MCPHERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in McPherson are investigating alleged child abuse and have made two arrests including a school teacher.

On Thursday morning, police in McPherson arrested 36-year-old Abby Bradstreet, an elementary school teacher in USD 418 McPherson, on requested charges of attempted aggravated endangering a chid; reckless situation involving a child under age 18 and abuse of a child; knowingly torture/cruelly beat; strike; kick a child between the age of 6 and 18, according to online jail records. Just after 12:30p.m. Thursday, Bradstreet, met the requirement of a $12,500 bond and was released, according to online jail records.

On Thursday afternoon, police also arrested 26-year-old Brady Burr on requested charges of aggravated endangering a child; reckless situation to a child under the age of 18 and for abuse of a child; knowingly torture/cruelly beat; strike; kick a child between the age of 6 and 18, according to online jail records. Burr was&nbsp;released 90 minutes after his arrest after he met the requirement of a $12,500 bond, according to online jail records.

Police released no additional details. The McPherson County Attorney will determine formal charges against them.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765595766205.png" alt="Burr photo McPherson County" />
 <figcaption>Burr photo McPherson County</figcaption>
 </figure>MCPHERSON COUNTY —Law enforcement in McPherson are investigating alleged child abuse and have made two arrests including a school teacher.On Thursday morning, police in McPherson arrested 36-year-old Abby Bradstreet, an elementary school teacher in USD 418 McPherson, on requested charges of attempted aggravated endangering a chid; reckless situation involving a child under age 18 and abuse of a child; knowingly torture/cruelly beat; strike; kick a child between the age of 6 and 18, according to online jail records. Just after 12:30p.m. Thursday, Bradstreet, met the requirement of a $12,500 bond and was released, according to online jail records.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765595745383.png" alt="Bradstreet -photo McPherson Co." />
 <figcaption>Bradstreet -photo McPherson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On Thursday afternoon, police also arrested 26-year-old Brady Burr on requested charges of aggravated endangering a child; reckless situation to a child under the age of 18 and for abuse of a child; knowingly torture/cruelly beat; strike; kick a child between the age of 6 and 18, according to online jail records. Burr was&nbsp;released 90 minutes after his arrest after he met the requirement of a $12,500 bond, according to online jail records.Police released no additional details. The McPherson County Attorney will determine formal charges against them.

Kansas elementary school teacher among two accused of child abuse

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged scam that cost a man $200,000 over several months this year.&nbsp;

In May, a 77-year-old Salina man received a phone call claiming he won a "MegaMillions lottery ticket and brand new vehicle," according to Salina Police Lt. Andrew Zeigler on Friday.

The scammers told the man he needed pay a price for "legal fees and other reasons.

The man then sent $500 increments on various cash cards. As time passed, the man was then contacted by another individual stating the previous two callers were scammers. However, the caller told the man he needed to send money in order to recover the $500 previously sent.

The victim then sent an undetermined amount of money through cash cards to the new scammer. The scammer then persuaded him to purchase a new vehicle and then sell it. He was advised to then take the cash from the sold vehicle, and place it into a bank account.

As a result, the man could not find the money in the account after following through with the scammer’s instructions. The total loss resulted in over $200,000, according to Lt. Andrew Zeigler,

Police reminded the public to never believe anyone from a sudden phone call, stating you have won a lottery ticket and new a vehicle. It is a scam.

Additionally, if a caller informs you that the previous call was a scam and further states you need to send money to recover the funds you sent, it is a scam.&nbsp;It is a common scheme for scammers to work together to successfully follow through with the crime.&nbsp;

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged scam that cost a man $200,000 over several months this year.&nbsp;In May, a 77-year-old Salina man received a phone call claiming he won a "MegaMillions lottery ticket and brand new vehicle," according to Salina Police Lt. Andrew Zeigler on Friday.The scammers told the man he needed pay a price for "legal fees and other reasons.The man then sent $500 increments on various cash cards. As time passed, the man was then contacted by another individual stating the previous two callers were scammers. However, the caller told the man he needed to send money in order to recover the $500 previously sent.The victim then sent an undetermined amount of money through cash cards to the new scammer. The scammer then persuaded him to purchase a new vehicle and then sell it. He was advised to then take the cash from the sold vehicle, and place it into a bank account.As a result, the man could not find the money in the account after following through with the scammer’s instructions. The total loss resulted in over $200,000, according to Lt. Andrew Zeigler,Police reminded the public to never believe anyone from a sudden phone call, stating you have won a lottery ticket and new a vehicle. It is a scam.Additionally, if a caller informs you that the previous call was a scam and further states you need to send money to recover the funds you sent, it is a scam.&nbsp;It is a common scheme for scammers to work together to successfully follow through with the crime.&nbsp;

Police: Kansas man lost $200,000 in phone scam

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-vote-affordable-care-act-obamacare-6ffc1ea9f878c6b3da995589ef8a012c">failed</a>&nbsp;to get anywhere on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-tax-credits-affordable-care-act-2b5ae3651ff16783a00e00dc1ce264bf">the health care issue</a>&nbsp;this week. Now it's the House's turn to show what it can do.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;unveiled a Republican alternative late Friday, a last-minute sprint as his party refuses to extend the enhanced tax subsidies for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aca-credits-health-care-subsidies-government-shutdown-7f7a3609bf78dd7e43be9a041a090220">those who buy policies</a>&nbsp;through the Affordable Care Act, also called Obamacare, which are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-tax-credits-obamacare-shutdown-f1ee636ddba7f65baa5234c55cb0c96e">expiring at the end of the year</a>. Those subsidies help lower the cost of coverage.

Johnson, R-La., huddled behind closed doors in the morning — as he did days earlier this week — working to assemble the package for consideration as the House focuses the final days of its 2025 work on health care.

“House Republicans are tackling the real drivers of health care costs to provide affordable care,” Johnson said in a statement announcing the package. He said it would be voted on next week.

Later Friday, though, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said: “House Republicans have introduced toxic legislation that is completely unserious, hurts hardworking America taxpayers and is not designed to secure bipartisan support. If the bill reaches the House floor, I will strongly oppose it.”

