<a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Back-Alley-61576037904410/">The Back Alley</a> is Salina's newest venue for events ranging from birthday parties, weddings, wrestling shows, dances, live music and so much more.

Back in June, the Back Alley opened at the caboose of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SkyTrampolinePark/">Sky Trampoline </a>(1820 S. 9th St.) and since then, has received positive feedback from the community.

General Manager Josh Gardner, who manages Sky Trampoline and <a href="https://salinasmash.com/">Salina Smash</a>&nbsp;stated the purpose of the Back Alley is to provide entertainment for the community.

"We usually have a good turnout at all our events and alot of people like it," said Gardner. "People have said there is good vibes, good energy and that it is something different."

The Back Alley collaborates with local food companies to provide catering and culinary services.

"We have alot of connections to share business with to help them as well," he said."

With the holiday season in full swing, the Back Alley will host many community events.

For more information about the Back Alley and to learn about upcoming events, go to their Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Back-Alley-61576037904410/">here</a>.

🎥 Come through the "Back Alley," Salina's newest venue for events

Here is the lineup for the Saturday Morning Show with Dave Foor &amp; Nicolas Fierro on&nbsp;910 AM/107.5 FM KINA for&nbsp;December 13:

Amy Adams - Salina Public Library, Youth Services Remodel

Amy Paden - Packages for Warriors, Letter to the USA

Shawn Paul- Saline County Emergency Management, Disaster Training

All episodes are recorded and uploaded on the&nbsp;<a href="https://streamdb7web.securenetsystems.net/cirrusencore/index.cfm?CFID=05fb1ecb-7d68-4542-adb3-9b7c11d9b5e5&amp;CFTOKEN=0&amp;stationCallSign=KINA&amp;onDemandAutoStart=true&amp;p92136680=true&amp;relocateURL=true">910 AM and 107.5 FM KINA website</a>, under the 'KINA Saturday Mornings'&nbsp;tab.

Saturday Morning Show lineup with Dave Foor & Nicolas Fierro, December 13

Following is recent booking activity for the Saline County Jail, as provided by law enforcement. Photos, if provided, are courtesy of Saline County Jail. All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Failure to appear

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Driving under influence of alcohol or drugs; Misdemeanor; Speeding; maximum limits

NAME:&nbsp;Kolb, Christopher William

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Probation Violation; Domestic Battery: rude physical contact

NAME:&nbsp;Marfise, Morgan Elizabeth

REQUESTED CHARGE: Probation Violation

REQUESTED CHARGE:&nbsp;Violation of protection order; Unknown circumstance

NAME:&nbsp;Sierminski, Lawrence Nelson

REQUESTED CHARGES:&nbsp;Agg battery; Knowingly use deadly weapon; Criminal threat; Cause terror, evacuation or disruption

REQUESTED CHARGE: Failure to appear

Saline County Jail Bookings, December 12

Salina Police are seeking tips regarding a burglary that occurred at a Salina vape business, resulting in loss and damage over $2,000.

ORIGINAL: <a href="https://salinapost.com/posts/ab67353f-9984-41d8-be4b-02d6eddebda6">Two suspects sought after burglarizing Salina vape lounge</a>

According to Salina Police on Tuesday, December 9 at about 1:00 am, officers were dispatched to an alarm at Juicy’s Vapor Lounge, 2316 Planet Ave.

 It was determined a large rock had been used to break out the front window of the business.

Surveillance video showed two suspects entering the business after breaking the window. The suspects then damaged two display cases and placed the items into a trash bag, before fleeing from the business. 

The suspects fled north through the parking lot.

Estimated loss and damage was valued at $3000.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS.

You can also make an online tip at: <a href="https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#">https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=950#</a>.

You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, case 2025-33078.

UPDATE: Tips are sought regarding burglary at Salina vape business

OCCK Transportation is officially transitioning to a new software provider for its OCCK OnDemand service, bringing riders an improved experience and more reliable features. 

Beginning&nbsp;December&nbsp;15, riders will need to download and use the new&nbsp;OCCK Transportation&nbsp;app to book, track, and manage OCCK OnDemand rides.

The new app will offer a smoother booking process, real-time vehicle tracking, and easier account management. Riders currently using the TransLoc app will no longer be able to book OCCK OnDemand trips after December 12 and are encouraged to download the OCCK Transportation app ahead of the transition to ensure uninterrupted service. Rides can also continue to be booked by calling the OCCK Transportation office.

