SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas woman arrested on Monday in Allen County in connection with the July 25 murder of a man in Chanute was also wanted in connection with a violent armed robbery on July 16.&nbsp;

According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, 41-year-old Nicole Pike is being held in the Neosho&nbsp; County jail on requested first-degree murder charges for the death of Blake Pearson. He was found with a gunshot wound in an alley in Chanute and later died.

Just after&nbsp;8p.m. July 16, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the 11,000 block of SW 29th Street in Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.&nbsp;&nbsp;A 27-year-old female victim was taken at gun point from Topeka to this location.

During this time, the victim was struck in the head with a firearm, threatened and stripped of her outer clothing. The victim’s black 2017 Chevrolet Malibu was stolen and she was left in the roadway. A citizen found her walking and called 911.

The victim received medical attention on scene by American Medical Response&nbsp;and was then transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Christian.

Throughout the investigation, investigators identified Fox and 20-year-old Landon D. Pike of Topeka as suspects. Authorities continue to search for Pike.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659024081286.png" alt="Fox-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Fox-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas woman arrested on Monday in Allen County in connection with the July 25 murder of a man in Chanute was also wanted in connection with a violent armed robbery on July 16.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659458428733.png" alt="Fox after her arrest in Allen County. She is being held in Neosho County on a&nbsp; requested murder charge." />
 <figcaption>Fox after her arrest in Allen County. She is being held in Neosho County on a&nbsp; requested murder charge.</figcaption>
 </figure>According to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, 41-year-old Nicole Pike is being held in the Neosho&nbsp; County jail on requested first-degree murder charges for the death of Blake Pearson. He was found with a gunshot wound in an alley in Chanute and later died.Just after&nbsp;8p.m. July 16, sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the 11,000 block of SW 29th Street in Shawnee County, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.&nbsp;&nbsp;A 27-year-old female victim was taken at gun point from Topeka to this location.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659024111950.png" alt="Pike-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Pike-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During this time, the victim was struck in the head with a firearm, threatened and stripped of her outer clothing. The victim’s black 2017 Chevrolet Malibu was stolen and she was left in the roadway. A citizen found her walking and called 911.The victim received medical attention on scene by American Medical Response&nbsp;and was then transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Christian.Throughout the investigation, investigators identified Fox and 20-year-old Landon D. Pike of Topeka as suspects. Authorities continue to search for Pike.

Murder suspect was also wanted for violent Kansas armed robbery

KHIMKI, Russia (AP) — American basketball star Brittney Griner was back in court on Tuesday for her trial for cannabis possession amid U.S. diplomatic efforts to secure her release.

During the hearing, prosecutors called a state narcotics expert who analyzed cannabis found in Griner's luggage. Her defense fielded a specialist who challenged the analysis, charging that it was flawed and didn't conform to official rules.

If convicted, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star and two-time Olympic gold medalist could face 10 years in prison. As her trial has progressed, the Biden administration has faced growing public pressure to get her released.

In an extraordinary move, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week spoke to his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, urging him to accept a deal under which Griner and Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia on an espionage conviction, would go free.

The Lavrov-Blinken call marked the highest-level known contact between Washington and Moscow since Russia sent troops into Ukraine more than five months ago, the direct outreach at odds with U.S. efforts to isolate the Kremlin.

People familiar with the proposal say it envisions trading Griner and Whelan for the notorious arms trader Viktor Bout. It underlines the public pressure that the White House has faced to get Griner released.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Monday that Russia has made a “bad faith” response to the U.S. government’s offer, a counteroffer that American officials don’t regard as serious. She declined to elaborate.

Griner has acknowledged there were vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage when she was arrested at a Moscow airport in February. But she insisted that she had no criminal intent and that the canisters ended up in her luggage because she was packing hastily. Griner played for a Russian women’s basketball team in the WNBA off-season.

To bolster her case, her defense lawyers have presented testimony from doctors that she was prescribed cannabis as a treatment for pain. Medical marijuana treatment is not legal in Russia.

While judges have leeway to consider mitigating factors under Russian law, acquittals are rare and account for less than 1% of cases in Russian criminal prosecutions.

A conviction, however, could potentially pave the way for Griner's exchange as Russian officials said it could only happen after the judicial process is completed.

Tom Firestone, a Washington attorney who formerly served as legal adviser at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, said Griner could be handed a tough sentence as a way for Russians "to maximize their leverage in negotiations.” He told The Associated Press that Russia “may want to let this play out a little bit longer and try to extract more concessions.”

Russian officials have scoffed at U.S. statements about the case, saying they show a disrespect for Russian law. They remained poker-faced, urging Washington to discuss the issue through “quiet diplomacy without releases of speculative information.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646510097872.png" alt="Griner, 31, is one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury" />
 <figcaption>Griner, 31, is one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury</figcaption>
 </figure>KHIMKI, Russia (AP) — American basketball star Brittney Griner was back in court on Tuesday for her trial for cannabis possession amid U.S. diplomatic efforts to secure her release.During the hearing, prosecutors called a state narcotics expert who analyzed cannabis found in Griner's luggage. Her defense fielded a specialist who challenged the analysis, charging that it was flawed and didn't conform to official rules.If convicted, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) star and two-time Olympic gold medalist could face 10 years in prison. As her trial has progressed, the Biden administration has faced growing public pressure to get her released.In an extraordinary move, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week spoke to his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, urging him to accept a deal under which Griner and Paul Whelan, an American imprisoned in Russia on an espionage conviction, would go free.The Lavrov-Blinken call marked the highest-level known contact between Washington and Moscow since Russia sent troops into Ukraine more than five months ago, the direct outreach at odds with U.S. efforts to isolate the Kremlin.People familiar with the proposal say it envisions trading Griner and Whelan for the notorious arms trader Viktor Bout. It underlines the public pressure that the White House has faced to get Griner released.White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Monday that Russia has made a “bad faith” response to the U.S. government’s offer, a counteroffer that American officials don’t regard as serious. She declined to elaborate.Griner has acknowledged there were vape canisters containing cannabis oil in her luggage when she was arrested at a Moscow airport in February. But she insisted that she had no criminal intent and that the canisters ended up in her luggage because she was packing hastily. Griner played for a Russian women’s basketball team in the WNBA off-season.To bolster her case, her defense lawyers have presented testimony from doctors that she was prescribed cannabis as a treatment for pain. Medical marijuana treatment is not legal in Russia.While judges have leeway to consider mitigating factors under Russian law, acquittals are rare and account for less than 1% of cases in Russian criminal prosecutions.A conviction, however, could potentially pave the way for Griner's exchange as Russian officials said it could only happen after the judicial process is completed.Tom Firestone, a Washington attorney who formerly served as legal adviser at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, said Griner could be handed a tough sentence as a way for Russians "to maximize their leverage in negotiations.” He told The Associated Press that Russia “may want to let this play out a little bit longer and try to extract more concessions.”Russian officials have scoffed at U.S. statements about the case, saying they show a disrespect for Russian law. They remained poker-faced, urging Washington to discuss the issue through “quiet diplomacy without releases of speculative information.”___

White House: Bad faith response to US prisoner swap offer

NEOSHO COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities investigating the July 25 death of 34-year-old Blake Pearson in Chanute have made an arrest, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

Just before 9p.m. Monday, authorities arrested&nbsp;&nbsp;Nicole Fox, 41, of Topeka, near Iowa Street and 2600 Road in Allen County, according to a media release from the KBI.

 Fox was arrested on requested charges of first-degree murder.&nbsp;

Fox was arrested without incident and was then booked into Neosho County Jail.

Just before 12:30 a.m., July 25, a woman called 911 after hearing a gunshot. When officers responded to the area they found a man conducting CPR on a man who had been shot in an alley, east of 1706 S. Highland in Chanute.

