USD 383 said Tuesday that four Manhattan High School (MHS) students and one Manhattan Virtual Academy (MVA) student were named Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program – Asa Amama (MVA), George Durrett (MHS), Patrick Fu (MHS), Andrei Mazin (MHS), and Rachel Wei (MHS).

“These are great students and a perfect example of the amazing people that are at Manhattan High School,” MHS Principal Michael Dorst said. “I know wonderful things are in their future and this recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Program is just the beginning of how they will be recognized for their accomplishment while at MHS.”

Of the approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, about 15,000 are expected to advance to the Finalist level, and in February they will be notified of this designation. All National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies, without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.

NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 400 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the national’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.

USD 383 Semifinalists Named in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program

The Junction City Police Department said that they were made aware on Wednesday afternoon&nbsp; of threats circulating on TikTok against Junction City Middle School. The threats originated from an apparent list of schools identified as targets for a potential school shooting.

After a thorough investigation conducted by School Resource Officers and USD 475 officials, it has been determined that the threat is unfounded, meaning there is no credible evidence to suggest any immediate danger to the students. The list appears to include Title 1 schools from across the state, which are schools receiving federal funding to support educational programs.

Authorities said regardless of the nature of these threats, the Junction City Police Department, Geary County Sheriff’s Office, and USD 475 are fully committed to the safety and well-being of all students.

As a precaution, there will be an increased officer presence at USD 475 schools over the coming days to ensure a safe learning environment.

Police said that these threats appear to be part of a concerning online trend not unique to USD 475. Similar threats have been reported in other districts across Kansas, as well as in states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida. JCPD is actively working with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) to fully investigate the origins of this post and to ensure the safety of the schools.

They encouraged all community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or concerns to the Junction City Police Department immediately. Our priority is always the safety of our students and staff, and they will continue to work diligently to maintain that safety. If you have any information regarding this threat, please contact the JCPD at (785) 762-5912.

Police say threat against Junction City Middle School was unfounded

MARSHALL COUNTY—One person died in an accident just before noon Wednesday in Marshall County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Jeep Cherokee driven by&nbsp; Emily Jay Larson, 23, Breman, was westbound on U.S. 36 just east of West River Road.

The jeep crossed the center line and struck an eastbound 2020 Buick Enclave driven by Bernice Marie&nbsp;Nietfeld, 89, Marysville.

&nbsp;Larson was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Kinsley Mortuary. EMS transported&nbsp;Nietfeld to&nbsp;Bryan West Medical Center, Lincoln, Nebraska. Both drivers were not wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.

Kansas woman dies after 2 SUVs collide

Division of Communications and Marketing,

MANHATTAN — The College of Business Administration at Kansas State University recently hosted two sessions of its Summer Institute for high school students, held on June 2-5 and June 23-26.More than 75 high school students, grades 10-12, from seven states across the region, participated in this immersive program. 

Each day, students experienced life as a K-State College of Business Administration student, exploring key areas such as marketing, management, accounting and finance. Through interactive sessions, students were encouraged to challenge their creativity and leadership skills while gaining insights into the world of business. The program culminated in an entrepreneurial pitch challenge, where students applied their newly acquired knowledge to compete for K-State scholarships. In addition to their academic experiences, participants stayed on campus, dined in university facilities, and engaged with local business owners throughout their time at K-State. Faculty and staff from across the college, along with support from the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://cba.k-state.edu/academics/departments/center-for-principled-business/">Center for Principled Business</a>, made the institute a success.

The program was supported by donors, including lead corporate partners Koch Industries and Deloitte, whose contributions made the scholarship opportunities possible. Thirty students earned top three placements in the entrepreneurial pitch competition over the two sessions, with each winner receiving scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $2,500.

