RENO COUNTY, Kan. — A former Reno County substitute teacher accused of multiple sex crimes involving students has pleaded guilty to reduced charges&nbsp;in Reno County District Court.&nbsp;.&nbsp;

Whitney Shull, 39, a former substitute teacher for Nickerson-South Hutchinson USD 309, had initially been charged with unlawful sexual relations,&nbsp;attempted&nbsp;unlawful sexual relations, aggravated sexual battery, and two counts of hosting minors consuming alcohol.&nbsp;

According to court&nbsp;documents&nbsp;the&nbsp;allegations stem from incidents that occurred in Reno County between Jan. 31 and Feb. 1&nbsp;of&nbsp;this year&nbsp;involving three teens. Prosecutors alleged Shull engaged in sexual acts with two minors,&nbsp;one consensual and one non-consensual when the alleged victim was&nbsp;unconscious and&nbsp;attempted&nbsp;to force a third teen into a sex act.&nbsp;

Sedgwick County District Attorney spokesperson Lyndsee Stover,&nbsp;confirmed that&nbsp;Shull entered a plea&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;afternoon to five amended misdemeanor charges:&nbsp;

Judge&nbsp;Daniel Gilligan&nbsp;imposed a&nbsp;six-month jail term for each count, with the sentences for counts one, two and three which were ordered to run consecutively, resulting in a controlling sentence of&nbsp;18 months. Shull was granted&nbsp;at least two years of probation, contingent upon her successful completion of a treatment plan.&nbsp;

Under Kansas law, Shull must&nbsp;register as a sex offender for 15 years&nbsp;as a result of&nbsp;the convictions.&nbsp;

Stover noted that the plea agreement included an acknowledgment that under Kansas sentencing guidelines,&nbsp;three adult convictions of class A person misdemeanors count as one adult conviction for criminal-history purposes, per K.S.A. 21-6811(a).&nbsp;

The Sedgwick County District Attorney's office prosecuted the case on behalf of the Reno County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

Shull pleads to misdemeanor charges, sentenced to probation

City Manager&nbsp;Enrico Villegas&nbsp;has been named a recipient of the&nbsp;Early Career Excellence Award&nbsp;by the&nbsp;Kansas Association of City/County Management (KACM), an honor presented by his peers recognizing leadership and impact in local government early in his career.

During the awards presentation at KACM’s annual conference last week, Villegas was recognized for the significant progress achieved in just over one year with the City of Hutchinson. In remarks shared during the ceremony, KACM highlighted his efforts to strengthen relationships between City staff and the governing body, as well as his focus on improving communication and collaboration across City departments.

KACM also cited Villegas’ leadership in addressing long-standing budget challenges through the development of a new long-term financial plan focused on restoring balance and increasing transparency. In addition, he was recognized for reinvigorating Hutchinson’s role as a collaborative partner with Reno County and local organizations to advance the Reno County Economic Development Strategic Plan efforts that KACM noted are already producing positive results for the City and the region.

The association further acknowledged Villegas’ work to reorganize and improve operations within the City’s Public Works Department. According to remarks made during the presentation, these efforts expanded services such as residential street plowing during snow events while remaining within the department’s established budget.

KACM also noted that these organizational improvements and leadership approach contributed to a significant turnaround in staffing, with the City moving from widespread vacancies to being nearly fully staffed across major departments.

The Early Career Excellence Award is a peer-recognized honor presented by the Kansas Association of City/County Management to acknowledge early-career professionals who have made a meaningful impact in their communities and organizations.

Villegas receives Early Career Excellence Award from Kansas Association of City/County Management

Here’s the latest booking activity from the Reno County Jail. This information is provided by the Reno County Sheriff’s Office and is not criminal history. The Hutch Post assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, or completeness, of this information. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. ——————————————

Martin	Ramon	Duran	12/11/2025 8:12&nbsp;AM	Probation Violation

Robbie	Michael	Jarrett	12/11/2025 11:54&nbsp;AM	DWS; 2nd or subs conviction,				Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,				Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,				Probation Violation

Abram	Jon	Roth	12/11/2025 1:30&nbsp;PM	Direct Contempt,				Theft; Property or Services; Less than $1,500

Conor	Michael	Eickbush	12/11/2025 6:17&nbsp;PM	Probation Violation

Adam Travis Galvin 12/11/2025 10:58 PM&nbsp;Use or Possess with Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia into Human Body,&nbsp;Possession of opiate, narcotic, or certain stimulant,&nbsp;Traffic Contraband in Correctional Institution; Introduce Firearm, Ammo, Explosive or Controlled Substance,&nbsp;Possession of hallucinogenic drug,&nbsp;Driving while license cancelled/suspended/revoked; misdemeanor; unknown conviction

Daily Bookings

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — As Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom officially opens its newest Kansas location inside the Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center, two leaders behind the project say the goal from the start has been clear: build a restaurant that reflects Hutchinson’s identity, serves both travelers and local residents, and contributes meaningfully to the community.

