skynewsus--2020-07-24--Scientists discover 'camouflage' coronavirus enzyme

Many workplaces require employees to possess special passes or know a code to enter the building , and the coronavirus has the same advantage when breaking into cells .
Scientists have uncovered the structure of an enzyme called nsp16 which coronavirus uses to fool the immune system and gain access to host cells , which it hijacks to replicate itself .
Understanding how nsp16 works could lead to new antiviral drugs for COVID-19 patients by inhibiting the enzyme in allowing the virus to slip past security .
The enzyme is used to modify something called the messenger RNA cap , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the proteins they 're being told to produce are the right ones .
`` It 's a camouflage , '' according to Dr Yogesh Gupta of the University of Texas , the lead author of the study which is published in the journal Nature Communications '' Because of the modifications , which fool the cell , the resulting viral messenger RNA is now considered as part of the cell 's own code and not foreign . ''
Understanding the structure of the enzyme could allow the researchers to develop drugs - new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making any modifications .
The immune system would then recognise the invading virus for what it was , and would be able to attack it .
`` Yogesh 's work discovered the 3D structure of a key enzyme of the COVID-19 virus required for its replication and found a pocket in it that can be targeted to inhibit that enzyme , '' said co-author Professor Robert Hromas .
`` This is a fundamental advance in our understanding of the virus , '' Professor Hromas added .

Many workplaces require employees to possess special passes or know a code to enter the building, and the coronavirus has the same advantage when breaking into cells.
Scientists have uncovered the structure of an enzyme called nsp16 which coronavirus uses to fool the immune system and gain access to host cells, which it hijacks to replicate itself.
Understanding how nsp16 works could lead to new antiviral drugs for COVID-19 patients by inhibiting the enzyme in allowing the virus to slip past security.
The enzyme is used to modify something called the messenger RNA cap, effectively a signature which tells the cells that the proteins they're being told to produce are the right ones.
"It's a camouflage," according to Dr Yogesh Gupta of the University of Texas, the lead author of the study which is published in the journal Nature Communications
"Because of the modifications, which fool the cell, the resulting viral messenger RNA is now considered as part of the cell's own code and not foreign."
Understanding the structure of the enzyme could allow the researchers to develop drugs - new small molecules which would prevent nsp16 from making any modifications.
The immune system would then recognise the invading virus for what it was, and would be able to attack it.
"Yogesh's work discovered the 3D structure of a key enzyme of the COVID-19 virus required for its replication and found a pocket in it that can be targeted to inhibit that enzyme," said co-author Professor Robert Hromas.
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"This is a fundamental advance in our understanding of the virus," Professor Hromas added.


skynewsus--2020-07-24--Mel Gibson treated in hospital after contracting coronavirus

Mel Gibson spent a week in hospital in Los Angeles being treated for coronavirus , it has emerged .
The 64-year-old actor and filmmaker received treatment after contracting COVID-19 in April , his agent confirmed to The Daily Telegraph in Australia .
`` He tested positive in April and spent a week in the hospital , '' the representative said .
`` He has tested negative numerous times since then as well as positive for the antibodies . ''
The agent added that the Braveheart star had been treated with the drug Remdesivir during his hospital stay .
Earlier this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US had bought up almost all of the world 's entire supply of the anti-viral drug , which is manufactured in America .
Gibson appears to have made a full recovery from the virus and has been seen out with his girlfriend in Malibu in recent weeks .
Coronavirus continues to surge in many parts of California , with more than 425,600 confirmed cases in the US state .
There were 157 coronavirus deaths in California on Thursday , the highest number reported in the state in a single day .
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Last month actress Winona Ryder repeated claims that Gibson made antisemitic remarks about her at a party in the 1990s .
She alleges he asked her if she was an `` oven dodger '' and also made homophobic comments about her friend , the late makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin .
Gibson 's representative said the allegations , which date back to `` around 1996 '' , were `` 100 % untrue '' .
In a statement to Variety , Ryder said : `` I believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Gibson has found a healthy way to deal with his demons , but I am not one of them . ''
In June , Aardman Animations announced it was teaming up with Netflix to make a sequel to Chicken Run but it is not known if Gibson will reprise his role as Rocky the rooster .

Mel Gibson spent a week in hospital in Los Angeles being treated for coronavirus, it has emerged.
The 64-year-old actor and filmmaker received treatment after contracting COVID-19 in April, his agent confirmed to The Daily Telegraph in Australia.
"He tested positive in April and spent a week in the hospital," the representative said.
"He has tested negative numerous times since then as well as positive for the antibodies."
The agent added that the Braveheart star had been treated with the drug Remdesivir during his hospital stay.
Earlier this month President Donald Trump boasted that the US had bought up almost all of the world's entire supply of the anti-viral drug, which is manufactured in America.
Gibson appears to have made a full recovery from the virus and has been seen out with his girlfriend in Malibu in recent weeks.
Image: Gibson and his partner Rosalind Ross
Coronavirus continues to surge in many parts of California, with more than 425,600 confirmed cases in the US state.
There were 157 coronavirus deaths in California on Thursday, the highest number reported in the state in a single day.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom called it a "grim milestone".
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Last month actress Winona Ryder repeated claims that Gibson made antisemitic remarks about her at a party in the 1990s.
She alleges he asked her if she was an "oven dodger" and also made homophobic comments about her friend, the late makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin.
Image: Winona Ryder (L) said Mel Gibson made a homophobic remark about her friend Kevyn Aucoin (R)
Gibson's representative said the allegations, which date back to "around 1996", were "100% untrue".
In a statement to Variety, Ryder said: "I believe in redemption and forgiveness and hope that Mr Gibson has found a healthy way to deal with his demons, but I am not one of them."
In June, Aardman Animations announced it was teaming up with Netflix to make a sequel to Chicken Run but it is not known if Gibson will reprise his role as Rocky the rooster.


skynewsus--2020-07-24--Harry and Meghan file lawsuit after 'drones take pictures of Archie in the garden'

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles after drones were allegedly used to photograph their 14-month-old son Archie in the back garden of their home .
The couple is alleging their privacy was breached by unnamed photographers , a way of allowing them to use subpoenas to pursue anyone trying to sell the photos until they can be identified .
In the complaint , which was filed on Thursday , the couple said they were not seeking special treatment and expected to be followed by the media when in public , but that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ privacy of their home .
The lawsuit said Harry and Meghan had moved from the UK to Canada at the beginning of the year and enjoyed six weeks undisturbed before their location was published by the Daily Mail .
They had moved to a gated community in the greater Los Angeles area shortly afterwards , but once again had their location published by the same newspaper .
The resulting paparazzi interest included drones being flown as low as 20ft above the house as often as three times a day .
Helicopters also hovered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and as late as 7pm , disturbing neighbours and waking baby Archie .
Some photographers even cut holes in the security fence around the home , the complaint alleges .
The family tried to ignore these but a recent incident was described as having `` crossed a red line for any parent '' .
Harry and Meghan said someone had been selling photos of Archie , falsely claiming to have taken them during a recent public outing in Malibu , despite Archie never having been in public or in Malibu since the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allege that the photos were instead taken of activities in the back yard of their home , without their knowledge .
The court documents said : `` The unscrupulous people shopping these photographs have not innocently mislabelled the photographs as having been taken in a public place .
`` They have done so intentionally , because they know that unsolicited photographs of a young child in the privacy of his own home are very much unlawful . ''
The couple had `` done everything in their power to stay out of the limelight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the exception of their work , which they admitted was newsworthy .
`` But the photos at issue are not news , '' it continued .
`` They are not in the public interest .
They are harassment .
`` The sole point to taking and/or selling such invasive photos is to profit from a child .
Such sales , in turn , stoke the paparazzi market and lead to ever more harassment .
`` The fact that the images at issue remain in the possession of an unknown adult , having already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not thousands of potential buyers , is disgusting and wrong . ''
LA County Superior Court has confirmed to Sky News that the lawsuit has been filed and given a case number .
A statement from the couple 's lawyers added : `` Every individual and family member in California is guaranteed by law the right to privacy in their home .
No drones , helicopters or telephoto lenses can take away that right .
`` The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are filing this lawsuit to protect their young son 's right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by photographers , and to uncover and stop those who seek to profit from these illegal actions . ''