Student scholarship recipients included: Ayden Fooshee,&nbsp;Andover; Isaiah Lang,&nbsp;Gardner; Josie Buchmeier,&nbsp;Harveyville; Grant Eskeldson,&nbsp;Herington; Nate Leduc,&nbsp;Kansas City; Will Fandel,&nbsp;Lenexa; Leini Tian,&nbsp;Liberal; Kate Kendig,&nbsp;Osborne; Shae Dougan, Theshiona Fleming, Jacob Milner, Sanay Patel, Caleb Park, all from&nbsp;Overland Park; Cooper Myers,&nbsp;Prairie Village; Ben Hissong and Calvin Fowler, both from&nbsp;Shawnee; Ella Sterling,&nbsp;Topeka; and Gabe Martin,&nbsp;Wamego.From out of state: Emmerson Allen and Grace Schumaker, both from&nbsp;Colorado Springs, Colorado; Maya Luke,&nbsp;Erie, Colorado; Rachael Fry and Ariana Ruiz, both from&nbsp;Kansas City, Missouri; Makeda Armfield,&nbsp;Marionville, Missouri; Sean Marbarger,&nbsp;St. Louis, Missouri; Max Newman,&nbsp;St. Peters, Missouri; Leah Studer,&nbsp;Webb City, Missouri; Calvin Laverentz,&nbsp;Edmond, Oklahoma; Nihilaa Nisanth,&nbsp;Frisco, Texas; Ivy Manganiello,&nbsp;Richardson, Texas.In addition, all Summer Institute attendees were awarded $1,000 scholarships to use to pursue business education courses at K-State.Students who received $1,000 scholarships included:Ashton Lang,&nbsp;Gardner; Marcus Green Jr,&nbsp;Kansas City; Ted Henning and Ethan Jiang, both from&nbsp;Leawood; Lauren Gurley and Claire Railsback, both from&nbsp;Louisburg; Nomu Anglamenga, Pupiel Anglamenga, Zunuo Anglamenga, Talia Baltazor, Mailah Dillard, Daria Shemetova, all from&nbsp;Manhattan; Lily Long, Ethan Smith, Lauren Taylor, all from&nbsp;Olathe; Macie Gorman and Brayden Presley, both from&nbsp;Overland Park; Carissa Ebbert, Jordan Edwards, Noah Mincks, all from&nbsp;Salina; Luke Chalfie and Aidan Standley, both from&nbsp;Shawnee; Andrea Carlson and Nathan Montgomery, both from&nbsp;Spring Hill; Austin Oswalt,&nbsp;Topeka; and Cooper Bystrek, Aaliyah Flemming, Ky Hanes, Preston Lee, Xavier Van Hiel and Nick Vinduska, all from&nbsp;Wichita.From out of state: Isaac Merriman and Sofia Merriman, both from&nbsp;Bella Vista, Arkansas; Race Baird,&nbsp;Golden, Colorado; Dathan Stewart,&nbsp;Montrose, Colorado; Eric Kleffner,&nbsp;Blaine, Minnesota; Emily Muller,&nbsp;Grain Valley, Missouri; Nick Pitman and Alisa Garrett, both from&nbsp;Kansas City, Missouri; Sophia Kudrna,&nbsp;Lake Winnebago, Missouri; Lindsey Watson,&nbsp;Lee's Summit, Missouri; Bianca Marbarger and Gabe Chambers, both from&nbsp;St. Louis, Missouri; Faith Hull,&nbsp;Blair, Nebraska; Kyle Harker and Owen Harker, both from&nbsp;Papillion, Nebraska; Gretta Geisler,&nbsp;Cordell, Oklahoma; and Emma Wyatt,&nbsp;San Antonio, Texas.Visit the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://cba.k-state.edu/success/new-students/summer-programs">program’s webpage</a>&nbsp;to see photos and learn more about this year's institute. Registration for the 2025 Summer Institute will open in early spring 2025.

College of Business Administration awards more than $100,000 in scholarships to Summer Institute participants

RLEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations

Just before 2:30p.m. Tuesday, police arrested 34-year-old&nbsp;Destiny Milam of Manhattan on a Riley County District Court warrant for probation violation, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

The original charge in this matter was for interference with an LEO.&nbsp; Milam has previous convictions for Interference with Law Enforcement; falsely accusing LEO of crime in felony case, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

She is being held on a $20,000 bond.&nbsp;

Kansas felon jailed on new alleged crime in Riley County

While the 2024 presidential election may be more than a month and half away, it is time for Kansans to make a voting plan and check their voter registration status. This is because Kansas has chosen not to implement same-day voter registration.

For the most part, election law is state law. States decide the process and requirements for voter registration. In Kansas, voters hoping to participate in this year’s presidential election must register by October 15, which is 21 days prior to Election Day. Comparatively, nearly half of U.S. states allow citizens to register and vote on the same day.

Same-day voter registration is a policy that allows eligible citizens to both register and vote on the same day, typically during early voting periods or on Election Day itself.

Advocates for same-day voter registration argue that it has several benefits. First, it can lead to higher voter turnout. Same-day registration is convenient. It streamlines the process and removes bureaucratic barriers that dissuade some from participating.

Same-day registration also allows people to register and vote at a time when their interest in the election is most immediate. Not all potential voters are thinking about the actual process and requirements of voting weeks prior to the election. By allowing them to legally register and cast a ballot on Election Day, you encourage more people to engage in the democratic process.

Same-day registration also addresses the issue of voter disenfranchisement due to outdated or inaccurate voter rolls. Voters that discover that they have been purged from voter lists or that their registration information is incorrect on Election Day can correct their registration status and still participate if the state allows same-day registration. This flexibility is particularly important for younger voters, minorities, and people who move frequently, as they are more likely to encounter registration issues.

