ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas sex offender on new requested charges after an arrest.

On Tuesday, police arrested 33-year-old Danny E. Groshong of Atchison, according Police Chief Mike Wilson.

Groshong is in custody on a Kansas Department of Corrections detain order for parole violation and a District Court warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp;

In February of 2023, police arrested Groshong during a traffic stop on requested charges of no vehicle tag, no vehicle insurance, driving without a license, and possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;

He has previous convictions for rape of a child under the age of 14 and aggravated indecent liberties. He's been listed as a registered offender since 2011, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719410540142.png" alt="Groshong-photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Groshong-photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas sex offender on new requested charges after an arrest.On Tuesday, police arrested 33-year-old Danny E. Groshong of Atchison, according Police Chief Mike Wilson.Groshong is in custody on a Kansas Department of Corrections detain order for parole violation and a District Court warrant for failure to appear in court.&nbsp;In February of 2023, police arrested Groshong during a traffic stop on requested charges of no vehicle tag, no vehicle insurance, driving without a license, and possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.&nbsp;He has previous convictions for rape of a child under the age of 14 and aggravated indecent liberties. He's been listed as a registered offender since 2011, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

Kansas sex offender back in jail on new allegations

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.

Kenneth Ford, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, arrested 06/26

Marchella Woods, Failure to appear, arrested 06/26

Brittany Macklin, Failure to appear, arrested 06/27

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719502435778.jpeg" alt="Robert Searles, Failure to appear, arrested 06/26" />
 <figcaption>Robert Searles, Failure to appear, arrested 06/26</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719502475581.jpeg" alt="William Taylor, Parole violation, arrested 06/26" />
 <figcaption>William Taylor, Parole violation, arrested 06/26</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719502522956.jpeg" alt="Marion Robinson, Failure to appear, arrested 06/26" />
 <figcaption>Marion Robinson, Failure to appear, arrested 06/26</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719502844154.jpeg" alt="Jason Lester, Outside warrant, Outside warrant, Criminal damage to property, Felony, Theft&gt;$1,500&lt;$25,00 motor vehicle theft, Liquor, Consumption on public streets/alleys/roads/highways, arrested 06/27" />
 <figcaption>Jason Lester, Outside warrant, Outside warrant, Criminal damage to property, Felony, Theft&gt;$1,500&lt;$25,00 motor vehicle theft, Liquor, Consumption on public streets/alleys/roads/highways, arrested 06/27</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Kenneth Ford, Operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, arrested 06/26Marchella Woods, Failure to appear, arrested 06/26Brittany Macklin, Failure to appear, arrested 06/27Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos June 27

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Just before 4p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 39-year-old Angel Morgan of Junction City, at the corner of 4th Street and Leavenworth Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

Morgan was arrested on requested charges that include use/possess with the intent to use drug paraphernalia into the human body, possession of stimulant- 1 prior conviction, operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, distribute or possess with the intent to distribute heroin/certain stimulants (3.5-100 grams). 

Morgan met the requirement of a&nbsp; $20,000 bond and is not longer in custody.&nbsp; She has previous convictions that include forgery and for the Sale/distribution/cultivation of opiates, opium, narcotic drugs or designated stimulants;

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Just before 4p.m. Wednesday, police arrested 39-year-old Angel Morgan of Junction City, at the corner of 4th Street and Leavenworth Street, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.Morgan was arrested on requested charges that include use/possess with the intent to use drug paraphernalia into the human body, possession of stimulant- 1 prior conviction, operate a motor vehicle without a valid license, distribute or possess with the intent to distribute heroin/certain stimulants (3.5-100 grams). Morgan met the requirement of a&nbsp; $20,000 bond and is not longer in custody.&nbsp; She has previous convictions that include forgery and for the Sale/distribution/cultivation of opiates, opium, narcotic drugs or designated stimulants;

Junction City woman accused of intent to sell heroin

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police have not reported an arrest and continue asking the public for help to find a Kansas man accused in a deadly gunfight on Father's Day.

On Wednesday, the Wichita Police reported no new update on missing 33-year-old Eric Gonzalez-Gutierrez, who is wanted for violating his pre-trial restrictions.&nbsp;On Friday, he cut his ankle monitor, according to Wichita Police.

On June 16, police arrested Gonzalez-Gutierrez on requested charges including first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Aron Lara.

Just after 8:30p.m. on Father's Day, police responded to a shooting incident in the 1900 block of N. Jackson Street in Wichita, according to Police spokesman Andrew Ford.

While working to gather further information, the 911 dispatcher could hear gunfire in the background, prompting an immediate upgraded dispatch of officers to the scene.

First responders discovered Lara suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Sedgwick County EMS provided initial critical care at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital where he died.

Another victim, a 22-year-old Hispanic man, sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot to the arm and was privately transported to St. Francis Hospital.

The incident occurred during a neighborhood barbecue in observance of Father's Day. According to preliminary reports, Lara, was involved in a verbal altercation with the Gonzales-Gutierrez earlier in the evening.&nbsp; Gonzales-Gutierrez allegedly returned home, retrieved a rifle, and fired upon the victim, who was unarmed at the time of the shooting.

It is believed that two men accompanying Lara returned fire, resulting in injuries to the second victim.

If you have any information on Gonzalez-Gutierrez whereabouts, please call 911 or WPD Detectives at 316-268-4407. To provide anonymous tips call 316-267-2111 or scan the code above.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718711572362.png" alt="GONZALES-GUTIERREZ-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>GONZALES-GUTIERREZ-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police have not reported an arrest and continue asking the public for help to find a Kansas man accused in a deadly gunfight on Father's Day.On Wednesday, the Wichita Police reported no new update on missing 33-year-old Eric Gonzalez-Gutierrez, who is wanted for violating his pre-trial restrictions.&nbsp;On Friday, he cut his ankle monitor, according to Wichita Police.On June 16, police arrested Gonzalez-Gutierrez on requested charges including first-degree murder and felon in possession of a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of 28-year-old Aron Lara.Just after 8:30p.m. on Father's Day, police responded to a shooting incident in the 1900 block of N. Jackson Street in Wichita, according to Police spokesman Andrew Ford.While working to gather further information, the 911 dispatcher could hear gunfire in the background, prompting an immediate upgraded dispatch of officers to the scene.First responders discovered Lara suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Sedgwick County EMS provided initial critical care at the scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital where he died.Another victim, a 22-year-old Hispanic man, sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot to the arm and was privately transported to St. Francis Hospital.The incident occurred during a neighborhood barbecue in observance of Father's Day. According to preliminary reports, Lara, was involved in a verbal altercation with the Gonzales-Gutierrez earlier in the evening.&nbsp; Gonzales-Gutierrez allegedly returned home, retrieved a rifle, and fired upon the victim, who was unarmed at the time of the shooting.It is believed that two men accompanying Lara returned fire, resulting in injuries to the second victim.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719431407839.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you have any information on Gonzalez-Gutierrez whereabouts, please call 911 or WPD Detectives at 316-268-4407. To provide anonymous tips call 316-267-2111 or scan the code above.

Search continues for suspect in deadly Kan. BBQ gunfight 

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a chase and crash in Shawnee County.

Just after 10 p.m., June 22, police responded to a reported disturbance near SW 6th Street and Fairlawn Road in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

A driver later identified as Carnell R.Bushnell, 20, of Topeka, was allegedly attempting to use his vehicle to strike another vehicle driven by someone he knew. The targeted vehicle also had children present.

Officers located Bushnell near SW 1st Street and I-70 and attempted to stop his vehicle. Bushnell refused to comply and initiated a pursuit. During the chase, Bushnell committed multiple traffic violations before being involved in an injury crash in the 200 block of SE Golden Avenue. He then ran from the crash and was later located near the Shunga Creek.