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles after drones were allegedly used to photograph their 14-month-old son Archie in the back garden of their home.
The couple is alleging their privacy was breached by unnamed photographers, a way of allowing them to use subpoenas to pursue anyone trying to sell the photos until they can be identified.
In the complaint, which was filed on Thursday, the couple said they were not seeking special treatment and expected to be followed by the media when in public, but that they drew the line at photographers invading the privacy of their home.
Image: Meghan pictured reading to Archie on his first birthday. Pic: Sussex Royal
The lawsuit said Harry and Meghan had moved from the UK to Canada at the beginning of the year and enjoyed six weeks undisturbed before their location was published by the Daily Mail.
They had moved to a gated community in the greater Los Angeles area shortly afterwards, but once again had their location published by the same newspaper.
The resulting paparazzi interest included drones being flown as low as 20ft above the house as often as three times a day.
Helicopters also hovered over the home as early as 5.30am and as late as 7pm, disturbing neighbours and waking baby Archie.
Some photographers even cut holes in the security fence around the home, the complaint alleges.
The family tried to ignore these but a recent incident was described as having "crossed a red line for any parent".
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Image: The couple stepped back from royal life earlier this year
Harry and Meghan said someone had been selling photos of Archie, falsely claiming to have taken them during a recent public outing in Malibu, despite Archie never having been in public or in Malibu since the family arrived in the US.
The couple allege that the photos were instead taken of activities in the back yard of their home, without their knowledge.
The court documents said: "The unscrupulous people shopping these photographs have not innocently mislabelled the photographs as having been taken in a public place.
"They have done so intentionally, because they know that unsolicited photographs of a young child in the privacy of his own home are very much unlawful."
Image: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with Archie, shortly after he was born in May last year
The couple had "done everything in their power to stay out of the limelight", the complaint said, with the exception of their work, which they admitted was newsworthy.
"But the photos at issue are not news," it continued. "They are not in the public interest. They are harassment.
"The sole point to taking and/or selling such invasive photos is to profit from a child. Such sales, in turn, stoke the paparazzi market and lead to ever more harassment.
"The fact that the images at issue remain in the possession of an unknown adult, having already been shown and shared to hundreds if not thousands of potential buyers, is disgusting and wrong."
LA County Superior Court has confirmed to Sky News that the lawsuit has been filed and given a case number.
A statement from the couple's lawyers added: "Every individual and family member in California is guaranteed by law the right to privacy in their home. No drones, helicopters or telephoto lenses can take away that right.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are filing this lawsuit to protect their young son's right to privacy in their home without intrusion by photographers, and to uncover and stop those who seek to profit from these illegal actions."


skynewsus--2020-07-24--Reopened theme parks? 'Out of control' youngsters? What's behind Florida's virus surge

Donald Trump has called off next month 's Republican convention in Florida because of the spike in coronavirus cases there - but why is the state now being hit so severely ?
How bad is it in the Sunshine State ?
There have been nearly 390,000 cases so far - the second-highest in the US after California - and more than 5,500 deaths ( ninth highest ) .
But it 's the rise in recent weeks that has caused alarm .
Florida rose to around 10,000 new cases per day during June , with a national record of 15,224 on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recorded the most new coronavirus infections in the US over the last seven days , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , at 77,044 .
On Thursday , it announced a new daily deaths high for the state of 173. : : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Nearly 19 % of tests also came back positive over the last week - way above the 5 % World Health Organisation benchmark on when a country or region should reopen , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state governor Ron DeSantis , however , has said the situation is improving and is `` much better '' than two weeks ago , with 20 % of intensive care beds still available .
Is it just down to more testing ?
It 's true there are a lot more COVID-19 tests being done , and this does play in a role in more cases being diagnosed .
But doctors say this alone can not be blamed for such a significant spike .
For instance , the ramping up of testing in Florida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases as you would expect if it was the primary factor , says infectious diseases expert Dr Juan Dumois .
Did Florida mess up its lockdown strategy ?
Possibly - it was one of the last states go into lockdown and it took until the start of April before a state-wide order was announced .
That 's nearly two weeks after New York and dozens of other states .
Perhaps more crucially , it only lasted a month and was one of the first states to start to open again .
Restaurants and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduced capacity and distancing - in early May , shortly followed by gyms .
Bars , tattoos parlours reopened on 5 June , and the state 's famous theme parks such as Universal Studios , SeaWorld and Walt Disney World also welcomed guests .
Just two weeks later , a steep upward trajectory in cases had taken hold - rising from just under 1,000 per day to over 3,000 .
It appears the speed of the reopening - with not enough time given to stand back and assess the effects - may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to blame for not taking things seriously ?
Mr DeSantis has accused the public and businesses of flouting social distancing rules and said people threw `` caution to the wind '' when he effectively shut down bars again on 26 June , ordering them to only sell take-outs .
`` People were n't following it , '' the governor said .
`` There was widespread noncompliance , and that led to issues .
`` If folks just follow the guidelines , we 're going to be in good shape .
When you depart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Did 'out of control ' young people drive the surge ?
The average age of new cases in Florida over the last two weeks is around 40-years-old , according to the state 's department of health .
That 's a lot younger than at the start of the pandemic .
Florida 's governor has indicated the younger generation 's keenness to socialise has fuelled the rise in cases , .
`` You ca n't control ... they 're younger people .
They 're going to do what they 're going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press conference last month .
He added : `` If you look at that 25 to 34 age group , that is now by far the leading age group for positive tests . ''
His theory is backed up by Dr Anthony Fauci - who 's appeared at White House press briefings .
The infectious diseases expert said the demography of infections is now `` at least 15 years younger than what we were seeing a few months ago when things were surging in New York '' .
He told the WebMD site @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysing this , really , for quite a while , is that , particularly with young people , and clearly young people are driving this new surge . ''
Dr Fauci called for more education , so people realise that although they may not get sick , they could pass it on to others with potentially fatal consequences .
`` By allowing yourself to get infected or not caring if you do get infected , you are propagating a pandemic , '' Dr Fauci said .

Donald Trump has called off next month's Republican convention in Florida because of the spike in coronavirus cases there - but why is the state now being hit so severely?
How bad is it in the Sunshine State?
There have been nearly 390,000 cases so far - the second-highest in the US after California - and more than 5,500 deaths (ninth highest).
But it's the rise in recent weeks that has caused alarm.
Florida rose to around 10,000 new cases per day during June, with a national record of 15,224 on 12 July.
Image: Florida's daily cases have risen steeply. Pic: Johns Hopkins University
The state has also recorded the most new coronavirus infections in the US over the last seven days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at 77,044.
On Thursday, it announced a new daily deaths high for the state of 173.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Nearly 19% of tests also came back positive over the last week - way above the 5% World Health Organisation benchmark on when a country or region should reopen, and suggestive of widespread community transmission.
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Republican state governor Ron DeSantis, however, has said the situation is improving and is "much better" than two weeks ago, with 20% of intensive care beds still available.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:46 Florida mum loses two children to COVID-19
Is it just down to more testing?
It's true there are a lot more COVID-19 tests being done, and this does play in a role in more cases being diagnosed.
But doctors say this alone cannot be blamed for such a significant spike.
For instance, the ramping up of testing in Florida in mid-May did not immediately produce increased cases as you would expect if it was the primary factor, says infectious diseases expert Dr Juan Dumois.
Image: Drive-through testing has helped boost the state's diagnosis of new cases
Did Florida mess up its lockdown strategy?
Possibly - it was one of the last states go into lockdown and it took until the start of April before a state-wide order was announced.
That's nearly two weeks after New York and dozens of other states.
Perhaps more crucially, it only lasted a month and was one of the first states to start to open again.
Image: Universal Studios Florida has reopened...
Restaurants and shops were back in business - with reduced capacity and distancing - in early May, shortly followed by gyms.
Bars, tattoos parlours reopened on 5 June, and the state's famous theme parks such as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and Walt Disney World also welcomed guests.
Just two weeks later, a steep upward trajectory in cases had taken hold - rising from just under 1,000 per day to over 3,000.
It appears the speed of the reopening - with not enough time given to stand back and assess the effects - may have been a major factor.
Image: ...and so has Walt Disney World
Are people to blame for not taking things seriously?
Mr DeSantis has accused the public and businesses of flouting social distancing rules and said people threw "caution to the wind" when he effectively shut down bars again on 26 June, ordering them to only sell take-outs.
"People weren't following it," the governor said.
"There was widespread noncompliance, and that led to issues.
"If folks just follow the guidelines, we're going to be in good shape. When you depart from that, then it becomes problematic."
Image: Restaurants were among the first to reopen in early May
Did 'out of control' young people drive the surge?
The average age of new cases in Florida over the last two weeks is around 40-years-old, according to the state's department of health.
That's a lot younger than at the start of the pandemic.
Florida's governor has indicated the younger generation's keenness to socialise has fuelled the rise in cases,.
"You can't control... they're younger people. They're going to do what they're going to do," Mr DeSantis told a press conference last month.
He added: "If you look at that 25 to 34 age group, that is now by far the leading age group for positive tests."
Image: Young people have been suggested as a major driver of new cases
His theory is backed up by Dr Anthony Fauci - who's appeared at White House press briefings.
The infectious diseases expert said the demography of infections is now "at least 15 years younger than what we were seeing a few months ago when things were surging in New York".
Image: US infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci spoke about the dangers of reopening the economy too quickly
He told the WebMD site last week: "I've been analysing this, really, for quite a while, is that, particularly with young people, and clearly young people are driving this new surge."
Dr Fauci called for more education, so people realise that although they may not get sick, they could pass it on to others with potentially fatal consequences.
"By allowing yourself to get infected or not caring if you do get infected, you are propagating a pandemic," Dr Fauci said.


skynewsus--2020-07-24--Convicted sex offender chased across California after custody release

