1 Researchers Say COVID-19 May Have Hit China Earlier
Researchers say COVID-19 may have infected China sooner than originally thought...as in, October. A new study from the Harvard Medical School claims in the fall of 2019, there were notable spikes in car traffic near major medical centers in Wuhan. Apparently, the research is based off methods related to ones used by intelligence agencies by using "commercial satellite imagery." Dr. John Brownstein adds that it isn’t conclusive, but it’s important to note the new information. Thing is? Researchers also noted that Internet searches about what we now know are Covid-19 symptoms were also increased during that time. On a related note, a World Health Organization official says it may be "very rare" for asymptomatic people to transmit coronavirus to one another. The W-H-O's technical lead on COVID-19 said it may be "rare," but noted the answer is not definitive. Maria Van Kerkhove said that a number of countries are doing detailed contact tracing from asymptomatic patients and sharing their information.
2 Trump Speaks Out Against Defunding Police
President Trump is speaking out against some proposals to reduce or defund police departments. During a White House roundtable with law enforcement officials, Trump said there “won't be any defunding, disbanding or dismantling of police departments.” As we’ve been telling you, police are under increased scrutiny after the recent death of George Floyd, the unarmed black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis two weeks ago. Floyd's death sparked nationwide protests. Trump acknowledged that “some things have happened that shouldn't have happened,” but also stressed that crime is down and said police “are doing an incredible job.”
3 Derek Chauvin’s Bail Set At More Than $1M
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin's has finally had his first day in court – and his bail is being set at more than one-million-dollars. The bail will be one-point-two-five-million with no conditions or one-million with conditions. He appeared in court via video link. The conditions Chauvin would have to follow should he post bail? Not leaving the state and not working in law enforcement. He also wouldn't be allowed to have any contact with the family of George Floyd. Chauvin's expected to be back in court June 29th. The other officers involved – Tuo Thao, Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng – were arraigned last week. As we told you before, they remain held in lieu of $1-million bail with no conditions, and on lieu of $750,000 bail with conditions that mirror those set for Chavuin.