EMS took over life-saving measures. The victim was later identified as Pearson. EMS transported him to Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, but he was pronounced deceased.

Fox is also being held on additional charges from a separate, unrelated incident which occurred in Chanute, Kansas on July 6.

The KBI with the assistance of the Chanute Police Department, the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, the Neosho County Attorney’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the US Marshals made Monday's arrest.

The case will be prosecuted by the Neosho County Attorney.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659458428733.png" alt="Fox-photo Neosho County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Fox-photo Neosho County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>NEOSHO COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities investigating the July 25 death of 34-year-old Blake Pearson in Chanute have made an arrest, according to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.Just before 9p.m. Monday, authorities arrested&nbsp;&nbsp;Nicole Fox, 41, of Topeka, near Iowa Street and 2600 Road in Allen County, according to a media release from the KBI. Fox was arrested on requested charges of first-degree murder.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1658783444413.png" alt="-Pearson had bonded out of the Neosho County Jail July 19, according to online jail records. Photo from a February arrest in Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>-Pearson had bonded out of the Neosho County Jail July 19, according to online jail records. Photo from a February arrest in Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Fox was arrested without incident and was then booked into Neosho County Jail.Just before 12:30 a.m., July 25, a woman called 911 after hearing a gunshot. When officers responded to the area they found a man conducting CPR on a man who had been shot in an alley, east of 1706 S. Highland in Chanute.EMS took over life-saving measures. The victim was later identified as Pearson. EMS transported him to Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, but he was pronounced deceased.Fox is also being held on additional charges from a separate, unrelated incident which occurred in Chanute, Kansas on July 6.The KBI with the assistance of the Chanute Police Department, the Neosho County Sheriff’s Office, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, the Neosho County Attorney’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the US Marshals made Monday's arrest.The case will be prosecuted by the Neosho County Attorney.&nbsp;

Kansas woman accused in death of man found wounded in alley

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities arrested a Kansas woman whose dog attacked a Wichita Police officer.

Shortly after 12:30 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a disturbance in the 800 block of S. Terrace in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macey. 

Officers contacted individuals who reported that their female neighbor had damaged their property during an altercation. As officers went to contact the suspect, identified as&nbsp;29-year-old Hailee Lefler of Wichita, she opened her front door, and a large dog ran out and began attacking one of the responding officers.

The officer fell to the ground and attempted to stop the dog from attacking him, but the dog continued biting. The officer fired three rounds from his department-issued handgun, striking the dog and causing it to retreat into the home. 

After the shots were fired, Lefler moved toward the officers threateningly but retreated toward the house.

The officer was transported to an area hospital for treatment of multiple bite wounds to both legs. He was treated at the hospital and later released. The dog was still alive and taken by Animal Control.

Additional officers arrived and arrested Lefler, who was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer, one count of criminal threat, one count of criminal damage to property, one count of interference with a law enforcement officer and an outstanding federal warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659387950543.png" alt="Lefler-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Lefler-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities arrested a Kansas woman whose dog attacked a Wichita Police officer.Shortly after 12:30 a.m. Sunday, police responded to a disturbance in the 800 block of S. Terrace in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macey. Officers contacted individuals who reported that their female neighbor had damaged their property during an altercation. As officers went to contact the suspect, identified as&nbsp;29-year-old Hailee Lefler of Wichita, she opened her front door, and a large dog ran out and began attacking one of the responding officers.The officer fell to the ground and attempted to stop the dog from attacking him, but the dog continued biting. The officer fired three rounds from his department-issued handgun, striking the dog and causing it to retreat into the home. After the shots were fired, Lefler moved toward the officers threateningly but retreated toward the house.The officer was transported to an area hospital for treatment of multiple bite wounds to both legs. He was treated at the hospital and later released. The dog was still alive and taken by Animal Control.Additional officers arrived and arrested Lefler, who was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer, one count of criminal threat, one count of criminal damage to property, one count of interference with a law enforcement officer and an outstanding federal warrant.

Kansas woman arrested after her dog attacks police officer

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Monday confirmed that a U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan this weekend killed al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahri, declaring “justice has been delivered.”

(click below to watch the President's statement)

“This terrorist leader is no more,” Biden said in an evening speech from the White House.

Biden said U.S. intelligence officials tracked al-Zawahri to a home in downtown Kabul where he was hiding out with his family. The president approved the operation last week and it was carried out on Sunday.

CAIRO, Egypt (AP) — Ayman al-Zawahri, an Egyptian surgeon who became a mastermind of jihad against the West and who took over as al-Qaida leader after Osama bin Laden’s death in a U.S. raid, has been killed. He was 71.

Five people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press that a CIA drone strike killed al-Zawahri over the weekend in Afghanistan. They spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter.

His death is likely to lead to greater disarray within the organization than bin Laden’s death in May 2011 did, since it is far less clear who his successor at the head of the terror network would be.

Al-Zawahri more than anyone shaped al-Qaida, first as bin Laden’s deputy since 1998, then as his successor. Together, he and bin Laden turned the jihadi movement’s guns to target the United States, carrying out the deadliest attack ever on American soil — the Sept. 11, 2001, suicide hijackings.

The attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon made bin Laden America’s Enemy No. 1. But he likely could never have carried it out without his deputy. Bin Laden provided al-Qaida with charisma and money, but al-Zawahri brought tactics and organizational skills needed to forge militants into a network of cells in countries around the world.

Their bond was forged in the late 1980s, when al-Zawahri reportedly treated the Saudi millionaire bin Laden in the caves of Afghanistan as Soviet bombardment shook the mountains around them.

“Al-Zawahri was always bin Laden’s mentor, bin Laden always looked up to him,” says terrorism expert Bruce Hoffman of Georgetown University. Al-Zawahri “spent time in an Egyptian prison, he was tortured. He was a jihadi from the time he was a teenager.”

When the 2001 U.S. invasion of Afghanistan demolished al-Qaida’s safe haven and scattered, killed and captured its members, al-Zawahri ensured al-Qaida’s survival. He rebuilt its leadership in the Afghan-Pakistan border region and installed allies as lieutenants in key positions.

He also reshaped the organization from a centralized planner of terror attacks into the head of a franchise chain. He led the assembling of a network of autonomous branches around the region, including in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, North Africa, Somalia, Yemen and Asia. Over the next decade, al-Qaida inspired or had a direct hand in attacks in all those areas as well as Europe, Pakistan and Turkey, including the 2004 train bombings in Madrid and the 2005 transit bombings in London. Twice, the al-Qaida affiliate in Yemen tried to attack on U.S. soil with an attempted 2009 bombing of an American passenger jet and an attempted package bomb the following year.

But even before bin Laden’s death, al-Zawahri was struggling to maintain al-Qaida’s relevance in a changing Middle East.

He tried with little success to coopt the wave of uprisings that spread across the Arab world starting in 2011, urging Islamic hard-liners to take over in the nations where leaders had fallen. But while Islamists gained prominence in many places, they have stark ideological differences with al-Qaida and reject its agenda and leadership.

As al-Qaida's leader, al-Zawahri also faced the challenge of the explosive rise of the Islamic State group, an even more radical rival that drew away recruits with its dramatic capture of much of Syria and Iraq. IS's “caliphate” was brought down by a U.S.-led campaign after years of fighting, but the jihadist movement was irrevocably splintered and al-Qaida lost much of its luster in radicals' eyes.

Al-Zawahri was also a more divisive figure than his predecessor. Many militants described the soft-spoken bin Laden in adoring and almost spiritual terms.

In contrast, al-Zawahri was notoriously prickly and pedantic. He picked ideological fights with critics within the jihadi camp, wagging his finger scoldingly in his videos. Even some key figures in al-Qaida’s central leadership were put off, calling him overly controlling, secretive and divisive.

Some militants whose association with bin Laden predated al-Zawahri’s always saw him as an arrogant intruder.

