skynewsus--2020-07-21--Ghislaine Maxwell is accused of sex trafficking underage girls, but Trump says: 'I wish her well'

Donald Trump has sent his support to Ghislaine Maxwell , saying he wishes her well as she faces charges of recruiting girls for Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse .
Maxwell , a close friend of the late financier and convicted paedophile Epstein , is behind bars awaiting trial on charges including conspiracy to entice minors to travel to engage in illegal sex acts .
Mr Trump was among several well-known people linked socially to Epstein and during his news conference on Tuesday , he said of Maxwell : `` I just wish her well , frankly .
`` I 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , especially since I lived in Palm Beach and I guess they lived in Palm Beach ... but I wish her well , whatever it is .
`` I do n't know about the situation with Prince Andrew , I just do n't know , I 'm not aware of it . ''
Maxwell faces up to 35 years in prison if it is proved that she recruited teenage girls - including one as young as 14 - for Epstein to sexually abuse from 1994 to 1997 .
She is also accused of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - in a 2016 civil case .
Prince Andrew has known Maxwell , a British socialite and daughter of media tycoon Robert Maxwell , since her university days .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker It was Maxwell who introduced Prince Andrew to Epstein in 1999 , and it was because of her that Epstein spent time at royal properties , including Windsor Castle and Sandringham .
Maxwell , 58 , is also one of the main figures mentioned in the allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Roberts , who claims she was introduced to and subsequently had sex with the prince when she was 17-years-old and a minor under US law .
Epstein killed himself in prison in August last year , several weeks after being charged with sex trafficking .
In 2008 , he had pleaded guilty to separate charges in Florida of procuring a person under 18 for prostitution and felony solicitation of prostitution .
He served 13 months , most of it on work release at a county jail .

Donald Trump has sent his support to Ghislaine Maxwell, saying he wishes her well as she faces charges of recruiting girls for Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse.
Maxwell, a close friend of the late financier and convicted paedophile Epstein, is behind bars awaiting trial on charges including conspiracy to entice minors to travel to engage in illegal sex acts.
Mr Trump was among several well-known people linked socially to Epstein and during his news conference on Tuesday, he said of Maxwell: "I just wish her well, frankly.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 2:31 Ghislaine Maxwell 'created' Jeffrey Epstein
"I've met her numerous times over the years, especially since I lived in Palm Beach and I guess they lived in Palm Beach... but I wish her well, whatever it is.
"I don't know about the situation with Prince Andrew, I just don't know, I'm not aware of it."
Maxwell faces up to 35 years in prison if it is proved that she recruited teenage girls - including one as young as 14 - for Epstein to sexually abuse from 1994 to 1997.
She is also accused of lying in depositions - sworn out-of-court testimonies - in a 2016 civil case.
Prince Andrew has known Maxwell, a British socialite and daughter of media tycoon Robert Maxwell, since her university days.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
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It was Maxwell who introduced Prince Andrew to Epstein in 1999, and it was because of her that Epstein spent time at royal properties, including Windsor Castle and Sandringham.
Maxwell, 58, is also one of the main figures mentioned in the allegations made against Prince Andrew by Virginia Giuffre Roberts, who claims she was introduced to and subsequently had sex with the prince when she was 17-years-old and a minor under US law.
Prince Andrew denies the claims.
Epstein killed himself in prison in August last year, several weeks after being charged with sex trafficking.
In 2008, he had pleaded guilty to separate charges in Florida of procuring a person under 18 for prostitution and felony solicitation of prostitution. He served 13 months, most of it on work release at a county jail.


skynewsus--2020-07-21--Pompeo blasts 'disgraceful' Chinese Communist Party during visit to London

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has urged nations around the world to push back against the Chinese Communist Party ( CCP ) following talks with the UK 's foreign secretary .
Mr Pompeo blamed China 's ruling party specifically for COVID-19 becoming a pandemic , saying it was `` preventable '' and its `` exploitation of this disaster to further its own interests has been disgraceful '' .
`` Rather than helping the world , General Secretary Xi [ Jinping ] has shown the party 's two faces , '' he told a joint news conference with Dominic Raab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diplomat added that the CCP had `` crushed '' Hong Kong 's freedoms and bullied China 's neighbours with regards to claiming islands in the South China Sea and the disputed land on the Chinese-Indian border .
He congratulated the UK government for deciding to remove Huawei equipment from Britain 's 5G networks and said it has `` generously opened its doors '' to the Hong Kong people , halted the extradition treaty with Hong Kong and introduced an arms embargo on weapons that could be used against protesters .
`` We support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done , '' he added .
Mr Pompeo praised the relationship between the US and the UK but said every country needs to be wary of China .
`` We think the entire world needs to work together to ensure every country , including China , behaves in the international system in ways that are appropriate and consistent with the international order , '' he said .
`` We want every country to work together to push back against the Chinese Communist Party 's efforts in every dimension I described .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ collectively show the CCP it 's not in their best interests to engage in this kind of behaviour . ''
He also highlighted the CCP allegedly directing state-owned firms to `` steal '' intellectual property from US firms .
And , addressing China 's allegation the UK had only banned Huawei because the US had told it to , Mr Pompeo said : `` I think the United Kingdom made a good decision , but , I think that decision was made not because the United States said it was a good decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United Kingdom concluded the right thing to do was to make that decision for the people of the United Kingdom . ''
Mr Raab said he and Mr Pompeo had discussed their `` serious concerns '' about the situation in Hong Kong and that they talked about raising the issue of China 's actions at `` G7 level '' .
He said there was `` no question of strong-arming '' over the decision to ban Huawei but said after the US imposed sanctions on China , blocking the use of American-made chips , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a clear-sighted perspective '' .
The foreign secretary added that he spoke to Mr Pompeo about how the UK and US can diversify telecoms and other infrastructure , which has been shown necessary by the amount of PPE needed during the coronavirus pandemic .
A Huawei spokesman said : `` It is simply laughable that the US secretary of state Mike Pompeo believes the prime minister chose to ban Huawei from the UK 's 5G network 'in the interests of the people of the United Kingdom ' .
`` He knows full well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanctions targeting Huawei are all about trade and nothing to do with security and left the government with no option but to put at risk Britain 's leadership in 5G , deepen the digital divide and place consumers in the connectivity slow-lane for years to come . ''
Mr Raab appeared positive about a free trade deal being agreed with the US , saying the current annual £3bn in turnover between British and US businesses can increase .
Mr Pompeo said a deal was a `` primary focus '' and hoped to finalise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson earlier met Mr Pompeo in the Cabinet room before they moved to the Downing Street garden where they remained two metres apart due to social distancing .
: : Listen to The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts , Spotify , Google podcasts and Spreaker The US secretary of state said the discussions with the prime minister were `` constructive and candid '' and ranged from Huawei to a free trade agreement .
Mr Pompeo welcomed the enduring strength of the special partnership and they discussed the Five Eyes group - Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK and US - taking an ambitious approach to the technologies of the future .
They also spoke about their shared global policy , China 's actions in Hong Kong and the Uighur Xinjiang region , and the death of teenager Harry Dunn outside a US airbase in Northamptonshire .