Sumit Patel, senior representative of the ownership group behind the hotel and restaurant, said Thursday’s grand opening marks the culmination of a multi-year effort to bring the project to life.

“This has been a long time coming,” Patel said. “We’re very excited to be a part of the community. There hasn’t been a warmer community than Hutchinson, Kansas. Everyone here has been so welcoming and supportive of both the hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn, Old Chicago and the convention center.”

Patel said the choice of Old Chicago was deliberate, noting the synergy between the restaurant brand and the hotel’s vision.

“It’s a good fit. It’s good synergy with the hotel brand,” he said. “A lot of hotels want big, fancy restaurants, but that’s not really what this town calls for. Old Chicago has a great, balanced menu. It’s approachable and inviting, and we’ve designed the interior to feel elevated and modern, but still comfortable.”

Director of Operations Dylan Nevola, who is overseeing the Hutchinson location, said the design of the restaurant was shaped with both convenience and local engagement in mind.

“This is a very unique design,” Nevola said. “We wanted to give it kind of an airport-esque feel, where you can sit in the hotel lobby or inside the restaurant. A hotel guest can come right in, but the public is equally welcome.”

One special design touch allows guests to order drinks or appetizers from the lobby while they wait for a table, creating what Nevola described as a more relaxed, flexible experience.

“We sell pizza and beer, but we also have a lot of other menu options,” he said. “Our goal is consistent quality. Whether you’re here or at another Old Chicago across the state, you should get the same great food. And every seat in the restaurant is positioned so you can see at least one — and often two or three — TVs.”

Nevola said Hutchinson was a strategic selection for the chain’s ninth Kansas location because of its strong civic culture and the owner’s previous ties to the community.

“When we come in, we like to be in communities like Hutch,” he said. “We get involved. The owner has done a couple of projects here before, knew the area well, and saw an opportunity.”

Local presence is already integrated into the décor. A row of football helmets from area high schools and Hutchinson Community College are in the dining area, with more expected to arrive.

“Our plan from day one was to be involved in the community,” Nevola said. “We want to showcase how great this community is. With the addition of the convention center, there’s going to be a lot of opportunity for Hutch, and we want to be part of that story.”

Old Chicago is also partnering with the Cosmosphere, which will rotate space-themed art displays in the adjoining hotel lobby.

Patel said the success of the opening is due to the people behind the scenes.

“Our employees, our team, our staff are so excited to serve this community,” he said. “We want Hutchinson to feel proud of this space.”

Old Chicago Hutchinson is now open daily, offering its full menu of pizza, taproom selections, and family-friendly dining options.

Old Chicago leaders highlight community focus as Hutchinson Location Opens

One of the midwest’s premier youth livestock events returns to the Kansas State Fairgrounds this week, as the Kansas Beef Expo kicks off its 2025 showcase from Dec. 12–14.

Expo hours begin at 8 a.m. Friday and Saturday, with a 9 a.m. start on Sunday.

Now in its 27th year in Hutchinson, the Kansas Beef Expo has grown into a nationally recognized event, drawing exhibitors from more than 18 states and Canada. First held in Wichita in 1979, the expo has evolved into a cornerstone of the region’s agricultural calendar, offering an important platform for youth and producers to exhibit top-quality livestock while gaining industry experience.

Organizers say the event’s impact stretches well beyond the show ring. The expo brings thousands of visitors to Hutchinson each year, contributing significantly to the financial health of the Kansas State Fairgrounds and the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, vendors, and ag-related businesses all benefit from the annual influx of participants and spectators.

The Kansas Beef Expo features a full slate of activities, including market and breeding shows, educational opportunities, and networking for producers, families, and industry partners. Even the jolly old elf himself, Santa Claus, will make an appearance on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

For many youth exhibitors, the show is a yearlong culmination of hard work.

Community leaders note that the expo’s continued success reinforces Hutchinson’s role as a central hub for agricultural events in Kansas and the broader Midwest.