A convicted sex offender who claims he has killed three boys and molested 200 is being chased by protesters across California in a bizarre game of cat-and-mouse after being released from a psychiatric hospital .
Prosecutors have warned residents they believe 59-year-old Cary Jay Smith remains a `` dangerous predator '' after more than 20 years in custody .
During court hearings , Smith repeatedly testified that he fantasises about raping young boys and then killing them to avoid detection .
He refers to himself as `` Mr RTK '' , the initials standing for rape , torture , kill @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days ago , police in more than half a dozen cities in California have posted warnings to their communities about his whereabouts .
Officers were called to one motel to escort him to safety after protesters surrounded the building .
`` The fact that he is being released back into our community in unconscionable , '' said Michelle Steel , chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors .
`` We must take this threat to our community very seriously and ensure everyone is aware of this individual 's grave threat to our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a psychiatric hospital in 1999 after his wife provided a letter in which he had described sex acts he wanted to perform on a seven-year-old boy .
Evaluations found that he poses a `` demonstrated danger of inflicting substantial physical harm '' to children .
He pleaded guilty to a 1985 misdemeanour charge involving a child and was required to register as a sex offender , but that requirement was removed in 2005 .
As a result , police say , he is not being supervised and is not bound by any restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ testified under oath that he will re-offend and we should believe him , '' said Orange County district attorney Todd Spitzer .
`` We will do everything we can to prevent another child from being harmed . ''
While detained in hospital , Smith was entitled to a civil trial every six months to show that he no longer posed a danger to society .
It was during one of those hearings that he claimed he had killed three boys and molested dozens .
It is not clear if the claim has ever @ @ @

A convicted sex offender who claims he has killed three boys and molested 200 is being chased by protesters across California in a bizarre game of cat-and-mouse after being released from a psychiatric hospital.
Prosecutors have warned residents they believe 59-year-old Cary Jay Smith remains a "dangerous predator" after more than 20 years in custody.
During court hearings, Smith repeatedly testified that he fantasises about raping young boys and then killing them to avoid detection.
He refers to himself as "Mr RTK", the initials standing for rape, torture, kill.
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Since his release from hospital 10 days ago, police in more than half a dozen cities in California have posted warnings to their communities about his whereabouts.
Officers were called to one motel to escort him to safety after protesters surrounded the building.
"The fact that he is being released back into our community in unconscionable," said Michelle Steel, chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.
"We must take this threat to our community very seriously and ensure everyone is aware of this individual's grave threat to our children."
Smith was sent to a psychiatric hospital in 1999 after his wife provided a letter in which he had described sex acts he wanted to perform on a seven-year-old boy.
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Evaluations found that he poses a "demonstrated danger of inflicting substantial physical harm" to children.
He pleaded guilty to a 1985 misdemeanour charge involving a child and was required to register as a sex offender, but that requirement was removed in 2005.
As a result, police say, he is not being supervised and is not bound by any restrictions.
"This sexual predator has repeatedly testified under oath that he will re-offend and we should believe him," said Orange County district attorney Todd Spitzer.
"We will do everything we can to prevent another child from being harmed."
Twitter Twitter , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Twitter cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Twitter cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
While detained in hospital, Smith was entitled to a civil trial every six months to show that he no longer posed a danger to society.
It was during one of those hearings that he claimed he had killed three boys and molested dozens. It is not clear if the claim has ever been substantiated.


skynewsus--2020-07-24--Congresswoman rejects apology of Republican who allegedly called her 'f****** b****'

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , the youngest woman to be elected to the US House of Representatives , has delivered a powerful speech in response to a congressman who allegedly verbally abused her .
The Democratic congresswoman claims that Republican Ted Yoho called her a `` f****** b**** '' and said she was `` out of [ her ] freaking mind '' on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington DC .
Mr Yoho issued a public apology the following day but denied using the alleged language , saying it was a `` policy discussion '' .
In a passionate 10-minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Ocasio-Cortez , who is known as AOC , rejected Mr Yoho 's apology and called out a culture of accepting `` violence and violent language against women [ and ] an entire structure of power that supports that '' .
She said : `` I have waited tables in restaurants .
I have ridden the subway .
I have walked the streets in New York City .
And this kind of language is not new .
`` I have tossed men out of bars that have used language like Mr Yoho 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of harassment riding the subway in New York City .
This is not new . ''
Ms Ocasio-Cortez , who represents New York 's 14th district , added : `` Having a daughter does not make a man decent .
`` Having a wife does not make a decent man .
Treating people with dignity and respect makes a decent man . ''
Ms Ocasio-Cortez said men abuse women with a `` sense of impunity '' every day , including when `` individuals who hold the highest office in this land admit ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Donald Trump was embroiled in a public row with Ms Ocasio-Cortez last year when her told her and three other Democratic women of colour - known as the `` squad '' - to `` go back '' to the country they are from .
Ms Ocasio-Cortez was born in New York .
During the session in the House on Thursday , a number of other women supported Ms Ocasio-Cortez by saying they too had come across similar treatment from men .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barbara Lee said : `` I personally have experienced a lifetime of insults , racism and sexism and believe me , this did not stop after being elected to public office . ''

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the youngest woman to be elected to the US House of Representatives, has delivered a powerful speech in response to a congressman who allegedly verbally abused her.
The Democratic congresswoman claims that Republican Ted Yoho called her a "f****** b****" and said she was "out of [her] freaking mind" on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington DC.
Mr Yoho issued a public apology the following day but denied using the alleged language, saying it was a "policy discussion".
Image: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called out a Republican colleague for alleged verbal abuse
In a passionate 10-minute speech in the House on Thursday, Ms Ocasio-Cortez, who is known as AOC, rejected Mr Yoho's apology and called out a culture of accepting "violence and violent language against women [and] an entire structure of power that supports that".
She said: "I have waited tables in restaurants. I have ridden the subway. I have walked the streets in New York City. And this kind of language is not new.
"I have tossed men out of bars that have used language like Mr Yoho's, and I have encountered this type of harassment riding the subway in New York City. This is not new."
Ms Ocasio-Cortez, who represents New York's 14th district, added: "Having a daughter does not make a man decent.
"Having a wife does not make a decent man. Treating people with dignity and respect makes a decent man."
Ms Ocasio-Cortez said men abuse women with a "sense of impunity" every day, including when "individuals who hold the highest office in this land admit... to hurting women".
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Image: Ted Yoho issued a public apology but denied using the alleged language
US President Donald Trump was embroiled in a public row with Ms Ocasio-Cortez last year when her told her and three other Democratic women of colour - known as the "squad" - to "go back" to the country they are from. Ms Ocasio-Cortez was born in New York.
During the session in the House on Thursday, a number of other women supported Ms Ocasio-Cortez by saying they too had come across similar treatment from men.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Democratic congresswoman Barbara Lee said: "I personally have experienced a lifetime of insults, racism and sexism and believe me, this did not stop after being elected to public office."


skynewsus--2020-07-06--Backstage with… the star of one of the first new UK cinema releases

US comedy-drama Saint Frances will be one of the first new films showing in UK cinemas since the coronavirus lockdown began .
The movie is opening in a world where some cinemas remain closed , and smaller , independent chains may never open again .
It 's something the film 's lead and writer , Kelly O'Sullivan , was painfully aware of when she spoke to Sky News ' Backstage podcast .
`` I just keep thinking 'When are we going to get to do what we love again ? '
... Everything is a giant anxious question mark , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she has hope .
`` I think the film industry will come back faster than say live theatre .
I think about that quite often too - the industries which are going to be at the very tail end of you know , whatever this thing is that we 're experiencing . ''
In the US , Congress approved the much-lauded Coronavirus Aid , Relief , and Economic Security Act , providing more than $ 2tn ( £1.6tn ) in funding for a pandemic-stricken nation .
Of that , however , only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the arts .
To put that into perspective , that 's the same amount of money Disney is said to have paid for the rights to Broadway epic Hamilton .
At the start of July , the head of the National Endowment of the Arts told National Public Radio based in Washington that more than half of that money had already been given out .
: : Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker '' I think [ Donald ] Trump thinks that he 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' O'Sullivan laughed .
`` He just wants all the attention all the time and he has no appreciation for art , in my estimation .
`` It 's devastating to be in the midst of this administration . ''
Taking place over a summer , Saint Frances follows 34-year-old Bridget , who packs in her dead-end waitressing job to become a nanny for the titular Frances .
The film sees Bridget dealing with the emotional and physical aftermath of an abortion .
O'Sullivan said she was inspired to write one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lying on the table , drawing from her own experience .
`` I was having this ultrasound and the nurse said , 'Do you want to know if it 's twins ? '
`` I just turned to her and I said , ' I guess ' and she immediately , no pause , says 'It 's not ' . ''
The societal pressure on Bridget to have children before she turns 35 , all while looking after a child who is not her own , also makes for compelling viewing .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said of young star Ramona Edith Williams , who plays Frances .
`` She 's vibrant and fun and smart , and really understands a lot of what 's going on , but never gets buried in anything sombre . ''
While Saint Frances is peppered with comedy , it never shies away from reality .
`` We wanted to make it as realistic as possible in every way possible , including sometimes being graphic about it , and then letting ourselves laugh about the graphic nature of those things , '' says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bridget and her boyfriend are cleaning their faces and bed sheets , both of which are stained with menstrual blood from the night before .
Issues like racism , religion , LGBT+ parenting , and breastfeeding are also all tackled through Frances ' two mothers , Maya , played by Charin Alvarez , and Annie , played by Lily Mojekwu .
Alvarez 's portrayal of a new mother gradually slipping into post-natal depression is , in particular , utterly heart-breaking .
It 's not the only dark comedy available to view right now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You has taken the world by storm for its frank , honest look at sexual assault and rape .
In a recent interview , Coel said that , rather than `` adding '' humour to serious subjects , that `` humour is always there ; at every party , funeral and war , although often uninvited , she 's always there . ''
O'Sullivan agrees - she 's been watching I May Destroy You while in lockdown at her boyfriend 's parent 's house in Kentucky .
`` In order to make [ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have those moments of absurdity , where you 're in the middle of something that should feel dramatic , but something really funny happens .
`` Life is not categorised easily into drama and comedy . ''
Saint Frances is out now in cinemas and is available to buy on-demand .