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has urged nations around the world to push back against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) following talks with the UK's foreign secretary.
Mr Pompeo blamed China's ruling party specifically for COVID-19 becoming a pandemic, saying it was "preventable" and its "exploitation of this disaster to further its own interests has been disgraceful".
"Rather than helping the world, General Secretary Xi [Jinping] has shown the party's two faces," he told a joint news conference with Dominic Raab in London.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:15 China exploited COVID-19 pandemic, says Pompeo
Donald Trump's top diplomat added that the CCP had "crushed" Hong Kong's freedoms and bullied China's neighbours with regards to claiming islands in the South China Sea and the disputed land on the Chinese-Indian border.
He congratulated the UK government for deciding to remove Huawei equipment from Britain's 5G networks and said it has "generously opened its doors" to the Hong Kong people, halted the extradition treaty with Hong Kong and introduced an arms embargo on weapons that could be used against protesters.
"We support those sovereign choices, we think well done," he added.
Mr Pompeo praised the relationship between the US and the UK but said every country needs to be wary of China.
"We think the entire world needs to work together to ensure every country, including China, behaves in the international system in ways that are appropriate and consistent with the international order," he said.
"We want every country to work together to push back against the Chinese Communist Party's efforts in every dimension I described.
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"We hope we can build a coalition to collectively show the CCP it's not in their best interests to engage in this kind of behaviour."
Image: The politicians gave a press conference after their working lunch
He also highlighted the CCP allegedly directing state-owned firms to "steal" intellectual property from US firms.
And, addressing China's allegation the UK had only banned Huawei because the US had told it to, Mr Pompeo said: "I think the United Kingdom made a good decision, but, I think that decision was made not because the United States said it was a good decision, but because leadership here in the United Kingdom concluded the right thing to do was to make that decision for the people of the United Kingdom."
Mr Raab said he and Mr Pompeo had discussed their "serious concerns" about the situation in Hong Kong and that they talked about raising the issue of China's actions at "G7 level".
Image: Mike Pompeo met backbench MPs ahead of his talks with Boris Johnson and Dominic Raab
He said there was "no question of strong-arming" over the decision to ban Huawei but said after the US imposed sanctions on China, blocking the use of American-made chips, the UK had to "look for a clear-sighted perspective".
The foreign secretary added that he spoke to Mr Pompeo about how the UK and US can diversify telecoms and other infrastructure, which has been shown necessary by the amount of PPE needed during the coronavirus pandemic.
A Huawei spokesman said: "It is simply laughable that the US secretary of state Mike Pompeo believes the prime minister chose to ban Huawei from the UK's 5G network 'in the interests of the people of the United Kingdom'.
"He knows full well that groundless, inappropriate and unjustified US sanctions targeting Huawei are all about trade and nothing to do with security and left the government with no option but to put at risk Britain's leadership in 5G, deepen the digital divide and place consumers in the connectivity slow-lane for years to come."
Image: Boris Johnson met Mike Pompeo in the Downing Street garden on Tuesday morning
Mr Raab appeared positive about a free trade deal being agreed with the US, saying the current annual £3bn in turnover between British and US businesses can increase.
Mr Pompeo said a deal was a "primary focus" and hoped to finalise it "before too long".
Boris Johnson earlier met Mr Pompeo in the Cabinet room before they moved to the Downing Street garden where they remained two metres apart due to social distancing.
:: Listen to The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google podcasts and Spreaker
The US secretary of state said the discussions with the prime minister were "constructive and candid" and ranged from Huawei to a free trade agreement.
Mr Pompeo welcomed the enduring strength of the special partnership and they discussed the Five Eyes group - Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and US - taking an ambitious approach to the technologies of the future.
They also spoke about their shared global policy, China's actions in Hong Kong and the Uighur Xinjiang region, and the death of teenager Harry Dunn outside a US airbase in Northamptonshire.


skynewsus--2020-07-21--Two Chinese nationals charged by US with hacking 'hundreds' of victims

The US has charged two alleged Chinese spies with hacking defence contractors , coronavirus researchers and hundreds of other victims worldwide , according to a court filing .
Li Xiaoyu and Dong Jiazhi were described as `` one of the most prolific groups of hackers '' the FBI has investigated .
Authorities said the pair took part in a years-long cyber espionage campaign that stole weapon designs , drug information , and software source code .
Li and Dong allegedly stole terabytes of data from computers around the world - including the US , Britain , Germany , Australia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China 's Ministry of Security ( MSS ) .
The MSS , prosecutors said , had supplied the hackers with information that allowed them to infiltrate targets and collect intelligence .
China has repeatedly denied hacking the US and other rival powers .
In a court filing , the US Justice Department said Li and Dong were implicated in the theft of hundreds of millions dollars in intellectual property .
US attorney William Hyslop said `` there are hundreds and hundreds of victims in the United States and worldwide '' .
Among those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office of the Dalai Lama and a Chinese-Christian non-profit , US authorities alleged .
: : Listen to The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts , Spotify , Google podcasts and Spreaker Officials said an investigation was launched when hackers broke into the Hanford Site , a decommissioned US nuclear production complex in Washington state .
One expert said the charges showed the `` extremely high value '' currently placed on COVID-19 research .
`` It is a fundamental threat to all governments around the world and we expect information relating to treatments and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ espionage sponsors , '' said Ben Read , a senior analyst at cybersecurity company FireEye .
He also said the Chinese government had long relied on contractors for its cyberspying operations .
`` Using these freelancers allows the government to access a wider array of talent , while also providing some deniability in conducting these operations , '' he said .

The US has charged two alleged Chinese spies with hacking defence contractors, coronavirus researchers and hundreds of other victims worldwide, according to a court filing.
Li Xiaoyu and Dong Jiazhi were described as "one of the most prolific groups of hackers" the FBI has investigated.
Authorities said the pair took part in a years-long cyber espionage campaign that stole weapon designs, drug information, and software source code.
Li and Dong allegedly stole terabytes of data from computers around the world - including the US, Britain, Germany, Australia and Belgium - while acting as contractors for China's Ministry of Security (MSS).
The MSS, prosecutors said, had supplied the hackers with information that allowed them to infiltrate targets and collect intelligence.
China has repeatedly denied hacking the US and other rival powers.
In a court filing, the US Justice Department said Li and Dong were implicated in the theft of hundreds of millions dollars in intellectual property.
US attorney William Hyslop said "there are hundreds and hundreds of victims in the United States and worldwide".
Among those targeted were Hong Kong protesters, the office of the Dalai Lama and a Chinese-Christian non-profit, US authorities alleged.
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Officials said an investigation was launched when hackers broke into the Hanford Site, a decommissioned US nuclear production complex in Washington state.
One expert said the charges showed the "extremely high value" currently placed on COVID-19 research.
"It is a fundamental threat to all governments around the world and we expect information relating to treatments and vaccines to be targeted by multiple cyber espionage sponsors," said Ben Read, a senior analyst at cybersecurity company FireEye.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:15 China exploited COVID-19 pandemic, says Pompeo
He also said the Chinese government had long relied on contractors for its cyberspying operations.
"Using these freelancers allows the government to access a wider array of talent, while also providing some deniability in conducting these operations," he said.


