Headlines for Thursday morning, July 7, 2022 include:
American basketball star Brittney Griner pleaded guilty to drug possession and smuggling charges Thursday morning. According to Russian news agencies, Griner said she unintentionally packed vape canisters with cannabis oil before traveling to Russia back in February. Griner faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of large-scale transportation of drugs. Thursday’s court appearance comes a day after President Joe Biden responded to a letter Griner wrote him pleading for help. He reassured Griner’s wife, Charelle Griner, that “he is working to secure Brittney’s release as soon as possible, as well as the release of Paul Whelan and other U.S. nationals who are wrongfully detained or held hostage in Russia and around the world.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Thursday morning he has agreed to resign, saying “our brilliant and Darwinian system will produce another leader equally committed to taking this country forward through tough times.” Thursday’s announcement comes following months of scandal. In addition to being criticized for parties held on Downing Street during COVID-19 lockdowns, the latest scandal involved sexual misconduct allegations against a lawmaker in Johnson’s Conservative party. Johnson is accused of promoting the lawmaker to a senior position in the government despite being aware of the allegations. The scandal led some 50 senior lawmakers to quit the government, leaving Johnson unable to govern. A Conservative party election to select a new prime minister will likely take place later this summer.
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is expected to hear his federal sentence in the murder of George Floyd. The expected sentence is between 20 and 25 years after Chauvin reached a plea deal last December. He was already sentenced to 22 1/2 years in prison in his state trial over Floyd’s death.