“This upgrade gives us more control over the rider experience and allows us to grow and improve the service long-term,” said Trell Grinter, OCCK Transportation Director. “We’re excited to bring riders a system that’s more intuitive, dependable, and tailored to the needs of our community.”

The OCCK Transportation app will be available for free download in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

OCCK Transportation OnDemand is a flexible, app-based service designed to meet the transportation needs within the city limits of Salina. With this service, riders can book $5 rides at their convenience using the OCCK Inc. Transportation app, which allows users to schedule, track, and manage their trips in real time. 

Riders without smartphone access can still schedule trips by calling OCCK Transportation’s customer service line at 785.826.1583.

For more information about OCCK, Inc., visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.occk.com/">www.occk.com</a>.&nbsp;

For more information about CityGo and OCCK Transportation, visit&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.salinacitygo.com/">www.salinacitygo.com</a>. Or, contact the OCCK Transportation Center at 785-826-1583.

OCCK Transportation announces new app available to download for OnDemand microtransit service

<a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Salina&amp;state=KS&amp;site=ICT&amp;lat=38.8158&amp;lon=-97.6178">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Monitor local weather updates frequently in multiple ways by listening to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/nwr/">NOAA Weather Radio</a>, checking local news and emergency notifications. You can also stay informed by following Saline County and the National Weather Service on social media.

For the latest forecast updates, visit the National Weather Service Wichita office at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/ict/">https://www.weather.gov/ict/</a>. To check forecasts frequently, go to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.weather.gov/">weather.gov</a>.

Four day weather forecast Salina, December 12 - December 15

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

Salina Post obituary policy (subject to change)

Salina Post understands the importance of honoring the deceased and welcomes all submissions of obituaries with a full summary of their life, survivors, services, website of the funeral home and a photo.

Salina Post accepts all obituaries&nbsp;free of charge (subject to change)&nbsp;and you can email all obituaries:&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>&nbsp;and will be posted on the website within 24 business hours.

If you have an issue outside of business hours, if your obituary has not been published within 24 business hours, or if have any questions, please email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://newstips@salinapost.com/">newstips@salinapost.com</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com">nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com</a>

Recent obituaries and service times, how to submit an obituary

Public meeting dates for the Saline County Commission, will now change from weekly, to bi-weekly starting in 2026.

Starting in January, Saline County Commission public meetings will be held every two weeks per month. This change is mainly due to preventing light agenda meetings, where frequently held meetings are very short at times.

In 2025, Saline County Commission meetings were held three times a week.

Commissioner Joe Hay stated the process of putting together commission meetings is time consuming for county staff, and if there are no items needing a deeper insight then it can be prevented through establishing the bi-weekly meetings.

"Going to two meetings a month I think will ease our staff and actually save taxpayer money," said Hay.

If meetings need to be added further down the line, it will be included.

Commissioner James Weese added this will allow members of the public more opportunities to attend the meetings.

Saline County Commission public meetings changing to bi-weekly in 2026

Salina Area Technical College proudly celebrated a milestone, as it graduated its first cohort of part-time Practical Nursing students. 

The pinning ceremony, held Wednesday evening, honored six graduates who completed the college’s 16-month part-time Practical Nursing (PN) program.

The part-time PN pathway was created to offer a flexible alternative for working adults, parents, and non-traditional students who may not be able to commit to the four- to five-day schedule of the full-time program. Part-time students attend classes two days per week but complete the same rigorous curriculum, ultimately earning a Technical Certificate in Practical Nursing and becoming eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN licensure exam.

The inaugural graduating class reflects a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and life experiences. Among the graduates was a student who began her journey by earning a GED through the Salina Adult Education Center, completed the Accelerating Opportunities Kansas (A-OK) program, became a Certified Medication Aide through Salina Tech, and returned once more to achieve her Practical Nursing credential.

During the ceremony, Director of Nursing and Allied Health, Naomi Tatro, reflected on the significance of the moment and the perseverance demonstrated by the class.

“Nursing school is not an easy journey. It challenges you, tests your limits, and demands unwavering commitment. And yet, here you are. You’ve made it,” Tatro said. “You are our first Part-Time PN graduating class. We have learned from you just as much as you have learned from us.”