skynewsus--2020-07-22--Kanye West says he has been trying to divorce wife Kim

Kanye West has claimed he has been trying to divorce his wife Kim Kardashian West .
The 43-year-old rapper made the comment during a now-deleted Twitter tirade where he made a series of allegations about his reality star wife .
In one tweet , he wrote : `` I been trying to get divorced since Kim met with Meek at the Warldolf for 'prison reform ' . ''
West appears to be referring to the time Kim and rapper Meek Mill spoke at a criminal justice reform summit in Los Angeles in November 2018 .
The tweets were posted a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billed as the first speech of a presidential campaign .
The rapper , who has four children with wife Kim , also appeared to call his mother-in-law Kris Jenner `` Kris Jong-Un '' and accused the pair of `` white supremacy '' .
He repeated his claim that his wife and mother-in-law had `` tried to fly in with two doctors '' to have him admitted to hospital after his lengthy speech to an audience in North Charleston , South Carolina on Sunday .
The posts were deleted after around half an hour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : `` Says the future president '' .
The 21-time Grammy Award winner announced he was running for president earlier this month , and in his first rally on Sunday suggested a payment of a million dollars for everyone who has a baby if he wins .
He spoke about topics such as religion and international trade , and said abortion should be legal but financial incentives for struggling mothers could lower the demand for it .
West also tearfully referenced a decision he made with his wife Kim against aborting a pregnancy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was nearly aborted by his parents , saying : `` There would have been no Kanye West , because my dad was too busy . ''
He added : `` I almost killed my daughter ... even if my wife were to divorce me after this speech , she brought North into the world , even when I did n't want to . ''
In his latest Twitter outburst , West questioned whether he should postpone running for president until 2024 .
He shared an image of a piece of paper which appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ album , accompanying it with a tweet saying : ' # 2020vision or maybe '24 ' '' .
West , a former supporter of US President Donald Trump , then asked : `` I guess all black people supposed to vote on Biden ?
Y'all want me to run on nah ?
?
? ''
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker On Monday , West posted a series of tweets , which were also later deleted , claiming his wife was trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grounds .
He also compared himself to Nelson Mandela .
A representative for Kim Kardashian West did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
She and West have been married since May 2014 .

Kanye West has claimed he has been trying to divorce his wife Kim Kardashian West.
The 43-year-old rapper made the comment during a now-deleted Twitter tirade where he made a series of allegations about his reality star wife.
In one tweet, he wrote: "I been trying to get divorced since Kim met with Meek at the Warldolf for 'prison reform'."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:34 Kanye West breaks down in tears at rally
West appears to be referring to the time Kim and rapper Meek Mill spoke at a criminal justice reform summit in Los Angeles in November 2018.
The tweets were posted a few days after West gave what was billed as the first speech of a presidential campaign.
The rapper, who has four children with wife Kim, also appeared to call his mother-in-law Kris Jenner "Kris Jong-Un" and accused the pair of "white supremacy".
He repeated his claim that his wife and mother-in-law had "tried to fly in with two doctors" to have him admitted to hospital after his lengthy speech to an audience in North Charleston, South Carolina on Sunday.
Image: (L-R) Kris Jenner, Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West pictured in 2019
The posts were deleted after around half an hour, with West signing off by tweeting: "Says the future president".
The 21-time Grammy Award winner announced he was running for president earlier this month, and in his first rally on Sunday suggested a payment of a million dollars for everyone who has a baby if he wins.
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He spoke about topics such as religion and international trade, and said abortion should be legal but financial incentives for struggling mothers could lower the demand for it.
West also tearfully referenced a decision he made with his wife Kim against aborting a pregnancy.
He cried when describing how he was nearly aborted by his parents, saying: "There would have been no Kanye West, because my dad was too busy."
Image: Kanye West held his first rally in support of his presidential bid in South Carolina
He added: "I almost killed my daughter... even if my wife were to divorce me after this speech, she brought North into the world, even when I didn't want to."
In his latest Twitter outburst, West questioned whether he should postpone running for president until 2024.
He shared an image of a piece of paper which appeared to list the tracks for his upcoming album, accompanying it with a tweet saying: '#2020vision or maybe '24'".
West, a former supporter of US President Donald Trump, then asked: "I guess all black people supposed to vote on Biden? Y'all want me to run on nah???"
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 Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
On Monday, West posted a series of tweets, which were also later deleted, claiming his wife was trying to have him locked up on medical grounds. He also compared himself to Nelson Mandela.
A representative for Kim Kardashian West did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
She and West have been married since May 2014.


skynewsus--2020-07-22--Jeff Bezos sees personal wealth climb by £10bn in just one day

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos became $ 13bn ( £10bn ) richer in a single day on Monday after shares in his company surged nearly 8 % .
Already the world 's richest man by a huge margin , Bezos is now estimated to be worth $ 189.3bn ( £148bn ) .
His fortune has ballooned $ 74bn ( £58bn ) this year alone , according to Bloomberg , with Amazon shares up more than 70 % in 2020 .
The daily jump in the 56-year-old 's wealth is the biggest ever recorded by Bloomberg 's billionaire tracker .
The all-encompassing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus lockdown as people increasingly avoid shops and buy online .
Bezos famously started his company in his garage in the mid-1990s , rapidly expanding from selling books to establish an online juggernaut that spans the world .
His personal wealth now exceeds the value of huge multinational companies and is roughly on par with the GDP of Iraq - and only about $ 14bn ( £11bn ) behind Greece .
Bezos 's ex-wife , MacKenzie , has also benefited from Amazon 's stellar performance .
She received 4 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is estimated by Bloomberg to now be worth $ 62bn ( £48.7bn ) - making her the world 's 13th richest person .
A very distant second on the rich list is Microsoft founder Bill Gates with a purported fortune of $ 118bn ( £92.8bn ) .
Bezos gave $ 2bn to US charitable causes in 2018 , and pledged $ 10bn to fight climate change earlier this year .
He 's also given $ 100m to an initiative to help food banks amid the coronavirus crisis .
But critics point out that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his phenomenal wealth .
They also say he has yet to sign up to the Giving Pledge - a promise signed by his ex-wife and high-profile billionaires such as Gates and Warren Buffett - to give a significant chunk of their money to good causes .