US comedy-drama Saint Frances will be one of the first new films showing in UK cinemas since the coronavirus lockdown began.
The movie is opening in a world where some cinemas remain closed, and smaller, independent chains may never open again.
It's something the film's lead and writer, Kelly O'Sullivan, was painfully aware of when she spoke to Sky News' Backstage podcast.
"I just keep thinking 'When are we going to get to do what we love again?'... Everything is a giant anxious question mark," she said.
But, still, she has hope.
Image: 'It's devastating to be in the midst of this administration,' Kelly O'Sullivan (left) says of President Trump. Pic: Vertigo Releases
"I think the film industry will come back faster than say live theatre. I think about that quite often too - the industries which are going to be at the very tail end of you know, whatever this thing is that we're experiencing."
In the US, Congress approved the much-lauded Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, providing more than $2tn (£1.6tn) in funding for a pandemic-stricken nation.
Of that, however, only $75m (£60m) went into the arts.
To put that into perspective, that's the same amount of money Disney is said to have paid for the rights to Broadway epic Hamilton.
Advertisement
At the start of July, the head of the National Endowment of the Arts told National Public Radio based in Washington that more than half of that money had already been given out.
Podcast Podcast , which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enable Podcast cookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the This content is provided by, which may be using cookies and other technologies. To show you this content, we need your permission to use cookies. You can use the buttons below to amend your preferences to enablecookies or to allow those cookies just once. You can change your settings at any time via the Privacy Options Unfortunately we have been unable to verify if you have consented to Podcast cookies. To view this content you can use the button below to allow Podcast cookies for this session only. Enable Cookies Allow Cookies Once
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
"I think [Donald] Trump thinks that he's the only entertainment we should be watching," O'Sullivan laughed.
"He just wants all the attention all the time and he has no appreciation for art, in my estimation.
"It's devastating to be in the midst of this administration."
Taking place over a summer, Saint Frances follows 34-year-old Bridget, who packs in her dead-end waitressing job to become a nanny for the titular Frances.
Image: Ramona Edith Williams plays six-year-old Frances. Pic: Vertigo Releases
The film sees Bridget dealing with the emotional and physical aftermath of an abortion.
O'Sullivan said she was inspired to write one of the funniest lines while she herself was lying on the table.
"I was having this ultrasound and the nurse said, 'Do you want to know if it's twins?'
"I just turned to her and I said, 'I guess' and she immediately, no pause, says 'It's not'."
The societal pressure on Bridget to have children before she turns 35, all while looking after a child who is not her own, also makes for compelling viewing.
Image: O'Sullivan says she was inspired to write the funniest lines in Saint Frances while on the abortion table. Pic: Vertigo Releases
"She's the best," O'Sullivan said of young star Ramona Edith Williams, who plays Frances.
"She's vibrant and fun and smart, and really understands a lot of what's going on, but never gets buried in anything sombre."
While Saint Frances is peppered with comedy, it never shies away from reality.
"We wanted to make it as realistic as possible in every way possible, including sometimes being graphic about it, and then letting ourselves laugh about the graphic nature of those things," says O'Sullivan.
Fifteen minutes in, and Bridget and her boyfriend are cleaning their faces and bed sheets, both of which are stained with menstrual blood from the night before.
Issues like racism, religion, LGBT+ parenting, and breastfeeding are also all tackled through Frances' two mothers, Maya, played by Charin Alvarez, and Annie, played by Lily Mojekwu.
Image: Charin Alvarez gives a blistering performance as one of Frances' mothers who experiences post-natal depression. Pic: Vertigo Releases
Alvarez's portrayal of a new mother gradually slipping into post-natal depression is, in particular, utterly heart-breaking.
It's not the only dark comedy available to view right now. Michaela Coel's I May Destroy You has taken the world by storm for its frank, honest look at sexual assault and rape.
In a recent interview, Coel said that, rather than "adding" humour to serious subjects, that "humour is always there; at every party, funeral and war, although often uninvited, she's always there."
O'Sullivan agrees - she's been watching I May Destroy You while in lockdown at her boyfriend's parent's house in Kentucky.
"In order to make [Saint Frances] realistic, it had to have those moments of absurdity, where you're in the middle of something that should feel dramatic, but something really funny happens.
"Life is not categorised easily into drama and comedy."
Saint Frances is out now in cinemas and is available to buy on-demand.
Hear more from the interview on this week's episode of Backstage - Sky News' entertainment podcast.


skynewsus--2020-07-22--QAnon: The bizarre pro-Trump conspiracy theory growing ahead of the US election

It has been described as a right-wing conspiracy theory , an emerging religious movement , and even as a domestic terrorism threat in one FBI bulletin - but what exactly is QAnon ?
Put simply , QAnon is a surprisingly popular hoax based on the cryptic posts of an individual or group purporting to possess inside knowledge of the Trump administration 's secret fight against an evil global cabal .
QAnon 's followers ( which include at least one Republican candidate for the US Senate ) often disagree about very significant details of the conspiracy which they believe is taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about ?
Generally they all believe that Donald Trump is fighting against a secretive and evil global cabal , members of which include former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and the billionaire liberal philanthropist George Soros , who both have been hate figures for the American political right for many years .
The supporters believe that a person or group inside the administration - the eponymous `` Q '' - is posting coded messages online to inform Mr Trump 's supporters about this secret war , and preparing them for an imminent event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabal and imprisons its members .
Is n't this the plot of a bad young adult fiction novel ?
It might sound like one , but banners proclaiming Q are very popular at Mr Trump 's re-election rallies and at campaign events for other Republicans who have expressed support for him .
It is a much bigger deal that the substance of the conspiracy theories might lead you to believe .
Has Q ever provided any evidence of the claims ?
Not only is there no evidence , but many of the claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ particular events on particular dates , or factual accusations - have been proven to be false .
But rather than lose supporters as a result of these incidents , Q has explained that the predictions and claims which have n't come to pass were actually purposeful misdirection , and a necessary part of their cryptic revelations .
Psychologically this only serves to strengthen supporters ' belief in the conspiracy , Professor Stephan Lewandowsky at the University of Bristol explained to Vox , encouraging supporters to internalise any evidence which contradicts the claims of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against it .
After all , people believe in conspiracy theories because they fulfil psychological needs - not because they present convincing rational arguments , as Professor Karen Douglas told Sky News .
Conspiracy aside - where does Q post these messages ?
The messages were initially posted on 4chan , and have now moved to 8chan - internet forums which are significant hubs for the far-right due to their lack of content moderation .
Now , across fringe and mainstream social media platforms , there is a significant community of people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who come together to collectively interpret Q 's cryptic messages .
Posts and videos discussing these messages and riddles , whether offering interpretations or providing apocryphal commentary on the cabal , can regularly reach hundreds of thousands of views .
Reddit has banned the /r/QAnon community for inciting harassment .
Twitter has announced it was taking action against `` so-called QAnon activity '' on the basis it could lead to offline harm , and said more than 7,000 accounts involved in QAnon had been removed from the platform for violating the company 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban evasion .
Twitter added it would no longer be allowing content and accounts associated with QAnon to appear in its trending section or its recommendations , and that URLs associated with it would be blocked from being shared on the platform .
QAnon videos have also been downgraded on YouTube , and searches for the term receive a box providing context about the movement - in this case the Wikipedia article - similar to how coronavirus videos receive context boxes directing to national health authorities .
Despite the downgrading , YouTube remains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cryptic messages - some of whom regularly reach hundreds of thousands of viewers with each video There are dozens and potentially hundreds of QAnon groups on Facebook , which the platform does n't apply any overt moderation to in the style of the other platforms .
Some of these groups are very active , featuring tens of thousands of members and thousands of posts every day .
Does Donald Trump know about this ?
Supporters think he does , and point out that he has retweeted multiple accounts involved in spreading the QAnon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president does n't do much vetting of the messages he retweets .
At a rally for Mr Trump in Cincinnati last August , a man warming up the crowed used a QAnon motto `` where we go one , we go all '' to conclude his speech , although he later denied it was a reference to the conspiracy theory .
Did the FBI really describe them as a domestic terror threat ?
An intelligence bulletin from an FBI field office in Phoenix , published by Yahoo News , specifically mentions QAnon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' as a domestic terror threat .
It added that the risks posed by these extremists were likely to grow during the 2020 presidential election cycle .