Time is running out for Congress to act. Democrats engineered the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-11-12-2025">longest federal government shutdown ever</a>&nbsp;this fall in a failed effort to force Republicans to the negotiating table on health care. But after promising votes, the Senate failed this week to advance both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-health-care-insurance-premiums-ee6ccda9ea9df4a8e5a0af351e65afd4">a Republican health care plan</a>&nbsp;and the Democratic-offered bill to extend the tax credits for three years.

Now, with just days to go, Congress is about to wrap up its work with no consensus solution in sight.

The House Republicans offered a 100-plus-page package that focuses on long-sought GOP proposals to enhance access to employer-sponsored health insurance plans and clamp down on so-called pharmacy benefit managers.

Republicans propose expanding access to what's referred to as association health plans, which would allow more small businesses and self-employed individuals to band together and purchase health coverage.

Proponents say such plans increase the leverage businesses have to negotiate a lower rate. But critics say the plans provide skimpier coverage than what is required under the Affordable Care Act.

The Republicans’ proposal would also require more data from pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, as a way to help control drug costs. Critics say PBMs have padded their bottom line and made it more difficult for independent pharmacists to survive.

Additionally, the GOP plan includes mention of cost-sharing reductions for some lower-income people who rely on Obamacare, but those do not take effect until January 2027.

The emerging package from the House Republicans does not include an extension of an enhanced tax credit for millions of Americans who get insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act. Put in place during the COVID-19 crisis, that enhanced subsidy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aca-credits-health-care-subsidies-government-shutdown-7f7a3609bf78dd7e43be9a041a090220">expires</a>&nbsp;Dec. 31, leaving most families in the program facing more than double their current out-of-pocket premiums, and in some cases, much more.

<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has said he believes Republicans are going to figure out a better plan than Obamacare — something he has promised for years — but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-health-care-plan-affordable-care-act-obamacare-97483a1f4d5e844f439c630d74d86ff2">offered few details</a>&nbsp;beyond his idea for providing Americans with stipends to help buy insurance.

“I want to see the billions of dollars go to people, not to the insurance companies," Trump said late Friday during an event at the White House. “And I want to see the people go out and buy themselves great healthcare.”

The president did not comment directly on the House's new plan. He has repeatedly touted his idea of sending money directly to Americans to help offset the costs of health care policies, rather than extending the tax credits for those buying policies through Obamacare. It’s unclear how much money Trump envisions. The Senate GOP proposal that failed to advance would have provided payments to new health savings accounts of $1,000 a year for adult enrollees, or $1,500 for those ages 50 to 64.

It appeared there were no such health savings accounts in the new House GOP plan.

Going Johnson's route has left vulnerable House Republicans representing key battleground districts in a tough spot.

Frustrated with the delays, a group of more centrist GOP lawmakers is aligning with Democrats to push their own proposals for continuing the tax credits, for now, so that Americans don't face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/millions-face-higher-health-costs-after-senate-rejects-dueling-aca-proposals-bb044bd633d847ef886e41a42bdc78ce">rising health care costs</a>.

They are pursuing several paths for passing a temporary ACA subsidy extension, co-sponsoring a handful of bills. They are also signing onto so-called discharge petitions that could force a floor vote if a majority of the House signs on.

Such petitions are designed to get around the majority's control and are rarely successful, but this year has proven to be an exception. Lawmakers, for example, were able to use a discharge petition to force a vote on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-congress-trump-house-297a66ce48bd2a67c571bc643e32ef71">release</a>&nbsp;of the Jeffrey Epstein files held by the Department of Justice.

One petition, filed by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., had signatures from 12 Republicans and 12 Democrats as of Friday afternoon. It would force a vote on a bill that includes a two-year subsidy extension and contains provisions designed to combat fraud in the ACA marketplace. There are also restrictions for PBMs, among other things.

Another petition from Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., has 39 signatures and is broadly bipartisan. It's a simpler proposal that would force a vote on a one-year ACA enhanced subsidy extension and would include new income caps limiting who qualifies for the enhanced credit.

Both discharge petitions have enough Republicans’ support that they would likely succeed if Jeffries encouraged his caucus to jump on board. So far, he's not tipping his hand.

“We’re actively reviewing those two discharge petitions and we’ll have more to say about it early next week,” Jeffries said.

Meanwhile, Jeffries is pushing Democrats' own discharge petition, which has 214 signatures and would provide for a clean three-year subsidy extension. No Republicans have signed onto that one.

