IJR News

Walter Diemer Never Expected His Bubble Gum to LastLifestyle — 1dFleer accountant Walter Diemer accidentally developed bubble gum in 1928, creating Dubble Bubble and turning an experimental batch into an enduring American favorite. The gum became popular with children and baseball players, including as a chewing-tobacco alternative for major-league players.

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Louisiana Postpones UNC-Wilmington Game Over Player ShortageSports — 1dLouisiana postponed its men’s basketball game against UNC-Wilmington because illness and other absences left the Ragin’ Cajuns without enough available players. The teams plan to reschedule the nonconference matchup.

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Jared Kim Tough break for Louisiana, but postponing makes sense when they can't field a full roster due to illness.

TCU nears deal for reigning A-10 Player of Year Robbie Avila — 1dTCU is nearing a deal to add Robbie Avila, the reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, after he received a preliminary injunction for a fifth season of eligibility but could not return to Saint Louis because of roster limits. The 6-foot-10 center is expected to add size and experience to the Horned Frogs’ frontcourt.

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Nicole Hardy Avila brings real frontcourt size and leadership that TCU needs after that fifth-year ruling.

Messi, Sullivan Named MLS MVP Finalists — 1dLionel Messi and 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan headline the five finalists for MLS MVP: Messi is seeking a record third win after leading the league with 26 goals, while Sullivan is the youngest player ever shortlisted. Sullivan is also a Young Player of the Year finalist, and MLS will announce award winners during the playoffs.

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Elena Vasquez Sullivan at 17 on the MVP shortlist is impressive but the award should stay with proven scorers.

California Players’ NBA Histories Cover Warriors, Nets, Celtics — 3dProfiles of California-born NBA players who suited up for their teams highlight Warriors Phil Chenier and Jud Buechler, Nets Justin Hamilton, and Celtics Mark Acres. Their reported team averages ranged from Chenier’s 3.2 points per game to Hamilton’s 6.9 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.

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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.

Tennessee Basketball Players Propose Model CBASports — 3dTennessee men’s basketball players and university leaders developed a nonbinding collective bargaining model that would address compensation, transfers, health and working conditions, academics, and enforceable rules. The proposal envisions direct pay for athletic services and shared accountability, offering a framework for broader discussions about athletes’ role in college sports without forming a union.

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Maya Lindstrom Nonbinding deals rarely stick so they need something enforceable to make a difference.

Hubbard Reaches 2,000 Career Points as Mississippi State Tops Jackson State — 4dJosh Hubbard became the fourth player in Mississippi State history to reach 2,000 career points, scoring 14 as the Bulldogs beat Jackson State 98-57 to improve to 3-0. Mississippi State built a 22-point halftime lead and had six players score in double figures.

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Marcus Bell Jackson State got handled easily but the Bulldogs look sharp early with that 22 point halftime lead and strong start to the season.

Cunningham Scores 52, Pistons Beat Wizards in 2OT — 1dCade Cunningham scored a career-high 52 points and added 11 assists without a turnover, becoming the first NBA player to reach 50 points and 10 assists without a turnover, as Detroit beat Washington 144-140 in double overtime. Ausar Thompson also recorded his first triple-double in the Pistons’ win.

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Rachel Meyers Washington fought hard but Detroit's depth showed through in the second extra period.

Players Across Four Programs Qualify for NCAA ChampionshipsSports — 6dSouth Carolina, Auburn and Virginia men’s tennis players, along with three North Carolina women, qualified for the NCAA individual championships through ITA sectionals. The qualifiers earned berths in singles and doubles, with the championships set for Nov. 17-22 in Athens, Georgia.

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NFL Week 9 Games Produce Team and Player GradesSports — 5dWeek 9 NFL coverage assessed player and team performances, including PFF grades for the Eagles, Patriots and Saints, alongside a leaguewide review of results and contenders’ trade-deadline outlooks. A separate midseason report card highlighted sharply mixed fortunes across the league, from the Bills’ strong start to struggles by winless or underperforming teams.

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Chiefs, 49ers reportedly pursued Garrett Wilson before deadline — 1dThe Chiefs and 49ers reportedly explored trading for Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson before the deadline, but New York had no interest in moving him and Wilson wanted to stay. The Jets consider him a foundational player under contract through 2030, though his frustration with losing could make the team’s direction a storyline again in the offseason.

