America

Might need to sit down for this one, but authorities in China are not being helpful in the WHO's belated investigation into Covid-19 origins.

Continued

Laws banning the sale of handguns by dealers to adults under the 21 might be in danger after a Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling.

Continued

This thread is reporting what is happening at Michael Avenatti's sentencing live:

OK - Michael Avenatti's sentencing in the Nike case is beginning @SDNYLIVE. Avenatti present in suit and black COVID mask. Inner City Press will live tweet, thread below. Song, with audio from exhibit at trial: https://t.co/nZB0qwMBAt

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) July 8, 2021

Perhaps the most relevant tweets from the thread:

Judge Gardephe: There was ample evidence Mr. Avenatti had no genuine interest in performing an internal investigation. His objections are overruled. 2 levels are added for abuse of trust. Offense level is 31. No criminal history. Guideline is 108 to 135 months

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) July 8, 2021

Judge Gardephe: He transferred to Penn and worked full time, then GWU law school. He worked full time and attended evening classes. He worked at King & Spalding. He went to O'Melveny and Myers. He started his own firm in 2006. The guidelines start at 108 months.

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) July 8, 2021

Judge Gardephe: So I will not impose a fine. He must pay the $100 special assessment. The US wants restitution to Nike. The submissions are not adequate. The billing records are redacted. Under "Lagos," restitution here is limited to investigatory activities.

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) July 8, 2021

Judge Gardephe: Mr Avenatti, I am sentencing you to 30 months imprisonment, and three years supervised release. Special assessment of $300 [$100 per count] Anything further?
Srebnick: What about designation? We ask surrender September 15, to BOP Sheridan Oregon

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) July 8, 2021

AUSA: We do not ask remand to prison, due to California case.
Judge Gardephe: I recommend the Federal prison camp in Sheridan, Oregon on September 15 - if not designated, to the US Marshals here. You have the right to appeal, notice within 14 days.

— Inner City Press (@innercitypress) July 8, 2021

But please read the entire thread.