And as Republicans made clear in the Senate this week, a three-year extension without changes to the program has no chance of passing their chamber.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765625556088.png" alt="Speaker Johnson at the&nbsp;the White House Congressional Christmas Ball on Friday -image from his social media page" />
 <figcaption>Speaker Johnson at the&nbsp;the White House Congressional Christmas Ball on Friday -image from his social media page</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-care-vote-affordable-care-act-obamacare-6ffc1ea9f878c6b3da995589ef8a012c">failed</a>&nbsp;to get anywhere on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shutdown-health-tax-credits-affordable-care-act-2b5ae3651ff16783a00e00dc1ce264bf">the health care issue</a>&nbsp;this week. Now it's the House's turn to show what it can do.<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/mike-johnson/">Speaker Mike Johnson</a>&nbsp;unveiled a Republican alternative late Friday, a last-minute sprint as his party refuses to extend the enhanced tax subsidies for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aca-credits-health-care-subsidies-government-shutdown-7f7a3609bf78dd7e43be9a041a090220">those who buy policies</a>&nbsp;through the Affordable Care Act, also called Obamacare, which are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-health-care-tax-credits-obamacare-shutdown-f1ee636ddba7f65baa5234c55cb0c96e">expiring at the end of the year</a>. Those subsidies help lower the cost of coverage.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today House Republicans introduced the Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act. While Democrats demand that taxpayers write bigger checks to insurance companies to hide the cost of their failed law, House Republicans are tackling the real drivers of health care costs…&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1999634277974131166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Johnson, R-La., huddled behind closed doors in the morning — as he did days earlier this week — working to assemble the package for consideration as the House focuses the final days of its 2025 work on health care.“House Republicans are tackling the real drivers of health care costs to provide affordable care,” Johnson said in a statement announcing the package. He said it would be voted on next week.Later Friday, though, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said: “House Republicans have introduced toxic legislation that is completely unserious, hurts hardworking America taxpayers and is not designed to secure bipartisan support. If the bill reaches the House floor, I will strongly oppose it.”Time is running out for Congress to act. Democrats engineered the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-11-12-2025">longest federal government shutdown ever</a>&nbsp;this fall in a failed effort to force Republicans to the negotiating table on health care. But after promising votes, the Senate failed this week to advance both&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-health-care-insurance-premiums-ee6ccda9ea9df4a8e5a0af351e65afd4">a Republican health care plan</a>&nbsp;and the Democratic-offered bill to extend the tax credits for three years.Now, with just days to go, Congress is about to wrap up its work with no consensus solution in sight.<h2>What Republicans are proposing</h2>The House Republicans offered a 100-plus-page package that focuses on long-sought GOP proposals to enhance access to employer-sponsored health insurance plans and clamp down on so-called pharmacy benefit managers.Republicans propose expanding access to what's referred to as association health plans, which would allow more small businesses and self-employed individuals to band together and purchase health coverage.Proponents say such plans increase the leverage businesses have to negotiate a lower rate. But critics say the plans provide skimpier coverage than what is required under the Affordable Care Act.The Republicans’ proposal would also require more data from pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, as a way to help control drug costs. Critics say PBMs have padded their bottom line and made it more difficult for independent pharmacists to survive.Additionally, the GOP plan includes mention of cost-sharing reductions for some lower-income people who rely on Obamacare, but those do not take effect until January 2027.The emerging package from the House Republicans does not include an extension of an enhanced tax credit for millions of Americans who get insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act. Put in place during the COVID-19 crisis, that enhanced subsidy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/aca-credits-health-care-subsidies-government-shutdown-7f7a3609bf78dd7e43be9a041a090220">expires</a>&nbsp;Dec. 31, leaving most families in the program facing more than double their current out-of-pocket premiums, and in some cases, much more.<h2>What Trump wants</h2><a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;has said he believes Republicans are going to figure out a better plan than Obamacare — something he has promised for years — but&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-health-care-plan-affordable-care-act-obamacare-97483a1f4d5e844f439c630d74d86ff2">offered few details</a>&nbsp;beyond his idea for providing Americans with stipends to help buy insurance.“I want to see the billions of dollars go to people, not to the insurance companies," Trump said late Friday during an event at the White House. “And I want to see the people go out and buy themselves great healthcare.”The president did not comment directly on the House's new plan. He has repeatedly touted his idea of sending money directly to Americans to help offset the costs of health care policies, rather than extending the tax credits for those buying policies through Obamacare. It’s unclear how much money Trump envisions. The Senate GOP proposal that failed to advance would have provided payments to new health savings accounts of $1,000 a year for adult enrollees, or $1,500 for those ages 50 to 64.It appeared there were no such health savings accounts in the new House GOP plan.<h2>Political pressure is building for many</h2>Going Johnson's route has left vulnerable House Republicans representing key battleground districts in a tough spot.Frustrated with the delays, a group of more centrist GOP lawmakers is aligning with Democrats to push their own proposals for continuing the tax credits, for now, so that Americans don't face&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/video/millions-face-higher-health-costs-after-senate-rejects-dueling-aca-proposals-bb044bd633d847ef886e41a42bdc78ce">rising health care costs</a>.They are pursuing several paths for passing a temporary ACA subsidy extension, co-sponsoring a handful of bills. They are also signing onto so-called discharge petitions that could force a floor vote if a majority of the House signs on.Such petitions are designed to get around the majority's control and are rarely successful, but this year has proven to be an exception. Lawmakers, for example, were able to use a discharge petition to force a vote on the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-files-congress-trump-house-297a66ce48bd2a67c571bc643e32ef71">release</a>&nbsp;of the Jeffrey Epstein files held by the Department of Justice.One petition, filed by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., had signatures from 12 Republicans and 12 Democrats as of Friday afternoon. It would force a vote on a bill that includes a two-year subsidy extension and contains provisions designed to combat fraud in the ACA marketplace. There are also restrictions for PBMs, among other things.Another petition from Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., has 39 signatures and is broadly bipartisan. It's a simpler proposal that would force a vote on a one-year ACA enhanced subsidy extension and would include new income caps limiting who qualifies for the enhanced credit.Both discharge petitions have enough Republicans’ support that they would likely succeed if Jeffries encouraged his caucus to jump on board. So far, he's not tipping his hand.“We’re actively reviewing those two discharge petitions and we’ll have more to say about it early next week,” Jeffries said.Meanwhile, Jeffries is pushing Democrats' own discharge petition, which has 214 signatures and would provide for a clean three-year subsidy extension. No Republicans have signed onto that one.And as Republicans made clear in the Senate this week, a three-year extension without changes to the program has no chance of passing their chamber.

What's included in Speaker Johnson's new health care propsal

By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/james-robson">JAMES ROBSON</a>

Soccer fans have accused FIFA of a “monumental betrayal” after latest prices for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup">World Cup</a>&nbsp;tickets began to circulate on Thursday.

The governing body allocates 8% of tickets to national associations for games involving their team to sell to the most loyal fans.

And a list published by the German soccer federation revealed prices ranged from $180-$700 for varying group stage games. The lowest price for the final was $4,185 and the highest was $8,680.

Those group-stage prices are very different from FIFA’s claims of $60 tickets being available, while the target from United States soccer officials when bidding for the tournament seven years ago was to offer hundreds of thousands of $21 seats across the opening phase of games.

Fan organization Football Supporters Europe (FSE) described the current prices as “extortionate.”

“This is a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup, ignoring the contribution of supporters to the spectacle it is,” it said in a statement.

The English Football Association shared pricing information with the England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC) on Thursday evening, which showed that if a fan bought a ticket for every game through to the final it would cost just over $7,000.

FIFA&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fifa-world-cup-tickets-2026-bcf8864cafa11ee30ba659a14d098968">said in September</a>&nbsp;that tickets released through its website would initially range from $60 for group-stage matches to $6,730 for the final. But those prices are subject to change as it adopts dynamic pricing for the first time at the World Cup.

FIFA tickets are available in four categories, with the best seats in Category 1.

In the price list published by the German federation, there were only three categories.

The lowest priced ticket was $180 for Germany’s opening group game against Curacao in Houston. The lowest price for the semifinal was $920 rising to $1,125.

The FSE called on FIFA to immediately halt ticket sales via national associations “until a solution that respects the tradition, universality, and cultural significance of the World Cup is found.”