Tatro also acknowledged the families and support systems that helped the graduates reach this milestone, emphasizing that their encouragement made a profound difference.

The college launched the part-time PN program to expand access to nursing education for individuals balancing work, childcare, and other responsibilities. The success of this first cohort affirms the need for flexible nursing pathways in the region. The second part-time cohort recently completed its first semester, and applications are now being accepted for the next fall start.

For more information about the part-time Practical Nursing program or the application process, visit <a href="https://salinatech.edu/">www.salinatech.edu</a> or contact the Admissions Office at 785-309-3100.

Salina Tech celebrates first graduating class of the part-time Practical Nursing Program

This edition of&nbsp;<a href="https://salinapost.com/category/salina-sees-you">Salina Sees You</a>, brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://local.demandforce.com/b/visionsource-drscoleandcooper">Drs. Cooper &amp; Banninger, LLC Family Vision Care</a>&nbsp;(1000 E. Cloud) presents:

Bill Fekas and the Family Christmas Dinner that occurs annually in Salina. This tradition has been ongoing for the past 40 years, and this year the Fekas family will continue their wonderful service of free dinners for the community on Christmas Day.

Since 1982, Bill Fekas along with many volunteers have kept the ongoing tradition of serving free community meals in Salina on Christmas Day.

Every year, Fekas and many others prep, cook and provide filling meals for those in the public, free of charge. The "Fekas Family Christmas Dinner" not only has a nice hook to it, but is held annually at the 4-H Building (Bob Flaherty Dr.) starting at 11:00 am - 2:00 pm.

Bill Fekas said his team starts the whole process of serving thousands of meals, all day on Christmas Eve. The anticipation is always that there will be more than a 4,000 people that will receive meals.

Last year, there was approximately 5,000 people who received meals.

"I think there will be alot of people this year, especially after the Government shutdown," said Fekas.

This edition of Salina Sees You is brought to you by&nbsp;<a href="https://local.demandforce.com/b/visionsource-drscoleandcooper">Drs. Cooper &amp; Banninger, LLC Family Vision Care</a>&nbsp;(1000 E. Cloud). Call&nbsp;(785) 823-6391&nbsp;or visit today, to make an appointment.

Before Fekas started the Family Christmas Dinner, he served meals at the Salina Country Club. One day, he entertained the vision of giving needy people free meals on Christmas Day.

“I grew up in Athens Greece. We were very poor and needed help sometimes,” stated Fekas. “After I came to this country, I decided I was going to do something good for somebody one day.”

Fekas pitched the idea to local philanthropist, <a href="https://www.kshof.org/team/s.-dean-evans">Dean Evans</a>&nbsp;to seek assistance on starting up and the rest was history. In the first dinner, there were about 50 people who attended the dinner.

Since then, the family Christmas dinner has grown well past the 5,000 mark of people who either attend or receive meals.

"We give the people whatever they want and I thank God I am apart of it," said Fekas. "God is with us all the time."

In 2014, Fekas was presented with the "Hero of the Week" award from&nbsp; Bank VI (now Bank of the Plains) for orchestrating the Christmas Dinner.

Donations are welcome as well and you can do so by donating to:&nbsp;Fekas Family Fund,&nbsp;P.O Box 2173, Salina KS.

The Christmas dinner will occur this Christmas Day at the&nbsp;4-H Building (Bob Flaherty Dr.)&nbsp;starting at&nbsp;11:00 am - 2:00 pm.&nbsp;Delivery options are available and you can do so by calling (785) 826-6531 or (785) 826-6532.

Salina sees you, Bill Fekas

If you would like to share your personal story or know anyone who may have a story that will inspire each reader, please email Salina Post News Director, Nicolas Fierro:&nbsp;nicolas.fierro@eaglemedia.com&nbsp;or&nbsp;newstips@salinapost.com&nbsp;(during regular business hours).

You can also contact:&nbsp;(785) 656-9856&nbsp;(during regular business hours).

Salina Sees You: Bill Fekas, Family Christmas Dinner

The City of Salina and Salina Animal Services are urging the public to exercise caution after multiple wildlife calls in the past week have resulted in three suspected cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in local geese. 