It has been described as a right-wing conspiracy theory, an emerging religious movement, and even as a domestic terrorism threat in one FBI bulletin - but what exactly is QAnon?
Put simply, QAnon is a surprisingly popular hoax based on the cryptic posts of an individual or group purporting to possess inside knowledge of the Trump administration's secret fight against an evil global cabal.
QAnon's followers (which include at least one Republican candidate for the US Senate) often disagree about very significant details of the conspiracy which they believe is taking place.
What details do they agree about?
Generally they all believe that Donald Trump is fighting against a secretive and evil global cabal, members of which include former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and the billionaire liberal philanthropist George Soros, who both have been hate figures for the American political right for many years.
The supporters believe that a person or group inside the administration - the eponymous "Q" - is posting coded messages online to inform Mr Trump's supporters about this secret war, and preparing them for an imminent event in which the president overthrows the evil cabal and imprisons its members.
Isn't this the plot of a bad young adult fiction novel?
Image: QAnon followers started appear at Donald Trump rallies
It might sound like one, but banners proclaiming Q were very popular at Mr Trump's re-election rallies and at campaign events for other Republicans who have expressed support for him.
It is a much bigger deal that the substance of the conspiracy theories might lead you to believe.
Advertisement
Has Q ever provided any evidence of the claims?
Not only is there no evidence, but many of the claims Q has made - whether predictions regarding particular events on particular dates, or factual accusations - have been proven to be false.
But rather than lose supporters as a result of these incidents, Q has explained that the predictions and claims which haven't come to pass were actually purposeful misdirection, and a necessary part of their cryptic revelations.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Psychologically this only serves to strengthen supporters' belief in the conspiracy, Professor Stephan Lewandowsky at the University of Bristol explained to Vox, encouraging supporters to internalise any evidence which contradicts the claims of Q simply as evidence of the conspiracy against it.
After all, people believe in conspiracy theories because they fulfil psychological needs - not because they present convincing rational arguments, as Professor Karen Douglas told Sky News.
Conspiracy aside - where does Q post these messages?
The messages were initially posted on 4chan, and have now moved to 8kun, the successor of 8chan - internet forums which are significant hubs for the far-right due to their lack of content moderation.
Now, across fringe and mainstream social media platforms, there is a significant community of people who express a belief in the conspiracy and who come together to collectively interpret Q's cryptic messages.
Posts and videos discussing these messages and riddles, whether offering interpretations or providing apocryphal commentary on the cabal, can regularly reach hundreds of thousands of views.
Image: Reddit banned the QAnon community
How are social media companies reacting?
Reddit has banned the /r/QAnon community for inciting harassment.
Twitter has announced it was taking action against "so-called QAnon activity" on the basis it could lead to offline harm, and said more than 7,000 accounts involved in QAnon had been removed from the platform for violating the company's rules against spam, manipulation, and ban evasion.
Twitter added it would no longer be allowing content and accounts associated with QAnon to appear in its trending section or its recommendations, and that URLs associated with it would be blocked from being shared on the platform.
Image: YouTube displays 'context' alongside searches for QAnon
QAnon videos have also been downgraded on YouTube, and searches for the term receive a box providing context about the movement - in this case the Wikipedia article - similar to how coronavirus videos receive context boxes directing to national health authorities.
Despite the downgrading, YouTube remains a popular platform for accounts discussing the cryptic messages - some of whom regularly reach hundreds of thousands of viewers with each video
Image: There are dozens of Facebook Groups dedicated to QAnon
There are dozens and potentially hundreds of QAnon groups on Facebook, which the platform has said it would begin proactively banning.
Some of these groups are very active, featuring tens of thousands of members and thousands of posts every day.
Does Donald Trump know about this?
Supporters think he does, and point out that he has retweeted multiple accounts involved in spreading the QAnon message - although there is significant evidence the president doesn't do much vetting of the messages he retweets.
At a rally for Mr Trump in Cincinnati last August, a man warming up the crowed used a QAnon motto "where we go one, we go all" to conclude his speech, although he later denied it was a reference to the conspiracy theory.
Did the FBI really describe them as a domestic terror threat?
They did.
An intelligence bulletin from an FBI field office in Phoenix, published by Yahoo News, specifically mentions QAnon and other "conspiracy theory-driven domestic extremists" as a domestic terror threat.
It added that the risks posed by these extremists were likely to grow during the 2020 presidential election cycle.


skynewsus--2020-07-24--Video emerges of Amber Heard's sister 'after attack by actress'

Previously unseen reality TV footage of Amber Heard 's sister after she was allegedly attacked by the actress has been shown to the High Court after being sent in anonymously .
The clip was dramatically played on Friday afternoon , with Depp 's barrister David Sherborne telling the court it was sent by a `` confidential source '' on Thursday night - after Whitney Henriquez gave evidence to say her sister had never been violent towards her .
Ms Henriquez told the court the footage was for a `` really bad reality TV show '' and said they were discussing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one .
In the short video , which Mr Sherborne said was recorded in 2006 or 2007 , Ms Henriquez is with some other women by a pool .
She says she `` got into an altercation '' , but does not want to discuss it further .
Key moments from day 14 of Johnny Depp 's libel case against NGN : • Heard 's sister finished giving evidence and told the court she and Amber `` grew up in a violent household… And were taught to stay '' • She denies giving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heard `` was a victim of domestic violence and that 's the only reason .
I 'm here to do the right thing '' • Acting coach Kristina Sexton said Heard told her Depp had `` slapped and tried to strangle her '' - and had previously suspected there was domestic abuse occurring • Heard 's friend Raquel Pennington said in her statement that she feared `` Johnny might accidentally kill her '' while drunk • She denied Heard used make-up to fake injuries , and said it was `` completely false '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Another friend of Heard 's , author and activist iO Tillett Wright , described the phone call in which it was alleged he heard Depp hurl a phone in Heard 's face • He also described Heard as `` faecal phobic '' and said there is no way she would have left excrement in the couple 's marital bed , as has been alleged In the dramatic new video evidence shown to the court , a woman , who at one point appears to be examining Ms Henriquez 's face , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beat your ass .
I know you could beat her ass , '' and then later on : `` Whitney truth or dare ?
Did you really start the fight with your sister ?
Or did she start it ?
For real , for real , for real . ''
When Ms Henriquez then says : `` We 're not going to talk about that '' , the woman replies : `` She really did whoop your butt . ''
Sasha Wass , NGN 's lawyer , said the video was `` light-hearted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence of any injuries '' .
Depp 's team say the new video `` demonstrates Ms Whitney ( Henriquez ) was lying yesterday '' .
On Thursday , she denied that Heard had ever hit her , or that she was `` frightened '' of her sister .
Ms Henriquez also gave evidence saying she saw Depp punch Heard `` really hard in the head ... multiple times '' in Los Angeles in March 2015 , in the so-called `` stairs incident '' .
She admitted that her sister also punched the actor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only did so `` in my defence '' because she believed he was going to push her down the stairs .
Speaking about the new video , Mr Sherborne told the court : `` After [ Ms Henriquez ] gave evidence yesterday , one of our team was contacted by an individual , on the basis of being kept confidential . ''
He added : `` We were contacted to explain that Ms Amber Heard had a history of violence and attacking people and this video , which was attached , of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Heard had attacked her and Ms Whitney [ Henriquez ] was filmed with people commenting on the bruises on her face and body . ''
Mr Sherborne reminded the judge in the case , Mr Justice Nicol , of Ms Henriquez 's evidence from the previous day , and that she had said the `` stairs incident '' was a `` one-off '' .
Ms Henriquez 's evidence about the incident in March 2015 is `` the only occasion on which any other human being is supposed to have witnessed '' Depp being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The reliability of Ms Whitney [ Henriquez ] is critical , '' Mr Sherborne said .
Questioned about the new footage , Ms Henriquez denied there was a `` physical fight '' .
She said the show 's producers were trying to make a storyline better .
`` They were trying to make a narrative that was n't there , '' she said .
`` Trying to make a really , really boring conversation more interesting . ''
Ms Henriquez told the court she did not want to discuss a dispute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wanted to shut the conversation down , '' she said .
`` I had no interest in talking about that on camera . ''
Eleanor Laws , Depp 's lawyer , also questioned Ms Henriquez on what she said was a visible mark on her chest in the footage , which Heard 's sister said was not true , arguing that the lawyer was `` looking for injuries that are not there '' .
Also on Friday , the court heard evidence from Heard 's acting coach of ten years , Kristina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen Depp `` hit , kick , or throw anything '' at Heard .
She said Heard had told her that Depp had `` slapped and tried to strangle her '' in 2016 , but that she had previously suspected domestic abuse was going on .
She said on one occasion when Heard was filming the movie Blonde , she saw she was `` wearing a thick layer of foundation '' , which aroused her suspicions , as she normally `` did n't really wear make up in the daytime '' .
Referring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said : `` I feel that she [ Heard ] was n't in a great mental state in the week I saw her before she got married . ''
Heard 's former best friend , Raquel Pennington , told the court she `` became really scared for Amber 's life '' after the Australia incident , which is alleged to have taken place in March 2015 .
In her statement , she said she was afraid `` Johnny might accidentally kill her while he was intoxicated or delusional like he was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she had seen on Amber 's arms after the trip , including `` lacerations , deep scratches or cuts , from the length of her wrist to her elbow '' and smaller cuts on the bottom of both her feet .
She also described seeing Heard 's injuries after an alleged incident in December 2015 - the day before the actress filmed an appearance on James Corden 's The Late Late Show .
Ms Pennington said : `` The one that stands out the most in my memory is the injury to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that was bloody where her hair had been ripped out .
`` Additionally , she had a very swollen nose at that point , it was quite tender , and maybe another ... laceration or scrape ( at the ) front of her scalp as well , and like an injury to her lip . ''
She denied that she and Heard had damaged one of Depp 's penthouse apartments after attending police officers had left the building - and taken photos - in order to bolster Heard 's application for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ applied for a divorce in 2016 .
Last to give evidence was Heard 's friend iO Tillett Wright .
He described an incident in May 2016 , when he says he heard Depp and Heard arguing when he was on the phone to Heard , and then the phone being dropped , and `` what sounded like a cry or a yelp '' .
He says he heard Heard `` say something like you just threw the phone at my face '' - and the next thing he heard was Depp saying `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you think I hit you .
What if I peel your hair back ? ''
.
He says he then heard Heard scream , and `` everything seemed to get further away from the phone '' .
He said he heard her scream `` call 911 '' , which he then did .
He also told the court : `` A number of people who worked in the entertainment industry were afraid of speaking up and saying what they had seen as they feared they would be blacklisted . ''
: : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Depp is suing NGN , the publishers of The Sun newspaper , over the publication of an article in April 2018 which ran with the headline : `` Gone Potty : How can JK Rowling be 'genuinely happy ' casting wife beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film ? ''
NGN is defending the article as true and is relying on 14 allegations of violence made by Heard , their witness , in its defence .
The case , the biggest English libel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to finish next week with closing submissions from both sides ' legal teams on Monday and Tuesday , and a ruling expected at a later date .