 Bushnell was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported from the crash.

Following the investigation, Bushnell was arrested and booked into jail on requested charges of Aggravated battery; Knowingly use physical contact in angry/rude manner w/weapon; Aggravated Endangering A Child; Reckless Situation; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Flee or attempt to elude; motor vehicle accident or damage property; Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Reckless driving; 1st conviction; Fail To Stop At Stop Sign; Driving Without Lights When Needed; Failure To Give Signal When Changing Lanes or Turning; Driving On Left Side Of Roadway; Fail To Stop At Accident;injury/damage Over $1000 and Vehicle Registration Renewal.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719259725159.png" alt="Bushnell-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Bushnell-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a chase and crash in Shawnee County.Just after 10 p.m., June 22, police responded to a reported disturbance near SW 6th Street and Fairlawn Road in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.A driver later identified as Carnell R.Bushnell, 20, of Topeka, was allegedly attempting to use his vehicle to strike another vehicle driven by someone he knew. The targeted vehicle also had children present.Officers located Bushnell near SW 1st Street and I-70 and attempted to stop his vehicle. Bushnell refused to comply and initiated a pursuit. During the chase, Bushnell committed multiple traffic violations before being involved in an injury crash in the 200 block of SE Golden Avenue. He then ran from the crash and was later located near the Shunga Creek. Bushnell was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported from the crash.Following the investigation, Bushnell was arrested and booked into jail on requested charges of Aggravated battery; Knowingly use physical contact in angry/rude manner w/weapon; Aggravated Endangering A Child; Reckless Situation; Criminal damage to property; Without consent value $1000 to $25,000; Interference with LEO; obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution; Flee or attempt to elude; motor vehicle accident or damage property; Driving while suspended; 1st conviction; Reckless driving; 1st conviction; Fail To Stop At Stop Sign; Driving Without Lights When Needed; Failure To Give Signal When Changing Lanes or Turning; Driving On Left Side Of Roadway; Fail To Stop At Accident;injury/damage Over $1000 and Vehicle Registration Renewal.

Police: Kansas man attempted to use his vehicle as a weapon

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.

Just before 2:30a.m. June 22, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge pickup near Interstate 470 and SW Burlingame Road, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.

During the interaction, the deputy discovered the driver identified as 32-year-old Jose A. Flores of Topeka had a warrant for his arrest. The deputy also noticed illegal narcotics.

The deputy arrested Flores on requested charges of possession of cocaine, drug paraphernalia and for the warrant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719342140576.png" alt="Flores-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Flores-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple drug allegations.Just before 2:30a.m. June 22, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge pickup near Interstate 470 and SW Burlingame Road, according to Shawnee County Deputy Abigail Christian.During the interaction, the deputy discovered the driver identified as 32-year-old Jose A. Flores of Topeka had a warrant for his arrest. The deputy also noticed illegal narcotics.The deputy arrested Flores on requested charges of possession of cocaine, drug paraphernalia and for the warrant.

Kansas deputy found cocaine during traffic stop

Jasmine Huezo, Criminal damage to property, Domestic battery, arrested 06/25

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.Jasmine Huezo, Criminal damage to property, Domestic battery, arrested 06/25Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos June 26

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Manhattan for an alleged violent crime.

Just before 9:30a.m. Tuesday, police arrested 59-year-old Jeffrey Tinnean of Manhattan on requested charges of of aggravated battery, domestic battery and stalking, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating a Manhattan for an alleged violent crime.Just before 9:30a.m. Tuesday, police arrested 59-year-old Jeffrey Tinnean of Manhattan on requested charges of of aggravated battery, domestic battery and stalking, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.&nbsp;He is being held on a $10,000 bond.

Manhattan man accused of stalking, domestic battery

SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement investigating another deadly shooting in Topeka have identified the victim as Steven R. Warden, 43, of Topeka,&nbsp; according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

Just after 9:30p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;responded to the area of 13th and Western Avenue in Topeka.

First responders located Warden suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no suspect information or reported an arrest.

This is the eighth homicide of 2024 in Topeka.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719332552824.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement investigating another deadly shooting in Topeka have identified the victim as Steven R. Warden, 43, of Topeka,&nbsp; according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.Just after 9:30p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;responded to the area of 13th and Western Avenue in Topeka.First responders located Warden suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no suspect information or reported an arrest.This is the eighth homicide of 2024 in Topeka.

Police ID 43-year-old Kansas homicide victim

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — WikiLeaks founder&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/julian-assange">Julian Assange</a>&nbsp;returned to his homeland Australia aboard a charter jet on Wednesday, hours after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/assange-plea-deal-wikileaks-justice-department-d329ba4614dbfa77b5eb968d07fd9bd0">pleading guilty</a>&nbsp;to obtaining and publishing U.S. military secrets in a deal with Justice Department prosecutors that concludes a drawn-out legal saga.

The criminal case of international intrigue, which had played out for years, came to a surprise end in a most unusual setting with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/assange-wikileaks-profile-e6f55737c9cf6e5059eb43991e89e1f3">Assange, 52,</a>&nbsp;entering his plea in a U.S. district court in Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands. The American commonwealth in the Pacific is relatively close to Assange’s native Australia and accommodated his desire to avoid entering the continental United States.

Assange was accused of receiving and publishing hundreds of thousands of war logs and diplomatic cables that included details of U.S. military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan. His activities drew an outpouring of support from press freedom advocates, who heralded his role in bringing to light military conduct that might otherwise have been concealed from view and warned of a chilling effect on journalists. Among the files published by WikiLeaks was a video of a 2007 Apache helicopter attack by American forces in Baghdad that killed 11 people, including two Reuters journalists.

Assange raised his right fist as he emerged for the plane and his supporters at the Canberra airport cheered from a distance. Dressed in the same suit and tie he wore during his earlier court appearance, he embraced his wife Stella Assange and father John Shipton who were waiting on the tarmac.

He was accompanied on the flights by Australian Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Stephen Smith, both of whom played key roles in negotiating his freedom with London and Washington.

The flights were paid for by the “Assange team,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said, adding his government played a role in facilitating the transport.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Parliament that Assange’s freedom, after he spent five years in a British prison&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/julian-assange-wikileaks-extradition-timeline-77a759d7408ebeb24d026a7c2c00feb3">fighting extradition to the U.S.,</a>&nbsp;was the result of his government’s “careful, patient and determined work.”

“Over the two years since we took office, my government has engaged and advocated including at leader-level to resolve this. We have used all appropriate channels," Albanese said.

Assange’s lawyer Jennifer Robinson, speaking outside the Saipan court, thanked Albanese “for his statesmanship, his principled leadership and his diplomacy, which made this outcome possible.”

It is unclear where Assange will go from Canberra and what his future plans are. His South African lawyer wife and mother of his two children, Stella Assange, has been in Australia for days awaiting her husband's release.

Another of Julian Assange's lawyers, Barry Pollack, expected his client would continue vocal campaigning.

“WikiLeaks’s work will continue and Mr. Assange, I have no doubt, will be a continuing force for freedom of speech and transparency in government,” Pollack told reporters outside the Saipan court.

Assange's father John Shipton said ahead of his son's arrival that he hoped the iconoclastic internet publisher was coming home to the “great beauty of ordinary life.”

“He will be able to spend quality time with his wife, Stella, and his two children, be able to walk up and down the beach and feel the sand through his toes in winter, that lovely chill,” Shipton told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

The plea deal required Assange to admit guilt to a single felony count but also permitted him to return to Australia without any time in an American prison. The judge sentenced him to the five years he’d already spent behind bars in the U.K. fighting extradition to the U.S. on an Espionage Act indictment that could have carried a lengthy prison sentence in the event of a conviction. He was holed up for seven years before that in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.