Finally, same-day registration strengthens democracy by making it more inclusive. Voter registration barriers disproportionately affect marginalized communities and removing them ensures that a broader cross-section of the population can have their votes heard. This leads to a more representative government.

Arguments against same-day registration typically rely on fears over voter fraud. However, research suggests that voter fraud is extremely rare across the United States, including in states that allow same-day registration.

Some opponents also argue that same-day registration puts additional burdens and pressure on election officials and poll workers. However, with adequate preparation and staffing, these concerns can be addressed prior to Election Day.

In conclusion, same-day voter registration is a powerful tool for increasing voter turnout, reducing disenfranchisement, and promoting a healthy, inclusive democracy. Currently, Kansas does not appear ready to move in this direction. Therefore, I encourage all Kansans to check their registration status now to make sure they are ready to cast their ballots in November.

You can check your registration status at https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/voterview. You can find information about registering to vote at https://sos.ks.gov/elections/voter-information.html.

Brianne Heidbreder, PhD is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Kansas State University.

The Case for Same-Day Voter Registration

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

A man arrested in Hays on Aug. 25 on a charge of rape and kidnapping was released on bond with an ankle monitor.

According to court records, 20-year-old Tucker James Eisenhauer was arrested and booked into the Ellis County Jail on charges of alleged rape, kidnapping, aggravated burglary and criminal deprivation of property.

According to court records,&nbsp;Eisenhauer was a Manhattan Area Technical College student.

The incident on Aug. 25 allegedly involved Eisenhauer forcing the victim into his truck, locking the doors and driving away to prevent escape, according to court records. The victim has since obtained a restraining order against Eisenhauer.

Eisenhauer was released on bond by the Ellis County District Court and placed under house arrest in Pratt County after the bond was reduced from $250,000 to $25,000.

According to court records, he is being supervised by his parents and the Pratt County Court Services Office through electronic monitoring.

Eisenhauer's next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 8.

Manhattan Area Technical College student accused of sex crime

The following is a summary of arrests, citations by the Riley County Police Department. Those arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Riley County Arrest Report September 11

Fort Riley will host a&nbsp; &nbsp;9/11 Commemoration Ceremony, including a wreath laying, three-volley salute, and the playing of “Taps” on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at 10a.m.at the Global War on Terrorism Monument.

The monument is a small replica of the World Trade Center Towers on a Pentagon-shaped base. It bears the names of 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley Soldiers who gave their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Col. Gerald Nunziato, Fort Riley Garrison Commander will provide remarks. 1st Infantry Division Soldiers and first responders from police and fire departments will be represented.

The purpose of the ceremony is to remember those who perished on September 11, 2001, including the first responders, as well as the military men and women who gave their lives in service to this country during the Global War on Terrorism. It also honors those who serve today in the military and as first responders in our communities.

9/11 Commemoration Ceremony scheduled at Fort Riley

Riley County Arrest Report September 10

There were a record number of visitors to the Flint Hills Discovery Center in 2023. Interim Director for the Center Stephen Bridenstine informed the Manhattan Parks and Recreation that there were 95,507 visitors. A total of 75,583 were regular visitors.

Seventy percent of the visitors were from outside the area. The economic impact on the community totaled in the 1.5 to 2.3 million dollar range. That comes not only admission fees but in areas such as eating out and shopping. There was a conservative estimate of $50 per day. The number of visitors to the Center is down this year.

The next upcoming exhibit at the facility, Stepping into the Prairie, opens Nov. 16. It is being funded by a $200,000 state grant and $200,000 from the Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation.&nbsp; There are also plans to bring the popular Flint Hills Festival back in May of 2025. And funds are being raised for an all weather shade structure.

Flint Hills Discovery Center enjoys good year in 2023

Junction City and Manhattan High School football teams will play Thursday night home games.

Junction City is hosting Lawrence High School while Manhattan will host Lawrence Free State.

High school football on Thursday night

NEW YORK (AP) — Seth Lugo struck out 10 in seven masterful innings and Salvador Perez hit two run-scoring singles to reach 100 RBIs for the second time as the Kansas City Royals beat the New York Yankees 5-0 on Tuesday night.

Tommy Pham homered and Bobby Witt Jr. had an RBI single for the Royals, who began the night trailing first-place Cleveland by 3 1/2 games in the AL Central. They held a 2 1/2-game edge over Minnesota for the second AL wild card.

New York came in 1 1/2 games ahead of second-place Baltimore atop the AL East.

Lugo (16-8) carved up a full-strength Yankees lineup that entered leading the majors in homers and ranked second in runs. The right-hander allowed only three singles and walked none, retiring 17 straight batters after Gleyber Torres' bloop hit to begin the bottom of the first.