Previously unseen reality TV footage of Amber Heard's sister after she was allegedly attacked by the actress has been shown to the High Court after being sent in anonymously.
The clip was dramatically played on Friday afternoon, with Depp's barrister David Sherborne telling the court it was sent by a "confidential source" on Thursday night - after Whitney Henriquez gave evidence to say her sister had never been violent towards her.
Ms Henriquez told the court the footage was for a "really bad reality TV show" and said they were discussing a verbal argument, not a physical one.
In the short video, which Mr Sherborne said was recorded in 2006 or 2007, Ms Henriquez is with some other women by a pool. She says she "got into an altercation", but does not want to discuss it further.
Image: Whitney Henriquez in previously unseen footage shown to the court
Key moments from day 14 of Johnny Depp's libel case against NGN:
Heard's sister finished giving evidence and told the court she and Amber "grew up in a violent household… And were taught to stay"
She denies giving false evidence to the court and says Heard "was a victim of domestic violence and that's the only reason. I'm here to do the right thing"
Acting coach Kristina Sexton said Heard told her Depp had "slapped and tried to strangle her" - and had previously suspected there was domestic abuse occurring
Heard's friend Raquel Pennington said in her statement that she feared "Johnny might accidentally kill her" while drunk
She denied Heard used make-up to fake injuries, and said it was "completely false" they had faked damage to the apartments
Another friend of Heard's, author and activist iO Tillett Wright, described the phone call in which it was alleged he heard Depp hurl a phone in Heard's face
He also described Heard as "faecal phobic" and said there is no way she would have left excrement in the couple's marital bed, as has been alleged
Image: Amber Heard waved as she arrived at court on Friday morning
In the dramatic new video evidence shown to the court, a woman, who at one point appears to be examining Ms Henriquez's face, says: "I can't believe Amber beat your ass. I know you could beat her ass," and then later on: "Whitney truth or dare? Did you really start the fight with your sister? Or did she start it? For real, for real, for real."
When Ms Henriquez then says: "We're not going to talk about that", the woman replies: "She really did whoop your butt."
Sasha Wass, NGN's lawyer, said the video was "light-hearted" and said it showed "no evidence of any injuries".
Depp's team say the new video "demonstrates Ms Whitney (Henriquez) was lying yesterday".
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On Thursday, she denied that Heard had ever hit her, or that she was "frightened" of her sister.
Image: Amber Heard (right) and Ms Henriquez pictured together in 2016
Ms Henriquez also gave evidence saying she saw Depp punch Heard "really hard in the head... multiple times" in Los Angeles in March 2015, in the so-called "stairs incident".
She admitted that her sister also punched the actor on that occasion, but said she only did so "in my defence" because she believed he was going to push her down the stairs.
Speaking about the new video, Mr Sherborne told the court: "After [Ms Henriquez] gave evidence yesterday, one of our team was contacted by an individual, on the basis of being kept confidential."
He added: "We were contacted to explain that Ms Amber Heard had a history of violence and attacking people and this video, which was attached, of her sister Whitney was taken shortly after Amber Heard had attacked her and Ms Whitney [Henriquez] was filmed with people commenting on the bruises on her face and body."
Mr Sherborne reminded the judge in the case, Mr Justice Nicol, of Ms Henriquez's evidence from the previous day, and that she had said the "stairs incident" was a "one-off".
Image: Johnny Depp was given flowers by fans as he walked into the court
Ms Henriquez's evidence about the incident in March 2015 is "the only occasion on which any other human being is supposed to have witnessed" Depp being violent towards Heard, the barrister continued.
"The reliability of Ms Whitney [Henriquez] is critical," Mr Sherborne said.
Questioned about the new footage, Ms Henriquez denied there was a "physical fight". She said the show's producers were trying to make a storyline better.
"They were trying to make a narrative that wasn't there," she said. "Trying to make a really, really boring conversation more interesting."
Ms Henriquez told the court she did not want to discuss a dispute with her sister on TV.
"I wanted to shut the conversation down," she said. "I had no interest in talking about that on camera."
Eleanor Laws, Depp's lawyer, also questioned Ms Henriquez on what she said was a visible mark on her chest in the footage, which Heard's sister said was not true, arguing that the lawyer was "looking for injuries that are not there".
Image: (L-R) Heard leaves hand-in-hand with her sister Whitney
Also on Friday, the court heard evidence from Heard's acting coach of ten years, Kristina Sexton, who said she had never seen Depp "hit, kick, or throw anything" at Heard.
She said Heard had told her that Depp had "slapped and tried to strangle her" in 2016, but that she had previously suspected domestic abuse was going on.
She said on one occasion when Heard was filming the movie Blonde, she saw she was "wearing a thick layer of foundation", which aroused her suspicions, as she normally "didn't really wear make up in the daytime".
Referring to Depp and Heard's wedding, she said: "I feel that she [Heard] wasn't in a great mental state in the week I saw her before she got married."
Image: Amber Heard (left) and Ms Henriquez pictured together in 2015
Heard's former best friend, Raquel Pennington, told the court she "became really scared for Amber's life" after the Australia incident, which is alleged to have taken place in March 2015.
In her statement, she said she was afraid "Johnny might accidentally kill her while he was intoxicated or delusional like he was in Australia".
She described graphic injuries she had seen on Amber's arms after the trip, including "lacerations, deep scratches or cuts, from the length of her wrist to her elbow" and smaller cuts on the bottom of both her feet.
She also described seeing Heard's injuries after an alleged incident in December 2015 - the day before the actress filmed an appearance on James Corden's The Late Late Show.
Ms Pennington said: "The one that stands out the most in my memory is the injury to the back of her head, the scalp, that was bloody where her hair had been ripped out.
"Additionally, she had a very swollen nose at that point, it was quite tender, and maybe another... laceration or scrape (at the) front of her scalp as well, and like an injury to her lip."
She denied that she and Heard had damaged one of Depp's penthouse apartments after attending police officers had left the building - and taken photos - in order to bolster Heard's application for a domestic violence restraining order shortly before she applied for a divorce in 2016.
Image: Heard (pictured outside court on Thursday) is due to answer questions about the clip
Last to give evidence was Heard's friend iO Tillett Wright.
He described an incident in May 2016, when he says he heard Depp and Heard arguing when he was on the phone to Heard, and then the phone being dropped, and "what sounded like a cry or a yelp".
He says he heard Heard "say something like you just threw the phone at my face" - and the next thing he heard was Depp saying "Oh, you think I hit you, you think I hit you. What if I peel your hair back?".
He says he then heard Heard scream, and "everything seemed to get further away from the phone". He said he heard her scream "call 911", which he then did.
He also told the court: "A number of people who worked in the entertainment industry were afraid of speaking up and saying what they had seen as they feared they would be blacklisted."
Image: Raquel Pennington said she was Heard's 'best friend' during the time of the alleged violence
:: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
Depp is suing NGN, the publishers of The Sun newspaper, over the publication of an article in April 2018 which ran with the headline: "Gone Potty: How can JK Rowling be 'genuinely happy' casting wife beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film?"
NGN is defending the article as true and is relying on 14 allegations of violence made by Heard, their witness, in its defence.
The case, the biggest English libel trial of the 21st century, is due to finish next week with closing submissions from both sides' legal teams on Monday and Tuesday, and a ruling expected at a later date.


skynewsus--2020-07-24--Person. Woman. Man. President.