The Associated Press approached FIFA for comment.

FIFA launched its third phase of widespread ticket sales Thursday, with fans now able to apply for specific matches for the first time through its “Random Selection Draw.”

Following last week’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/world-cup-draw-2026-updates">draw for the 2026 tournament</a>, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, an updated schedule has been published.

That means fans know when and where the likes of Lionel Messi and Argentina will play. Previous ticket ballots were blind as the qualification period had not even been completed and the draw was yet to take place.

Now participating nations have been placed in groups, with their paths through the tournament determined. For instance, Messi and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronaldo-world-cup-qualifying-portugal-norway-d7cd3bd194dea0436590b7d0af985273">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>&nbsp;could go on to meet in the quarterfinals in Kansas City if both Argentina and Portugal top their respective groups.

Not that fans are guaranteed to get tickets to the games they apply for.

The draw opened Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. ET (1600 GMT) and closes Jan. 13, 2026.

FIFA says ticket applications can be made at any point during this window and the timing of entry will not impact the chances of success. Fans can apply via FIFA’s website for a maximum of four tickets per household per match and a maximum of 40 tickets throughout the tournament.

Fans will need a FIFA ID to apply for tickets and can pick which matches and which pricing category they want to apply for.

Successful applicants will be notified by email in February and charged automatically.

The last time the U.S. hosted the World Cup in 1994 prices ranged from $25 to $475. In Qatar in 2022 prices ranged from around $70 to $1,600 when ticket details were announced.

Tickets for the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19 are already going for in excess of $11,000 on secondary resale sites.

For this tournament FIFA has also set up its own resale platform where it charges a 15% fee based on the total resale price.

FIFA said that closer to the tournament any remaining tickets will go on general sale on a first-come, first-served basis.

It did not reveal a time frame for the release of those remaining tickets.

AP Sports Writer Graham Dunbar in Geneva contributed to this report.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655416562140.png" alt="File Image courtesy FIFA live broadcast in 2022" />
 <figcaption>File Image courtesy FIFA live broadcast in 2022</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/james-robson">JAMES ROBSON</a>Soccer fans have accused FIFA of a “monumental betrayal” after latest prices for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup">World Cup</a>&nbsp;tickets began to circulate on Thursday.The governing body allocates 8% of tickets to national associations for games involving their team to sell to the most loyal fans.And a list published by the German soccer federation revealed prices ranged from $180-$700 for varying group stage games. The lowest price for the final was $4,185 and the highest was $8,680.Those group-stage prices are very different from FIFA’s claims of $60 tickets being available, while the target from United States soccer officials when bidding for the tournament seven years ago was to offer hundreds of thousands of $21 seats across the opening phase of games.Fan organization Football Supporters Europe (FSE) described the current prices as “extortionate.”“This is a monumental betrayal of the tradition of the World Cup, ignoring the contribution of supporters to the spectacle it is,” it said in a statement.The English Football Association shared pricing information with the England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC) on Thursday evening, which showed that if a fan bought a ticket for every game through to the final it would cost just over $7,000.FIFA&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fifa-world-cup-tickets-2026-bcf8864cafa11ee30ba659a14d098968">said in September</a>&nbsp;that tickets released through its website would initially range from $60 for group-stage matches to $6,730 for the final. But those prices are subject to change as it adopts dynamic pricing for the first time at the World Cup.FIFA tickets are available in four categories, with the best seats in Category 1.In the price list published by the German federation, there were only three categories.The lowest priced ticket was $180 for Germany’s opening group game against Curacao in Houston. The lowest price for the semifinal was $920 rising to $1,125.The FSE called on FIFA to immediately halt ticket sales via national associations “until a solution that respects the tradition, universality, and cultural significance of the World Cup is found.”The Associated Press approached FIFA for comment.<h2>Latest phase</h2>FIFA launched its third phase of widespread ticket sales Thursday, with fans now able to apply for specific matches for the first time through its “Random Selection Draw.”Following last week’s&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/live/world-cup-draw-2026-updates">draw for the 2026 tournament</a>, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, an updated schedule has been published.That means fans know when and where the likes of Lionel Messi and Argentina will play. Previous ticket ballots were blind as the qualification period had not even been completed and the draw was yet to take place.Now participating nations have been placed in groups, with their paths through the tournament determined. For instance, Messi and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ronaldo-world-cup-qualifying-portugal-norway-d7cd3bd194dea0436590b7d0af985273">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>&nbsp;could go on to meet in the quarterfinals in Kansas City if both Argentina and Portugal top their respective groups.Not that fans are guaranteed to get tickets to the games they apply for.The draw opened Dec. 11 at 11 a.m. ET (1600 GMT) and closes Jan. 13, 2026.FIFA says ticket applications can be made at any point during this window and the timing of entry will not impact the chances of success. Fans can apply via FIFA’s website for a maximum of four tickets per household per match and a maximum of 40 tickets throughout the tournament.Fans will need a FIFA ID to apply for tickets and can pick which matches and which pricing category they want to apply for.Successful applicants will be notified by email in February and charged automatically.<h2>Prices</h2>The last time the U.S. hosted the World Cup in 1994 prices ranged from $25 to $475. In Qatar in 2022 prices ranged from around $70 to $1,600 when ticket details were announced.Tickets for the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19 are already going for in excess of $11,000 on secondary resale sites.For this tournament FIFA has also set up its own resale platform where it charges a 15% fee based on the total resale price.FIFA said that closer to the tournament any remaining tickets will go on general sale on a first-come, first-served basis.It did not reveal a time frame for the release of those remaining tickets.___AP Sports Writer Graham Dunbar in Geneva contributed to this report.

FIFA accused of 'monumental betrayal' over latest World Cup ticket prices

KANSAS&nbsp; CITY —Two suspects&nbsp; have been charged in connection to a pursuit that occurred on December 7, according to the Cass County, Missouri Sheriff.

Aron Creedon, 33, Edwardsville, is being held on no bond on felony charges of Aggravated Fleeing a Detention/Stop.