Kansas Beef Expo this weekend at the Kansas State Fairgrounds 

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A multi-agency pursuit across Pratt County ended without injuries Tuesday after a suspect fled from an attempted traffic stop, according to the Pratt County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident began on Wednesday, when a deputy attempted to stop a white Ford pickup. Instead of pulling over, the driver accelerated away, prompting deputies to initiate a pursuit. Officers from the Pratt Police Department and troopers with the Kansas Highway Patrol quickly joined in as the chase continued through rural parts of the county.

Authorities say the suspect eventually left the roadway and attempted to escape by driving through a field. The pursuit came to an end when the pickup became stuck, at which point the driver surrendered to a Kansas Highway Patrol trooper.

The individual was taken into custody on several traffic-related charges and was also found to have outstanding warrants from multiple states.

No members of law enforcement, the public, or the suspect were injured during the pursuit.

The Pratt County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation for the assistance of partnering agencies and emphasized that the suspect remains innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Pratt county pursuit ends safely with arrest, no injuries

Mid-Kansas home sales declined in November as the region continued to experience a cooling market paired with rising inventory.

According to the latest market data, 99 homes sold in November, down from 117 sales during the same month in 2024. Total sales volume also dipped, coming in at $20.5 million, marking a year-over-year decrease.

Despite the slowdown in activity, prices continued to trend upward. The median sale price rose to $175,100, compared to $157,000 one year earlier. Homes that did sell moved at a relatively brisk pace, spending a median of 21 days on the market and closing at 98.1 percent of their list price, reflecting continued buyer competition for well-priced properties.

Inventory showed a modest increase. The Mid-Kansas region ended November with 291 active listings, up from 271 at the same time last year. That level represents a 2.4-month supply of homes on the market — still below what is typically considered a balanced market but higher than earlier in the year. The median list price for homes on the market was $189,900.

Contract activity also held steady. Ninety-six purchase contracts were written in November, compared to 97 during the same month in 2024. At month’s end, 125 contracts remained pending, suggesting a stable pipeline heading into December.

Overall, the November numbers reflect a market that is continuing to normalize from the heightened activity of recent years, with rising prices, slower sales, and an increasing number of homes available across the Mid-Kansas region.

Mid-Kansas home sales slip in November, Inventory inches up

PAT MELGARES K-State Extension News Service

Kansas Animal Health Commissioner Justin Smith says biosecurity practices will be key to stemming the spread of a highly contagious virus in horses that can cause respiratory issues, abortion and neurological damage.

Equine Herpesvirus-1, or EHV-1, has affected horses globally, though a recent outbreak in the United States has been reported in at least seven states – Texas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Arizona.

“This is a virus that we tend to see during the winter months, much like the common cold or flu in humans,” Smith said. “It becomes more prevalent as we shut the barn up and put horses in there…and this tends to be the time of year that we have large (horse) exhibitions.”

In fact, Smith notes, the first sign of spread this fall was following a large national event in Texas. Because of that, some states have begun implementing regulations concerning horse shows, or cancelling them altogether.

“We haven’t instigated any new regulations in Kansas; we have talked to several event organizers, and talked them through a process of keeping horses safe, but if they elect to cancel an event, that’s up to them,” Smith said.

The neurological form of the disease is called Equine Herpes Myeloencephalopathy, or EHM, which results from damage to the blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include hind limbness or incoordination; difficulty standing or walking; difficulty urinating; lethargy; and fever or nasal discharge.

The mortality rate due to EHM is estimated to be between 30-50%.

“I’m told that the first sign you will see is that horses begin dragging their toes,” Smith said. “So, as they’re walking, you can see that their back feet will be dragging. As it progresses, the virus spreads to the spinal cord and will causes paralysis in some horses.”

While a vaccine is available to reduce the risk of contracting EHV-1, they are not reliably protective against EHM, Smith said. Instead, horse owners should follow a set of biosecurity measures to protect horses:

“I do think that what is going to break the cycle of this disease is biosecurity,” Smith said. “So, as you plan your travels, or if you’re going to an event or moving those horses, just do your homework. Make sure that the exhibition has got the proper processes in place. If you can go there, show your horse and leave (the same day), that’s fantastic. Limiting exposure of your horses is a big deal.”

The Equine Disease Communication Center keeps the most updated information on the spread of EHV-1 and EHM. Current summaries and status reports are available at https://equinediseasecc.org.