The conclusion enables both sides to claim a degree of satisfaction.

The Justice Department, facing a defendant who had already served substantial jail time, was able to resolve — without trial — a case that raised thorny legal issues and that might never have reached a jury at all given the plodding pace of the extradition process. Assange, for his part, signaled a begrudging contentment with the resolution, saying in court that though he believed the Espionage Act contradicted the First Amendment, he accepted the consequences of soliciting classified information from sources for publication.

The plea deal, disclosed Monday night in a sparsely detailed Justice Department letter, represents the latest — and presumably final — chapter in a court fight involving the eccentric Australian computer expert who has been celebrated by supporters as a transparency crusader but lambasted by national security hawks who insist that his conduct put lives at risks and strayed far beyond the bounds of traditional journalism duties.

Prosecutors alleged that Assange teamed with former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to obtain the records, including by conspiring to crack a Defense Department computer password, and published them without regard to American national security. Names of human sources who provided information to U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan were among the details exposed, prosecutors have said.

The indictment was unsealed in 2019, but Assange’s legal woes long predated the criminal case and continued well past it.

Weeks after the release of the largest document cache in 2010, a Swedish prosecutor issued an arrest warrant for Assange based on one woman’s allegation of rape and another’s allegation of molestation. Assange has long maintained his innocence, and the investigation was later dropped.

He presented himself in 2012 to the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he claimed asylum on the grounds of political persecution, and spent the following seven years in self-exile there, welcoming a parade of celebrity visitors and making periodic appearances from the building’s balcony to address supporters.

In 2019, his hosts revoked his asylum, allowing British police to arrest him. He remained locked up for the last five years while the Justice Department sought to extradite him, in a process that encountered skepticism from British judges who worried about how Assange would be treated by the U.S.

Ultimately, though, the resolution sparing Assange prison time in the U.S. contradicts years of ominous warnings by Assange and his supporters that the American criminal justice system would expose him to unduly harsh treatment, including potentially the death penalty — something prosecutors never sought.

Last month, Assange won the right to appeal an extradition order after his lawyers argued that the U.S. government provided “blatantly inadequate” assurances that he would have the same free speech protections as an American citizen if extradited from Britain.

His wife, Stella Assange, told the BBC from Australia that it had been “touch and go” over 72 hours whether the deal would go ahead but she felt “elated” at the news.

Assange on Monday had left the London prison where he has spent the last five years after being granted bail during a secret hearing last week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719398283589.png" alt="WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange gestures after landing at RAAF air base Fairbairn in Canberra, Australia, Wednesday, June 26 2024. Assange has returned to his homeland Australia aboard a charter jet hours after pleading guilty to obtaining and publishing U.S. military secrets in a deal with Justice Department prosecutors that concludes a drawn-out legal saga.(AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)" />
 <figcaption>WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange gestures after landing at RAAF air base Fairbairn in Canberra, Australia, Wednesday, June 26 2024. Assange has returned to his homeland Australia aboard a charter jet hours after pleading guilty to obtaining and publishing U.S. military secrets in a deal with Justice Department prosecutors that concludes a drawn-out legal saga.(AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)</figcaption>
 </figure>CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — WikiLeaks founder&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/julian-assange">Julian Assange</a>&nbsp;returned to his homeland Australia aboard a charter jet on Wednesday, hours after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/assange-plea-deal-wikileaks-justice-department-d329ba4614dbfa77b5eb968d07fd9bd0">pleading guilty</a>&nbsp;to obtaining and publishing U.S. military secrets in a deal with Justice Department prosecutors that concludes a drawn-out legal saga.The criminal case of international intrigue, which had played out for years, came to a surprise end in a most unusual setting with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/assange-wikileaks-profile-e6f55737c9cf6e5059eb43991e89e1f3">Assange, 52,</a>&nbsp;entering his plea in a U.S. district court in Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands. The American commonwealth in the Pacific is relatively close to Assange’s native Australia and accommodated his desire to avoid entering the continental United States.Assange was accused of receiving and publishing hundreds of thousands of war logs and diplomatic cables that included details of U.S. military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan. His activities drew an outpouring of support from press freedom advocates, who heralded his role in bringing to light military conduct that might otherwise have been concealed from view and warned of a chilling effect on journalists. Among the files published by WikiLeaks was a video of a 2007 Apache helicopter attack by American forces in Baghdad that killed 11 people, including two Reuters journalists.Assange raised his right fist as he emerged for the plane and his supporters at the Canberra airport cheered from a distance. Dressed in the same suit and tie he wore during his earlier court appearance, he embraced his wife Stella Assange and father John Shipton who were waiting on the tarmac.He was accompanied on the flights by Australian Ambassador to the United States Kevin Rudd and High Commissioner to the United Kingdom Stephen Smith, both of whom played key roles in negotiating his freedom with London and Washington.The flights were paid for by the “Assange team,” Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said, adding his government played a role in facilitating the transport.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Parliament that Assange’s freedom, after he spent five years in a British prison&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/julian-assange-wikileaks-extradition-timeline-77a759d7408ebeb24d026a7c2c00feb3">fighting extradition to the U.S.,</a>&nbsp;was the result of his government’s “careful, patient and determined work.”“Over the two years since we took office, my government has engaged and advocated including at leader-level to resolve this. We have used all appropriate channels," Albanese said.Assange’s lawyer Jennifer Robinson, speaking outside the Saipan court, thanked Albanese “for his statesmanship, his principled leadership and his diplomacy, which made this outcome possible.”It is unclear where Assange will go from Canberra and what his future plans are. His South African lawyer wife and mother of his two children, Stella Assange, has been in Australia for days awaiting her husband's release.Another of Julian Assange's lawyers, Barry Pollack, expected his client would continue vocal campaigning.“WikiLeaks’s work will continue and Mr. Assange, I have no doubt, will be a continuing force for freedom of speech and transparency in government,” Pollack told reporters outside the Saipan court.Assange's father John Shipton said ahead of his son's arrival that he hoped the iconoclastic internet publisher was coming home to the “great beauty of ordinary life.”“He will be able to spend quality time with his wife, Stella, and his two children, be able to walk up and down the beach and feel the sand through his toes in winter, that lovely chill,” Shipton told Australian Broadcasting Corp.The plea deal required Assange to admit guilt to a single felony count but also permitted him to return to Australia without any time in an American prison. The judge sentenced him to the five years he’d already spent behind bars in the U.K. fighting extradition to the U.S. on an Espionage Act indictment that could have carried a lengthy prison sentence in the event of a conviction. He was holed up for seven years before that in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.The conclusion enables both sides to claim a degree of satisfaction.The Justice Department, facing a defendant who had already served substantial jail time, was able to resolve — without trial — a case that raised thorny legal issues and that might never have reached a jury at all given the plodding pace of the extradition process. Assange, for his part, signaled a begrudging contentment with the resolution, saying in court that though he believed the Espionage Act contradicted the First Amendment, he accepted the consequences of soliciting classified information from sources for publication.The plea deal, disclosed Monday night in a sparsely detailed Justice Department letter, represents the latest — and presumably final — chapter in a court fight involving the eccentric Australian computer expert who has been celebrated by supporters as a transparency crusader but lambasted by national security hawks who insist that his conduct put lives at risks and strayed far beyond the bounds of traditional journalism duties.Prosecutors alleged that Assange teamed with former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to obtain the records, including by conspiring to crack a Defense Department computer password, and published them without regard to American national security. Names of human sources who provided information to U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan were among the details exposed, prosecutors have said.The indictment was unsealed in 2019, but Assange’s legal woes long predated the criminal case and continued well past it.Weeks after the release of the largest document cache in 2010, a Swedish prosecutor issued an arrest warrant for Assange based on one woman’s allegation of rape and another’s allegation of molestation. Assange has long maintained his innocence, and the investigation was later dropped.He presented himself in 2012 to the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he claimed asylum on the grounds of political persecution, and spent the following seven years in self-exile there, welcoming a parade of celebrity visitors and making periodic appearances from the building’s balcony to address supporters.In 2019, his hosts revoked his asylum, allowing British police to arrest him. He remained locked up for the last five years while the Justice Department sought to extradite him, in a process that encountered skepticism from British judges who worried about how Assange would be treated by the U.S.Ultimately, though, the resolution sparing Assange prison time in the U.S. contradicts years of ominous warnings by Assange and his supporters that the American criminal justice system would expose him to unduly harsh treatment, including potentially the death penalty — something prosecutors never sought.Last month, Assange won the right to appeal an extradition order after his lawyers argued that the U.S. government provided “blatantly inadequate” assurances that he would have the same free speech protections as an American citizen if extradited from Britain.His wife, Stella Assange, told the BBC from Australia that it had been “touch and go” over 72 hours whether the deal would go ahead but she felt “elated” at the news.Assange on Monday had left the London prison where he has spent the last five years after being granted bail during a secret hearing last week.