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos became $13bn (£10bn) richer in a single day on Monday after shares in his company surged nearly 8%.
Already the world's richest man by a huge margin, Bezos is now estimated to be worth $189.3bn (£148bn).
His fortune has ballooned $74bn (£58bn) this year alone, according to Bloomberg, with Amazon shares up more than 70% in 2020.
The daily jump in the 56-year-old's wealth is the biggest ever recorded by Bloomberg's billionaire tracker.
The all-encompassing web giant has reaped the benefit of the coronavirus lockdown as people increasingly avoid shops and buy online.
Bezos famously started his company in his garage in the mid-1990s, rapidly expanding from selling books to establish an online juggernaut that spans the world.
His personal wealth now exceeds the value of huge multinational companies and is roughly on par with the GDP of Iraq - and only about $14bn (£11bn) behind Greece.
Image: Ex-wife MacKenzie Bezos got 4% of Amazon shares wen they split
Bezos's ex-wife, MacKenzie, has also benefited from Amazon's stellar performance.
She received 4% of the company when they split last year and is estimated by Bloomberg to now be worth $62bn (£48.7bn) - making her the world's 13th richest person.
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A very distant second on the rich list is Microsoft founder Bill Gates with a purported fortune of $118bn (£92.8bn).
Bezos gave $2bn to US charitable causes in 2018, and pledged $10bn to fight climate change earlier this year.
He's also given $100m to an initiative to help food banks amid the coronavirus crisis.
But critics point out that such donations represent a small fraction of his phenomenal wealth.
They also say he has yet to sign up to the Giving Pledge - a promise signed by his ex-wife and high-profile billionaires such as Gates and Warren Buffett - to give a significant chunk of their money to good causes.


skynewsus--2020-07-22--'He threw bottles at me like grenades', Amber Heard tells libel trial

Amber Heard says Johnny Depp hurled `` 30 or so glass bottles '' at her `` like grenades '' , during a `` three-day hostage situation '' she alleges took place in Australia in March 2015 .
On day three of the actress 's testimony in the witness box , Heard told the court the room was left covered with broken glass and that the only bottle Depp did n't throw at her was a magnum-sized bottle of wine .
However , Eleanor Laws QC , representing Johnny Depp , put it to Heard that it was in fact her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms Laws said : `` You worked yourself into a rage , screaming at him and threw a glass bottle . ''
She added : `` Because you would get yourself into rages on occasions . ''
Ms Heard answered : `` No , I got angry at times but not into a rage that would cause me to throw anything at him . ''
Ms Laws said : `` I 'm going to suggest you threw a bottle at his head and it smashed the mirror behind him . ''
Heard said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escape Johnny when he was beating me up .
Sometimes that 's all I had . ''
Heard said she had purposely smashed one bottle , which she said occurred on day two of the trip when Depp had already been drinking when they argued over whether he was going to consume any more alcohol .
She told the court Depp was taunting her , saying : `` He said , 'oh yeah , you want it ?
Here , take it ' , and at that point drinking had already been ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a while and it was on the list of 'if this happens , I leave ' sort of thing .
It was no fly .
`` And he gestured to offer it to me and I reached to take it and he pulled it back .
`` He was teasing me to take it and would revoke it when I reached [ for it ] .
`` Then he did it again and I have in my head all the times that he said that I saved his life , and I thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ row about drinking ] .
`` So I reached for it a second time and I smashed it on the floor in between Johnny and I .
Heard said it was at that point that Depp began throwing bottles at her .
She said : `` He started picking them up one by one and throwing them like grenades .
`` One after the other after the other , in my direction , and I felt glass breaking behind me , I retreated more into the bar and he did n't stop .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind me .
He threw all the bottles that were in reach , all except for one which was a celebratory magnum-sized bottle of wine . ''
Heard says Depp threw `` 30 or so bottles '' at her during the alleged row , which she said mostly took place downstairs .
The court also returned to a finger injury Depp suffered in Australia where he lost the tip of his digit , exposing it to the bone .
Heard alleges this was self-inflicted after he `` smashed a phone against a wall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was `` inconceivable '' .
Depp told the court last week that his finger was damaged after Heard threw a vodka bottle at him .
Ms Laws said to Heard : `` This injury was you throwing a bottle in his direction , smashing it down and severing the tip of his finger with glass , was n't it ? ''
The court was also shown a photo of Depp , which appeared to show him with a cigarette burn on his cheek .
The lawyer said the burn was caused by Heard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Heard disputed this , answering : `` No , Johnny did it right in front of me , he often did things like that . ''
Heard has previously said that Depp would hurt himself , and yesterday told the court the actor `` self-harmed '' .
After being played an audio recording , which appeared to capture another argument between the couple , Ms Laws asked Heard : `` Is it true that sometimes you get so angry you lose it ? ''
Ms Heard replied : `` Sometimes I get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
The couple 's dogs , teacup Yorkshire Terriers Pistol and Boo , were also discussed in this morning 's hearing , with Heard saying she `` took the blame '' after the pets were `` smuggled '' into the country without the correct paperwork .
It was suggested to Heard by Depp 's lawyer that she `` was the boss '' and she had tried to get members of her staff to `` take the blame '' .
Heard denied this telling the court : `` I was the only one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ...
I took the blame . ''
Depp and Heard met while working on the 2011 film The Rum Diary and began living together in 2012 before marrying in Los Angeles in February 2015 .
Heard obtained a domestic violence restraining order against the actor in LA shortly after the couple split in 2016 and later donated her $ 7m ( £5.5m ) divorce settlement to charity .
Mr Depp is suing NGN and The Sun 's executive editor Dan Wootton over the publication of an article on 27 April 2018 , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 .