Torres snapped the string on another soft single with two outs in the sixth.

Kris Bubic and John Schreiber completed the three-hitter, as Lugo tied Atlanta ace Chris Sale and Detroit lefty Tarik Skubal for the major league lead in wins.

The right-hander outpitched former Mets teammate Marcus Stroman (10-8), who permitted three runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.

No. 9 batter Kyle Isbel scored twice after leadoff singles for the Royals, who had dropped six consecutive road games. They won for the fifth time in 13 games overall and improved to 2-4 against the Yankees this season.

Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (left hamstring strain) was scheduled to pitch about three innings in a rehab outing with Double-A Northwest Arkansas. He could rejoin the big league rotation after that. ... LHP Will Smith (back spasms) planned to throw another bullpen at less than full intensity. "He’s still not completely symptom-free in his back. But he’s working through the bullpens,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “It’s improving, it’s just not completely resolved.”

Yankees: Manager Aaron Boone didn't rule out a return this season for infielder DJ LeMahieu (right hip impingement), but also said he wouldn't count on it, either.

All-Star LHP Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.33 ERA) starts for Kansas City against rookie RHP Luis Gil (13-6, 3.24) in the rubber match of the three-game series Wednesday night.

The first Royals lefty with 200 strikeouts in a season, Ragans pitched six shutout innings to beat Minnesota last Friday night. Gil returned that day from a lower back strain that landed him on the injured list and threw six innings of one-hit ball in a 3-0 win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

⚾ Lugo dominates for his 16th victory as the Royals shut out Yankees

NEW YORK (AP) — Austin Wells hit a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning and added an RBI double in the eighth as the New York Yankees pulled away for a 10-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night and widened their lead in the AL East.

The Yankees (83-61) surpassed last season’s win total and moved 1 1/2 games ahead of the Orioles, who were handed a 12-3 loss in Boston.

Aaron Judge hit a tying single off James McArthur and four pitches later, Wells lifted a 2-1 fastball into the lower rows of the right field bleachers to push New York’s lead to 7-4.

“Got a couple of pitches in off the plate, so I was kind of looking inside there,” Wells said. “I was able to put a good swing on it.”

After homering, Wells briefly watched the flight of the ball, flipped his bat and yelled in excitement towards his teammates in the dugout.

“I was jacked,” Wells said. “I blacked out.”

The 404-foot drive was Wells’ seventh in his last 37 games since July 21 and sixth as New York’s cleanup hitter behind Judge.

The rookie catcher tied a career high and drove in four runs for the fourth time since making his debut last September. Three of those instances are since the All-Star break and Wells is batting .301 in his last 37 games.

“He’s been a middle of the order hitter for two, three months now and I think we’ve all seen that, witnessed that,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Whether you get a result or not it’s the just the level of the at-bat that he gives you from the left side is impressive and that was a no doubter tonight.”

“That homer today was insane,” added outfielder Jasson Domínguez, who was 1 for 4 after being promoted from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre.

Hunter Renfroe led off the sixth with a homer to give the Royals a 4-3 lead before the Yankees mounted a rally against McArthur (5-7) and scored the final seven runs of the game.

Gleyber Torres beat out an infield single after Bobby Witt Jr. made a diving stop at shortstop and Juan Soto drew a walk. Judge, who is homerless in 13 games, followed by singling to left to easily score Torres.

Domínguez singled, stole third base and scored New York’s first run on a throwing error by catcher Salvador Perez. Alex Verdugo hit a two-run homer to give the Yankees a brief 3-2 lead.

Verdugo hit his second homer since the All-Star break after the Yankees called up Domínguez to see regular time in left field. Domínguez started in center field and was 1 for 4 while Judge was the designated hitter.

Torres hit an RBI single in the eighth before Wells doubled off the left field wall as the Yankees scored double digit runs for the 13th time this season.

Perez homered, went 4 for 4 and drove in Kansas City its first three runs as the Royals capitalized on shaky defense to take an early lead.

He hit an RBI single off Carlos Rodón in the first after Tommy Pham started the game by reaching on a throwing error by third baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., who made a low throw to first base.

Perez homered in the third for a 2-0 lead and hit a tying single in the fifth on a miscommunication between Torres and Soto on a pop-up.

The Royals (79-66) lost their sixth straight road game and dropped 3 1/2 games behind Cleveland in the AL Central.

“We felt really good about him (McArthur) there,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “It was one of those nights where he wasn’t able to put them away.”

Rodón allowed four runs (three earned) and six hits in six innings.

Jake Cousins (2-1) picked off pinch hitter Kyle Isbel in the seventh and Luke Weaver stranded two in the eighth. Ian Hamilton pitched a 1-2-3 ninth in his first appearance since June 16.