Kevin Garrett Jr., 28,&nbsp; Lansing, is being held on a $5,000 bond&nbsp; on charges of Aggravated Fleeing a Detention/Stop (A Misdemeanor). The sheriff's office released no additional details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765423048244.png" alt="Garrett photo Cass Co." />
 <figcaption>Garrett photo Cass Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS&nbsp; CITY —Two suspects&nbsp; have been charged in connection to a pursuit that occurred on December 7, according to the Cass County, Missouri Sheriff.Aron Creedon, 33, Edwardsville, is being held on no bond on felony charges of Aggravated Fleeing a Detention/Stop.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765423010994.png" alt="Creedon Cass Co." />
 <figcaption>Creedon Cass Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Kevin Garrett Jr., 28,&nbsp; Lansing, is being held on a $5,000 bond&nbsp; on charges of Aggravated Fleeing a Detention/Stop (A Misdemeanor). The sheriff's office released no additional details.

Two Kansas men charged in connection with a police pursuit

WASHINGTON (AP) —A West Virginia National Guard member who was shot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-dc-c5785dd8920d2d1ac7d71fab769faf5f">last month in the nation’s capital</a>&nbsp;is being transitioned from hospital acute care to in-patient rehabilitation, a doctor said Friday.

Staff. Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was airlifted to MedStar Washington Hospital Center with a critical gunshot wound to the head on Nov. 26.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-victims-west-virginia-washington-b070b093743b016ce32005f800087873">Wolfe and Spc. Sarah Beckstrom</a>&nbsp;were ambushed as they patrolled a subway station three blocks from the White House.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-white-house-afghan-national-138fbe6872d7ac30b20973783b39002c">Beckstrom died</a>&nbsp;the next day.

Wolfe has “made extraordinary progress” and can stand with assistance, Dr. Jeffrey Mai, a MedStar neurosurgeon, said in a news release. Wolfe’s family chose not to disclose the location of his rehabilitation.

Beckstrom was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-national-guard-shooting-funeral-1f30c4b99f71f2f5b2c8b2fcd5bf688">buried in a private funeral</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakanwal-national-guard-shooting-suspect-afghan-5e5e9567d95a5d0ef806b714bb3ee3b7">29-year-old Afghan national</a>&nbsp;who was also shot during the confrontation, has been charged with murder. He has pleaded not guilty.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1764267409790.png" alt="Andrew Wolfe photo released by the Dept. of Justice" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Wolfe photo released by the Dept. of Justice</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —A West Virginia National Guard member who was shot&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-dc-c5785dd8920d2d1ac7d71fab769faf5f">last month in the nation’s capital</a>&nbsp;is being transitioned from hospital acute care to in-patient rehabilitation, a doctor said Friday.Staff. Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was airlifted to MedStar Washington Hospital Center with a critical gunshot wound to the head on Nov. 26.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-victims-west-virginia-washington-b070b093743b016ce32005f800087873">Wolfe and Spc. Sarah Beckstrom</a>&nbsp;were ambushed as they patrolled a subway station three blocks from the White House.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/national-guard-shooting-white-house-afghan-national-138fbe6872d7ac30b20973783b39002c">Beckstrom died</a>&nbsp;the next day.Wolfe has “made extraordinary progress” and can stand with assistance, Dr. Jeffrey Mai, a MedStar neurosurgeon, said in a news release. Wolfe’s family chose not to disclose the location of his rehabilitation.Beckstrom was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-national-guard-shooting-funeral-1f30c4b99f71f2f5b2c8b2fcd5bf688">buried in a private funeral</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday.Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lakanwal-national-guard-shooting-suspect-afghan-5e5e9567d95a5d0ef806b714bb3ee3b7">29-year-old Afghan national</a>&nbsp;who was also shot during the confrontation, has been charged with murder. He has pleaded not guilty.

Wounded National Guard member continues to improve

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats released a selection of photos from the estate of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;on Friday, including some of Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and the former Prince Andrew.

<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/fq3vn18ltfd83re8ggtle/AHYB3CbERvyT38o_vHllVx4?dl=0&amp;e=1&amp;rlkey=tz5pq4zr9i6nofkpi2g7l5vne&amp;st=rxoz19hb">Click here to see</a> all the photo

The dozens of photos initially released by Democratic lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee were a small part of more than 95,000 they received from the estate of Epstein, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">died in a New York jail cell</a>&nbsp;in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The photos released Friday were separate from the case files that the Department of Justice is now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-sex-trafficking-case-records-justice-department-016bbded12959c90d1679e15aa273b60">under compulsion to release</a>, but anticipation is growing as the Trump administration faces a deadline next week to produce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-release-justice-department-32cbc21a6ae8189dccd00455dc83d2be">the Epstein files</a>&nbsp;that have been the source of conspiracy theories and speculation for years.

The photos were released without captions or context and included a black-and-white image of Trump alongside six women whose faces were blacked out.

The president said he hadn’t seen the photos from Epstein’s estate released Friday, but they were “no big deal.”

Trump said Epstein was “all over Palm Beach” and had “photos with everybody.”

Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, did not say whether any of the women in the photos was a victim of abuse, but he added, “Our commitment from day one has been to redact any photo, any information that could lead to any sort of harm to any of the victims.”

White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson accused Democrats of “selectively releasing cherry-picked photos with random redactions to try and create a false narrative" and called it part of a “Democrat hoax against President Trump.”

Many of the photos have already circulated in the public. Democrats pledged to continue to release photos in the days and weeks ahead, as they look to pressure Trump over his Republican administration’s earlier refusal to release documents in the Epstein probe. Garcia said his staff had looked through about a quarter of the images it had received from Epstein’s estate, which included photos that were sent to him or that he had in his possession.

“Donald Trump right now needs to release the files to the American public so that the truth can come out and we can actually get some sense of justice for the survivors,” Garcia added.

He initially released 19 photos Friday morning, then roughly 70 more photos later Friday, including one of Epstein taking a bath, a photo of him with a swollen lip, photos of his home and a photo of him posing with a book about the scandal.

Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracies-97200cfab77572a36bc9ab25841a8833">once a close friend</a>&nbsp;of Epstein, has said he parted ways with him long before he faced the sex trafficking charges. Clinton, too, has minimized his relationship with Epstein, acknowledging that he traveled on Epstein’s private jet but saying through a spokesperson that he had no knowledge of the late financier’s crimes. Clinton also has never been accused of misconduct by Epstein’s known victims. However, Republicans on the House committee are pushing him and Hillary Clinton to testify in their investigation.