Kansans who suspect an outbreak of EHV-1 or EHM should notify the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal Health at 785-564-6601.

Kansas health commissioner urges biosecurity to curb spread of EHV-1

The Salvation Army of Hutchinson is entering the home stretch of its annual Red Kettle Campaign, kicking off Day 1 of the “12 Days of Ringing” today, Thursday, Dec. 11. Christmas Eve marks the final day volunteers will be out ringing bells, and local leaders say the campaign still has significant ground to cover to meet this year’s fundraising goal.

To build momentum, each of the remaining days will highlight a special message of encouragement. Signs will be displayed at every kettle site, and the Hutchinson Salvation Army will share daily updates on its Facebook page to inspire the community to “Give With Joy.”

Officials say the theme is intentional. This season, The Salvation Army hopes to emphasize the Joy of Giving and encourage residents to reflect that joy by supporting neighbors facing hardship.

“We want our community to feel uplifted when they give,” The Salvation Army shared. “Your generosity directly helps families in need during the holidays and throughout the year.”

This year also brings a new, more convenient way to support the campaign. Donors can visit <a href="http://www.GiveWithJoyHutch.com">www.GiveWithJoyHutch.com</a> to contribute online, making it easier for those who may not cross paths with a kettle but still want to make an impact.

With only 12 days left, The Salvation Army is urging the public to help push the campaign across the finish line.

“The need is great, and we still have a long way to go to reach our goal,” the organization said. “Get your Joy ready and help fill the Red Kettles so we can continue serving our community.”

Donations collected during the Red Kettle Campaign support food assistance, emergency relief, shelter services, youth programs, and other vital outreach efforts across Reno County.

The Salvation Army kicks off day 1 of '12 Days of Ringing'

A Hutchinson 12-year-old stunned police officers and Walmart staff over the weekend when he prioritized buying food for his family before choosing anything for himself during the annual “Christmas With Kids” shopping event.

The program, which has been organized for the past 13 years by Hutchinson Police officers, pairs selected children with an officer and provides each child with $100 to spend on gifts. The 43 participating children this year were chosen based on recommendations from school counselors.

Jason Treaster, a Walmart manager who helped with Saturday’s event, shared the moment in an emotional Facebook post.

“His selflessness amazed me, and anyone who knows about this has to be touched,” Treaster wrote.

Sgt. Jessica Kelly said officers often see kids pick out gifts for parents or siblings, but this situation was different.

“We’ve never had a youngster ask where to find bread before anything else,” Kelly said.

The boy, the oldest of four children in a single-parent household, requested only a football, a glove and a candy bar for himself. He then turned his attention to necessities: bread, milk, cereal, and other basic groceries.

Michelle Patton, a civilian manager with the police department who accompanied him, said the boy repeatedly asked whether the money could be spent on household needs.

“Instead of focusing on himself, he wanted to make sure it could go toward family needs,” Patton said.

The day began with a donated meal at Pizza Ranch before officers and children headed to Walmart to shop. Because of the child's sincerity and his focus on supporting his family, Walmart and police officers covered the cost of the food items so he could still use his allotted funds for other needs.

Officers have since raised additional money and collected canned goods and supplies that will be delivered to the family in the coming days.

Police are unsure whether the family is enrolled in other available holiday assistance programs, such as those offered by The Salvation Army. In the meantime, the Hutchinson Police Department is accepting donations from the public to further support the family.

Anyone wishing to contribute cash or food items may contact HPD’s Investigations Division at 620-694-2846 and ask for Brittney Parks, who is coordinating the assistance effort.

Hutch 12-year-old puts family first during 'Christmas with Kids'

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sherrone-moore-michigan-ecc29f440a54659c40a98b02f3b534ce">Sherrone Moore</a>, who was abruptly fired this week as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sherrone-moore-michigan-a11220624841e4697b781a4c8edcdddd">University of Michigan football</a>&nbsp;coach, was charged Friday with three crimes including home invasion and stalking a person he had dated, prosecutors said.

Moore has spent two nights in jail following his firing and subsequent arrest Wednesday.

The 39-year-old coach who had led the Wolverines for two seasons was fired for what the school called&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-sherrone-moore-fired-ec213f233cae4f730f474331ec5e2cdd">an inappropriate relationship</a>&nbsp;with a staff member. Hours later, police arrested Moore after he was accused of assault in Pittsfield Township, a community near Ann Arbor.