Kansas City starter Brady Singer allowed three runs and five hits in five innings.

Yankees: INF DJ LeMahieu (right hip impingement) was placed on the 10-day injured list and may miss the rest of the season. … INF Jon Berti was activated after missing 90 games with a strained left calf.

Royals RHP Seth Lugo (15-8, 3.08 ERA) opposes New York RHP Marcus Stroman (10-7, 4.03) on Tuesday.

⚾ Wells hits go-ahead three-run homer as Yankees beat Royals 

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23523&amp;type=Archive">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-september-9-2024/4886">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/player-breakout-interviews-september-9-2024/4887">Listen to Player Breakout Interviews</a>

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;and select players met with members of the media on Monday inside the Vanier Family Football Complex to preview Friday’s contest against Arizona. Links to video and audio of Klieman’s press conference – which was streamed live on ESPN+ – are above in addition to an audio link of player breakout interviews. A transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.

“Good afternoon, everyone. One of the things I forgot to mention on Saturday after the game, I can't thank our fans enough for coming out. That was a really good K-State crowd and had an impact in that second half. After the game I really noticed it. I wish I would have thanked the crew right then at the press conference after the game, but great job by our fans for coming out and supporting our guys down in New Orleans.

“A couple of things going back and watching the film – the obvious thing is we need to be better in all three phases. We know that there's some things that we've got to shore up in specific areas, on both sides and on teams. In the same respect, I don't want to disrespect what I believe, and I know that Tulane is a really good football team. You watch them on tape, quarterback, wide receivers, and offensive line were really talented, and they tackled really well. They really hit you and did a good job. So, that would be terrible for me to say – or anybody to say – ‘Wait, you guys don't look pretty good.’ We beat a good football team. One thing I learned that I wasn't sure of is that we have really good leadership. Our culture won that game with those older kids and leaders, in particular stepping up at halftime. I'm excited about the win. I know you guys also watched a lot of other games on Saturday – it’s hard to win in college football. Good to be happy when you get wins, and we are. In the same respect, we know we've got a lot of work to do. Unfortunately, it's a short week so we've got a lot of stuff to get done.”

Wildcats Preview Friday-Night Contest at Weekly Press Conference

<a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–</a>&nbsp;The Big 12 Conference and ESPN announced Monday that Kansas State’s Big 12-opening contest at BYU on September 21 will kick at 9:30 p.m. (CT), and will be televised by ESPN. It will be the Wildcats’ first game to kick off past 9 p.m. (CT) since a contest at UCLA in 2009.

This will be the ninth all-time meeting between the Wildcats and Cougars and the first since the 1997 (post-1996 season) Cotton Bowl. It will be the first matchup in Provo since 1977 as the teams played seven times in either Provo or Manhattan between 1957 and 1977.

No. 14 Kansas State hosts new Big 12 member and No. 20 Arizona at 7 p.m. on Friday in a non-conference matchup as the series was originally announced in 2016. The game also serves as the debut of FOX College Football Friday. 

Tickets can be purchased online at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.kstatesports.com/tickets">www.kstatesports.com/tickets</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-800-221-C

K-State’s Conference Opener at BYU Set for Night Kick

Fox Sports is spending $375 million to put Tom Brady in the broadcast booth, and the network wants to make sure everyone knows he's there.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion made his debut as an NFL analyst during the Fox broadcast of the regular-season opener between the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cowboys-browns-score-prescott-feb488f0ef615d78ae50c1935b93b58d">Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns</a>&nbsp;on Sunday. But first came a Brady hype video leading into the pregame show, where the studio team admitted they couldn't help but “fanboy” over their new co-worker.

“You’re a broadcaster, how about that!” play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt said when the camera cut to the booth in Cleveland, where Brady, in a coat and tie, made his first live appearance on screen. The former Patriots and Buccaneers quarterback was identified when they cut to the booth as a “7-time Super Bowl champion.”

And that, as the kids say, is a nice flex.

Sideline reporter Erin Andrews made sure to let Dallas coach Mike McCarthy know that Brady had been complimentary of his play calling. Charissa Thompson gave him a couple of shout-outs when she broke in with score updates on the game between Tampa Bay, one of his former teams, and the Washington Commanders.

Burkhardt joked during during another on-screen appearance that he paid extra attention to his hair because he knew there would be more shots of the broadcast booth.

“I do what they tell me. I understand that," Brady said with a chuckle. "I’m still a rookie in here.”

Brady’s commentary was knowledgeable, as expected, but also lacking in personality — no Tony Romo anticipating the next play, no John Madden with his “Boom!” and turducken, not even the quarter-zip sweaters that make Peyton Manning stand out from the dozens or hundreds of other ex-jocks who joined the media when their playing careers were over.