Rep. James Comer, the GOP chair of the House Oversight Committee, threatened late Friday to begin contempt of Congress proceedings against the Clintons if they don't appear next week or reschedule depositions in January.

A spokesperson for the Republican-controlled committee also said that nothing in the documents the committee has received shows “any wrongdoing” by Trump.

Andrew&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prince-andrew-charles-epstein-chinese-spy-91c4bec9a5cf3de8fcb16f9c1fe52e60">lost his royal titles and privileges</a>&nbsp;this year amid new revelations of his ties to Epstein, though he has denied wrongdoing.

The photo release also included images of the right-wing political operative Steve Bannon, billionaires Richard Branson and Bill Gates, filmmaker Woody Allen, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and law professor Alan Dershowitz. The men have denied any wrongdoing in their associations with Epstein, who kept many high-profile figures in his circle of friends.

Amid an earlier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/larry-summers-harvard-jeffrey-epstein-bebad1142f859c15467ed010c08ea6fa">release of emails between Summers and Epstein</a>, Summers stepped away from his teaching position at Harvard University and faced other fallout to his standing in academic circles.

Allen has faced allegations from his adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow, of molesting her as a child. He has denied the allegations.

Some lawmakers, however, believe that other high-powered figures could be implicated in Epstein’s abuse if the full case files from the Justice Department are released.

Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who was instrumental in passing a bill to require the public release of the files, said it was a good sign that the Department of Justice has sought to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-sex-trafficking-case-records-justice-department-016bbded12959c90d1679e15aa273b60">grand jury material released from several courts</a>.

“The grand jury material is just a small fraction of what the DOJ needs to release, because the FBI and DOJ probably has evidence that they chose not to take to the grand jury because the evidence they’re in possession of would implicate other people, not Epstein or Maxwell,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765560450572.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats released a selection of photos from the estate of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/jeffrey-epstein">Jeffrey Epstein</a>&nbsp;on Friday, including some of Donald Trump, Bill Clinton and the former Prince Andrew.<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/fq3vn18ltfd83re8ggtle/AHYB3CbERvyT38o_vHllVx4?dl=0&amp;e=1&amp;rlkey=tz5pq4zr9i6nofkpi2g7l5vne&amp;st=rxoz19hb">Click here to see</a> all the photoThe dozens of photos initially released by Democratic lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee were a small part of more than 95,000 they received from the estate of Epstein, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-jail-suicide-prison-death-8d194a756f2b429067f009a0c70f96c0">died in a New York jail cell</a>&nbsp;in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The photos released Friday were separate from the case files that the Department of Justice is now&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-sex-trafficking-case-records-justice-department-016bbded12959c90d1679e15aa273b60">under compulsion to release</a>, but anticipation is growing as the Trump administration faces a deadline next week to produce&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/jeffrey-epstein-files-release-justice-department-32cbc21a6ae8189dccd00455dc83d2be">the Epstein files</a>&nbsp;that have been the source of conspiracy theories and speculation for years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765560316012.png" alt="Photos released by the House Oversight Committee" />
 <figcaption>Photos released by the House Oversight Committee</figcaption>
 </figure>The photos were released without captions or context and included a black-and-white image of Trump alongside six women whose faces were blacked out.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765560235625.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The president said he hadn’t seen the photos from Epstein’s estate released Friday, but they were “no big deal.”Trump said Epstein was “all over Palm Beach” and had “photos with everybody.”Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, did not say whether any of the women in the photos was a victim of abuse, but he added, “Our commitment from day one has been to redact any photo, any information that could lead to any sort of harm to any of the victims.”White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson accused Democrats of “selectively releasing cherry-picked photos with random redactions to try and create a false narrative" and called it part of a “Democrat hoax against President Trump.”Many of the photos have already circulated in the public. Democrats pledged to continue to release photos in the days and weeks ahead, as they look to pressure Trump over his Republican administration’s earlier refusal to release documents in the Epstein probe. Garcia said his staff had looked through about a quarter of the images it had received from Epstein’s estate, which included photos that were sent to him or that he had in his possession.“Donald Trump right now needs to release the files to the American public so that the truth can come out and we can actually get some sense of justice for the survivors,” Garcia added.He initially released 19 photos Friday morning, then roughly 70 more photos later Friday, including one of Epstein taking a bath, a photo of him with a swollen lip, photos of his home and a photo of him posing with a book about the scandal.Trump,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-epstein-conspiracies-97200cfab77572a36bc9ab25841a8833">once a close friend</a>&nbsp;of Epstein, has said he parted ways with him long before he faced the sex trafficking charges. Clinton, too, has minimized his relationship with Epstein, acknowledging that he traveled on Epstein’s private jet but saying through a spokesperson that he had no knowledge of the late financier’s crimes. Clinton also has never been accused of misconduct by Epstein’s known victims. However, Republicans on the House committee are pushing him and Hillary Clinton to testify in their investigation.Rep. James Comer, the GOP chair of the House Oversight Committee, threatened late Friday to begin contempt of Congress proceedings against the Clintons if they don't appear next week or reschedule depositions in January.A spokesperson for the Republican-controlled committee also said that nothing in the documents the committee has received shows “any wrongdoing” by Trump.Andrew&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/prince-andrew-charles-epstein-chinese-spy-91c4bec9a5cf3de8fcb16f9c1fe52e60">lost his royal titles and privileges</a>&nbsp;this year amid new revelations of his ties to Epstein, though he has denied wrongdoing.The photo release also included images of the right-wing political operative Steve Bannon, billionaires Richard Branson and Bill Gates, filmmaker Woody Allen, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and law professor Alan Dershowitz. The men have denied any wrongdoing in their associations with Epstein, who kept many high-profile figures in his circle of friends.Amid an earlier&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/larry-summers-harvard-jeffrey-epstein-bebad1142f859c15467ed010c08ea6fa">release of emails between Summers and Epstein</a>, Summers stepped away from his teaching position at Harvard University and faced other fallout to his standing in academic circles.Allen has faced allegations from his adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow, of molesting her as a child. He has denied the allegations.Some lawmakers, however, believe that other high-powered figures could be implicated in Epstein’s abuse if the full case files from the Justice Department are released.Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who was instrumental in passing a bill to require the public release of the files, said it was a good sign that the Department of Justice has sought to have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/epstein-sex-trafficking-case-records-justice-department-016bbded12959c90d1679e15aa273b60">grand jury material released from several courts</a>.“The grand jury material is just a small fraction of what the DOJ needs to release, because the FBI and DOJ probably has evidence that they chose not to take to the grand jury because the evidence they’re in possession of would implicate other people, not Epstein or Maxwell,” he said.___

See the photos:  Trump says release of more Epstein photos is ‘no big deal'

JOHNSON COUNTY —The Johnson County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a stabbing which ultimately ended in an officer-involved shooting on Friday, according to a statement from the sheriff's office. One person died.