Moore is accused of “unlawfully entering the dwelling of a victim with whom Mr. Moore had a dating relationship,” the Washtenaw County prosecutor’s office said Friday.

Michigan prosecutors said Moore “terrorized” his former girlfriend after losing his head coach job.

Defense attorney Joe Simon said Friday, “There’s no evidence to suggest he’s a threat.”

Michigan has not disclosed details of the alleged relationship but said an investigation found credible evidence against Moore, who is married with three young daughters. Athletic director Warde Manuel said the behavior was "a clear violation of university policy.”

Moore signed a five-year contract with a base annual salary of $5.5 million last year. According to the terms of his deal, the university will not have to buy out the remaining years of his contract because he was fired for cause.

Moore, the team’s former offensive coordinator, was promoted to lead the Wolverines after they won the national title. He succeeded Jim Harbaugh, who returned to the NFL to lead the Los Angeles Chargers.

Michigan is set to play&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/texas-longhorns-football">No. 14 Texas</a>&nbsp;on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Biff Poggi, who filled in for Moore when he was suspended earlier this season in relation to a Harbaugh-era&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-michigan-sign-stealing-b1bf55b0b93dad083bd97fe2c26faddb">sign-stealing scandal</a>, will serve as interim coach.

While the school seeks a new head coach, the Wolverines may lose players in the transfer portal this winter and donors who help fund revenue-sharing and NIL deals may hesitate to invest in the winningest program in college football history.

Fired Mich. football coach, Kan. native, charged with 3 crimes

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 6:30p.m. Friday in Johnson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Honda Odyssey driven by Kong Yang, 59, Kansas City, Kansas, was southbound on Interstate 435&nbsp;under 95th Street bridge in Lenexa. The minivan drifted off the roadway and struck the bridge pillar.

Yang was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Forensic Medical. He was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man killed after minivan strikes overpass pillar

By JONATHAN J. COOPER Associated Press

President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;signed an executive order Thursday aimed at blocking states from crafting their own&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-order-artificial-intelligence-ai-regulation-646de06404ba543dd7244d225fb27250">regulations for artificial intelligence</a>, saying the burgeoning industry is at risk of being stifled by a patchwork of onerous rules while in a battle with Chinese competitors for supremacy.

Members of Congress from both parties, as well as civil liberties and consumer rights groups, have pushed for more regulations on AI, saying there is not enough oversight for the powerful technology.

But Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that “there's only going to be one winner” as nations race to dominate artificial intelligence, and China's central government gives its companies a single place to go for government approvals.

“We have the big investment coming, but if they had to get 50 different approvals from 50 different states, you can forget it because it’s impossible to do,” Trump said.

The executive order directs the Attorney General to create a new task force to challenge state laws, and directs the Commerce Department to draw up a list of problematic regulations.

It also threatens to restrict funding from a broadband deployment program and other grant programs to states with AI laws.

David Sacks, a venture capitalist with extensive AI investments who is leading Trump's policies on cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, said the Trump administration would only push back on “the most onerous examples of state regulation” but would not oppose “kid safety” measures.

Four states — Colorado, California, Utah and Texas — have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-executive-order-artificial-intelligence-ai-regulation-646de06404ba543dd7244d225fb27250">passed laws</a>&nbsp;that set some rules for AI across the private sector, according to the International Association of Privacy Professionals.

Those laws include limiting the collection of certain personal information and requiring more transparency from companies.

The laws are in response to AI that already pervades everyday life. The technology helps make consequential decisions for Americans, including who gets a job interview, an apartment lease, a home loan and even certain medical care. But research has shown that it can make mistakes in those decisions, including by prioritizing a particular gender or race.

States’ more ambitious AI regulation proposals require private companies to provide transparency and assess the possible risks of discrimination from their AI programs.

Beyond those more sweeping rules, many states have regulated&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/artificial-intelligence-ai-music-songwriting-tennessee-eb95c850f13fd78f9e65abce2ee45091">parts of AI</a>: barring the use of deepfakes in elections and to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/deepfake-images-taylor-swift-state-legislation-bffbc274dd178ab054426ee7d691df7e">create nonconsensual porn</a>, for example, or putting rules in place around the government’s own use of AI.

Why President Trump signed an executive order to  block state AI regulations

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police have seen an increase in social media “cash” or “treasure” hunts that encourage people to search in public places, according to a statement from Wichita Police.

"While these activities may be intended as entertainment, we need to be clear about how they impact City property."