This follows a growing number of HPAI detections across Kansas and the region.&nbsp;

HPAI is a severe and often fatal viral disease that spreads rapidly among birds. Recent cases handled by Salina Animal Services have shown classic symptoms associated with the virus, including:&nbsp;

• Neurological impairment – lack of coordination, disorientation,&nbsp; inability to hold the head up, hunched posture, tremors, seizures, or twisted neck&nbsp;

• Difficulty breathing – open-mouth breathing, wheezing 

• Nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing – sometimes with blood tinged fluid&nbsp;

Birds infected with HPAI may also suffer additional traumatic injuries, as they can collapse or fall from the sky due to weakness and exhaustion while in flight.&nbsp;

Unfortunately, HPAI is not treatable and is fatal for affected birds. 

To prevent further spread, infected birds must be humanely euthanized and&nbsp; properly disposed of. The virus is highly contagious among birds,&nbsp; felines, and potentially transmissible to humans and other species,&nbsp; making prompt reporting and safe handling essential.&nbsp;

If you encounter a bird exhibiting the symptoms listed above—or any&nbsp; bird that appears ill, injured, or unable to fly, please do not approach,&nbsp; handle, or attempt to assist the animal.

• Call Salina Animal Services at (785) 826-6535 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.&nbsp;

• After hours, contact Salina Non-Emergency Dispatch at (785) 826-7210.&nbsp;

• Observe from a safe distance and keep pets away from the area.&nbsp;

For county residents call the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks at 785-452-0478.&nbsp;

Animal Control Officers will respond to safely remove the bird,&nbsp; provide humane euthanasia when necessary, and ensure proper&nbsp; cremation to limit disease transmission.&nbsp;

For current national surveillance data, transmission risks, and&nbsp; recommended precautions, please visit:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html">https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

Salina Animal Services will continue monitoring local wildlife and&nbsp; coordinating with state and federal partners to protect public and&nbsp; animal health.

City of Salina urges community to be vigilant of "bird flu" after three suspected cases of virus in local geese

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 10 - December 12

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 8 - December 10

Four day weather forecast Salina, December 5 - December 8

According to the US National Weather Service, there is a slight chance of snow flurries for Wednesday afternoon and into the evening in Salina.

A chance of sprinkles before 4:00 pm, then a chance of sprinkles and flurries.&nbsp;Mostly cloudy, with a high near 40. Breezy, with a north wind 18 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

A chance of flurries before 10pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 15. North northeast wind 7 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.

Stay updated with local weather on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NWSWichita">US National Weather Service Wichita Kansas</a>&nbsp;Facebook page.

Slight chance of flurries in Salina Wednesday evening

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 3 - December 5

What a way to start December, as accumulated snow has touched down in Salina and several areas throughout central Kansas.

KDOT webcams (See above) showing accumulated snow on roadways at Russell and Great Bend in central Kansas early this morning. This will create hazardous travel conditions during the morning commute.

Salina is under a winter weather advisory until 6:00 pm on Monday. The high for today is 28, and the low is 14.

The US National Weather Service has provided winter travel safety tips for those who are will be traveling on the roads for the holidays.

- Share your travel plans with friends or family.

- Frequently check weather forecasts in your area.

Accumulated snowfall throughout Salina and central Kansas kicks off month of December

Three day weather forecast Salina, December 1 - December 3

Traces of snowfall have touched down in Central Kansas, with more snow expected for Monday, plus cold air throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Throughout Central Kansas, colder air will spread southward across the region for Saturday along with strong and gusty northwest winds. Wind gusts of 35 to 50 mph are likely.

Rain will change to snow briefly over parts of central Kansas through mid-morning on Saturday. Minor accumulations on elevated and grassy surfaces are possible.

Low of 7 degrees is expected for Sunday, with a high of 30 in Salina.

Salina is also under a wind advisory until 6:00 pm for Saturday.

According to the US National Weather Service, light to moderate snow is expected to move-in from the west on Monday and provide many locations with the first measurable snow of the season. 

 Snow will start around or shortly after sunrise and continue through the Monday afternoon hours with travel impacts likely, especially across central and northeast Kansas.

Highs are expected to be between 27-32 degrees, with the low expected to be around 14 degrees throughout the region.

Traces of snow have touched down in Central Kansas, more snow expected for Monday

Four day weather forecast Salina, November 28 - December 1

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. 

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