There were awkward laughs, a cringey fist-bump with rules analyst Mike Pereira, and a lot of calling players by their first names (along with an unnecessarily deferential reference to “Coach McCarthy”). Brady declined to call out Cleveland receiver Amari Cooper when a pass went through his hands in the fourth quarter and made excuses for the Browns while trying to find positives in a dreadful performance.

As one&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/LouSchoolBeat/status/1832892612925108354">X user tweeted</a>, “Tom Brady is to broadcasting as Michael Jordan is to baseball.”

(Of course Brady, a sixth-round draft pick who spent his first NFL season as the Patriots fourth-string quarterback, managed to grow into the quarterbacking thing just fine.)

It didn't help that the game, which Dallas led 27-3 early in the second half, was headed toward a blowout that would challenge even a veteran broadcaster to hold the audience's interest. But that's where Brady was able to deploy his experience as an asset.

“There's plenty of time left in this game,” said the quarterback who famously led the Patriots back from a 28-3 deficit in Super Bowl 51 against Atlanta. “Just the margin of error's slim.”

On one play, Brady called for Deshaun Watson to throw it to an open tight end; the Browns quarterback didn't see it.

Brady played 23 years in the NFL before retiring after the 2022 season as the most decorated player in league history. He signed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tom-brady-tampa-bay-buccaneers-nfl-super-bowl-entertainment-26e0c189f488a48ec28abf7bfc3e06d7">a 10-year deal with Fox Sports</a>&nbsp;— replacing the well-regarded Greg Olsen as the network's lead analyst. Brady took last year off, a gap that only added to the anticipation over whether he could transfer some of his on-field knowledge and skills to the booth.

A commercial a few minutes before the kickoff featured Brady in his various football uniforms talking to his current self, questioning why he didn’t just take the estimated $450 million he earned in his playing career and “lay on a beach getting fat on pina coladas.”

“What they’re really asking is why don’t you quit football?’ They don’t understand that you live and breathe for football. Because you’re Tom Freaking Brady,” a succession of helmeted Bradys say. “And our football journey isn’t even close to done.”

“Back to work,” the current Brady says.

With five Super Bowl MVP awards in his seven victories in the NFL title game — six for New England and one for Tampa Bay — Brady established himself as the greatest player in league history. He retired with the career records for wins and playoff wins, passing touchdowns and playoff passing touchdowns, and passing yards and playoff passing yards, among other bests.

And while he couldn't completely avoid controversy in his career — most notably during the two-year Deflategate odyssey that led to a four-game suspension for cheating — Brady rarely made news with anything he said.

Brady’s new career has already seen a setback because his concurrent attempt to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nfl-meetings-goodell-brady-raiders-b6935115a324caaad2252ba1b9b0d5e5">purchase a minority share in the Las Vegas Raiders</a>&nbsp;means he won't have the access to team facilities, players and coaches that other broadcasters receive. He also must abide by the league constitution and bylaws that prohibit public criticism of officials and other clubs; he is allowed to broadcast Raiders games.

The much-anticipated debut stole some of the attention from the game between the defending NFC East champion Cowboys, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cowboys-dak-prescott-contract-318da54828e8bd96d7010f82c6dcfe22">signed quarterback Dak Prescott</a>&nbsp;to a record-setting four-year, $240 million contract earlier Sunday, and a Browns team that isn't expected to make the playoffs.

As the final 30 seconds ticked off on the Cowboys’ 33-17 victory, Brady and Burkhardt discussed their new partnership as much as the game itself. Back in the studio, Michael Strahan picked Brady — not any of the players — as the day’s biggest winner, and Brady shared some wisdom he got from his fellow athlete-turned-TV personality: “You’re going to wake up tomorrow, on Monday morning, you ain’t going to be sore.”

“That,” Brady said, “I’m very happy about.”

Tom Brady takes awkward first steps in transition from football field to TV booth

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Wacha pitched seven innings of four-hit ball, Garrett Hampson and Salvador Perez drove in runs and the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 2-0 on Sunday to complete a series sweep of their closest pursuers in the AL wild-card race.

Wacha (12-7) struck out seven while allowing just one walk is 100th career win. He got plenty of help from his defense, which turned two double plays and threw out a runner trying to score from first base in the first inning.

Kris Bubic handled the eighth for Kansas City before Lucas Erceg worked around a leadoff single in the ninth for his 11th save.

“It’s definitely a cool number for sure, something that was on my goal list coming into the season,” Wacha said of his milestone win. “It was definitely one of those days when (Bubic and Erceg) came in and slammed the door there.”

Simeon Woods Richardson (5-4) allowed two runs on three hits and two walks before he was pulled with one out in the fifth inning. Minnesota's bullpen did not allow a run the rest of the way, though it didn't matter with the offense getting shut out.

