1. Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, has been freed from prison after striking a plea deal with U.S. authorities. The deal allows Assange to avoid extradition to the U.S. and potentially face a lengthy prison sentence. Under the agreement, Assange will be allowed to return to his native Australia by the end of the week.

2. Assange's case has been a contentious and highly publicized issue, with many human rights advocates and free speech proponents arguing that his prosecution was a threat to press freedom. The plea deal is seen as a compromise that allows Assange to avoid further legal battles while still acknowledging his role in the release of classified information.

3. The article notes that Assange's release is a significant development in a long-running saga that has drawn international attention. It remains to be seen how Assange will be received in Australia and what his future plans may be, but the plea deal represents a resolution to a case that has been closely watched for years.