The Johnson County Officer Involved Critical Incident Investigations Team is taking over the investigation, with the lead agency as the Olathe Police Department.

Just before 11 a.m. on Friday, law enforcement received a call reporting a stabbing at the Panasonic facility at 103rd and Astra Parkway in De Soto. 

Deputies arrived on scene shortly after and located one victim with multiple stab wounds. The deputies located the suspect and an officer-involved shooting occurred. Deputies performed life-saving efforts on the suspect. The suspect was pronounced deceased by MED-ACT at 11:25 a.m.

MED-ACT transported one victim with stab wounds in critical condition to the hospital.

Johnson County Park Police also responded to the incident. No deputies or officers were injured.

JOHNSON COUNTY—There was a large law enforcement presence in the area of the Panasonic battery plant near 103rd and Astra Parkway in DeSoto, according to a statement from the&nbsp;Johnson County Sheriff's Office.

"The situation is contained and there is no active threat to the public. There will be a law enforcement presence in the area for an extended time," the sheriff's office reported.&nbsp; The plant opened in July.

Check the&nbsp; Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765575072296.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —The Johnson County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a stabbing which ultimately ended in an officer-involved shooting on Friday, according to a statement from the sheriff's office. One person died.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FJOCOSheriff%2Fvideos%2F912921905236007%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=0" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>The Johnson County Officer Involved Critical Incident Investigations Team is taking over the investigation, with the lead agency as the Olathe Police Department.Just before 11 a.m. on Friday, law enforcement received a call reporting a stabbing at the Panasonic facility at 103rd and Astra Parkway in De Soto. Deputies arrived on scene shortly after and located one victim with multiple stab wounds. The deputies located the suspect and an officer-involved shooting occurred. Deputies performed life-saving efforts on the suspect. The suspect was pronounced deceased by MED-ACT at 11:25 a.m.MED-ACT transported one victim with stab wounds in critical condition to the hospital.Johnson County Park Police also responded to the incident. No deputies or officers were injured.---------JOHNSON COUNTY—There was a large law enforcement presence in the area of the Panasonic battery plant near 103rd and Astra Parkway in DeSoto, according to a statement from the&nbsp;Johnson County Sheriff's Office."The situation is contained and there is no active threat to the public. There will be a law enforcement presence in the area for an extended time," the sheriff's office reported.&nbsp; The plant opened in July.Check the&nbsp; Post for additional details as they become available.

Sheriff: One dead after officer-shooting at Kansas battery plant 

BARTON COUNTY—A Kansas man is facing multiple allegations after a wild chase across Great Bend.

Just after 10:30p.m. Thursday&nbsp;a deputy with the Barton County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a 1992 Oldsmobile passenger car in the 1500 block of Morphy in the city of Great Bend, according to a media release.

The vehicle had been observed speeding and running stop signs. When the deputy activated their emergency equipment, the vehicle shut off its headlights and attempted to flee from the officer. 

Near the intersection of 18th and Hubbard, a deputy sheriff attempted to stop the vehicle by means of legal intervention, the vehicle spun out but was able to regain control and continued to flee. 

At least two more attempts at lawful invention were made without success. The vehicle was reaching speeds in excess of 70 miles an hour, blacked out, never leaving the city of Great Bend. 

 Sheriff’s deputies were authorized to use whatever force necessary to stop the vehicle due to the danger to the public. The driver zigzagged across the city of Great Bend several times and at one point nearly struck the Great Bend police officer who was attempting to deploy stop sticks. 

Near the intersection of 18th and Baker, lawful intervention was attempted by a deputy and the vehicle again spun out, this time losing the right rear tire, wheel, and hub assembly. 

 Despite only having three wheels on the vehicle, the vehicle continued to flee southbound on Kansas Street and attempted to get back on Main Street at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Main. 

The driver struck a fire hydrant at that intersection causing the vehicle rollover one time into a building on the west side of Main Street. 

The driver, later identified as 34-year-old Trenton Berens of Russell was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody.&nbsp; Great Bend Fire and EMS were called to evaluate Berens, and it was found he had no serious injuries. 

During the chase the vehicle traveled through numerous yards and striking stop signs and property as he fled.

  The Sheriff’s office K9 Rem alerted to the presence of controlled substances in the vehicle while at the scene.

&nbsp;Berens was booked into the Barton County jail on requested charges of felony flee and elude, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer,  aggravated assault (non-LEO), driving while suspended, numerous charges of criminal damage to property, as well as approximately 14 other traffic violations.

 Berens also had an outstanding warrant from Russell County for violation of a stalking order. Berens has previous history of fleeing from law enforcement officers and given the disregard for the safety of others, the Barton County Attorney was contacted, and the Sheriff’s Office requested a higher bond be set. A District Court Judge authorized a bond in the amount of $250,000.