Amber Heard has claimed Johnny Depp hurled "30 or so glass bottles" at her "like grenades", during a "three-day hostage situation" she alleges took place in Australia in March 2015.
The actress gave evidence for a third day at the High Court in London on Wednesday, with other witnesses including her former make-up artist - who claimed she had to cover up bruises on Heard's face for a TV show in 2015 - also answering questions.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:35 Amber Heard says she hid split lip on show
Image: Footage of Amber Heard's appearance on James Corden's The Late Late Show was shown in court
Here are the key moments from day 12 in Johnny Depp's libel trial against the publishers of The Sun:
Heard accused Depp of throwing bottles at her in Australia, saying: "One after the other after the other, in my direction, and I felt glass breaking behind me, I retreated more into the bar and he didn't stop"
Melanie Inglessis, a make-up artist and friend of Heard's, told the court she saw the actress with injuries ahead of an appearance on James Corden's Late Late Show and had to cover them up - saying they had "no choice" but for the actress to wear deep red lipstick
Joshua Drew, the ex-husband of Heard's friend Raquel "Rocky" Pennington, told the court he saw Heard after an alleged incident of violence in May 2016 and told police he was worried about her
During an alleged incident in the Bahamas in December 2015, when a previous witness has claimed Heard was abusive to Depp, Heard told the court that words such as "your career is over" were used, but it was Depp who said them, not her
Speaking about the infamous time Depp and Heard took their dogs to Australia (in a separate trip) illegally, Heard said she believed they had the "proper paperwork" and insisted Depp was "the boss" but she took "the blame"
The court also saw a video from Thanksgiving in 2015, in which Depp's legal team say the word "monster" was being used by the actor's friend Marilyn Manson jokingly - Heard has previously described being "terrified" of the actor when he became a "monster"
Giving details of her account of the alleged violent incident in Australia in 2015 - during which Depp alleges his then wife threw a bottle at him, seriously wounding his finger - Heard said it was the actor who was the one throwing bottles.
At the time, the pair were staying in a rented house in the country while the actor was filming Pirates Of The Caribbean.
Heard said the room was left covered with broken glass and that the only bottle Depp didn't throw at her was a magnum-sized bottle of wine.
Eleanor Laws QC, representing Depp, put it to the actress that it was in fact her who threw a bottle - as Depp has previously claimed.
Ms Heard answered: "No, I got angry at times but not into a rage that would cause me to throw anything at him."
Image: Heard pictured arriving at court today
Ms Laws said: "I'm going to suggest you threw a bottle at his head and it smashed the mirror behind him."
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Heard said: "I only threw things to escape Johnny when he was beating me up. Sometimes that's all I had."
Heard said she had purposely smashed one bottle, which she said occurred on day two of the trip when Depp had already been drinking when they argued over whether he was going to consume any more alcohol.
She told the court Depp was taunting her, saying: "He said, 'oh yeah, you want it? Here, take it', and at that point drinking had already been ... he had already given it up for a while and it was on the list of 'if this happens, I leave' sort of thing. It was no fly.
"And he gestured to offer it to me and I reached to take it and he pulled it back.
"He was teasing me to take it and would revoke it when I reached [for it].
Image: Depp pictured in hospital, after he claims Heard severed his finger and burnt his cheek with a cigarette
"Then he did it again and I have in my head all the times that he said that I saved his life, and I thought honestly I could short circuit [a row about drinking].
"So I reached for it a second time and I smashed it on the floor in between Johnny and I.
"I regret I did that."
Heard said it was at that point that Depp began throwing bottles at her. She said: "He started picking them up one by one and throwing them like grenades.
"One after the other after the other, in my direction, and I felt glass breaking behind me, I retreated more into the bar and he didn't stop.
"I was too scared to look behind me. He threw all the bottles that were in reach, all except for one which was a celebratory magnum-sized bottle of wine."
Heard says Depp threw "30 or so bottles" at her during the alleged row, which she said mostly took place downstairs.
Image: Depp is also said to have daubed graffiti on a mirror and walls in blood and paint during the trip
The court also returned to a finger injury Depp suffered in Australia where he lost the tip of his digit, exposing it to the bone.
Heard alleges this was self-inflicted after he "smashed a phone against a wall". Depp's lawyer said this was "inconceivable".
The actress denied that she caused the injury.
The court was also shown a photo of Depp, which appeared to show him with a cigarette burn on his cheek.
Ms Laws said the burn was caused by Heard stubbing a cigarette out in his face. Heard disputed this, answering: "No, Johnny did it right in front of me, he often did things like that."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:32 Earlier footage shown in court shows Depp swearing and banging cupboards
Heard has previously said that Depp would hurt himself, and yesterday told the court the actor "self-harmed".
After being played an audio recording, which appeared to capture another argument between the couple, Ms Laws asked Heard: "Is it true that sometimes you get so angry you lose it?"
Ms Heard replied: "Sometimes I get angry enough that I lose my cool."
The couple's dogs, teacup Yorkshire Terriers Pistol and Boo, were also discussed in this morning's hearing, with Heard saying she "took the blame" after the pets were "smuggled" into the country without the correct paperwork.
Image: Pistol the Yorkshire Terrier, pictured with Heard in New York in 2012
It was suggested to Heard by Depp's lawyer that she "was the boss" and she had tried to get members of her staff to "take the blame".
Heard denied this, telling the court: "I was the only one to get charged so I plead guilty... I took the blame."
In the afternoon, the court heard evidence from Melanie Inglessis, a make-up artist and friend of Heard's who said she had met Depp several times and had "many conversations" with the actress about their relationship.
Sasha Wass QC, representing The Sun's publisher News Group Newspapers, asked Ms Inglessis if the restraining order Ms Heard obtained in May 2016 "came out of the blue" - to which Ms Inglessis said it did not.
The make-up artist said she saw Heard in December 2015, when the actress was due to record Corden's show, and that she was "erratic" and seemed "distressed".
Image: Heard's make-up artist says she had no choice but to put deep red lipstick on the actress for Corden's show
Ms Inglessis said Heard told her that Depp had "tried to suffocate her with a pillow ... those were her words" and that "she felt he tried to kill her that night and she said he dragged her by her hair".
The day after the alleged incident, she did Heard's make-up for the programme and said the actress had "discolouration under her eyes, on the inner corner of her eyes by her nose. I recall her left eye being a little more bruised than the right eye".
She added: "I remember the bridge of the nose being red and swollen (and) like a cut or a scab on her lip."
Ms Wass asked what make-up she put on Heard, to which Ms Inglessis replied: "Obviously concealer, trying to conceal some of the bruises."
Image: Depp was surrounded by photographers as he arrived at court this morning
She added that she told Heard that there was "no other choice" but to put red lipstick on her "to cover the injury on her lip".
The court was also played a video from Thanksgiving in 2015, which showed several people, including Depp and Heard, Depp's son, Jack, Heard's father and Marilyn Manson.
In the video, Manson could be heard saying "he's a monster," Ms Laws said. The court has previously heard how Heard referred to Depp sometimes as "the monster".
Ms Laws said that, on the video, "we have Mr Manson saying 'he's a monster, monster, he's scaring me'", adding: "These are the sorts of words that you and your friends would use in jest."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:36 Marilyn Manson and Johnny Depp at Thanksgiving
Ms Heard said: "No, it was with Johnny and his friends."
Depp and Heard met while working on the 2011 film The Rum Diary and began living together in 2012 before marrying in Los Angeles in February 2015.
Heard obtained a domestic violence restraining order against the actor in LA shortly after the couple split in 2016 and later donated her $7m (£5.5m) divorce settlement to charity.
Mr Depp is suing NGN and The Sun's executive editor Dan Wootton over the publication of an article on 27 April 2018, 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.
The trial continues.


skynewsus--2020-07-22--'A sledgehammer to a fly': West Hollywood fears new stay-at-home order