Free: Biden Admin. cut deal with Wikileaks founder; pleads guilty to spy charge

KANSAS CITY – Seven area residents, including the leader and several members of the Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in an ongoing criminal enterprise that involved acts of violence, drug trafficking, and illegally possessing firearms, according to the United State's Attorney.

Tonka Way Con Ponder, 53, and his wife, Carolynn L. Ponder, 47, both of Preston, Mo., and Tretch Lucius Lawrence, also known as “Travis Dewain Shankle,” 48, Keith Dewayne Nolen Jr., also known as “Seg,” 34, Paul Leon Gardner, 52, Daniel Scot Kurtzenborn, 41, and Robert Russell Warren, also known as “Russ,” 54, all of whom have unknown addresses, were charged in a 25-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury on June 18.

That indictment was unsealed and made public&nbsp; following the arrests of six of the defendants (with the exception of Warren). Tonka Ponder, Lawrence, Nolen and Kurtzeborn remain detained in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Tuesday, June 25. Gardner and Carolynn Ponder were released on bond.

The federal indictment alleges that Tonka Ponder, Lawrence, Nolen, Gardner and Kurtzeborn are members of the Lake of the Ozarks chapter of the Galloping Goose outlaw motorcycle gang, an organized criminal enterprise. Members of the Galloping Goose, says the indictment, engaged in acts of violence, including assault, attempted robbery, and extortion.

According to the indictment, Tonka Ponder was the leader of the local chapter of the Galloping Goose, which has a clubhouse in Camdenton, Missouri.

The federal indictment charges Tonka Ponder, Lawrence, Shankle, Nolen, Kurtzeborn and Gardner with committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering. They allegedly assaulted another person with a deadly weapon on Dec. 12, 2020.

The federal indictment charges Tonka Ponder, Lawrence, Nolen, and Kurtzeborn with committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering. They allegedly conspired to assault members of the Mongols Motorcycle Club and the Iron Celtics Motorcycle Association, resulting in serious physical injuries, on July 15, 2021.

Tonka Ponder is charged with two counts of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering and two counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Tonka Ponder allegedly shot two persons, resulting in serious physical injury, on July 15, 2021.

Kurtzeborn is charged with one count of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Kurtzeborn allegedly attempted to assault a victim by shooting at him on July 15, 2021.

Tonka Ponder and Lawrence are charged with one count of attempted extortion. The indictment alleges that, from July 1, 2020, to July 15, 2021, they attempted to obtain the property of the Iron Celtics Motorcycle Association by threatened use of force, violence, and fear.

The federal indictment charges Tonka Ponder, Carolynn Ponder, and Warren with participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Camden and Miller Counties from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31, 2022. Tonka Ponder is also charged with five counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and four counts of traveling across state lines to facilitate the illegal distribution of methamphetamine.

Tonka Ponder is charged with two counts of using his cell phone to facilitate a drug-trafficking conspiracy. Carolynn Ponder is charged with one count of using her cell phone to facilitate a drug-trafficking conspiracy.

Kurtzeborn and Nolen are each charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Kurtzeborn allegedly possessed a Taurus .357-caliber revolver on July 15, 2021. Nolen allegedly possessed a Taurus 9mm handgun on Aug. 24, 2023.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719351678953.png" alt="Ponder from an earlier arrest in Miller Co." />
 <figcaption>Ponder from an earlier arrest in Miller Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY – Seven area residents, including the leader and several members of the Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in an ongoing criminal enterprise that involved acts of violence, drug trafficking, and illegally possessing firearms, according to the United State's Attorney.Tonka Way Con Ponder, 53, and his wife, Carolynn L. Ponder, 47, both of Preston, Mo., and Tretch Lucius Lawrence, also known as “Travis Dewain Shankle,” 48, Keith Dewayne Nolen Jr., also known as “Seg,” 34, Paul Leon Gardner, 52, Daniel Scot Kurtzenborn, 41, and Robert Russell Warren, also known as “Russ,” 54, all of whom have unknown addresses, were charged in a 25-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury on June 18.That indictment was unsealed and made public&nbsp; following the arrests of six of the defendants (with the exception of Warren). Tonka Ponder, Lawrence, Nolen and Kurtzeborn remain detained in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Tuesday, June 25. Gardner and Carolynn Ponder were released on bond.The federal indictment alleges that Tonka Ponder, Lawrence, Nolen, Gardner and Kurtzeborn are members of the Lake of the Ozarks chapter of the Galloping Goose outlaw motorcycle gang, an organized criminal enterprise. Members of the Galloping Goose, says the indictment, engaged in acts of violence, including assault, attempted robbery, and extortion.According to the indictment, Tonka Ponder was the leader of the local chapter of the Galloping Goose, which has a clubhouse in Camdenton, Missouri.The federal indictment charges Tonka Ponder, Lawrence, Shankle, Nolen, Kurtzeborn and Gardner with committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering. They allegedly assaulted another person with a deadly weapon on Dec. 12, 2020.The federal indictment charges Tonka Ponder, Lawrence, Nolen, and Kurtzeborn with committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering. They allegedly conspired to assault members of the Mongols Motorcycle Club and the Iron Celtics Motorcycle Association, resulting in serious physical injuries, on July 15, 2021.Tonka Ponder is charged with two counts of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering and two counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Tonka Ponder allegedly shot two persons, resulting in serious physical injury, on July 15, 2021.Kurtzeborn is charged with one count of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Kurtzeborn allegedly attempted to assault a victim by shooting at him on July 15, 2021.Tonka Ponder and Lawrence are charged with one count of attempted extortion. The indictment alleges that, from July 1, 2020, to July 15, 2021, they attempted to obtain the property of the Iron Celtics Motorcycle Association by threatened use of force, violence, and fear.The federal indictment charges Tonka Ponder, Carolynn Ponder, and Warren with participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Camden and Miller Counties from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31, 2022. Tonka Ponder is also charged with five counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and four counts of traveling across state lines to facilitate the illegal distribution of methamphetamine.Tonka Ponder is charged with two counts of using his cell phone to facilitate a drug-trafficking conspiracy. Carolynn Ponder is charged with one count of using her cell phone to facilitate a drug-trafficking conspiracy.Kurtzeborn and Nolen are each charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Kurtzeborn allegedly possessed a Taurus .357-caliber revolver on July 15, 2021. Nolen allegedly possessed a Taurus 9mm handgun on Aug. 24, 2023.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Leader, members of motorcycle gang accused of violent criminal activity

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.