“I have never taken orders from al-Zawahri,” Fazul Abdullah Mohammed, one of the network’s top figures in East Africa until his 2011 death, sneered in a memoir posted on line in 2009. “We don’t take orders from anyone but our historical leadership.”

It was during his years leading Egypt’s Islamic Jihad militant group in the 1990s that al-Zawahri honed the skills he would bring to al-Qaida.

He was born June 19, 1951, the son of an upper-middle-class family of doctors and scholars in the Cairo suburb of Maadi. His father was a pharmacology professor at Cairo University’s medical school and his grandfather, Rabia al-Zawahri, was the grand imam of Al-Azhar University, a premier center of religious study.

From an early age, al-Zawahri was enflamed by the radical writings of Sayed Qutb, the Egyptian Islamist who taught that Arab regimes were “infidel” and should be replaced by Islamic rule. He began his life of militancy at age 15, when he created an underground cell of high school students to oppose the government.

In the 1970s, as he earned his medical degree as a surgeon, he was active in militant circles. He and others formed Islamic Jihad and began trying to infiltrate the military. At one point, he even stored weapons in his private medical clinic.

As he has told it in his writings, his first trip to Afghanistan in 1980 to treat Islamic fighters battling Soviet forces opened his eyes to new possibilities.

He called that Afghan war “the training course preparing Muslim mujahedeen youth to launch their upcoming battle with the great power that would rule the world: America.”

Then came the 1981 assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat by Islamic Jihad militants. The slaying was carried out by a different cell in the group — and al-Zawahri has written that he learned of the plot only hours before the assassination.

But he was arrested along with hundreds of other militants and served three years in prison. During his imprisonment, he was reportedly tortured heavily, a factor some cite as turning him more violently radical.

After his release in 1984, al-Zawahri returned to Afghanistan and joined militants from across the Middle East fighting alongside the Afghans against the Soviets. He courted bin Laden, who became a heroic figure for his financial support of the mujahedeen.

Al-Zawahri followed bin Laden to his new base in Sudan, and from there he led a reassembled Islamic Jihad in a violent campaign of bombing attacks aimed at toppling Egypt’s U.S.-allied government.

In the most daring attack, Jihad and other militants tried to assassinate Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during a 1995 visit to Ethiopia. Mubarak escaped the hail of gunfire on his motorcade, and his security forces all but crushed the militant movement in Egypt in the crackdown that followed.

Although the Egyptian movement failed, its tactics lived on in al-Zawahri.

He promoted the use of suicide bombings, to become al-Qaida’s hallmark. He plotted a 1995 suicide car bombing of Egypt’s embassy in Islamabad that killed 16 people — presaging the more devastating 1998 al-Qaida bombings of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania that killed more than 200, an attack al-Zawahri was indicted for in the United States.

In 1996, Sudan expelled bin Laden, who took his fighters back to Afghanistan, where they found a safe haven under the radical Taliban regime. Once more, al-Zawahri followed.

Their bond was sealed when bin Laden, al-Zawahri and other militant leaders issued the “Declaration of Jihad against Jews and Crusaders,” announcing the United States was Islam’s top enemy and instructing Muslims it was their religious duty to “kill the Americans and their allies.”

A series of spectacular attacks followed: the bombings of U.S. embassies in Africa, the 2000 suicide bombing of the USS Cole off Yemen, and finally the 9/11 attacks.

When the U.S. invaded Afghanistan in retaliation, al-Zawahri and bin Laden fled into Pakistan. A U.S. airstrike killed al-Zawahri’s wife and at least two of their six children in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar. The CIA came tantalizingly close to possibly capturing al-Zawahri in 2003 and killing him in 2004. The CIA thought it finally had al-Zawahri in its sights in 2009, only to be tricked by a double agent who blew himself up, killing seven agency employees and wounding six more in Khost, Afghanistan.

But ultimately, al-Zawahri never reached his long-term goals for jihad that he outlined in his writings — to hurt the U.S. with “as many casualties as possible” while seizing control of a country from which to establish a “caliphate” across the Muslim world.

Al-Qaida attacks that killed Muslims turned off many in the Arab world, attacks that killed Americans never gained it deep popularity, and the group never gained widespread popular support beyond a fringe of radical sympathizers.

Still, he vowed to continue hitting Americans in the video eulogy to his slain boss.