The spectre of a new stay-at-home order haunts the streets of West Hollywood .
The small city of 30,000 people , squeezed between Los Angeles and Beverly Hills , is experiencing the same dramatic surge in coronavirus cases as the rest of its neighbours .
And , four months after officials in LA were among the first in the country to order residents to stay at home and businesses to close , they are warning they might have to do it again .
It casts Los Angeles , and California in general , as the place that appeared to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but now sees an alarming resurgence .
Business leaders in West Hollywood say as many as half of all companies in the city are struggling to survive the impact of the shutdown and that new restrictions would be catastrophic .
`` Safety is of course an absolute priority but the shutdowns are unacceptable and they 're unacceptable because it 's like taking a sledgehammer to a fly , '' said Nick Rimedio , chairman of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce .
`` It creates a toxic environment for the business community to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're not going to have small businesses and all those jobs . ''
Police in West Hollywood have now started issuing citations - starting with fine of $ 300 ( £236 ) for first time offenders - to those refusing to wear face masks in public .
Los Angeles County Sheriff 's Department Captain Edward Ramirez said : `` We 're not looking to ruin anyone 's day , we 're not looking to fine you into oblivion but we want to garner your attention .
As with most Americans , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rules . ''
West Hollywood is known for being the heart of LGBTQ Los Angeles .
The fear and uncertainty around COVID-19 has brought back memories of the HIV/AIDS outbreak in the 1980s for hardware shop owner Russ Wilson .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker The empty streets outside of his shop , he says , are ominous for the businesses at risk .
`` It 's tough , I really feel sorry for them , a lot of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been here 43 years I know a lot of people in the community and it is devastating to see them going through what they 're going through . ''
In contrast , Gabri Poli opened his Gelato Festival shop just six months before the first stay-at-home order was issued in March .
Since then he has adapted his business practices to stay open but worries about new restrictions .
`` I 'm afraid , '' he said .
`` We do n't know if , how , when .
We open the doors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run the business today . ''
He also sees the pandemic have a fundamental effect on how people live their lives .
`` People who passed through the Second World War , even if they have a lot of money now , they do n't waste food , they do n't leave the lights on because it makes them feel bad because they have been though uncertain times .
`` It will be the same for our generation .
The kids will be affected for all their lives , afraid of germs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to figure this out , how to make money and still run a business . ''

The spectre of a new stay-at-home order haunts the streets of West Hollywood.
The small city of 30,000 people, squeezed between Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, is experiencing the same dramatic surge in coronavirus cases as the rest of its neighbours.
And, four months after officials in LA were among the first in the country to order residents to stay at home and businesses to close, they are warning they might have to do it again.
It casts Los Angeles, and California in general, as the place that appeared to have headed off the worst of the outbreak but now sees an alarming resurgence.
Image: Nick Rimedio has said a shutdown would be like a 'sledgehammer to a fly' for businesses
Image: Masks and sanitisers are being sold outside in West Hollywood
Business leaders in West Hollywood say as many as half of all companies in the city are struggling to survive the impact of the shutdown and that new restrictions would be catastrophic.
"Safety is of course an absolute priority but the shutdowns are unacceptable and they're unacceptable because it's like taking a sledgehammer to a fly," said Nick Rimedio, chairman of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.
"It creates a toxic environment for the business community to the point where in a few years we're not going to have small businesses and all those jobs."
Image: Captain Edward Ramirez has said he is not out to 'ruin anyone's day'
Police in West Hollywood have now started issuing citations - starting with fine of $300 (£236) for first time offenders - to those refusing to wear face masks in public.
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Captain Edward Ramirez said: "We're not looking to ruin anyone's day, we're not looking to fine you into oblivion but we want to garner your attention. As with most Americans, a fine makes people more apt to follow the rules."
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West Hollywood is known for being the heart of LGBTQ Los Angeles.
The fear and uncertainty around COVID-19 has brought back memories of the HIV/AIDS outbreak in the 1980s for hardware shop owner Russ Wilson.
Image: Police officers can fine people for not wearing masks
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
The empty streets outside of his shop, he says, are ominous for the businesses at risk.
"It's tough, I really feel sorry for them, a lot of them are friends of mine. I've been here 43 years I know a lot of people in the community and it is devastating to see them going through what they're going through."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:28 'People are just hanging on' in Hollywood
In contrast, Gabri Poli opened his Gelato Festival shop just six months before the first stay-at-home order was issued in March.
Since then he has adapted his business practices to stay open but worries about new restrictions.
"I'm afraid," he said. "We don't know if, how, when. We open the doors but don't know if we can run the business today."
Image: Gabri Poli opened his shop six months before the stay-at-home order was issued
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:09 The science behind face masks
He also sees the pandemic have a fundamental effect on how people live their lives.
"People who passed through the Second World War, even if they have a lot of money now, they don't waste food, they don't leave the lights on because it makes them feel bad because they have been though uncertain times.
"It will be the same for our generation. The kids will be affected for all their lives, afraid of germs, contamination, crowded rooms. We need to figure this out, how to make money and still run a business."


skynewsus--2020-07-22--Harry Dunn death: UK and US agree to end diplomatic immunity 'anomaly'

The UK and US have agreed to end the `` anomaly '' that allowed the woman suspected of causing Harry Dunn 's death to claim diplomatic immunity .
A court heard last month that the `` secret agreement '' permitted Anne Sacoolas to return to her home country after a road crash which killed the 19-year-old in August last year outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire .
Despite the document now being amended , Harry 's alleged killer still remains in the US .
His mother Charlotte Charles said the announcement was a `` huge step forward '' - adding that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this to `` never happen to another family again '' .
But she added their campaign would continue for Ms Sacoolas to be brought back to the UK .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the changes mean a similar tragedy `` could not happen again '' .
He added : `` I know these changes wo n't bring Harry back , and I appreciate the pain and suffering the family are still going through .
`` But I hope this may bring some small measure of comfort to them , because I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family going through the same ordeal they have . ''
It follows a visit by the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to the UK this week .
Mr Raab said Prime Minister Boris Johnson had `` made it clear that Anne Sacoolas should return to face justice '' when he met with Mr Pompeo in Downing Street on Tuesday .
Ms Charles appealed to the government at the weekend to make her son the `` top priority '' during the visit and said she was tired of promises .
`` We 've @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ... that Harry is number one on the agenda , '' she said .
`` Well prove that to us then .
Tell us what they 're going to do .
Words are not enough anymore .
`` There are plenty of things [ Mr Raab ] could do , we need proof of what he 's going to do .
He looks defeatist , he looks like a little lost child in an adult 's world .
Stand up for us , we are UK citizens . ''
A previous request for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the US in January .