Just before 4:30p.m. June 22,&nbsp;Brown County and the Kansas Department for Children and Familes went to a residence in Morrill on a welfare check, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

Upon conclusion of the interaction, Alicia Jennings, 33&nbsp; and Patrick Perkins 38 both of Morrill were arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; 

The children in the home were placed in Police Protective Custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719261171231.png" alt="Perkins- Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Perkins- Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug allegations.Just before 4:30p.m. June 22,&nbsp;Brown County and the Kansas Department for Children and Familes went to a residence in Morrill on a welfare check, according to Sheriff John Merchant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719261130683.png" alt="Jennings-Brown Co." />
 <figcaption>Jennings-Brown Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Upon conclusion of the interaction, Alicia Jennings, 33&nbsp; and Patrick Perkins 38 both of Morrill were arrested on requested charges of Possession of Meth and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.&nbsp; The children in the home were placed in Police Protective Custody.

Children placed into protective custody after Kan. drug bust

SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an altercation at a convenience store.

Just before 5a.m. Tuesday, employees from the KWIK Stop gas station at 1727 West Crawford Street in Salina reported to police that a man walked into the store naked and began battering employees with a stick in each hand, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman 

The man assaulted three employees, the first at the back door of the convenience store and the second and third inside store.

When officers arrived at the store, employees had already subdued the subject, who SPD officers identified as 42-year-old Joshua Renfro of Salina.

The first employee Renfro allegedly assaulted was a 60-year-old employee Renfro pushed past to enter the store from the backdoor.

"There was a 55-year-old employee who heard a commotion in the business, and as he was at the back at the coolers, he observed the naked male who had two sticks in his hands," Feldman said. 

"This employee told Renfro he needed to leave the business. Renfro then allegedly struck the victim several times in the head with one of the sticks and that employee suffered several cuts to his forehead and left eye.

Another employee, a 51-year-old woman, moved to assist her two coworkers when Renfro pushed her to the ground and caused an injury to her left elbow and an injury on her thigh, according to Feldman.

Emergency responders transported the 51-year-old woman to Salina Regional Health Center to treat the potentially broken elbow.

"Officers ended up wrapping the subject and transporting him to the hospital because they believe there's an influence of drugs," Feldman said. "I don't know if he's out [of the hospital], but he is facing charges&nbsp; of aggravated battery and a count of simple battery.

Renfro did not attempt to steal any items at Kwik Shop — he only attacked employees in the convenience store.

After Renfro is released from the hospital,&nbsp; police will consider further charges for the incident.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718801355216.png" alt="Renfro -photo from an arrest earlier this month for alleged DUI. He was jailed for alleged battery in Salina in July of 2023, according to online jail records." />
 <figcaption>Renfro -photo from an arrest earlier this month for alleged DUI. He was jailed for alleged battery in Salina in July of 2023, according to online jail records.</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after an altercation at a convenience store.Just before 5a.m. Tuesday, employees from the KWIK Stop gas station at 1727 West Crawford Street in Salina reported to police that a man walked into the store naked and began battering employees with a stick in each hand, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman The man assaulted three employees, the first at the back door of the convenience store and the second and third inside store.When officers arrived at the store, employees had already subdued the subject, who SPD officers identified as 42-year-old Joshua Renfro of Salina.The first employee Renfro allegedly assaulted was a 60-year-old employee Renfro pushed past to enter the store from the backdoor."There was a 55-year-old employee who heard a commotion in the business, and as he was at the back at the coolers, he observed the naked male who had two sticks in his hands," Feldman said. "This employee told Renfro he needed to leave the business. Renfro then allegedly struck the victim several times in the head with one of the sticks and that employee suffered several cuts to his forehead and left eye.Another employee, a 51-year-old woman, moved to assist her two coworkers when Renfro pushed her to the ground and caused an injury to her left elbow and an injury on her thigh, according to Feldman.Emergency responders transported the 51-year-old woman to Salina Regional Health Center to treat the potentially broken elbow."Officers ended up wrapping the subject and transporting him to the hospital because they believe there's an influence of drugs," Feldman said. "I don't know if he's out [of the hospital], but he is facing charges&nbsp; of aggravated battery and a count of simple battery.Renfro did not attempt to steal any items at Kwik Shop — he only attacked employees in the convenience store.After Renfro is released from the hospital,&nbsp; police will consider further charges for the incident.

Police: Naked man attacked Kan. convenience store staff

William Mitchell, Theft-all other, arrested 06/21

Quinton Jackson, Failure to appear, arrested 06/21

Clyde Hubbard, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 06/21

Jeremy Cabrera Avila, Driving while suspended, arrested 06/22

Jon Marte, Probation violation (Two counts), arrested 06/22

Deon Benton, Failure to appear, arrested 06/22

Pedro Lopez, Probation violation, arrested 06/22

Jerome Zimmerman, Failure to appear, arrested 06/22

Jessiah Solomon, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 06/23

Beau Charbonneau, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, arrested 06/23

Halee Neely, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 06/23

Michael Caputo, Domestic battery, arrested 06/23

Joshua Kile, Failure to appear, arrested 06/23

Thomas Stawski, Failure to appear, arrested 06/23

Heidi Mealer, Violation of a protection order, arrested 06/23

Anthony Hanible, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 06/24

Walter Wadford, Failure to appear, arrested 06/24

Juan Mendoza, Failure to appear, arrested 06/24

Jessica Alvey, Domestic battery, arrested 06/24

Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719329420030.jpeg" alt="Nicole Bolton, Failure to appear, arrested 06/21" />
 <figcaption>Nicole Bolton, Failure to appear, arrested 06/21</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719329619155.jpeg" alt="Jacob Lehmkuhl, Parole violation, Failure to appear, arrested 06/21" />
 <figcaption>Jacob Lehmkuhl, Parole violation, Failure to appear, arrested 06/21</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719329664012.jpeg" alt="Kristopher Nelson, Probation violation, arrested 06/22" />
 <figcaption>Kristopher Nelson, Probation violation, arrested 06/22</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719329701423.jpeg" alt="Ashleigh Verschage Williams, Outside warrant, Aggravated failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 06/22" />
 <figcaption>Ashleigh Verschage Williams, Outside warrant, Aggravated failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 06/22</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719329758186.jpeg" alt="James Hill, Theft&lt;$1,500 pocket picking, Failure to appear, arrested 06/24" />
 <figcaption>James Hill, Theft&lt;$1,500 pocket picking, Failure to appear, arrested 06/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719329814925.jpeg" alt="Mary Barrios,&nbsp;Theft&lt;$1,500 pocket picking, Interference with LEO, Obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 06/24" />
 <figcaption>Mary Barrios,&nbsp;Theft&lt;$1,500 pocket picking, Interference with LEO, Obstruct/resist/oppose felony warrant service or execution, Failure to appear (Two counts), arrested 06/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719329927916.jpeg" alt="LLoyal Autry, Failure to appear, Probation violation, arrested 06/24" />
 <figcaption>LLoyal Autry, Failure to appear, Probation violation, arrested 06/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719329965438.jpeg" alt="Xander Dutcher, Failure to appear, arrested 06/24" />
 <figcaption>Xander Dutcher, Failure to appear, arrested 06/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719329998992.jpeg" alt="Isabella Figueroa, Uniform criminal extradition act, Arrest prior to requisition, arrested 06/24" />
 <figcaption>Isabella Figueroa, Uniform criminal extradition act, Arrest prior to requisition, arrested 06/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719330062300.jpeg" alt="Joseph Brown, Failure to appear, arrested 06/24" />
 <figcaption>Joseph Brown, Failure to appear, arrested 06/24</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719330116506.jpeg" alt="Gregory Reed, Domestic battery, Rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, arrested 06/25" />
 <figcaption>Gregory Reed, Domestic battery, Rude physical contact with family member or dating relationship, arrested 06/25</figcaption>
 </figure>Bonds have been posted. Photos are unavailable.William Mitchell, Theft-all other, arrested 06/21Quinton Jackson, Failure to appear, arrested 06/21Clyde Hubbard, Unlawful damage to property, arrested 06/21Jeremy Cabrera Avila, Driving while suspended, arrested 06/22Jon Marte, Probation violation (Two counts), arrested 06/22Deon Benton, Failure to appear, arrested 06/22Pedro Lopez, Probation violation, arrested 06/22Jerome Zimmerman, Failure to appear, arrested 06/22Jessiah Solomon, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 06/23Beau Charbonneau, Use/possess with intent to use drug paraphernalia into human body, Possession of marijuana, arrested 06/23Halee Neely, DUI-Liquor/Drugs, arrested 06/23Michael Caputo, Domestic battery, arrested 06/23Joshua Kile, Failure to appear, arrested 06/23Thomas Stawski, Failure to appear, arrested 06/23Heidi Mealer, Violation of a protection order, arrested 06/23Anthony Hanible, Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, arrested 06/24Walter Wadford, Failure to appear, arrested 06/24Juan Mendoza, Failure to appear, arrested 06/24Jessica Alvey, Domestic battery, arrested 06/24Recent Booking Activity for the Geary County Detention Center. All persons included in this post are innocent of crimes until proven guilty in a court of law.