Bin Laden “terrified America in his life,” he said, and “will continue to terrify it after his death.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659397002084.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Monday confirmed that a U.S. drone strike in Afghanistan this weekend killed al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahri, declaring “justice has been delivered.”(click below to watch the President's statement)<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1iahTXDhpI8?start=1112" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“This terrorist leader is no more,” Biden said in an evening speech from the White House.Biden said U.S. intelligence officials tracked al-Zawahri to a home in downtown Kabul where he was hiding out with his family. The president approved the operation last week and it was carried out on Sunday.------------CAIRO, Egypt (AP) — Ayman al-Zawahri, an Egyptian surgeon who became a mastermind of jihad against the West and who took over as al-Qaida leader after Osama bin Laden’s death in a U.S. raid, has been killed. He was 71.Five people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press that a CIA drone strike killed al-Zawahri over the weekend in Afghanistan. They spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter.His death is likely to lead to greater disarray within the organization than bin Laden’s death in May 2011 did, since it is far less clear who his successor at the head of the terror network would be.Al-Zawahri more than anyone shaped al-Qaida, first as bin Laden’s deputy since 1998, then as his successor. Together, he and bin Laden turned the jihadi movement’s guns to target the United States, carrying out the deadliest attack ever on American soil — the Sept. 11, 2001, suicide hijackings.The attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon made bin Laden America’s Enemy No. 1. But he likely could never have carried it out without his deputy. Bin Laden provided al-Qaida with charisma and money, but al-Zawahri brought tactics and organizational skills needed to forge militants into a network of cells in countries around the world.Their bond was forged in the late 1980s, when al-Zawahri reportedly treated the Saudi millionaire bin Laden in the caves of Afghanistan as Soviet bombardment shook the mountains around them.“Al-Zawahri was always bin Laden’s mentor, bin Laden always looked up to him,” says terrorism expert Bruce Hoffman of Georgetown University. Al-Zawahri “spent time in an Egyptian prison, he was tortured. He was a jihadi from the time he was a teenager.”When the 2001 U.S. invasion of Afghanistan demolished al-Qaida’s safe haven and scattered, killed and captured its members, al-Zawahri ensured al-Qaida’s survival. He rebuilt its leadership in the Afghan-Pakistan border region and installed allies as lieutenants in key positions.He also reshaped the organization from a centralized planner of terror attacks into the head of a franchise chain. He led the assembling of a network of autonomous branches around the region, including in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, North Africa, Somalia, Yemen and Asia. Over the next decade, al-Qaida inspired or had a direct hand in attacks in all those areas as well as Europe, Pakistan and Turkey, including the 2004 train bombings in Madrid and the 2005 transit bombings in London. Twice, the al-Qaida affiliate in Yemen tried to attack on U.S. soil with an attempted 2009 bombing of an American passenger jet and an attempted package bomb the following year.But even before bin Laden’s death, al-Zawahri was struggling to maintain al-Qaida’s relevance in a changing Middle East.He tried with little success to coopt the wave of uprisings that spread across the Arab world starting in 2011, urging Islamic hard-liners to take over in the nations where leaders had fallen. But while Islamists gained prominence in many places, they have stark ideological differences with al-Qaida and reject its agenda and leadership.As al-Qaida's leader, al-Zawahri also faced the challenge of the explosive rise of the Islamic State group, an even more radical rival that drew away recruits with its dramatic capture of much of Syria and Iraq. IS's “caliphate” was brought down by a U.S.-led campaign after years of fighting, but the jihadist movement was irrevocably splintered and al-Qaida lost much of its luster in radicals' eyes.Al-Zawahri was also a more divisive figure than his predecessor. Many militants described the soft-spoken bin Laden in adoring and almost spiritual terms.In contrast, al-Zawahri was notoriously prickly and pedantic. He picked ideological fights with critics within the jihadi camp, wagging his finger scoldingly in his videos. Even some key figures in al-Qaida’s central leadership were put off, calling him overly controlling, secretive and divisive.Some militants whose association with bin Laden predated al-Zawahri’s always saw him as an arrogant intruder.“I have never taken orders from al-Zawahri,” Fazul Abdullah Mohammed, one of the network’s top figures in East Africa until his 2011 death, sneered in a memoir posted on line in 2009. “We don’t take orders from anyone but our historical leadership.”It was during his years leading Egypt’s Islamic Jihad militant group in the 1990s that al-Zawahri honed the skills he would bring to al-Qaida.He was born June 19, 1951, the son of an upper-middle-class family of doctors and scholars in the Cairo suburb of Maadi. His father was a pharmacology professor at Cairo University’s medical school and his grandfather, Rabia al-Zawahri, was the grand imam of Al-Azhar University, a premier center of religious study.From an early age, al-Zawahri was enflamed by the radical writings of Sayed Qutb, the Egyptian Islamist who taught that Arab regimes were “infidel” and should be replaced by Islamic rule. He began his life of militancy at age 15, when he created an underground cell of high school students to oppose the government.In the 1970s, as he earned his medical degree as a surgeon, he was active in militant circles. He and others formed Islamic Jihad and began trying to infiltrate the military. At one point, he even stored weapons in his private medical clinic.As he has told it in his writings, his first trip to Afghanistan in 1980 to treat Islamic fighters battling Soviet forces opened his eyes to new possibilities.He called that Afghan war “the training course preparing Muslim mujahedeen youth to launch their upcoming battle with the great power that would rule the world: America.”Then came the 1981 assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat by Islamic Jihad militants. The slaying was carried out by a different cell in the group — and al-Zawahri has written that he learned of the plot only hours before the assassination.But he was arrested along with hundreds of other militants and served three years in prison. During his imprisonment, he was reportedly tortured heavily, a factor some cite as turning him more violently radical.After his release in 1984, al-Zawahri returned to Afghanistan and joined militants from across the Middle East fighting alongside the Afghans against the Soviets. He courted bin Laden, who became a heroic figure for his financial support of the mujahedeen.Al-Zawahri followed bin Laden to his new base in Sudan, and from there he led a reassembled Islamic Jihad in a violent campaign of bombing attacks aimed at toppling Egypt’s U.S.-allied government.In the most daring attack, Jihad and other militants tried to assassinate Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak during a 1995 visit to Ethiopia. Mubarak escaped the hail of gunfire on his motorcade, and his security forces all but crushed the militant movement in Egypt in the crackdown that followed.Although the Egyptian movement failed, its tactics lived on in al-Zawahri.He promoted the use of suicide bombings, to become al-Qaida’s hallmark. He plotted a 1995 suicide car bombing of Egypt’s embassy in Islamabad that killed 16 people — presaging the more devastating 1998 al-Qaida bombings of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania that killed more than 200, an attack al-Zawahri was indicted for in the United States.In 1996, Sudan expelled bin Laden, who took his fighters back to Afghanistan, where they found a safe haven under the radical Taliban regime. Once more, al-Zawahri followed.Their bond was sealed when bin Laden, al-Zawahri and other militant leaders issued the “Declaration of Jihad against Jews and Crusaders,” announcing the United States was Islam’s top enemy and instructing Muslims it was their religious duty to “kill the Americans and their allies.”A series of spectacular attacks followed: the bombings of U.S. embassies in Africa, the 2000 suicide bombing of the USS Cole off Yemen, and finally the 9/11 attacks.When the U.S. invaded Afghanistan in retaliation, al-Zawahri and bin Laden fled into Pakistan. A U.S. airstrike killed al-Zawahri’s wife and at least two of their six children in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar. The CIA came tantalizingly close to possibly capturing al-Zawahri in 2003 and killing him in 2004. The CIA thought it finally had al-Zawahri in its sights in 2009, only to be tricked by a double agent who blew himself up, killing seven agency employees and wounding six more in Khost, Afghanistan.But ultimately, al-Zawahri never reached his long-term goals for jihad that he outlined in his writings — to hurt the U.S. with “as many casualties as possible” while seizing control of a country from which to establish a “caliphate” across the Muslim world.Al-Qaida attacks that killed Muslims turned off many in the Arab world, attacks that killed Americans never gained it deep popularity, and the group never gained widespread popular support beyond a fringe of radical sympathizers.Still, he vowed to continue hitting Americans in the video eulogy to his slain boss.Bin Laden “terrified America in his life,” he said, and “will continue to terrify it after his death.”

🎥Biden: Justice delivered, Al-Qaida mastermind is no more

GREENVILLE COUNTY, South Carolina—Law enforcement authorities investigating <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">the death</a> of a Kansas man whose body was found in a culvert in 2010 have two suspects in custody.

In February of 2010, 19-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">German Clerici's </a>mother reported him missing after she had not heard from him since late January, according to a statement from the Butler County Sheriff's office.&nbsp; Clerici's car was also missing.

Several days later, investigators found <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">Clerici </a>shot to death in a culvert east of Augusta. Four months later, deputies found his car in the 3000 Block of East 21st North in Wichita.

In 2021, Butler County Sheriff Monty Hughey had investigators take a fresh look at the case.&nbsp; They discovered information that prompted investigators to conduct follow-up interviews and learned more information and new evidence in the case.&nbsp;

&nbsp;In July,&nbsp; investigators from the Butler County Sheriff's officials traveled to South Carolina. With the assistance of the Greenville County Sheriff's Office and Wichita police, deputies arrested 32-year-old Kristopher Valadez and 32-year-old Candace Valadez.

Both are former Wichita residents and are expected to be extradited to Sedgwick County to face charges in Clerici's murder.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659367037070.png" alt="Valadez-photo Greenville Co." />
 <figcaption>Valadez-photo Greenville Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>GREENVILLE COUNTY, South Carolina—Law enforcement authorities investigating <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">the death</a> of a Kansas man whose body was found in a culvert in 2010 have two suspects in custody.In February of 2010, 19-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">German Clerici's </a>mother reported him missing after she had not heard from him since late January, according to a statement from the Butler County Sheriff's office.&nbsp; Clerici's car was also missing.Several days later, investigators found <a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/kansas/name/german-clerici-obituary?id=14196667">Clerici </a>shot to death in a culvert east of Augusta. Four months later, deputies found his car in the 3000 Block of East 21st North in Wichita.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659367010988.png" alt="Valadez-photo Greeneville Co." />
 <figcaption>Valadez-photo Greeneville Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2021, Butler County Sheriff Monty Hughey had investigators take a fresh look at the case.&nbsp; They discovered information that prompted investigators to conduct follow-up interviews and learned more information and new evidence in the case.&nbsp;&nbsp;In July,&nbsp; investigators from the Butler County Sheriff's officials traveled to South Carolina. With the assistance of the Greenville County Sheriff's Office and Wichita police, deputies arrested 32-year-old Kristopher Valadez and 32-year-old Candace Valadez.Both are former Wichita residents and are expected to be extradited to Sedgwick County to face charges in Clerici's murder.

Suspects in Kansas 2010 killing arrested in South Carolina

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of crimes involving guns in Manhattan.

On July 29, officers filed a report for aggravated assault in the 1100 block of Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 41-year-old woman and a 41-year-old man reported a 43-year-old woman threatened them with a gun during a road rage incident between the victims and suspect.