The UK and US have agreed to end the "anomaly" that allowed the woman suspected of causing Harry Dunn's death to claim diplomatic immunity.
A court heard last month that the "secret agreement" permitted Anne Sacoolas to return to her home country after a road crash which killed the 19-year-old in August last year outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire.
Despite the document now being amended, Harry's alleged killer still remains in the US.
Image: The crash happened at RAF Croughton, a US airbase
His mother Charlotte Charles said the announcement was a "huge step forward" - adding that one of the family's aims was for this to "never happen to another family again".
But she added their campaign would continue for Ms Sacoolas to be brought back to the UK.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:16 Charlotte Charles' plea ahead of Pompeo's visit
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the changes mean a similar tragedy "could not happen again".
He added: "I know these changes won't bring Harry back, and I appreciate the pain and suffering the family are still going through.
"But I hope this may bring some small measure of comfort to them, because I know they want to prevent any other family going through the same ordeal they have."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:47 Raab: 'Denial of justice' in Harry Dunn case
It follows a visit by the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to the UK this week.
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Mr Raab said Prime Minister Boris Johnson had "made it clear that Anne Sacoolas should return to face justice" when he met with Mr Pompeo in Downing Street on Tuesday.
Ms Charles appealed to the government at the weekend to make her son the "top priority" during the visit and said she was tired of promises.
"We've been assured by Dominic Raab's team...that Harry is number one on the agenda," she said.
"Well prove that to us then. Tell us what they're going to do. Words are not enough anymore.
"There are plenty of things [Mr Raab] could do, we need proof of what he's going to do. He looks defeatist, he looks like a little lost child in an adult's world. Stand up for us, we are UK citizens."
A previous request for the extradition of Anne Sacoolas was rejected by the US in January.


skynewsus--2020-07-22--'Papers burnt in bins' after US orders China consulate to close

China has threatened retaliation after the US ordered its Houston consulate to close - with people later appearing to burn papers outside the building .
Beijing called the decision `` outrageous '' and warned of tough action if the decision is not reversed .
The US State Department said it was necessary `` to protect American intellectual property and Americans ' private information '' .
Authorities said they responded to reports of a fire at the consulate on Tuesday night , with social media video and witnesses suggesting papers were being burnt in bins .
Houston police tweeted that smoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that officers were not allowed to enter the building .
Staff at the consulate have reportedly been given until 4pm on Friday to leave .
The closure comes amid tensions between China and the US over a range of issues such as Hong Kong 's controversial national security law , the South China Sea dispute , trade , the Uighurs , and the coronavirus outbreak .
The State Department did not go into detail on precise reasons for the closure .
However , spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said the US would `` not tolerate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violations of our sovereignty and intimidation of our people , just as we have not tolerated the PRC 's unfair trade practices , theft of American jobs , and other egregious behaviour '' .
China quickly hit back , saying the closure was `` an unprecedented escalation of ... recent actions against China '' .
: : Listen to The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts , Spotify , Google podcasts and Spreaker '' We urge the US to immediately revoke this erroneous decision , '' said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong path , China will react with firm countermeasures . ''
He also accused the US of `` interference , infiltration and confrontation '' against Chinese interests and said its Washington embassy had received bomb threats .
America is not the only Western power to be going through choppy diplomatic waters with China .
The UK is halting its Hong Kong extradition treaty over the new security law and has ordered all Huawei technology to be stripped out of the UK 's 5G network .

China has threatened retaliation after the US ordered its Houston consulate to close - with people later appearing to burn papers outside the building.
Beijing called the decision "outrageous" and warned of tough action if the decision is not reversed.
The US State Department said it was necessary "to protect American intellectual property and Americans' private information".
Authorities said they responded to reports of a fire at the consulate on Tuesday night, with social media video and witnesses suggesting papers were being burnt in bins.
Houston police tweeted that smoke was seen in a courtyard area but that officers were not allowed to enter the building.
Image: Tensions are high over issues such as the new Hong Kong security law
Staff at the consulate have reportedly been given until 4pm on Friday to leave.
The closure comes amid tensions between China and the US over a range of issues such as Hong Kong's controversial national security law, the South China Sea dispute, trade, the Uighurs, and the coronavirus outbreak.
The State Department did not go into detail on precise reasons for the closure.
However, spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said the US would "not tolerate the PRC's (China's) violations of our sovereignty and intimidation of our people, just as we have not tolerated the PRC's unfair trade practices, theft of American jobs, and other egregious behaviour".
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China quickly hit back, saying the closure was "an unprecedented escalation of... recent actions against China".
:: Listen to The World Tomorrow on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Google podcasts and Spreaker
"We urge the US to immediately revoke this erroneous decision," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.
"Should it insist on going down this wrong path, China will react with firm countermeasures."
He also accused the US of "interference, infiltration and confrontation" against Chinese interests and said its Washington embassy had received bomb threats.
America is not the only Western power to be going through choppy diplomatic waters with China.
The UK is halting its Hong Kong extradition treaty over the new security law and has ordered all Huawei technology to be stripped out of the UK's 5G network.


skynewsus--2020-07-22--'Teachers want to teach, not die': Dave Grohl criticises move to reopen schools

Dave Grohl has criticised the Trump administration 's plans to reopen US schools in the autumn , saying `` teachers want to teach , not die '' .
The Foo Fighters frontman released an audio note titled `` In Defence of Our Teachers '' , arguing that reopening classrooms `` could mean life or death for some '' .
Grohl , whose 82-year-old mother used to work as a teacher , highlighted that teachers , other staff , and students should be protected through adequate health and safety measures if schools are to open again .
President Donald Trump has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ person , although many major school districts are refusing to comply unless coronavirus cases begin to drop .
Grohl condemned the plans , saying : `` As much as Donald Trump 's conductor-less orchestra would love to see the country prematurely open schools in the name of rosy optics ... it would be foolish to do so at the expense of our children , teachers , and schools . ''
The musician , who is often dubbed by fans as the `` nicest guy in rock '' , said he had spoken to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools reopening .
She had listed concerns including `` masks and distancing , temperature checks , crowded bussing , crowded hallways , sports , air-conditioning systems , lunchrooms , public restrooms , janitorial staff '' .
`` Most schools already struggle from a lack of resources , '' Grohl said .
`` How could they possibly afford the mountain of safety measures that will need to be in place ? ''
The rock star , also known for being the longest-serving drummer in Nirvana , expressed concern about the safety of school staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a schoolteacher in the United States is in the early 40s , putting them in a lower-risk group , many career teachers , administrators , cafeteria workers , nurses , and janitors are older and at higher risk , '' he said .
He suggested remote learning as an `` inconvenient '' but `` hopefully temporary '' solution .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker Grohl finished his impassioned audio note by saying : `` Teachers want to teach , not die @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them like the national treasures that they are .
For without them , where would we be ?
`` May we show these tireless altruists a little altruism in return .
I would for my favourite teacher .
Would n't you ? ''
About one in 10 Americans think schools should open without restrictions in the autumn , according to a poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs .
Some teachers ' unions have pushed back against the timetables for reopening , with the largest unions saying timings should be guided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safety measures .
More than 142,000 people have died with coronavirus in the US , while cases and deaths are rising in many states .
In his first coronavirus press briefing since April , Donald Trump admitted that the pandemic is likely to `` get worse before it gets better '' .