Geary County Booking Photos June 22-25

SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating another deadly shooting in Topeka.

Just after 9:30p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;responded to the area of 13th and Western Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.

First responders located one individual suffering from a gunshot wound. This individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no suspect information or reported an arrest.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719332552824.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY– Law enforcement are investigating another deadly shooting in Topeka.Just after 9:30p.m. Monday, police&nbsp;responded to the area of 13th and Western Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley.First responders located one individual suffering from a gunshot wound. This individual was pronounced deceased at the scene. Police released no suspect information or reported an arrest.This is the eighth homicide of 2024 in Topeka.

Homicide: Police investigate deadly Kansas shooting

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations following a burglary call in Shawnee County.

Just before 9a.m. Thursday, deputies responded to a possible burglary in the 6600 block of NW 94th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. 

While in route, significant information was gathered and the suspect vehicle was stopped by deputies near NW 35th Street and NW Huxman Road.

During the investigation illegal narcotics were located. Stacy L. Ripple, 37, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of burglary, possession of stolen property, distribution of narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft, defective mirror and no vehicle liability insurance.

Matthew R. Scheidegger, 41, was also arrested and booked into the SNDOC on requested charges of violating a protection order. Ripple was the protected party of that order.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718996141187.png" alt="Scheidegger-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Scheidegger-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on multiple allegations following a burglary call in Shawnee County.Just before 9a.m. Thursday, deputies responded to a possible burglary in the 6600 block of NW 94th Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. While in route, significant information was gathered and the suspect vehicle was stopped by deputies near NW 35th Street and NW Huxman Road.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718995994823.png" alt="Ripple -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ripple -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>During the investigation illegal narcotics were located. Stacy L. Ripple, 37, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of burglary, possession of stolen property, distribution of narcotics, possession of drug paraphernalia, theft, defective mirror and no vehicle liability insurance.Matthew R. Scheidegger, 41, was also arrested and booked into the SNDOC on requested charges of violating a protection order. Ripple was the protected party of that order.&nbsp;

Kan. woman went on crime spree with subject of protection order

BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alanna-durkin-richer">ALANNA DURKIN RICHER</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/eric-tucker">ERIC TUCKER</a>

WASHINGTON (AP) — WikiLeaks founder&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/julian-assange">Julian Assange</a>&nbsp;will plead guilty to a felony charge in a deal with the U.S. Justice Department that will free him from prison and resolve a long-running legal saga that spanned multiple continents and centered on the publication of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/89547adf8a8846c3991a4e6c57ce50ef">trove of classified documents</a>, according to court papers filed late Monday.

Assange is scheduled to appear in the federal court in the Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth in the Western Pacific, to plead guilty to an Espionage Act charge of conspiring to unlawfully obtain and disseminate classified national defense information, the Justice Department said in a letter filed in court.

The guilty plea, which must be approved by a judge, brings an abrupt conclusion to a criminal case of international intrigue and to the U.S. government’s years-long pursuit of a publisher whose hugely popular secret-sharing website made him a cause célèbre among many press freedom advocates who said he acted as a journalist to expose U.S. military wrongdoing. Investigators, by contrast, have repeatedly asserted that his actions broke laws meant to protect sensitive information and put the country’s national security at risk.

He is expected to return to Australia after his plea and sentencing, which is scheduled for Wednesday morning, local time in Saipan, the largest island in the Mariana Islands. The hearing is taking place there because of Assange’s opposition to traveling to the continental U.S. and the court’s proximity to Australia.

Assange’s U.S. attorney, Barry Pollack, did not immediately return messages seeking comment Monday.

The deal ensures that Assange will admit guilt while also sparing him from any additional prison time. He had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7276b35e8d5944e7b5ca280ab0390b26">spent years hiding out</a>&nbsp;in the Ecuadorian embassy in London&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7276b35e8d5944e7b5ca280ab0390b26"></a>after Swedish authorities sought his arrest on rape allegations before being locked up in the United Kingdom.

Prosecutors have agreed to a sentence of the five years Assange has already spent in a high-security British prison while fighting to avoid extradition to the U.S. to face charges, a process that has played out in a series of hearings in London. Last month, he won the right to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wikileaks-assange-us-extradition-london-court-ruling-28ebf4301cdd25efd5b087ab67d46c25">appeal an extradition order</a>&nbsp;after his lawyers argued that the U.S. government provided “blatantly inadequate” assurances that he would have the same free speech protections as an American citizen if extradited from Britain.

Assange has been heralded by many around the world as a hero who brought to light military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan. Among the files published by WikiLeaks was a video of a 2007 Apache helicopter attack by American forces in Baghdad that killed 11 people, including two Reuters journalists.

But his reputation was also tarnished by rape allegations, which he has denied.

The Justice Department’s indictment unsealed in 2019 accused Assange of encouraging and helping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-ecbb6e9939e7e8daaa6c7b6e33634d59">U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning</a>&nbsp;steal diplomatic cables and military files that WikiLeaks published in 2010. Prosecutors had accused Assange of damaging national security by publishing documents that harmed the U.S. and its allies and aided its adversaries.

The case was lambasted by press advocates and Assange supporters. Federal prosecutors defended it as targeting conduct that went way beyond that of a journalist gathering information, amounting to an attempt to solicit, steal and indiscriminately publish classified government documents. It was brought even though the Obama administration Justice Department had passed on prosecuting him years earlier.

The plea agreement comes months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-australia-assange-wikileaks-2cd31cf5a9983f3523a7c3de72b5078e">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;said he was considering a request from Australia to drop the U.S. push to prosecute Assange.

Manning was sentenced to 35 years in prison after being convicted of violating the Espionage Act and other offenses for leaking classified government and military documents to WikiLeaks. President Barack Obama&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-36959e6aab9a4d20bdef47520ac706b7">commuted her sentence</a>&nbsp;in 2017, allowing her release after about seven behind bars.

Assange made headlines in 2016 after his website published Democratic emails that prosecutors say were stolen by Russian intelligence operatives. He was never charged in special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation, but the inquiry laid bare in stark detail the role that the hacking operation played in interfering in that year’s election on behalf of then-Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Justice Department officials mulled charges for Assange following the documents’ 2010 publication, but were unsure a case would hold up in court and were concerned it could be hard to justify prosecuting him for acts similar to those of a conventional journalist.