Just after 4p.m. July 30, a 37-year-old Manhattan woman reported&nbsp;a 37-year-old male suspect battered her, threatened her, pointed a BB gun at her, then shot it over her head, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Just before 4a.m. Sunday, an unknown suspect shot a gun while leaving the Holiday Inn parking lot in the 1600 Block of Anderson Avenue. 

Officers later found the suspect vehicle in the 3100 block of Lundin Drive, according to the RCPD. Police arrested a passenger of the car, Terriundis Toliver Jr., 15, of Manhattan on requested charges of aggravated robbery and aggravated assault in connection to an&nbsp;aggravated robbery in the 20 block of Waterway Place in Manhattan on July 28.

Toliver was transported to the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City.

Just before 7:30p.m. Sunday,&nbsp;a 32-year-old man reported a 26-year-old male suspect threatened him with a gun during a road rage incident near the intersection of N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Laramie Street in Manhattan.

Police&nbsp; also reported they arrested 43-year-old Regina Smith of Ogden on requested charges  aggravated assault in connection with the July 29 road rage incident.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of crimes involving guns in Manhattan.On July 29, officers filed a report for aggravated assault in the 1100 block of Bluemont Avenue in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 41-year-old woman and a 41-year-old man reported a 43-year-old woman threatened them with a gun during a road rage incident between the victims and suspect.Just after 4p.m. July 30, a 37-year-old Manhattan woman reported&nbsp;a 37-year-old male suspect battered her, threatened her, pointed a BB gun at her, then shot it over her head, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Just before 4a.m. Sunday, an unknown suspect shot a gun while leaving the Holiday Inn parking lot in the 1600 Block of Anderson Avenue. Officers later found the suspect vehicle in the 3100 block of Lundin Drive, according to the RCPD. Police arrested a passenger of the car, Terriundis Toliver Jr., 15, of Manhattan on requested charges of aggravated robbery and aggravated assault in connection to an&nbsp;aggravated robbery in the 20 block of Waterway Place in Manhattan on July 28.Toliver was transported to the North Central Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Facility in Junction City.Just before 7:30p.m. Sunday,&nbsp;a 32-year-old man reported a 26-year-old male suspect threatened him with a gun during a road rage incident near the intersection of N. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Laramie Street in Manhattan.Police&nbsp; also reported they arrested 43-year-old Regina Smith of Ogden on requested charges aggravated assault in connection with the July 29 road rage incident.

Weekend of gun crimes reported in Manhattan

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon with a history of crime including his involvement in a 2019 fatal crash in a stolen SUV that killed two people is facing a murder charge from a 2020 killing.

On Friday, 42-year-old Christopher English was charged&nbsp;with 1st degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp;

In December of 2020, police responded to a shooting call at a residence in the 1800 block of South Main in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.

Upon arrival, they located 49-year-old Michael Horn with a gunshot wound to his head. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died.&nbsp; On Thursday, Police arrested English in connection with Horn's murder.

In 2019, English was on parole and a passenger in a stolen BMW sport utility vehicle driven by Mia Collins who led officers on a chase. After about one mile, the car collided with a car and another SUV at an intersection.

The crash killed 70-year-old Maria Wood and 12-year-old Rosemary McElroy and critically injured 36-year-old Jenny Wood, a popular Wichita musician known for performing with children.&nbsp; Collins was sentenced to life in prison.

English has previous convictions for drugs and weapons, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. H remains jailed on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court August 8, according to the district attorney's office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659213439450.png" alt="English-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>English-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas felon with a history of crime including his involvement in a 2019 fatal crash in a stolen SUV that killed two people is facing a murder charge from a 2020 killing.On Friday, 42-year-old Christopher English was charged&nbsp;with 1st degree murder, criminal discharge of a weapon, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp;In December of 2020, police responded to a shooting call at a residence in the 1800 block of South Main in Wichita, according to officer Paul Cruz.Upon arrival, they located 49-year-old Michael Horn with a gunshot wound to his head. EMS transported him to an area hospital where he died.&nbsp; On Thursday, Police arrested English in connection with Horn's murder.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597432907464.png" alt="Collins-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Collins-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>In 2019, English was on parole and a passenger in a stolen BMW sport utility vehicle driven by Mia Collins who led officers on a chase. After about one mile, the car collided with a car and another SUV at an intersection.The crash killed 70-year-old Maria Wood and 12-year-old Rosemary McElroy and critically injured 36-year-old Jenny Wood, a popular Wichita musician known for performing with children.&nbsp; Collins was sentenced to life in prison.English has previous convictions for drugs and weapons, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections. H remains jailed on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to return to court August 8, according to the district attorney's office.

Kan. man with a history of crime is charged in 2020 murder

By TOMMY REZAC St. Joseph Post

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Kansas City 
Chiefs officially concluded their first week of training camp with a 
Saturday morning practice - the last workout in half pads before full 
pads go on Monday.

Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy says the 
start to camp has been encouraging, but he noticed a lack of focus 
amongst his group Saturday.

"The effort was outstanding,"
 Bieniemy said. "You can practice hard, but activity don't always equate
 to productivity. We have to make sure we're maximizing and detailing 
the little things that's going to help us become the offense we want to 
become."

Personnel wise, a pair of rookies on the offensive side 
had a chance to shine Saturday. Rookie receiver Skyy Moore continues to 
get reps with the first-team offense and is looking more the part as 
camp goes on.

Moore had a diving catch in tight coverage on a deep ball for the second day in a row Saturday.

"(Moore)
 goes out there and finds a way to get the job done on the next initial 
play," Bieniemy noted. "The thing he's also been great with is in the 
classroom, he's been receptive to the information. On top of that, he's 
seeing it and he has an opportunity to autocorrect. He'll very rarely 
repeat the same things twice."

Perhaps the biggest surprise 
Saturday was seeking rookie running back and seventh-round pick Isiah 
Pacheco getting reps with the first-team offense, rotating with Jerick 
McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Pacheco has clear speed. He's 
also been getting some time on kick return this week. McKinnon, a 
ninth-year pro who just re-signed with the Chiefs in June, called 
Pacheco "a humble guy" whose work ethic is "top tier."

Clark
 spoke at length at the end of practice, and seemed to be in great 
spirits. He revealed that he's cut red meat and alcohol out of his diet 
as soon as the season ended in February.

Clark said he didn't feel as quick, and felt that he at times looked "sloppy" last season.

"I
 wanted to get back to feeling my feet," he said. "I feel like I wasn't 
feeling my feet as much last year. I wasn't as quick off the ball. I 
wasn't as explosive. I mean, it's obvious. You can watch the film and 
see I was way heavier. I had a gut. I was looking sloppy. I'm a 
professional, you know? I understand how this goes."

Clark has 
been several times this camp talking and working with fellow defensive 
end and rookie George Karlaftis, who was drafted 30th overall by the 
Chiefs this year out of Purdue.

Clark described a moment in 
Saturday's practice where Karlaftis asked him how to come off the ball 
quicker and be quicker on the snap. When Karlaftis tried doing what 
Clark told him to, the rookie couldn't wait to tell the seasoned veteran
 all about it.

"That was the most excited I've seen a rookie," 
said Clark. "His ability to retain the knowledge I was telling him and 
for him to go do it and for him to feel it and see the success from it. I
 was happy and enjoyed his fruits. At the end of the day, that's how I 
feel about George."

Clark is still waiting to see what will come 
of his current legal matters. He had two offseason arrests in California
 in 2021, and has pleaded not guilty to two counts of possession of an 
assault weapon.

Clark was arrested both times on suspicion of 
having a concealed firearm in a vehicle. He could face a suspension from
 the NFL for violation of their personal conduct policy.

Clark didn't go into much detail Saturday, other than he "feels good" about where he and his legal team are at on things.

Tight
 end Jody Forston left practice early Saturday due to a quad injury. The
 team says they’ll know more Monday. Otherwise, nothing new. Lucas 
Niang, Prince Tega Wanogho and Rashad Fenton are still on the injured 
list. Orlando Brown, Jr. has yet to sign and report.