"Digging in City parks is prohibited under Wichita City Ordinance 5.66.030. 

When individuals dig into turf, landscaping, flowerbeds, or disturb park features, it causes damage to public property, creates safety hazards, and may be considered defacing or vandalizing City parks. This is not only harmful to shared public spaces—it is also a violation and may result in a citation.

-Do not dig in any City park or on City property.-Do not disturb landscaping materials, rocks, mulch, trees, fixtures, signs, or other park features.

-If a post or clue suggests that digging or moving landscape materials is required, do not participate.

Message to content creators: If you are creating or promoting a hunt-style event, please do not hide or place items on City property in a way that could encourage digging, defacing, or other violations. If you choose to post a challenge involving public spaces, we strongly encourage you to include direct instructions that no digging or disturbance of landscaping or City property is required.

We support safe, lawful activities and appreciate everyone’s cooperation in helping protect the parks our community shares.

Police warn against damaging property for social media treasure hunts

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — As Australia began enforcing a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australia-social-media-ban-under-16-children-8b992efa5138704bc02ee9fc974f6987">world-first social media ban for children</a>&nbsp;under 16 years old this week,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/denmark">Denmark</a>&nbsp;is planning to follow its lead and severely restrict social media access for young people.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denmark-social-media-ban-children-7862d2a8cc590b4969c8931a01adc7f4">Danish government announced</a>&nbsp;last month that it had secured an agreement by three governing coalition and two opposition parties in parliament to ban access to social media for anyone under the age of 15. Such a measure would be the most sweeping step yet by a European Union nation to limit use of social media among teens and children.

The Danish government's plans could become law as soon as mid-2026. The proposed measure would give some parents the right to let their children access social media from age 13, local media reported, but the ministry has not yet fully shared the plans.

Many social media platforms already ban children younger than 13 from signing up, and a EU law requires Big Tech to put measures in place to protect young people from online risks and inappropriate content. But officials and experts say such restrictions don’t always work.

Danish authorities have said that despite the restrictions, around 98% of Danish children under age 13 have profiles on at least one social media platform, and almost half of those under 10 years old do.

The minister for digital affairs, Caroline Stage, who announced the proposed ban last month, said there is still a consultation process for the measure and several readings in parliament before it becomes law, perhaps by “mid to end of next year.”

“In far too many years, we have given the social media platforms free play in the playing rooms of our children. There’s been no limits,” Stage said in an interview with The Associated Press last month.

“When we go into the city at night, there are bouncers who are checking the age of young people to make sure that no one underage gets into a party that they’re not supposed to be in,” she added. “In the digital world, we don’t have any bouncers, and we definitely need that.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/australia-social-media-ban-16-children-7d6ea8a39629bcd862130ec8cc7e4dc4">Under the new Australian law,</a>&nbsp;Facebook, Instagram, Kick, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X and YouTube face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove accounts of Australian children younger than 16.

Some students say they are worried that similar strict laws in Denmark would mean they will lose touch with their virtual communities.

“I myself have some friends that I only know from online, and if I wasn’t fifteen yet, I wouldn’t be able to talk with those friends,” 15-year-old student Ronja Zander, who uses Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, told the AP.

Copenhagen high school student Chloé Courage Fjelstrup-Matthisen, 14, said she is aware of the negative impact social media can have, from cyberbullying to seeing graphic content. She said she saw video of a man being shot several months ago.

“The video was on social media everywhere and I just went to school and then I saw it,” she said.

Line Pedersen, a mother from Nykøbing in Denmark, said she believed the plans were a good idea.

“I think that we didn’t really realize what we were doing when we gave our children the telephone and social media from when they were eight, 10 years old,” she said. “I don’t quite think that the young people know what’s normal, what’s not normal.”

Danish officials are yet to share how exactly the proposed ban would be enforced and which social media platforms would be affected.

However, a new “digital evidence” app, announced by the Digital Affairs Ministry last month and expected to launch next spring, will likely form the backbone of the Danish plans. The app will display an age certificate to ensure users comply with social media age limits, the ministry said.

“One thing is what they’re saying and another thing is what they’re doing or not doing,” Stage said, referring to social media platforms. “And that’s why we have to do something politically.”

Some experts say restrictions, such as the ban planned by Denmark, don’t always work and they may also infringe on the rights of children and teenagers.

“To me, the greatest challenge is actually the democratic rights of these children. I think it’s sad that it’s not taken more into consideration,” said Anne Mette Thorhauge, an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen.