The posture changed in the Trump administration, however, with former Attorney General Jeff Sessions in 2017 calling Assange’s arrest a priority.

Assange’s family and supporters have said his physical and mental health have suffered during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/julian-assange-extradition-timeline-0e378a85871a6c42cee6399aa8a78e69">more than a decade of legal battles,</a>&nbsp;which includes seven years spent inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.

Assange took refuge in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-caribbean-ecuador-julian-assange-21efd1acac7d48c8b53ff5f843b98fa0">Ecuadorian Embassy</a>&nbsp;in London in 2012 and was granted political asylum after courts in England ruled he should be extradited to Sweden as part of a rape investigation in the Scandinavian country. He was arrested by British police after Ecuador’s government withdrew his asylum status in 2019 and then jailed for skipping bail when he first took shelter inside the embassy.

Although Sweden eventually dropped its sex crimes investigation because so much time had elapsed, Assange has remained in London’s high-security Belmarsh Prison during the extradition battle with the U.S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719277164048.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>BY&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/alanna-durkin-richer">ALANNA DURKIN RICHER</a>&nbsp;AND&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/author/eric-tucker">ERIC TUCKER</a>WASHINGTON (AP) — WikiLeaks founder&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/julian-assange">Julian Assange</a>&nbsp;will plead guilty to a felony charge in a deal with the U.S. Justice Department that will free him from prison and resolve a long-running legal saga that spanned multiple continents and centered on the publication of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/89547adf8a8846c3991a4e6c57ce50ef">trove of classified documents</a>, according to court papers filed late Monday.Assange is scheduled to appear in the federal court in the Mariana Islands, a U.S. commonwealth in the Western Pacific, to plead guilty to an Espionage Act charge of conspiring to unlawfully obtain and disseminate classified national defense information, the Justice Department said in a letter filed in court.The guilty plea, which must be approved by a judge, brings an abrupt conclusion to a criminal case of international intrigue and to the U.S. government’s years-long pursuit of a publisher whose hugely popular secret-sharing website made him a cause célèbre among many press freedom advocates who said he acted as a journalist to expose U.S. military wrongdoing. Investigators, by contrast, have repeatedly asserted that his actions broke laws meant to protect sensitive information and put the country’s national security at risk.He is expected to return to Australia after his plea and sentencing, which is scheduled for Wednesday morning, local time in Saipan, the largest island in the Mariana Islands. The hearing is taking place there because of Assange’s opposition to traveling to the continental U.S. and the court’s proximity to Australia.Assange’s U.S. attorney, Barry Pollack, did not immediately return messages seeking comment Monday.The deal ensures that Assange will admit guilt while also sparing him from any additional prison time. He had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7276b35e8d5944e7b5ca280ab0390b26">spent years hiding out</a>&nbsp;in the Ecuadorian embassy in London&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/7276b35e8d5944e7b5ca280ab0390b26"></a>after Swedish authorities sought his arrest on rape allegations before being locked up in the United Kingdom.Prosecutors have agreed to a sentence of the five years Assange has already spent in a high-security British prison while fighting to avoid extradition to the U.S. to face charges, a process that has played out in a series of hearings in London. Last month, he won the right to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wikileaks-assange-us-extradition-london-court-ruling-28ebf4301cdd25efd5b087ab67d46c25">appeal an extradition order</a>&nbsp;after his lawyers argued that the U.S. government provided “blatantly inadequate” assurances that he would have the same free speech protections as an American citizen if extradited from Britain.He is expected to return to Australia after his plea and sentencing, which is scheduled for Wednesday morning, local time in Saipan, the largest island in the Mariana Islands. The hearing is taking place there because of Assange’s opposition to traveling to the continental U.S. and the court’s proximity to Australia.Assange has been heralded by many around the world as a hero who brought to light military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan. Among the files published by WikiLeaks was a video of a 2007 Apache helicopter attack by American forces in Baghdad that killed 11 people, including two Reuters journalists.But his reputation was also tarnished by rape allegations, which he has denied.The Justice Department’s indictment unsealed in 2019 accused Assange of encouraging and helping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-ecbb6e9939e7e8daaa6c7b6e33634d59">U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning</a>&nbsp;steal diplomatic cables and military files that WikiLeaks published in 2010. Prosecutors had accused Assange of damaging national security by publishing documents that harmed the U.S. and its allies and aided its adversaries.The case was lambasted by press advocates and Assange supporters. Federal prosecutors defended it as targeting conduct that went way beyond that of a journalist gathering information, amounting to an attempt to solicit, steal and indiscriminately publish classified government documents. It was brought even though the Obama administration Justice Department had passed on prosecuting him years earlier.The plea agreement comes months after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-australia-assange-wikileaks-2cd31cf5a9983f3523a7c3de72b5078e">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;said he was considering a request from Australia to drop the U.S. push to prosecute Assange.Manning was sentenced to 35 years in prison after being convicted of violating the Espionage Act and other offenses for leaking classified government and military documents to WikiLeaks. President Barack Obama&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-36959e6aab9a4d20bdef47520ac706b7">commuted her sentence</a>&nbsp;in 2017, allowing her release after about seven behind bars.Assange made headlines in 2016 after his website published Democratic emails that prosecutors say were stolen by Russian intelligence operatives. He was never charged in special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation, but the inquiry laid bare in stark detail the role that the hacking operation played in interfering in that year’s election on behalf of then-Republican candidate Donald Trump.Justice Department officials mulled charges for Assange following the documents’ 2010 publication, but were unsure a case would hold up in court and were concerned it could be hard to justify prosecuting him for acts similar to those of a conventional journalist.ADVERTISEMENTThe posture changed in the Trump administration, however, with former Attorney General Jeff Sessions in 2017 calling Assange’s arrest a priority.Assange’s family and supporters have said his physical and mental health have suffered during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/julian-assange-extradition-timeline-0e378a85871a6c42cee6399aa8a78e69">more than a decade of legal battles,</a>&nbsp;which includes seven years spent inside the Ecuadorian Embassy in London.Assange took refuge in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-caribbean-ecuador-julian-assange-21efd1acac7d48c8b53ff5f843b98fa0">Ecuadorian Embassy</a>&nbsp;in London in 2012 and was granted political asylum after courts in England ruled he should be extradited to Sweden as part of a rape investigation in the Scandinavian country. He was arrested by British police after Ecuador’s government withdrew his asylum status in 2019 and then jailed for skipping bail when he first took shelter inside the embassy.Although Sweden eventually dropped its sex crimes investigation because so much time had elapsed, Assange has remained in London’s high-security Belmarsh Prison during the extradition battle with the U.S.

WikiLeaks founder gets plea deal from US and will be freed from prison

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal-hit-and run accident and have arrested a 19-year-old woman from Wichita. The crash killed 28-year-old Jaz Brooks from Wichita.

Just after 3a.m. Sunday, police responded to a vehicular collision at the intersection of Central and Mclean, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.

First responders discovered a dark-colored Saturn involved in the incident. The passenger, identified as Brooks, was found trapped inside the vehicle and pronounced deceased. The driver of the Saturn received an evaluation by EMS for non-lifethreatening injuries at the scene.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a black Ford F-150 had collided with the Saturn on its passenger side and fled prior to law enforcement's arrival. Through diligent follow-up on leads, officers successfully located the suspect identified as 19-year-old Peyton E. Allert and the vehicle several hours later.&nbsp; &nbsp;

According to online jail records Allart was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail just after noon Sunday on requested charges of Fatality Hit-and-Run. She&nbsp;bonded out of jail just before 7p.m.