With
 Brown still not present, that's opened the door for Roderick Johnson to
 be the go-to guy at left tackle initially. On Saturday, there was the 
first sign of rotation there, as Johnson worked at right tackle and 
Andrew Wylie moved to left tackle.

The Chiefs rest Sunday, and will return Monday for a full contact practice in full pads. Let the games begin.

You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659366578725.jpeg" alt="Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid have a chat during drills Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac." />
 <figcaption>Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid have a chat during drills Saturday. Photo by Tommy Rezac.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZAC St. Joseph PostST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Kansas City 
Chiefs officially concluded their first week of training camp with a 
Saturday morning practice - the last workout in half pads before full 
pads go on Monday.Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy says the 
start to camp has been encouraging, but he noticed a lack of focus 
amongst his group Saturday."The effort was outstanding,"
 Bieniemy said. "You can practice hard, but activity don't always equate
 to productivity. We have to make sure we're maximizing and detailing 
the little things that's going to help us become the offense we want to 
become."Personnel wise, a pair of rookies on the offensive side 
had a chance to shine Saturday. Rookie receiver Skyy Moore continues to 
get reps with the first-team offense and is looking more the part as 
camp goes on.Moore had a diving catch in tight coverage on a deep ball for the second day in a row Saturday."(Moore)
 goes out there and finds a way to get the job done on the next initial 
play," Bieniemy noted. "The thing he's also been great with is in the 
classroom, he's been receptive to the information. On top of that, he's 
seeing it and he has an opportunity to autocorrect. He'll very rarely 
repeat the same things twice."Perhaps the biggest surprise 
Saturday was seeking rookie running back and seventh-round pick Isiah 
Pacheco getting reps with the first-team offense, rotating with Jerick 
McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.Pacheco has clear speed. He's 
also been getting some time on kick return this week. McKinnon, a 
ninth-year pro who just re-signed with the Chiefs in June, called 
Pacheco "a humble guy" whose work ethic is "top tier."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659366636798.jpeg" alt="Daurice Fountain (82) hauls in a pass." />
 <figcaption>Daurice Fountain (82) hauls in a pass.</figcaption>
 </figure>Frank ClarkClark
 spoke at length at the end of practice, and seemed to be in great 
spirits. He revealed that he's cut red meat and alcohol out of his diet 
as soon as the season ended in February.Clark said he didn't feel as quick, and felt that he at times looked "sloppy" last season."I
 wanted to get back to feeling my feet," he said. "I feel like I wasn't 
feeling my feet as much last year. I wasn't as quick off the ball. I 
wasn't as explosive. I mean, it's obvious. You can watch the film and 
see I was way heavier. I had a gut. I was looking sloppy. I'm a 
professional, you know? I understand how this goes."Clark has 
been several times this camp talking and working with fellow defensive 
end and rookie George Karlaftis, who was drafted 30th overall by the 
Chiefs this year out of Purdue.Clark described a moment in 
Saturday's practice where Karlaftis asked him how to come off the ball 
quicker and be quicker on the snap. When Karlaftis tried doing what 
Clark told him to, the rookie couldn't wait to tell the seasoned veteran
 all about it."That was the most excited I've seen a rookie," 
said Clark. "His ability to retain the knowledge I was telling him and 
for him to go do it and for him to feel it and see the success from it. I
 was happy and enjoyed his fruits. At the end of the day, that's how I 
feel about George."Clark is still waiting to see what will come 
of his current legal matters. He had two offseason arrests in California
 in 2021, and has pleaded not guilty to two counts of possession of an 
assault weapon.Clark was arrested both times on suspicion of 
having a concealed firearm in a vehicle. He could face a suspension from
 the NFL for violation of their personal conduct policy.Clark didn't go into much detail Saturday, other than he "feels good" about where he and his legal team are at on things.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659366669449.jpeg" alt="Matt Bushman (89) catches a pass in coverage. Photo by Tommy Rezac" />
 <figcaption>Matt Bushman (89) catches a pass in coverage. Photo by Tommy Rezac</figcaption>
 </figure>Injury updateTight
 end Jody Forston left practice early Saturday due to a quad injury. The
 team says they’ll know more Monday. Otherwise, nothing new. Lucas 
Niang, Prince Tega Wanogho and Rashad Fenton are still on the injured 
list. Orlando Brown, Jr. has yet to sign and report.Offensive lineWith
 Brown still not present, that's opened the door for Roderick Johnson to
 be the go-to guy at left tackle initially. On Saturday, there was the 
first sign of rotation there, as Johnson worked at right tackle and 
Andrew Wylie moved to left tackle.The Chiefs rest Sunday, and will return Monday for a full contact practice in full pads. Let the games begin.You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.

Full pads in Chiefs training camp beginning Monday

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating 4 suspects after a large drug bust.

On July 28, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) as part of the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force executed two search warrants in the 200 block of SE Klein Street and the 1800 block of SE Chandler Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics and arrested multiple suspects were arrested. Deputies also found three juveniles&nbsp; inside the homes.

Courtney L. Crockett, 46, of Topeka is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Possession with intent to distribute an opiate, Possession with intent to distribute a hallucinogenic and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

 Angelelah A. Brooks, 40, of Topeka is jailed on requested charges of Possession with intent to distribute a hallucinogenic;&nbsp;Anthony J. Jackson Jr., 37, of Topeka is jailed on a requested charge of Possession with intent to distribute a stimulant and&nbsp;Travelle L. Gueary 43, of Topeka is jailed on a requested charge of&nbsp; Possession of marijuana and Warrants.

The Topeka Police Department and Rossville Police Department assisted with these search warrants, according to Christian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659215821863.png" alt="Crockett photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Crockett photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating 4 suspects after a large drug bust.On July 28, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) as part of the Shawnee County Drug Enforcement Task Force executed two search warrants in the 200 block of SE Klein Street and the 1800 block of SE Chandler Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659215917431.png" alt="Jackson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Jackson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the investigation, deputies found illegal narcotics and arrested multiple suspects were arrested. Deputies also found three juveniles&nbsp; inside the homes.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659216017582.png" alt="Gueary-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Gueary-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Courtney L. Crockett, 46, of Topeka is being held on requested charges of&nbsp; Criminal possession of a weapon by a felon, Possession with intent to distribute an opiate, Possession with intent to distribute a hallucinogenic and Possession of drug paraphernalia.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659215958798.png" alt="Brooks-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Brooks-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure> Angelelah A. Brooks, 40, of Topeka is jailed on requested charges of Possession with intent to distribute a hallucinogenic;&nbsp;Anthony J. Jackson Jr., 37, of Topeka is jailed on a requested charge of Possession with intent to distribute a stimulant and&nbsp;Travelle L. Gueary 43, of Topeka is jailed on a requested charge of&nbsp; Possession of marijuana and Warrants.The Topeka Police Department and Rossville Police Department assisted with these search warrants, according to Christian.

Sheriff: 4 adults arrested, 3 juveniles found during Kan. drug bust

JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Overland Park.

Just before 4:30p.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a shooting at a gas station at the intersection of Antioch Road and College Boulevard, according to a media release.

EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where they were pronounced deceased.

Police have not reported an arrest or released suspect information.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/8/1659349398024.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal shooting investigation -Photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal shooting investigation -Photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting in Overland Park.Just before 4:30p.m. Sunday, police responded to report of a shooting at a gas station at the intersection of Antioch Road and College Boulevard, according to a media release.EMS transported the victim to a local hospital where they were pronounced deceased.Police have not reported an arrest or released suspect information.

Police: One dead after shooting at Kansas gas station

DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double murder and have a suspect in custody after a high-speed chase that included shots fired at police.