The Twins held a lengthy closed-door meeting after the game, and manager Rocco Baldelli issued a statement without taking questions, saying: “It’s an unprofessional series of baseball that we just played and that’s my only comment for the day. I’m not commenting on anything else. I don’t think anything else really has to be said.”

The Royals moved 2 1/2 games ahead of AL Central-rival Minnesota for the second wild-card spot.

“Just keep your head up. It's a long season. We all know it,” Woods Richardson said. "Just take one pitch at a time. Lean on each other. Rely on each other. This is where a team becomes a team. Rely on each other and go to work.”

The Twins had a chance to strike in the first inning, and finally build some momentum after dropping four of the first six games on their seven-game trip. But Jose Miranda, who had singled, was thrown out by about a foot trying to score on Trevor Larnach's double, and Royce Lewis eventually struck out to end the inning.

“Kind of get into some trouble there in the first. Big play at the plate,” Wacha said. “That was almost a little wake-up call, a little momentum-shifter, like, ‘OK, let’s not give them any more opportunities.'”

The Twins' only other hits off Wacha came from Christian Vázquez leading off the third and sixth innings, and both times the veteran right-hander was able to get a double play to prevent a runner from even reaching second base again.

When the Royals got their chance, they took advantage of it.

MJ Melendez drew a walk leading off the fifth, and Freddy Fermin and Maikel Garcia followed with singles to load the bases for Hampson, who hit a sacrifice fly to the warning track in left field. And when Tommy Pham walked to load the bases again, Perez followed with an RBI dribbler that traveled all of 80 feet down the third-base line for the only other run of the game.

“Those are the things where they happen for you, you feel good. When they happen against you, it's devastating,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said, “because you can't plan for that. And that's fortunate for us that it happened.”

Royals: RHP Michael Lorenzen (left hamstring strain) is scheduled for a rehab appearance for Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Tuesday. He's been out since Aug. 27. ... LHP Will Smith (back spasms) threw a bullpen session Saturday and is “progressing fine,” Quatraro said. He went on the injured list Aug. 26.

Twins: 1B Carlos Santana was out of the lineup after leaving Saturday's game with an illness. Miranda started in his place.

Minnesota: RHP David Festa (2-5, 4.75) takes the hill to start three-game series against the Angels on Monday night.

Kansas City: RHP Brady Singer (9-10, 3.35) opens a three-game set against the Yankees on Monday night in New York.

⚾ Wacha tosses 7 innings of 4-hit ball, Royals sweep the Twins 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit a tiebreaking single in a four-run eighth inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat Minnesota 4-2 Saturday night to open a 1 1/2-game lead over the Twins for the second AL wild card.

Held to one hit over seven innings by Bailey Ober, the Royals rallied against Jhoan Durán (6-9) and Griffin Jax, winning their third straight following a season-high, seven-game losing streak.

Kansas City (78-65) is second behind Cleveland in the AL Central and Minnesota (76-66) is third after losing four of five.

Duran, who topped 100 mph with five of 17 pitches, entered with a 2-0 lead and gave up a one-out single to Freddy Fermin, then hit Robbie Grossman with a pitch. Kyle Isbel hit an RBI single and Jax relieved, trying for a five-out save.

Tommy Pham hit a slow four-hopper to Brooks Lee and reached on an infield hit as the shortstop barehanded the ball and bounced his throw past first. Pinch-runner Dairon Blanco, who had been on second, scored on the error.

Witt, who leads the major leagues with a .336 average, looped a single into short center as Isbel scored for a 3-2 lead. ML Melendez drove in Pham with a two-out single off Jax, who blew a save for the fifth time in 13 chances.

Daniel Lynch (1-0) allowed one hit in three scoreless innings and Lucas Erceg pitched a perfect ninth for his 10th save, his seventh since the Royals acquired him from Oakland in July.

Ober did not allow a runner to reach second, retired his final 15 batters, struck out seven and walked nine.

José Miranda hit a two-out RBI triple in the third and scored on Matt Wallner’s double off Alec Marsh, who gave up four hits in five innings.

Royals right-hander Dan Altavilla cleared waivers and was assigned outright to Triple-A Omaha.

Twins: 1B Carlos Santana left in the bottom of the sixth inning with an unspecified illness and was replaced by Kyle Farmer.

Minnesota RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (5-3, 3.95 ERA) starts Sunday against Kansas City RHP Michael Wacha (11-7, 3.50 ERA).

⚾ Witt's go-ahead single lifts Royals over Twins

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Kaden Feagin scored on a 1-yard run with 9:34 to go, David Alano added a 43-yard field goal with 58 seconds left and Illinois rallied to beat No. 19 Kansas 23-17 on Saturday night.