This case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1719242864860.png" alt="Allart-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Allart-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal-hit-and run accident and have arrested a 19-year-old woman from Wichita. The crash killed 28-year-old Jaz Brooks from Wichita.Just after 3a.m. Sunday, police responded to a vehicular collision at the intersection of Central and Mclean, according to Officer Kris Gupilan.First responders discovered a dark-colored Saturn involved in the incident. The passenger, identified as Brooks, was found trapped inside the vehicle and pronounced deceased. The driver of the Saturn received an evaluation by EMS for non-lifethreatening injuries at the scene.Preliminary investigations revealed that a black Ford F-150 had collided with the Saturn on its passenger side and fled prior to law enforcement's arrival. Through diligent follow-up on leads, officers successfully located the suspect identified as 19-year-old Peyton E. Allert and the vehicle several hours later.&nbsp; &nbsp;According to online jail records Allart was booked into the Sedgwick County Jail just after noon Sunday on requested charges of Fatality Hit-and-Run. She&nbsp;bonded out of jail just before 7p.m.This case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office.

Kansas teen accused in deadly hit-and-run crash

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Civil liberties groups filed a lawsuit Monday to block&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-ten-commandments-displayed-classrooms-571a2447906f7bbd5a166d53db005a62">Louisiana’s new law</a>&nbsp;that requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom, a measure they contend is unconstitutional.

Plaintiffs in the suit include parents of Louisiana public school children, represented by attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

Under the legislation signed into law by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry last week, all public K-12 classrooms and state-funded universities will be required to display a poster-sized version of the Ten Commandments in “large, easily readable font” next year.

Opponents argue that the law is a violation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ten-commandments-louisiana-schools-religion-99b86fff51932374993c45ab3f0555c9">separation of church and state</a>&nbsp;and that the display will isolate students, especially those who are not Christian. Proponents say the measure is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indiana-lifewise-public-school-religion-d7cf2b67b2ae3b7919e0a21f89ce80c0">not solely religious</a>, but that it has historical significance. In the language of the law, the Ten Commandments are “foundational documents of our state and national government.”

The lawsuit filed Monday seeks a court declaration that the new law, referred to in the lawsuit as HB 71, violates First Amendment clauses forbidding government establishment of religion and guaranteeing religious liberty. It also seeks an order prohibiting the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.

“The state’s main interest in passing H.B. 71 was to impose religious beliefs on public-school children, regardless of the harm to students and families,” the lawsuit says. "The law’s primary sponsor and author, Representative Dodie Horton, proclaimed during debate over the bill that it 'seeks to have a display of God’s law in the classroom for children to see what He says is right and what He says is wrong.'"

Defendants include state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley, members of the state education board and some local school boards.

Landry and Louisiana Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill support the new law, and Murrill has said she is looking forward to defending it. She issued a statement saying she couldn’t comment directly on the lawsuit because she had not yet seen it.

“It seems the ACLU only selectively cares about the First Amendment — it doesn’t care when the Biden administration censors speech or arrests pro-life protesters, but apparently it will fight to prevent posters that discuss our own legal history,” Murrill said in the emailed statement.

The Ten Commandments have long been at the center of lawsuits across the nation.

In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a similar Kentucky law violated the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says Congress can “make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” The high court found that the law had no secular purpose but rather served a plainly religious purpose.

In a more recent ruling, the Supreme Court held in 2005 that such displays in a pair of Kentucky courthouses violated the Constitution. At the same time, the court upheld a Ten Commandments marker on the grounds of the Texas state Capitol in Austin. Those were 5-4 decisions, but the court’s makeup has changed, with a 6-3 conservative majority now.

Other states, including Texas, Oklahoma and Utah, have attempted to pass requirements that the schools display the Ten Commandments. However, with threats of legal battles, none has the mandate in place except for Louisiana.

The posters in Louisiana, which will be paired with a four-paragraph “context statement” describing how the Ten Commandments “were a prominent part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/education">public education</a>&nbsp;for almost three centuries,” must be in place in classrooms by the start of 2025. Under the law, state funds will not be used to implement the mandate. The posters would be paid for through donations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718826624556.png" alt="Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed the bill into law on Wednesday-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed the bill into law on Wednesday-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Civil liberties groups filed a lawsuit Monday to block&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-ten-commandments-displayed-classrooms-571a2447906f7bbd5a166d53db005a62">Louisiana’s new law</a>&nbsp;that requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom, a measure they contend is unconstitutional.Plaintiffs in the suit include parents of Louisiana public school children, represented by attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FGovJeffLandry%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02LNPPH3HryrcETAgrfYrrSEPY1Rb7gPxjfFgsqDFUgVtskWtqUcfNA1gDG1gApo62l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="404" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></div>Under the legislation signed into law by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry last week, all public K-12 classrooms and state-funded universities will be required to display a poster-sized version of the Ten Commandments in “large, easily readable font” next year.Opponents argue that the law is a violation of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ten-commandments-louisiana-schools-religion-99b86fff51932374993c45ab3f0555c9">separation of church and state</a>&nbsp;and that the display will isolate students, especially those who are not Christian. Proponents say the measure is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/indiana-lifewise-public-school-religion-d7cf2b67b2ae3b7919e0a21f89ce80c0">not solely religious</a>, but that it has historical significance. In the language of the law, the Ten Commandments are “foundational documents of our state and national government.”The lawsuit filed Monday seeks a court declaration that the new law, referred to in the lawsuit as HB 71, violates First Amendment clauses forbidding government establishment of religion and guaranteeing religious liberty. It also seeks an order prohibiting the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.“The state’s main interest in passing H.B. 71 was to impose religious beliefs on public-school children, regardless of the harm to students and families,” the lawsuit says. "The law’s primary sponsor and author, Representative Dodie Horton, proclaimed during debate over the bill that it 'seeks to have a display of God’s law in the classroom for children to see what He says is right and what He says is wrong.'"Defendants include state Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley, members of the state education board and some local school boards.Landry and Louisiana Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill support the new law, and Murrill has said she is looking forward to defending it. She issued a statement saying she couldn’t comment directly on the lawsuit because she had not yet seen it.“It seems the ACLU only selectively cares about the First Amendment — it doesn’t care when the Biden administration censors speech or arrests pro-life protesters, but apparently it will fight to prevent posters that discuss our own legal history,” Murrill said in the emailed statement.The Ten Commandments have long been at the center of lawsuits across the nation.In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a similar Kentucky law violated the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says Congress can “make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” The high court found that the law had no secular purpose but rather served a plainly religious purpose.In a more recent ruling, the Supreme Court held in 2005 that such displays in a pair of Kentucky courthouses violated the Constitution. At the same time, the court upheld a Ten Commandments marker on the grounds of the Texas state Capitol in Austin. Those were 5-4 decisions, but the court’s makeup has changed, with a 6-3 conservative majority now.Other states, including Texas, Oklahoma and Utah, have attempted to pass requirements that the schools display the Ten Commandments. However, with threats of legal battles, none has the mandate in place except for Louisiana.The posters in Louisiana, which will be paired with a four-paragraph “context statement” describing how the Ten Commandments “were a prominent part of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/education">public education</a>&nbsp;for almost three centuries,” must be in place in classrooms by the start of 2025. Under the law, state funds will not be used to implement the mandate. The posters would be paid for through donations.The controversial law, in a state ensconced in the Bible Belt, comes during a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/governor-jeff-landry-louisiana-conservative-bef181b17cb5a5819514c7c68ae8f2e1">new era of conservative leadership</a>&nbsp;in Louisiana under Landry, who replaced two-term Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards in January. The GOP holds a supermajority in the Legislature, and Republicans hold every statewide elected position, paving the way for lawmakers to push through a conservative agenda.The case was allotted to U.S. District Judge John deGravelles, nominated to the federal bench by former President Barack Obama.___McGill reported from New Orleans.