Just after 1a.m. Sunday, police received 911 calls about shots fired in the 1100 block of Tennessee in Lawrence, according to Police spokesperson Laura McCabe.&nbsp; 

Officers arrived at the home and found a 53-year-old man critically injured with gunshot wounds. Emergency Responders helped transfer him to a Kansas City trauma department where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp;

Not long after, another call came in about shots fired in the 300 block of Northwood Lane.&nbsp; Officers found another victim at that location.&nbsp; The 43-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Investigators worked through the night to identify a suspect, located him, and tried to pull him over in the 900 Block of Lawrence Avenue about 6:00 am.&nbsp; 

The suspect later identified as 51-year-old Rodney Ericson Marshall did not comply and a led officers on a pursuit through town, down Haskell and to the Bypass accessing K-10 toward Kansas City.&nbsp; 

Marshall fired several times at officers while on K-10 until eventually hitting the stop sticks near Eudora and was taken into custody.&nbsp; A female passenger was also in the car at the time of the arrest and is being questioned by investigators.

This investigation involves multiple agencies, several locations, two victims, and the attempted murder of several Law Enforcement Officers, according to McCabe.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released names of the victims.

Marshall has previous convictions for aggravated assault, criminal threat, criminal deprivation of property and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659312423011.png" alt="Marshall has previous convictions for aggravated assault, criminal threat, criminal deprivation of property and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections." />
 <figcaption>Marshall has previous convictions for aggravated assault, criminal threat, criminal deprivation of property and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a double murder and have a suspect in custody after a high-speed chase that included shots fired at police.Just after 1a.m. Sunday, police received 911 calls about shots fired in the 1100 block of Tennessee in Lawrence, according to Police spokesperson Laura McCabe.&nbsp; Officers arrived at the home and found a 53-year-old man critically injured with gunshot wounds. Emergency Responders helped transfer him to a Kansas City trauma department where he was pronounced dead.&nbsp;Not long after, another call came in about shots fired in the 300 block of Northwood Lane.&nbsp; Officers found another victim at that location.&nbsp; The 43-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investigators worked through the night to identify a suspect, located him, and tried to pull him over in the 900 Block of Lawrence Avenue about 6:00 am.&nbsp; The suspect later identified as 51-year-old Rodney Ericson Marshall did not comply and a led officers on a pursuit through town, down Haskell and to the Bypass accessing K-10 toward Kansas City.&nbsp; Marshall fired several times at officers while on K-10 until eventually hitting the stop sticks near Eudora and was taken into custody.&nbsp; A female passenger was also in the car at the time of the arrest and is being questioned by investigators.This investigation involves multiple agencies, several locations, two victims, and the attempted murder of several Law Enforcement Officers, according to McCabe.&nbsp; &nbsp;Police have not released names of the victims.Marshall has previous convictions for aggravated assault, criminal threat, criminal deprivation of property and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Police arrest Kan. double murder suspect after high-speed chase

JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Texas man on drug charges after an arrest.

 Sheriff Tim Morse reports that a Texas man was arrested on Wednesday following a traffic stop near 102nd and U.S. 75 Hwy. 

On July 27, a sheriff's deputy stopped a tractor-trailer in reference to a complaint of erratic driving near&nbsp;near 102nd and U.S. 75 Highway. according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Subsequent investigation into the matter resulted in the arrest of the driver, Christopher James Caldwell, 31, of Cypress, Texas. 

 Caldwell was booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659183453195.png" alt="Caldwell-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Caldwell-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Texas man on drug charges after an arrest. Sheriff Tim Morse reports that a Texas man was arrested on Wednesday following a traffic stop near 102nd and U.S. 75 Hwy. On July 27, a sheriff's deputy stopped a tractor-trailer in reference to a complaint of erratic driving near&nbsp;near 102nd and U.S. 75 Highway. according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Subsequent investigation into the matter resulted in the arrest of the driver, Christopher James Caldwell, 31, of Cypress, Texas. Caldwell was booked into the Jackson County Jail for possession of cocaine, possession of a hallucinogenic drug and drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Semi driver caught with cocaine on Kansas highway

RICHARDSON COUNTY, NE —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug distribution allegations.

A lengthy investigation revealed that 34-year-old Kimberly Hoagland and 37-year-old Rickey Long both of Humboldt and others conspired to distribute several pounds of methamphetamine over the last three years. 

It also revealed they were acquiring as much as 112 grams of methamphetamine at a time from co-conspirators in Topeka, according to the Richardson County Sheriff's office.

On July 22, 2022, Richardson County Deputies arrested Hoagland and Long in Humboldt. Their arrest is the result of a lengthy investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in Humboldt, and the surrounding area, over the last three years. 

They were booked into the Richardson County Jail on requested charges of distribution of 140 grams or more of methamphetamine, according to the sheriff's department.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659011231527.png" alt="Long-photo Richardson Co." />
 <figcaption>Long-photo Richardson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>RICHARDSON COUNTY, NE —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug distribution allegations.A lengthy investigation revealed that 34-year-old Kimberly Hoagland and 37-year-old Rickey Long both of Humboldt and others conspired to distribute several pounds of methamphetamine over the last three years. It also revealed they were acquiring as much as 112 grams of methamphetamine at a time from co-conspirators in Topeka, according to the Richardson County Sheriff's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659011211828.png" alt="Hoagland-photo Richardson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hoagland-photo Richardson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On July 22, 2022, Richardson County Deputies arrested Hoagland and Long in Humboldt. Their arrest is the result of a lengthy investigation into the distribution of methamphetamine in Humboldt, and the surrounding area, over the last three years. They were booked into the Richardson County Jail on requested charges of distribution of 140 grams or more of methamphetamine, according to the sheriff's department.

Suspects accused of selling meth they purchased in Kansas

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke by phone to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday in the highest-level known contact between the two sides since Russia invaded Ukraine, with Blinken urging Russia to accept a deal to win the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-sports-united-states-moscow-antony-blinken-c987c7516723cce522693834cef00a26">American detainees Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan</a>.

Russian officials gave no public hint whether Blinken had made any headway, only issuing a chiding statement afterward urging the U.S. to pursue the Americans' freedom through “quiet diplomacy, without releases of speculative information."

U.S. officials have in recent days publicized their efforts to get back Griner, a WNBA star, and Whelan, a corporate security executive, whose cases have drawn widespread national attention.

Blinken did not provide details of Lavrov’s response to what he had previously called a “substantial proposal" for Russia to release Whelan and Griner. Blinken had publicly requested the call and revealed the existence of the offer to Russia. People familiar with the offer say the U.S. wants to swap Whelan and Griner for convicted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/viktor-bout">Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.</a>

Blinken described the call as “a frank and direct conversation” centered primarily on the detained Americans.

“I urged Foreign Minister Lavrov to move forward with that proposal," he said. "I can’t give you an assessment of whether that is any more or less likely.”

Blinken also said he had pressed Lavrov on the importance of Russia following through on an agreement to allow Ukrainian grain shipments to leave the Black Sea and warned him of consequences should Moscow move ahead with suspected plans to annex portions of eastern and southern Ukraine.

Blinken said he told Lavrov that the world will “never recognize” any annexation of Ukrainian territory, which he said would “result in significant additional costs for Russia.”

He declined to comment on how Lavrov replied to his messages. “I don’t want to characterize any of Foreign Minister Lavrov’s responses.”

In its statement afterward, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Lavrov “strongly suggested” to Blinken “returning to a professional dialogue in the mode of quiet diplomacy” on any efforts at American detainees' release.

Lavrov also repeated Russia's vows to keep fighting until it has achieved its aims in Ukraine, renewed complaints that U.S. and NATO support to Ukraine was prolonging the conflict, and accused the U.S. of not yet keeping up its end of agreements on the grain shipments from Ukraine, the Foreign Ministry said.