Person. Woman. Man. President.

Donald Trump is cognitively brilliant - at least that ’ s what he says .
It ’ s been an @ @ @ @ @ House , as the president grapples with coronavirus cases soaring , and his election poll @ @ @ @ @ direction .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , @ @ @ @ @ Lynch and Emily Purser Brown are in Florida , at the heart of America 's @ @ @ @ @ through Trump 's change in strategy this week , and his challenge getting the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ wears on .
Plus , they have the tragic story of a woman who lost @ @ @ @ @ COVID - who has a warning for other young people .

Donald Trump is cognitively brilliant - at least that’s what he says. It’s been an interesting week at the White House, as the president grapples with coronavirus cases soaring, and his election poll numbers going in the opposite direction.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Cordelia Lynch and Emily Purser Brown are in Florida, at the heart of America's COVID crisis. They talk through Trump's change in strategy this week, and his challenge getting the pandemic under control as the summer wears on.
Plus, they have the tragic story of a woman who lost two of her children to COVID - who has a warning for other young people.


skynewsus--2020-07-24--Man shares $22m lottery win with friend after handshake pact 28 years ago

Two friends in the US who shook hands and made a pact 28 years ago that they would split the winnings if they hit the lottery jackpot have become millionaires .
Tom Cook and Joe Feeney , who live in the Menomonie area of Wisconsin , made the agreement in 1992 , saying they would always share the money , whoever bought the ticket .
Mr Cook stood by his word when he realised the Powerball ticket he bought for the 10 June jackpot was the $ 22m ( £17m ) winner .
Mr Feeney said he could not believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tell him the news .
The avid fisherman said he asked his friend : `` Are you jerking my bobber ? ''
But this was nothing fishy , and Mr Cook promptly retired from his job .
Mr Feeney had already retired from his job in a fire department .
`` We can pursue what we feel comfortable with .
I ca n't think of a better way to retire , '' said Mr Cook .
Wisconsin lottery director Cindy Polzin said : `` Congratulations to Tom , Joe , and their families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a handshake has paid off .
I 'm thrilled for them-their lucky day has arrived . ''
The men have chosen the cash option of approximately $ 16.7m ( £13m ) , meaning they each took home about $ 5.7m ( £4.4m ) after federal and state taxes .
The pair said they do not have any extravagant spending plans but they are looking forward to more family time .
Powerball tickets cost $ 2 ( £1.50 ) and the odds of winning are around one in 292,000,000 .

Two friends in the US who shook hands and made a pact 28 years ago that they would split the winnings if they hit the lottery jackpot have become millionaires.
Tom Cook and Joe Feeney, who live in the Menomonie area of Wisconsin, made the agreement in 1992, saying they would always share the money, whoever bought the ticket.
Mr Cook stood by his word when he realised the Powerball ticket he bought for the 10 June jackpot was the $22m (£17m) winner.
Mr Feeney said he could not believe it when Mr Cook phoned him to tell him the news.
The avid fisherman said he asked his friend: "Are you jerking my bobber?"
But this was nothing fishy, and Mr Cook promptly retired from his job. Mr Feeney had already retired from his job in a fire department.
"We can pursue what we feel comfortable with. I can't think of a better way to retire," said Mr Cook.
Wisconsin lottery director Cindy Polzin said: "Congratulations to Tom, Joe, and their families.
"The power of friendship and a handshake has paid off. I'm thrilled for them-their lucky day has arrived."
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The men have chosen the cash option of approximately $16.7m (£13m), meaning they each took home about $5.7m (£4.4m) after federal and state taxes.
The pair said they do not have any extravagant spending plans but they are looking forward to more family time.
Powerball tickets cost $2 (£1.50) and the odds of winning are around one in 292,000,000.


skynewsus--2020-07-28--Woman swimmer killed in apparent shark attack

A woman swimmer has died in an apparent shark attack off the coast Maine , New England .
Maine Marine Patrol said a witness saw the woman swimming off the shore of Bailey Island when she was injured .
Two kayakers helped her to shore , and an ambulance provided further assistance , a spokeswoman for the US Coast Guard said .
The woman has not yet been named and authorities have not yet officially confirmed the incident as a shark attack .
Human/shark interactions are incredibly rare in Maine , the only other recorded unprovoked attack happened in 2010 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his underwater camera to fend off a porbeagle that circled him before closing in .
MacNichol estimated the shark to be about eight feet long and weighing 300 pounds .
In the US as a whole there were 460 shark attacks between 2010 and 2019 , with just six fatalities , according to the International Shark attack File .
Florida has the highest number of recorded attacks , although scientists have warned that warming oceans means that sharks could migrate further north along the US eastern seaboard and the frequency of attacks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @

A swimmer has died in an apparent shark attack off the coast of Maine, New England.
Maine Marine Patrol said a witness saw the woman swimming off the shore of Bailey Island when she was injured.
Two kayakers helped her to shore, and an ambulance provided further assistance, a spokeswoman for the US Coast Guard said.
The woman has not yet been named and authorities have not yet officially confirmed the incident as a shark attack.
Interactions between humans and sharks are incredibly rare in Maine.
The only other recorded unprovoked attack happened in 2010 when diver Scott MacNichol had to use his underwater camera to fend off a porbeagle that circled him before closing in.
Mr MacNichol estimated the shark to be about 8ft long and weighing 300lbs.
In the US as a whole there were 460 shark attacks between 2010 and 2019, with just six fatalities, according to the International Shark Attack File.
Florida has the highest number of recorded attacks, although scientists have warned that warming oceans mean that sharks could migrate further north along the US eastern seaboard and the frequency of attacks in states such as Maine could increase.


skynewsus--2020-07-27--Trump's national security adviser tests positive for COVID-19

US President Donald Trump 's national security adviser has tested positive for COVID-19 .
The White House confirmed that Robert O'Brien has `` mild symptoms '' of the virus - making him the highest-ranking US official to test positive so far .
Mr O'Brien has been self-isolating and `` working from a secure location off site '' , the White House said .
`` There is no risk of exposure to the president or the vice president , '' it added .
`` The work of the National Security Council continues uninterrupted . ''
Bloomberg News reported that Mr O'Brien @ @ @ @ @ @ @ national security adviser for less than a year , came down with the virus after a family event .
Previously , a personal valet to Mr Trump and the vice president 's press secretary Katie Miller tested positive for the virus .
Senior White House staff and anyone who comes into close contact with the president are tested for the virus every day .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker US infection rates of coronavirus have been climbing since mid-June , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country .
More 146,000 people in the US have died with COVID-19 .
Last week , Mr Trump said the coronavirus pandemic `` will probably get worse before it gets better '' as he told Americans to wear masks when they can not socially distance .

US President Donald Trump's national security adviser has tested positive for COVID-19.
The White House confirmed that Robert O'Brien has "mild symptoms" of the virus - making him the highest-ranking US official to test positive so far.
Mr O'Brien has been self-isolating and "working from a secure location off site", the White House said.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:29 Trump concedes pandemic will 'get worse'
"There is no risk of exposure to the president or the vice president," it added.
"The work of the National Security Council continues uninterrupted."
Bloomberg News reported that Mr O'Brien, who has been Mr Trump's national security adviser for less than a year, came down with the virus after a family event.
Previously, a personal valet to Mr Trump and the vice president's press secretary Katie Miller tested positive for the virus.
Senior White House staff and anyone who comes into close contact with the president are tested for the virus every day.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
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US infection rates of coronavirus have been climbing since mid-June, with more than four million cases confirmed across the country.
More 146,000 people in the US have died with COVID-19.
Last week, Mr Trump said the coronavirus pandemic "will probably get worse before it gets better" as he told Americans to wear masks when they cannot socially distance.


skynewsus--2020-07-27--Portland 'moms', nurses and veterans join protests at deployment of federal officers