“Social media, to many children, is what broadcast media was to my generation,” she added. “It was a way of connecting to society.”

Currently, the EU’s Digital Services Act, which took effect two years ago, requires social media platforms to ensure there are measures including parental controls and age verification tools before young users can access the apps.

EU officials have acknowledged that enforcing the regulations aiming at protecting children online has proven challenging because it requires cooperation between member states and many resources.

Denmark is among several countries that have indicated they plan to follow in Australia’s steps. The Southeast Asian country of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/malaysia-social-media-ban-under-16-1e9e20321c8c83c470ff7489139f10b8">Malaysia is expected to ban social media account</a>&nbsp;s for people under the age of 16 starting at the beginning of next year, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/norway">Norway</a>&nbsp;is also taking steps to restrict social media access for children and teens.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/china">China</a>&nbsp;— which manufacturers many of the world’s digital devices — has set limits on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gaming-business-children-00db669defcc8e0ca1fc2dc54120a0b8">online gaming time</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-internet-restrictions-children-smartphone-limits-8435b530b117b70357856ddf6a5968d1">smartphone time</a>&nbsp;for kids.

Another nation to severely restrict social media use for young people

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas man convicted of a violent attack on a teen, later identified as his girlfriend, was to learn his fate on Friday.

&nbsp;The sentencing hearing for 24-year-old Dominic Thomas was continued until after Christmas, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp; He is scheduled to return to court on December 29.&nbsp; A scheduled hearing for Thomas was also delayed in November.

In November of 2024, a jury convicted Thomas, who was 19 at the time of the crime, of attempted first-degree murder.

Just after 10 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2020 police responded to an assault report at a home in the 3900 block of North Litchfield in Wichita, according to officer Charley Davidson

Upon arrival, officers contacted a 17-year-old girl who was visibly shaken and wet. The investigation revealed 19-year-old Dominic Thomas and the victim were talking near a pond at 37th Street North and Sullivan when a disturbance occurred.

During the disturbance, Thomas battered the girl, drug her to a nearby pond and held her head under the water. Thomas then released her and fled. Officers later located Thomas, and he was arrested without further incident.

Sentencing delayed again for Kan. man who tried to drown pregnant girlfriend

CLAY COUNTY, Mo. —Earlier this month marked the sixth time this year vandalism causing significant damage took place at the bathrooms at Smithville Lake - Clay County Parks, according to a social media report from the Clay County, Missouri Sheriff.

This time, Parks employees discovered extensive damage in the Sail Boat Cove bathrooms, including a destroyed toilet, smashed light fixtures and a stall wall ripped from the concrete wall. 

The Sailboat Cove restrooms have been hit four times this year, with everything from graffiti on June 2, to a firework exploding a toilet on June 30. Trailhead bathrooms and the Crows Creek shower house also have been hit. 

The sheriff office asked, "Guess who pays for the repairs? You, the tax payers."

 The latest incident is felony-level damage. If you know who is doing this, please call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). You can stay anonymous and get a cash reward.

Sheriff: Felony level damage after vandalism at KC area lake

By JOSH FUNK AP Transportation Writer

Senators from both parties pushed Thursday for changes to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/defense-bill-congress-trump-dd67d203accfb65b7604072ebb5da153">massive defense bill</a>&nbsp;after crash investigators and victims' families warned the legislation would undo&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dc-crash-investigation-american-airlines-helicopter-ntsb-b78bce07efa055aa6f9c04e580ffe24e">key safety reforms</a>&nbsp;stemming from a collision&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronald-reagan-national-airport-crash-62adba7fb1f546b4cf1716e42b86482b">between an airliner and Army helicopter</a>&nbsp;over Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation Thursday, spoke on the Senate floor warning that the current draft of the&nbsp;FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)&nbsp;fails to implement the minimum standards necessary for military helicopters operating in mixed airspace. Sen. Moran called on his colleagues to amend the NDAA or pass additional legislation to maintain current safety standards.

The head of the National Transportation Safety Board investigating the crash, a group of the victims' family members and senators on the Commerce Committee all said the bill the House advanced Wednesday would make America's skies less safe. It would allow the military to operate essentially the same way as it did before the January crash, which was the deadliest in more than two decades, they said.

Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell and Republican Committee Chairman Sen. Ted Cruz filed two amendments Thursday to strip out the worrisome helicopter safety provisions and replace them with a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/midair-collision-ntsb-washington-dc-army-helicopter-40f94a495e2e60b9adc5b9a49cce6437">bill they introduced</a>&nbsp;last summer to strengthen requirements, but it’s not clear if Republican leadership will allow the National Defense Authorization Act to be changed at this stage because that would delay its passage.

“We owe it to the families to put into law actual safety improvements, not give the Department of Defense bigger loopholes to exploit,” the senators said.

Right now, the bill includes exceptions that would allow military helicopters to fly through the crowded airspace around the nation's capital without using a key system called ADS-B to broadcast their locations just like they did before the January collision. The Federal Aviation Administration&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dc-plane-crash-congress-ntsb-faa-helicopter-e6cabb82fd788039e16ab2af84220712">began requiring</a>&nbsp;that in March. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ntsb.gov/news/Documents/National%20Defense%20Authorization%20Act.pdf">called the bill</a>&nbsp;a “significant safety setback” that is inviting a repeat of that disaster.

“It represents an unacceptable risk to the flying public, to commercial and military aircraft, crews and to the residents in the region,” Homendy said. “It’s also an unthinkable dismissal of our investigation and of 67 families ... who lost loved ones in a tragedy that was entirely preventable. This is shameful.”

The biggest unions representing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alpa.org/Press-Room/2025/12/ALPA-Opposes-NDAA-Language-That-Undermines-Aviation-Safety">pilots</a>, flight attendants and&nbsp;<a href="https://ttd.org/news-and-media/press-releases-and-statements/transportation-labor-objects-to-rollback-of-aviation-safety-in-house-passed-defense-authorization-act/">other transportation workers</a>&nbsp;joined the chorus criticizing the bill on Thursday. Sara Nelson, who is president of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.afacwa.org/ndaa_provision_rolling_back_safety_protection_reckless_indefensible">Association of Flight Attendants</a>, questioned why this was proposed. She said these provisions are “not only reckless and indefensible, but also a direct undermining of the NTSB’s safety guidance.”

Congress may turn to another bill to fix the concerns

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he is looking into the concerns but thinks they can be addressed by quickly passing the aviation safety bill that Cruz and Cantwell proposed last summer that would require all aircraft operators to use both forms of ADS-B, or Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast, the technology to broadcast aircraft location data to other planes and air traffic controllers. Most aircraft today are equipped with ADS-B Out equipment but the airlines would have to add the more comprehensive ADS-B In technology to their planes.

That legislation would also revoke an exemption on ADS-B transmission requests for Department of Defense aircraft.

“I think that would resolve the concerns that people have about that provision, and hoping — we’ll see if we can find a pathway forward to get that bill done,” said Thune, a South Dakota Republican.

Military routinely flew without broadcasting location

The military used national security waivers before the crash to skirt FAA safety requirements on the grounds that they worried about the security risks of disclosing their helicopters’ locations. Tim and Sheri Lilley, whose son Sam was the first officer on the American Airlines jet, said this bill only adds “a window dressing fix that would continue to allow for the setting aside of requirements with nothing more than a cursory risk assessment.”

Homendy said it would be ridiculous to entrust the military with assessing the safety risks when they aren't the experts, and neither the Army nor the FAA noticed 85 close calls around Ronald Reagan National Airport in the years before the crash. She said the military doesn't know how to do that kind of risk assessment, adding that no one writing the bill bothered to consult the experts at the NTSB who do know.

The NTSB's final report on the cause of the D.C. crash won't be released until next year, but investigators have already identified a number of factors that contributed, including that the helicopter was flying too high on a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/midair-collision-ntsb-washington-dc-army-helicopter-e9f7b69fe01ff39dc8629d2999104683">route that only provided scant separation</a>&nbsp;between helicopters and planes landing on Reagan's secondary runway.

Homendy said part of the investigation focuses on the limitations of the various systems that are designed to alert other pilots and air traffic controllers about the location of an aircraft. The pilots of the American jet that was flying into D.C. from Wichita, Kansas, did get a warning about traffic nearby 20 seconds before the collision. But at the low altitude the plane was traveling as it prepared to land, the basic collision avoidance system recommended by this bill was partly inhibited to prevent false alarms and because there is little room to manuever.

The White House and military didn't immediately respond Thursday to questions about these safety concerns in the bill. But earlier this week Trump&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SAP-NDAA-2026.pdf">made it clear</a>&nbsp;that he wants to sign the National Defense Authorization Act because it advances a number of his priorities and provides a 3.8% pay raise for many military members.

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