Blinken’s comments earlier this week marked the first time the U.S. government publicly revealed any concrete action it has taken to secure Griner’s release. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and player for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury was arrested at a Moscow airport in mid-February when inspectors found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage.

Griner’s arrest came at a time of heightened tensions between Moscow and Washington ahead of Russia sending troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24. Griner’s five months of detention have raised strong criticism among teammates and supporters in the United States.

Her trial on drug charges started in a court outside Moscow this month, and she testified Wednesday that she didn’t know how the cartridges ended up in her bag but that she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-entertainment-sports-health-basketball-ae4138729642041aebbabeafa914706f">had a doctor’s recommendation</a>&nbsp;to use cannabis to treat career-related pain.

The 31-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-russia-trial-live-updates-bc4c1d9efd490eed0eb522c8c59e9197">has pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;but said she had no criminal intent in bringing the cartridges to Russia and packed in haste for her return to play in a Russian basketball league during the WNBA’s offseason. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of transporting drugs.

The Biden administration has faced political pressure to free Griner and other Americans whom the U.S. has declared to be “wrongfully detained” — a designation sharply rejected by Russian officials.

Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moscow-paul-whelan-russia-espionage-b7eb05fc55058fd222a29d06c1d5428e">was sentenced to 16 years</a>&nbsp;in prison on espionage charges in 2020. He and his family have vigorously asserted his innocence. The U.S. government has denounced the charges as false.

Russia has for years expressed interest in the release of Bout, a Russian arms dealer once labeled the “Merchant of Death.” He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012 on charges that he schemed to illegally sell millions of dollars in weapons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659117165215.png" alt="It was Secretary of State Blinken's first talk with his Russian counterpart since before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February.</a>-photo State Department" />
 <figcaption>It was Secretary of State Blinken's first talk with his Russian counterpart since before&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February.</a>-photo State Department</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke by phone to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday in the highest-level known contact between the two sides since Russia invaded Ukraine, with Blinken urging Russia to accept a deal to win the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-sports-united-states-moscow-antony-blinken-c987c7516723cce522693834cef00a26">American detainees Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan</a>.Russian officials gave no public hint whether Blinken had made any headway, only issuing a chiding statement afterward urging the U.S. to pursue the Americans' freedom through “quiet diplomacy, without releases of speculative information."U.S. officials have in recent days publicized their efforts to get back Griner, a WNBA star, and Whelan, a corporate security executive, whose cases have drawn widespread national attention.Blinken did not provide details of Lavrov’s response to what he had previously called a “substantial proposal" for Russia to release Whelan and Griner. Blinken had publicly requested the call and revealed the existence of the offer to Russia. People familiar with the offer say the U.S. wants to swap Whelan and Griner for convicted&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/viktor-bout">Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.</a><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/3/1646510097872.png" alt="Griner, 31, is one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury" />
 <figcaption>Griner, 31, is one of the most recognizable players in women’s basketball, has won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S., a WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury and a national championship at Baylor. She is a seven-time All-Star and three-time Big 12 Player of the year at Baylor-photo courtesy Phoenix Mercury</figcaption>
 </figure>Blinken described the call as “a frank and direct conversation” centered primarily on the detained Americans.“I urged Foreign Minister Lavrov to move forward with that proposal," he said. "I can’t give you an assessment of whether that is any more or less likely.”Blinken also said he had pressed Lavrov on the importance of Russia following through on an agreement to allow Ukrainian grain shipments to leave the Black Sea and warned him of consequences should Moscow move ahead with suspected plans to annex portions of eastern and southern Ukraine.Blinken said he told Lavrov that the world will “never recognize” any annexation of Ukrainian territory, which he said would “result in significant additional costs for Russia.”He declined to comment on how Lavrov replied to his messages. “I don’t want to characterize any of Foreign Minister Lavrov’s responses.”In its statement afterward, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Lavrov “strongly suggested” to Blinken “returning to a professional dialogue in the mode of quiet diplomacy” on any efforts at American detainees' release.Lavrov also repeated Russia's vows to keep fighting until it has achieved its aims in Ukraine, renewed complaints that U.S. and NATO support to Ukraine was prolonging the conflict, and accused the U.S. of not yet keeping up its end of agreements on the grain shipments from Ukraine, the Foreign Ministry said.Blinken’s comments earlier this week marked the first time the U.S. government publicly revealed any concrete action it has taken to secure Griner’s release. The two-time Olympic gold medalist and player for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury was arrested at a Moscow airport in mid-February when inspectors found vape cartridges containing cannabis oil in her luggage.Griner’s arrest came at a time of heightened tensions between Moscow and Washington ahead of Russia sending troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24. Griner’s five months of detention have raised strong criticism among teammates and supporters in the United States.Her trial on drug charges started in a court outside Moscow this month, and she testified Wednesday that she didn’t know how the cartridges ended up in her bag but that she&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-entertainment-sports-health-basketball-ae4138729642041aebbabeafa914706f">had a doctor’s recommendation</a>&nbsp;to use cannabis to treat career-related pain.The 31-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/brittney-griner-russia-trial-live-updates-bc4c1d9efd490eed0eb522c8c59e9197">has pleaded guilty</a>&nbsp;but said she had no criminal intent in bringing the cartridges to Russia and packed in haste for her return to play in a Russian basketball league during the WNBA’s offseason. She faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of transporting drugs.The Biden administration has faced political pressure to free Griner and other Americans whom the U.S. has declared to be “wrongfully detained” — a designation sharply rejected by Russian officials.Whelan, a corporate security executive from Michigan,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moscow-paul-whelan-russia-espionage-b7eb05fc55058fd222a29d06c1d5428e">was sentenced to 16 years</a>&nbsp;in prison on espionage charges in 2020. He and his family have vigorously asserted his innocence. The U.S. government has denounced the charges as false.Russia has for years expressed interest in the release of Bout, a Russian arms dealer once labeled the “Merchant of Death.” He was sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2012 on charges that he schemed to illegally sell millions of dollars in weapons.

U.S. presses Russia on prisoner swap for former Big 12 star 

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina man has been arrested in connection to the murder of Nathan Thompson who remains were found in Ellsworth County on July 19.

On Friday, the Salina Police Department announced that they had "developed Joseph Benton Houseman, 48 year old, of Salina as the suspect" in the case, according to a media release.

Houseman currently is in the Salina County Jail on unrelated charges.

He now faces the following requested charges of first degree murde, Aggravated arson, Arson, Felony interference with law enforcement and Criminal desecration.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1659129131327.jpeg" alt="Joseph Benton Houseman-photo&nbsp;Salina Police Department" />
 <figcaption>Joseph Benton Houseman-photo&nbsp;Salina Police Department</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man has been arrested in connection to the murder of Nathan Thompson who remains were found in Ellsworth County on July 19.On Friday, the Salina Police Department announced that they had "developed Joseph Benton Houseman, 48 year old, of Salina as the suspect" in the case, according to a media release.Houseman currently is in the Salina County Jail on unrelated charges.He now faces the following requested charges of first degree murde, Aggravated arson, Arson, Felony interference with law enforcement and Criminal desecration.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1655577117894.jpeg" alt="Nathan Thompson-photo Salina Police" />
 <figcaption>Nathan Thompson-photo Salina Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On June 18, Salina police announced that they were investigating the disappearance of Thompson, 44, who hadn't been seen in more than a week. Police reported that on June 13, the Salina Fire Department responded to a trailer home fire at 1635 Elgin in west Salina. No one was in the trailer at the time the blaze was extinguished, however the fire was classified as an arson.At the time of the fire, neighbors told police that Thompson had been living in the trailer, but had not been seen for approximately a week.On June 22, Salina police released photos of a Chevrolet Express van that police believe was used in Thompson's disappearance and asked members of the public for any information they might have about it.On July 23, the Salina Police Department announced that human remains found in rural Ellsworth County on July 19 were identifed as those of Thompson.