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

Bulls sign Orlando Robinson after G League stint with Windy City — 10hThe Chicago Bulls signed center Orlando Robinson to fill their final standard roster spot, adding the 26-year-old after he averaged 13.7 points and eight rebounds in three games with their G League affiliate. His contract is non-guaranteed, and the move gives Chicago another frontcourt option while enabling greater use of its two-way players.

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Nicole Hardy This signing should free up more minutes for their two-way players without tying up a roster spot long term.

Providence to Host Region’s First Pro Women’s TeamSports — 1dProvidence will host a UPSHOT League women’s basketball team beginning in May 2027, playing at Amica Mutual Pavilion as part of the league’s expansion and giving New England its first franchise. UPSHOT describes itself as an opportunity league that aims to give players a domestic path to professional development and a chance to reach the WNBA.

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Wheeler, Alvarez Win MLB Comeback Awards — 2dPhillies pitcher Zack Wheeler and Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez were named MLB’s National and American League Comeback Players of the Year after returning from injury. Alvarez also won the AL batting title and designated hitter award, while Wheeler went 14-5 with a 3.00 ERA in his comeback season.

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Jared Kim Alvarez earned every bit of those extra awards with the way he hit after getting healthy again.

Knicks’ Brunson earns Eastern Player of Week honor — 6dJalen Brunson earned Eastern Conference Player of the Week after leading the Knicks to three straight wins, rebounding from a slow start with a strong scoring stretch. He scored 31 points and nine assists against Cleveland, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 29 points and 13 rebounds in New York’s 109-97 victory.

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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.

Cink holds six-shot lead in chase for second Schwab CupSports — 1dStewart Cink surged with a six-under back nine Friday to take a six-shot lead at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, putting him within reach of a second straight season title. Zach Johnson, the only player who can catch him in the Cup standings, is trailing after a strong start gave way to a bogey-bogey finish.

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Starters' Status Uncertain for Vikings and Packers Matchup — 2dThe Vikings and Packers are managing multiple injuries ahead of their Sunday matchup, with Minnesota linebacker Blake Cashman and several other players appearing likely to miss the game. Packers safety Javon Bullard, despite missing practice, said he expects to play; kicker Trey Smack was upgraded to full participation.

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Missouri, Kansas teams sign recruiting classesSports — 2dMissouri added recruits across volleyball, men’s basketball and baseball, including a nationally recognized volleyball trio and an ESPN-ranked ninth-place 2027 basketball class. Kansas softball also announced its incoming recruiting class, adding four players from four states.

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Priya Raman Missouri's ninth-ranked basketball class by ESPN could really boost their future seasons.

Braves Sign Former Top-100 Prospect Tyler FreemanSports — 3dThe Atlanta Braves have signed utility player Tyler Freeman to a minor-league contract and invited him to spring training. Freeman, who played for Cleveland and Colorado, is recovering from back surgery and says he could be ready to play by late March.

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Longtime Steelers Player, Coach Hoak Dies at 86 — 2dDick Hoak, a celebrated Steelers running back and coach who spent 45 years with the team and helped shape multiple Super Bowl-winning eras, has died at 86. He played in Pittsburgh for a decade before coaching its running backs for 35 years, earning five Super Bowl rings.

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Iowa Men’s Basketball Names Brava Roof Tile First Jersey Patch SponsorSports — 3dIowa men’s basketball has named Brava Roof Tile its first official jersey patch partner, with the logo set to appear on game uniforms. The deal also includes marketing opportunities featuring Hawkeye players.

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Ohio State flips 2027 RB Daylon GordonSports — 2dOhio State landed its first running back commitment in the 2027 class as Texas prospect Daylon Gordon flipped from Texas State after an official visit. The explosive 5-foot-9, 195-pound back is valued for his production and versatility as a runner, receiver and returner, and the Buckeyes may continue pursuing additional players at the position.

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Volleyball Titles Won, Players Earn Regional HonorsSports — Nov 5, 2026Prep volleyball players across several regions earned postseason recognition, with all-league and all-state teams honoring standouts in Washington, Illinois and South Carolina. Rock Port and Ankeny Christian also claimed state championships in Missouri and Iowa, respectively.

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Wisconsin turns early deficit into 47-point rout of Fairfield — 3dWisconsin routed Fairfield 89-42, using a 22-0 first-half run to take control and earn its largest victory margin since 2016. Austin Rapp led a balanced Badgers attack with 15 points as 11 players scored.

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Derek Foss Eleven players scoring shows real depth on this Wisconsin team. A 47-point margin like that doesn't happen without everyone contributing.