendent Whitaker Plans Year-End DeparturePolitics — 3dCity Schools of Decatur Superintendent Gyimah Whitaker will leave her post Dec. 31, 2026, after leading the district since 2023, saying she plans to pursue new opportunities. The district cited academic gains during her tenure; Deputy Superintendent Karen Newton-Scott will serve as interim superintendent while the school board searches for a successor.

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Home Costs Top $30,000; Sales FallFinance — 3dU.S. housing conditions are mixed: Maine sales and prices fell in October, Alexandria sales dropped sharply even as its median price rose, and New Hampshire prices eased month to month but remained above last year’s level. Buyers in several markets have more listings and negotiating room, while homeowners still face substantial non-mortgage costs such as taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance.

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Mattel Cuts Full-Year Outlook After Q3 Revenue Miss Under New CEOBusiness — Nov 5, 2026Mattel cut full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $1.05-$1.20 after $1.81B Q3 sales missed; CEO Roger Lynch: "I also see clearly where we must improve."

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Rachel Meyers Even with the earnings beat, lowering full-year guidance before the holidays suggests deeper issues with demand for Mattel's toys.

Unemployment Hits 11-Year High in New ZealandFinance — Nov 3, 2026New Zealand unemployment hit 5.7%, the highest rate in over a decade, with 174,000 out of work — the most since 1993 — three days before the election.

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Tom Gallagher Long-term unemployment staying high means more people are giving up on finding jobs and that drags down the whole labor market.

Pennacchio to Exit NJ Senate After 27 Years, Opening 26th District Seat — 3dNew Jersey state Sen. Joseph Pennacchio says he will retire when his term ends in January 2028, opening the 26th District seat as it grows more competitive. Assemblyman Brian Bergen has ruled out a Senate bid and plans to seek reelection to the Assembly, while Assemblyman Jay Webber has announced his candidacy and is the clear Republican frontrunner.

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