Illinois (2-0) beat a ranked nonconference opponent for the first time since topping then-No. 22 Arizona State on Sept. 17, 2011. The Illini also avenged a 34-23 loss last year at Kansas (1-1).

Feagin scored after Luke Altmyer found Pat Bryant for 37- and 28-yard completions on the eight-play, 80-yard drive.

Altmyer completed 16 of 25 passes for 192 yards. Zakhari Franklin had nine catches for 99 yards, and Bryant had three receptions for 70 yards.

Kansas' Jalon Daniels was 18 of 32 for 141 yards with two touchdown passes and three interceptions.

Daniels scrambled and found a wide-open Lawrence Arnold in the end zone for 13-yard TD pass that give the Jayhawks a 17-13 lead with 4:57 to go in the third quarter.

Luke Grimm caught nine passes for 40 yards and a touchdown for the Jayhawks. Devin Neal ran for 101 yards on 14 carries.

The teams combined for 17 points in the final 3:05 of the second quarter.

Illinois led 13-10 at halftime thanks to Xavier Scott’s 28-yard return of an interception with 36 seconds left in the quarter. Scott read a screen pass attempt by Daniels and raced untouched into the end zone. It was Scott’s second interception of the game.

A 50-yard field goal by Alano with 2:27 to go in the quarter was set up by a spectacular one-handed, 42-yard catch by Franklin along the sideline with Kansas’ Damarius McGhee holding his other arm.

The Jayhawks went ahead 10-3 on a 3-yard TD pass from Daniels to Grimm in the back of the end zone with 3:05 remaining in the half.

Illinois: The Illini proved they could go toe-to-toe and beat a ranked opponent, a good sign with games against No. 8 Penn State, No. 10 Michigan and No. 7 Oregon coming up in the next six weeks.

Kansas: Despite the loss, the Jayhawks showed they have a potent running attack led by Neal and and a sturdy defense. Illinois’ offense scored only one touchdown — albeit the winning TD — gained just 79 yards on the ground, and had only 14 first downs.

Kansas made some major errors including a penalty that wiped out a touchdown, and the interceptions by Daniels that ruined drives and allowed Illinois to pull ahead late in the first half. The Jayhawks will most likely drop out of the Top 25.

Illinois: Hosts Central Michigan on Saturday.

🏈 Illinois rallies in the 4th quarter to beat No. 19 Kansas 

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Kansas State safety Jack Fabris returned Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah's fumble 60 yards for a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter, and VJ Payne's interception in the end zone helped the 17th-ranked Wildcats hold on for a 34-27 victory over Tulane on Saturday.

Tulane appeared to have scored a potential tying touchdown with 17 seconds left when Mensah hit Yulkeith Brown near the left pylon, but receiver Dontae Fleming was flagged for offensive pass interference.

Payne's interception came two plays later.

Avery Johnson passed for two touchdowns for Kansas State (2-0). DJ Giddens rushed for 114 yards, his sixth straight game hitting the 100-yard mark, and had 63 yards receiving, including a 45-yard touchdown catch on fourth down in the third quarter.

Tulane (1-1) led much of the game and was threating to break a 27-all tie when Mensah was sacked and stripped by linebacker Austin Romaine. Fabris scooped and scored to put K-State in front for good with 8:13 left.

Mensah, a first-time starter this season, finished 19 of 29 for 342 yards and two touchdowns to tight end Alex Bauman, only to be done in by his crucial turnovers.

Southern California transfer Mario Williams caught six passes for 128 yards for Tulane and Makhi Hughes rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown.

Williams's catches included a 47-yard gain down the middle of the field on third and 21, setting up Mensah's fade to Bauman to put Tulane up 27-20.

Dylan Edwards tied it with a 13-yard TD run, caping a 75-yard drive on which Johnson completed passes of 33 and 11 yards.

Tulane,&nbsp;<a href="https://sports.la.betmgm.com/en/sports/football-11/betting/usa-9/college-football-211">an 8 1/2-point underdog</a>, led 7-3 lead on Hughes' 3-yard run, which was set up by Mensah's 53-yard pass to Fleming.

Mensah's 36-yard connection with Bauman put the Wave up 14-3 lead in the second quarter before Kansas State put together its first touchdown drive, highlighted by Giddens' 51-yard run.

Johnson capped it, rolling left to buy time before finding Will Swanson for a diving catch in the back of the end zone on third down.

Tulane drove inside the K-State 20 twice more in the second quarter, only to lose yards both times and settle for Jacob Barnes field goals of 40 and 41 yards to make it 20-10 at halftime.

Kansas State: A strong second half on both sides of the ball helped the Wildcats beat Tulane for the first time in three tries and avenge a 17-10 loss to the Wave in Manhattan, Kansas, two seasons ago.

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