Belleville News-Democrat

A consistent back-to-school routine can help kids ease into the transition from relaxed summer days to a more structured school schedule. The first bell rings and suddenly the summer schedule collapses. Early alarms, packed lunches, homework folders, earlier bedtimes. Parents often expect kids to snap into rhythm within a few days, then worry when tears, tantrums or exhaustion linger into week three. Here is the reassuring part.

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger emerged as a partner in a surprise acquisition of the Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter yesterday, joining forces with Josh Kushner in a $12.5 billion purchase. But as it turns out, Iger is far from a lifelong fan of the Lakers. During an appearance on The Old Man and the Three podcast in 2021, Iger revealed that he actually grew up as a New York Knicks fan and couldn't root for the Lakers on principle.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been one of the biggest stories in the sports world over the last few seasons, with a lot of this having to do with two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani being on the roster. Ohtani is easily the best player in baseball, while also an international draw. This brings all sorts of eyes to the Dodgers, putting everything the team does under a microscope.

Reports emerged today that Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels is having serious issues with his alma mater LSU over the football team's decision to re-issue his No. 5 jersey. Now, another LSU alum - former ESPN analyst Ryan Clark - hopes to clear the air.

Luigi Mangione, the man accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, is expected to appear in federal court on Friday, Aug. 14, according to a U.S. district court news release dated Aug. 13. Mangione, 28, has a court appearance scheduled before U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett, federal court records show. The hearing is set to begin at 11 a.m. ET. Meanwhile, reports suggest he may change his plea in the federal stalking case against him.

Aliyah Boston and the Indiana Fever are putting together one of their best stretches of basketball. The Fever handled the New York Liberty 106-92 on Tuesday, winning its 11th game in the last 15 and moving to 21-12 on the season. Yet that run has been accompanied by a growing divide around the team. The latest drama came before Tuesday's home game, when some Fever fans booed Stephanie White during the team's pregame introductions.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth, left, and gubernatorial candidate Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar. (Jerry Holt, Aaron Lavinsky/The Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS) MINNEAPOLIS - Amy Klobuchar has rarely been tested in a general election in Minnesota. Lisa Demuth could change that. The Republican speaker of the Minnesota House is poised to give Klobuchar the toughest general election fight of her political career in the governor's race this fall.

Los Angeles Lakers icon Magic Johnson has few regrets in his career and personal life. After all, his 13-year NBA career saw him become arguably the greatest point guard in league history, winning five championships, three MVPs, and three NBA Finals MVP trophies.

Choosing a private student loan involves more than comparing interest rates. Loan costs, eligibility requirements, repayment flexibility and borrower protections can all have a significant impact on the total cost of borrowing and the overall customer experience. To help readers compare lenders more confidently, USA TODAY developed a weighted scoring methodology that evaluates the factors most important to student borrowers.

Jason Kelce's NFL playing career ended more than two years ago, but the former Philadelphia Eagles star continues to receive recognition for the remarkable football journey that helped turn him into one of the greatest centers of his generation. This time, the honor takes Kelce back to where it all started. The University of Cincinnati announced Thursday that Kelce will be inducted into the James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame as part of its 50th anniversary class.