These violent scenes do Portland no favours .
They play into Donald Trump 's narrative of a city under siege when the reality is very different .
The metal fence put up by federal agents in the Oregon city to protect them and the courthouse from protesters was pulled down last night .
After the now familiar exchange of fireworks , tear gas and rubber bullets the officers , dressed in tactical and riot gear , retreated inside the courthouse .
Little surprise given the crowd of protesters was around five times as big as the night before .
From @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the officers kept watch , intermittently throwing tear gas canisters at protesters seeking to pull down the new fence that has surrounded the building in recent days .
Exactly two months to the day since the killing of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis , the crowds were always expected to be big .
Portland , a city known for its strong sense of activism , has protested in support of Black Lives Matter ever since .
The demonstrations though had dwindled to a hundred or so hardcore protesters until the deployment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month .
It is highly likely the majority of these protesters would not be on the streets if the agents were not here .
Thousands of people have only mobilised since their arrival .
In response to last night 's violent scenes , Donald Trump said on Twitter : `` The 'protesters ' are actually anarchists who hate our country .
The line of innocent 'mothers ' were a scam that Lamestream refuses to acknowledge , just like they do n't report the violence of these demonstrations ! ''
This is simply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who are violent and may be better described as rioters .
But , they are a minority by a long way .
Thousands of others have taken to the streets to peacefully protest since the arrival of agents from a new federal unit created by Donald Trump last month to protect monuments and federal property .
Each evening , in the surroundings of the federal courthouse , groups organise themselves to march and protest .
A group of `` Portland moms '' was formed last Saturday after a call to arms by one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and now form a `` wall of moms '' each night - a show of protest and a bid to maintain peace .
They are easy to spot because they wear yellow and some carry sunflowers .
They are often out in their hundreds and `` grandmothers of Portland '' have started turning out too .
`` I feel like sometimes mums are the last resort , '' said Holly Waud who has two children and a cake business in Portland .
`` We 're the people nobody expects to come out , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home taking care of the kids so I think it means every sector of society has been affected .
`` I do n't think the tear gas is always aimed at some of those being violent because one of my employees comes out here on a regular basis and he 's been shot .
`` He got shot with a tear gas canister just last night in the head and he 's not a violent person .
`` I know he 's not a violent person .
He 's not throwing anything .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Black Lives Matter remains the core cause of people demonstrating here .
But the deployment of federal agents to Portland , without the invitation of local police or local authorities , has ignited anger and prompted a return to the streets .
The move is seen by many as unconstitutional and has caused outrage among residents and local officials .
After 12 nights of violence , the intense and dangerous stand off between federal officers and protesters shows no sign of ending soon .
If anything , it 's gaining momentum .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
A new contingent of nurses now marches each evening too .
Their arrival into the park opposite the federal courthouse was met with applause by other protesters .
Veterans also formed their own group just four days ago and now march into the park from the opposite direction .
`` We swore an oath to defend the constitution , '' said Tessa Terry who served eight years in the US navy .
`` We will stand as a shield between protesters and those who would violate those rights .
We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the protests we support .
`` We help make their message heard by showing our support . ''
And when the mums showed up , the `` dads of Portland '' turned out too .
The call for dads to bring leaf blowers to repel the tear gas makes them easy to identify as well .
Father-of-two Ian and I shouted to each other through gas masks in last night 's crowd .
Armed with his leafblower , it was only his second night of protest .
`` I 've never seen anything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believed that something like this could happen in an advanced democracy but here we are , '' he said .
`` The people I 've been talking to here tonight , they 're teachers , nurses , physiotherapists .
They are not so-called professional protesters . ''
Four civil rights lawsuits have so far been filed in response to federal involvement here .
This came as violent scenes also emerged in Seattle after more officers from the same unit are deployed to other Democrat-run cities .
US media reports say several dozen more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Portland while federal officials are said to be acknowledging internally that they have contributed to the quick escalation between law enforcement and protesters .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Professor Robert Tsai , from the American University Washington College of Law in Washington DC , said the agents dressed in full military gear play into a strategy president Trump , a former reality star himself , knows all too well - the power of image .
`` Trump is using the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential ad campaign to present a darker , more menacing view of the Democratic city , '' he said .
There is no question much of the violence is a direct response to the arrival of federal agents sent to `` restore order '' .
But the ugly scenes that have followed their arrival could still prove helpful images for Mr Trump 's campaign on law and order .

Sending federal officers to the protests is seen as unconstitutional by many and has prompted thousands to demonstrate.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
These violent scenes do Portland no favours. They play into Donald Trump's narrative of a city under siege when the reality is very different.
The metal fence put up by federal agents in the Oregon city to protect them and the courthouse from protesters was pulled down last night.
After the now familiar exchange of fireworks, tear gas and rubber bullets the officers, dressed in tactical and riot gear, retreated inside the courthouse.
Image: Protesters broke down the fence placed around Portland's courthouse
Little surprise given the crowd of protesters was around five times as big as the night before.
From a high vantage point inside the courthouse the officers kept watch, intermittently throwing tear gas canisters at protesters seeking to pull down the new fence that has surrounded the building in recent days.
Exactly two months to the day since the killing of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis, the crowds were always expected to be big.
Portland, a city known for its strong sense of activism, has protested in support of Black Lives Matter ever since.
The demonstrations though had dwindled to a hundred or so hardcore protesters until the deployment of federal officers by Donald Trump earlier this month.
It is highly likely the majority of these protesters would not be on the streets if the agents were not here. Thousands of people have only mobilised since their arrival.
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Image: Mothers have joined the growing protests
In response to last night's violent scenes, Donald Trump said on Twitter: "The 'protesters' are actually anarchists who hate our country. The line of innocent 'mothers' were a scam that Lamestream refuses to acknowledge, just like they don't report the violence of these demonstrations!"
This is simply not true. There are people here who are violent and may be better described as rioters. But, they are a minority by a long way.
Thousands of others have taken to the streets to peacefully protest since the arrival of agents from a new federal unit created by Donald Trump last month to protect monuments and federal property.
Image: Federal officers put up a fence around Portland's courthouse but it was pulled down by protesters
Each evening, in the surroundings of the federal courthouse, groups organise themselves to march and protest.
A group of "Portland moms" was formed last Saturday after a call to arms by one mother to do something. 2,000 responded and now form a "wall of moms" each night - a show of protest and a bid to maintain peace.
They are easy to spot because they wear yellow and some carry sunflowers. They are often out in their hundreds and "grandmothers of Portland" have started turning out too.
"I feel like sometimes mums are the last resort," said Holly Waud who has two children and a cake business in Portland.
"We're the people nobody expects to come out, right? We're the people at home taking care of the kids so I think it means every sector of society has been affected.
Image: Veterans were among the protesters in Portland
"I don't think the tear gas is always aimed at some of those being violent because one of my employees comes out here on a regular basis and he's been shot.
"He got shot with a tear gas canister just last night in the head and he's not a violent person.
"I know he's not a violent person. He's not throwing anything. He's marching around and chanting."
Black Lives Matter remains the core cause of people demonstrating here. But the deployment of federal agents to Portland, without the invitation of local police or local authorities, has ignited anger and prompted a return to the streets.
The move is seen by many as unconstitutional and has caused outrage among residents and local officials.
After 12 nights of violence, the intense and dangerous stand off between federal officers and protesters shows no sign of ending soon.
If anything, it's gaining momentum. New people are joining the protest each day.
A new contingent of nurses now marches each evening too. Their arrival into the park opposite the federal courthouse was met with applause by other protesters.
Veterans also formed their own group just four days ago and now march into the park from the opposite direction.
"We swore an oath to defend the constitution," said Tessa Terry who served eight years in the US navy.
"We will stand as a shield between protesters and those who would violate those rights. We are not trying to change the narrative of the protests we support.
"We help make their message heard by showing our support."
Image: Sally Lockwood spoke to mothers, fathers, nurses and grandparents protesting for Black Lives Matter in Portland
And when the mums showed up, the "dads of Portland" turned out too. The call for dads to bring leaf blowers to repel the tear gas makes them easy to identify as well.
Father-of-two Ian and I shouted to each other through gas masks in last night's crowd.
Armed with his leafblower, it was only his second night of protest.
"I've never seen anything like it. I would never have believed that something like this could happen in an advanced democracy but here we are," he said.
"The people I've been talking to here tonight, they're teachers, nurses, physiotherapists. They are not so-called professional protesters."
Image: The arrival of federal officers earlier this month has prompted a surge in protesters
Four civil rights lawsuits have so far been filed in response to federal involvement here.
This came as violent scenes also emerged in Seattle after more officers from the same unit are deployed to other Democrat-run cities.
US media reports say several dozen more federal officers are also being deployed to Portland while federal officials are said to be acknowledging internally that they have contributed to the quick escalation between law enforcement and protesters.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Professor Robert Tsai, from the American University Washington College of Law in Washington DC, said the agents dressed in full military gear play into a strategy president Trump, a former reality star himself, knows all too well - the power of image.
"Trump is using the images of the Portland protests in a presidential ad campaign to present a darker, more menacing view of the Democratic city," he said.
There is no question much of the violence is a direct response to the arrival of federal agents sent to "restore order".
But the ugly scenes that have followed their arrival could still prove helpful images for Mr Trump's campaign on law and order.