At least two Barton County Sheriff’s office patrol cars received moderate damage during the pursuit. The Sheriff’s office was assisted by the Great Bend Police Department as well as Great Bend fire and EMS.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765562127497.png" alt="Berens photo Barton County" />
 <figcaption>Berens photo Barton County</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—A Kansas man is facing multiple allegations after a wild chase across Great Bend.Just after 10:30p.m. Thursday&nbsp;a deputy with the Barton County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a 1992 Oldsmobile passenger car in the 1500 block of Morphy in the city of Great Bend, according to a media release.The vehicle had been observed speeding and running stop signs. When the deputy activated their emergency equipment, the vehicle shut off its headlights and attempted to flee from the officer. Near the intersection of 18th and Hubbard, a deputy sheriff attempted to stop the vehicle by means of legal intervention, the vehicle spun out but was able to regain control and continued to flee. At least two more attempts at lawful invention were made without success. The vehicle was reaching speeds in excess of 70 miles an hour, blacked out, never leaving the city of Great Bend. Sheriff’s deputies were authorized to use whatever force necessary to stop the vehicle due to the danger to the public. The driver zigzagged across the city of Great Bend several times and at one point nearly struck the Great Bend police officer who was attempting to deploy stop sticks. Near the intersection of 18th and Baker, lawful intervention was attempted by a deputy and the vehicle again spun out, this time losing the right rear tire, wheel, and hub assembly. Despite only having three wheels on the vehicle, the vehicle continued to flee southbound on Kansas Street and attempted to get back on Main Street at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Main. The driver struck a fire hydrant at that intersection causing the vehicle rollover one time into a building on the west side of Main Street. The driver, later identified as 34-year-old Trenton Berens of Russell was removed from the vehicle and taken into custody.&nbsp; Great Bend Fire and EMS were called to evaluate Berens, and it was found he had no serious injuries. During the chase the vehicle traveled through numerous yards and striking stop signs and property as he fled. The Sheriff’s office K9 Rem alerted to the presence of controlled substances in the vehicle while at the scene.&nbsp;Berens was booked into the Barton County jail on requested charges of felony flee and elude, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault (non-LEO), driving while suspended, numerous charges of criminal damage to property, as well as approximately 14 other traffic violations. Berens also had an outstanding warrant from Russell County for violation of a stalking order. Berens has previous history of fleeing from law enforcement officers and given the disregard for the safety of others, the Barton County Attorney was contacted, and the Sheriff’s Office requested a higher bond be set. A District Court Judge authorized a bond in the amount of $250,000.At least two Barton County Sheriff’s office patrol cars received moderate damage during the pursuit. The Sheriff’s office was assisted by the Great Bend Police Department as well as Great Bend fire and EMS.

Kansas man jailed after chase in his car with only 3 wheels

LONDON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/king-charles-iii">King Charles III</a>&nbsp;said Friday that his cancer treatment will be reduced in the new year because of early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to doctor’s orders.

Charles, 77, revealed the information in a recorded message broadcast on British television as part of a campaign to encourage people to take advantage of screening that can detect cancer in its early stages when it is easiest to treat.

“Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives,” the king said.

“I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life even while undergoing treatment,’' he added.

The recorded message gave Charles the opportunity to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-iii-coronation-cancer-54f27cc73f383bd7b69e93ceddd9d538">reflect on his experiences</a>&nbsp;in the 22 months since he announced he would undergo treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer.

Charles’ decision to disclose his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-iii-cancer-britain-e0408a7c9bb86ad2af8754ce4b37d65e">diagnosis</a>&nbsp;was a departure for Britain’s royals, who have traditionally considered their health to be a personal matter and shared few details with the public.

“His majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer,” Buckingham Palace said at the time.

Since then, Charles has used his own story to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-britain-cancer-d646b835180e903c2d6c773e22f5dae1">highlight the need for early diagnosis and treatment</a>. Cancer Research UK recorded a 33% increase in visits to its website in the weeks after the king’s diagnosis, as people sought information about the signs of cancer.

While the palace hasn’t specified what type of cancer the king has, officials said the cancer was discovered after treatment for an enlarged prostate revealed “a separate issue of concern.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/9/1758111550138.png" alt="File photo King Charles and President Trump-image from White House video" />
 <figcaption>File photo King Charles and President Trump-image from White House video</figcaption>
 </figure>LONDON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/king-charles-iii">King Charles III</a>&nbsp;said Friday that his cancer treatment will be reduced in the new year because of early diagnosis, effective intervention and adherence to doctor’s orders.Charles, 77, revealed the information in a recorded message broadcast on British television as part of a campaign to encourage people to take advantage of screening that can detect cancer in its early stages when it is easiest to treat.“Early diagnosis quite simply saves lives,” the king said.“I know, too, what a difference it has made in my own case, enabling me to continue leading a full and active life even while undergoing treatment,’' he added.The recorded message gave Charles the opportunity to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-iii-coronation-cancer-54f27cc73f383bd7b69e93ceddd9d538">reflect on his experiences</a>&nbsp;in the 22 months since he announced he would undergo treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer.Charles’ decision to disclose his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-iii-cancer-britain-e0408a7c9bb86ad2af8754ce4b37d65e">diagnosis</a>&nbsp;was a departure for Britain’s royals, who have traditionally considered their health to be a personal matter and shared few details with the public.“His majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer,” Buckingham Palace said at the time.Since then, Charles has used his own story to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/king-charles-britain-cancer-d646b835180e903c2d6c773e22f5dae1">highlight the need for early diagnosis and treatment</a>. Cancer Research UK recorded a 33% increase in visits to its website in the weeks after the king’s diagnosis, as people sought information about the signs of cancer.While the palace hasn’t specified what type of cancer the king has, officials said the cancer was discovered after treatment for an enlarged prostate revealed “a separate issue of concern.”

King Charles III discusses his cancer treatment, recovery

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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765565900948.png" alt="Sherrone Moore appeared virtually in court .-Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office&nbsp; &nbsp;Moore graduated from Derby, Kan. High School in 2004, according to his online bio. He was a two-year starter at Butler County Community College before transferring to the University of Oklahoma." />
 <figcaption>Sherrone Moore appeared virtually in court .-Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office&nbsp; &nbsp;Moore graduated from Derby, Kan. High School in 2004, according to his online bio. He was a two-year starter at Butler County Community College before transferring to the University of Oklahoma.</figcaption>
 </figure>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.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765462544220.jpeg" alt="Michigan coach Sherrone Moore walks off the field following an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)" />
 <figcaption>Michigan coach Sherrone Moore walks off the field following an NCAA football game on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765561829403.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>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.

By JONATHAN J. COOPER Associated PressPresident&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.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;We had 11,888 murderers come into our country, many of them are from Venezuela... drug traffic by sea is down 92%... and we’ll start that on land, too.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/7qbHlGr0hp">pic.twitter.com/7qbHlGr0hp</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1999258912860831822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>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.<h2>What states have proposed</h2>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.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765550137892.png" alt="Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>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.What the public should know:-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.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/1/1673457414258.jpeg" alt="Ap photo" />
 <figcaption>Ap photo</figcaption>
 </figure>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.”<h2>Mixed reactions</h2><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.”<h2>Age certificate likely part of the plan</h2>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.