Dave Grohl has criticised the Trump administration's plans to reopen US schools in the autumn, saying "teachers want to teach, not die".
The Foo Fighters frontman released an audio note titled "In Defence of Our Teachers", arguing that reopening classrooms "could mean life or death for some".
Grohl, whose 82-year-old mother used to work as a teacher, highlighted that teachers, other staff, and students should be protected through adequate health and safety measures if schools are to open again.
President Donald Trump has been pressuring schools to resume lessons in person, although many major school districts are refusing to comply unless coronavirus cases begin to drop.
Image: Mr Trump's administration has been pressuring schools to reopen
Grohl condemned the plans, saying: "As much as Donald Trump's conductor-less orchestra would love to see the country prematurely open schools in the name of rosy optics... it would be foolish to do so at the expense of our children, teachers, and schools."
The musician, who is often dubbed by fans as the "nicest guy in rock", said he had spoken to his retired mother about her worries over schools reopening.
She had listed concerns including "masks and distancing, temperature checks, crowded bussing, crowded hallways, sports, air-conditioning systems, lunchrooms, public restrooms, janitorial staff".
"Most schools already struggle from a lack of resources," Grohl said. "How could they possibly afford the mountain of safety measures that will need to be in place?"
The rock star, also known for being the longest-serving drummer in Nirvana, expressed concern about the safety of school staff.
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"Although the average age of a schoolteacher in the United States is in the early 40s, putting them in a lower-risk group, many career teachers, administrators, cafeteria workers, nurses, and janitors are older and at higher risk," he said.
He suggested remote learning as an "inconvenient" but "hopefully temporary" solution.
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:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
Grohl finished his impassioned audio note by saying: "Teachers want to teach, not die, and we should support and protect them like the national treasures that they are. For without them, where would we be?
"May we show these tireless altruists a little altruism in return. I would for my favourite teacher. Wouldn't you?"
About one in 10 Americans think schools should open without restrictions in the autumn, according to a poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:50 Trump urges Americans to wear masks
Some teachers' unions have pushed back against the timetables for reopening, with the largest unions saying timings should be guided by whether schools can implement the necessary safety measures.
More than 142,000 people have died with coronavirus in the US, while cases and deaths are rising in many states.
In his first coronavirus press briefing since April, Donald Trump admitted that the pandemic is likely to "get worse before it gets better".


skynewsus--2020-07-22--Tesla charges towards S&P 500 after fourth consecutive quarterly profit

Tesla shares have charged ahead after the electric carmaker 's latest results showed it had overcome key challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis .
The company posted a profit for a fourth straight quarter during the three months to June , meaning it becomes eligible to enter the prestigious S & P 500 index for the first time after a meteoric rise for its stock in recent months .
Shares rose more than 6 % after-hours despite a slight dip in sales over the period , though they still smashed the expectations of analysts .
Total second quarter revenue came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to $ 6.35bn a year earlier alongside net profits of $ 104m .
Analysts credited the latest share price surge on the company 's prediction that it would meet its earlier pledge of delivering half a million vehicles globally this year .
That was despite enforced , temporary shutdowns at its factories in California and in China due to the coronavirus pandemic that delayed production schedules .
The performance meant that Elon Musk , the company 's outspoken and colourful chief executive , qualified for a $ 2.1bn bonus payout linked to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ record levels earlier this week .
Such is the interest in the company 's stock that it rose 5 % in extended trading before the results had even been released .
Tesla has enjoyed a stunning surge of more than 300 % in its market value since January - helping it become the world 's most valuable listed carmaker , leapfrogging Toyota .
Entry to the S & P on Wall Street will likely only send its share price even higher as funds become obliged to buy in .
Tesla 's so-called market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , General Motors , Honda , Fiat Chrysler and Daimler combined with a market value currently hovering just below $ 300bn .
Musk , also of Space X fame , owns just over 13 % of the company 's shares .
That stake propelled him this week to be the fifth-richest person in the world , with his net worth passing the $ 74bn mark - on paper , at least .
Tesla 's share acceleration this year is explained by several factors .
The big reason why investors have bought in to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has already captured the space that rivals are striving for : the top end of the electric car market .
The holy grail , if you like , is self-driving cars and Musk announced earlier this month that Tesla was `` very close '' to achieving a completely autonomous system .
Its exposure to energy storage and solar power is also compelling amid global efforts to fight climate change through curbing carbon emissions .

Tesla shares have charged ahead after the electric carmaker's latest results showed it had overcome key challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis.
The company posted a profit for a fourth straight quarter during the three months to June, meaning it becomes eligible to enter the prestigious S&P 500 index for the first time after a meteoric rise for its stock in recent months.
Shares rose more than 6% after-hours despite a slight dip in sales over the period, though they still smashed the expectations of analysts.
Total second quarter revenue came in just above $6bn, compared to $6.35bn a year earlier alongside net profits of $104m.
Image: Elon Musk maintained the company's annual target for new vehicle deliveries despite "difficulties" from the COVID-19 crisis
Analysts credited the latest share price surge on the company's prediction that it would meet its earlier pledge of delivering half a million vehicles globally this year.
That was despite enforced, temporary shutdowns at its factories in California and in China due to the coronavirus pandemic that delayed production schedules.
The performance meant that Elon Musk, the company's outspoken and colourful chief executive, qualified for a $2.1bn bonus payout linked to the value of Tesla's shares which hit record levels earlier this week.
Such is the interest in the company's stock that it rose 5% in extended trading before the results had even been released.
Tesla has enjoyed a stunning surge of more than 300% in its market value since January - helping it become the world's most valuable listed carmaker, leapfrogging Toyota.
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Entry to the S&P on Wall Street will likely only send its share price even higher as funds become obliged to buy in.
Image: Tesla is also a major player in energy storage
Tesla's so-called market capitalisation is now worth more than Ford, General Motors, Honda, Fiat Chrysler and Daimler combined with a market value currently hovering just below $300bn.
Musk, also of Space X fame, owns just over 13% of the company's shares.
Image: Tesla has previously announced it is planning to take on GM and Ford with a Cybertruck
That stake propelled him this week to be the fifth-richest person in the world, with his net worth passing the $74bn mark - on paper, at least.
Tesla's share acceleration this year is explained by several factors.
The big reason why investors have bought in to Tesla in their droves is because it has already captured the space that rivals are striving for: the top end of the electric car market.
The holy grail, if you like, is self-driving cars and Musk announced earlier this month that Tesla was "very close" to achieving a completely autonomous system.
Its exposure to energy storage and solar power is also compelling amid global efforts to fight climate change through curbing carbon emissions.


skynewsus--2020-07-22--Kim Kardashian breaks silence about Kanye West's bipolar disorder after his tweets

Kim Kardashian West has spoken out about her husband Kanye West 's bipolar disorder for the first time , describing him as a `` brilliant but complicated person '' .
Writing on her Instagram story , she said that `` those who are close with Kanye know his heart and understand his words sometimes do not align with his intentions '' .
The reality star 's post followed a string of concerning tweets from her husband , who claimed he had been trying to divorce her and that she had tried to `` lock me up '' .
Responding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kardashian West told her 180 million followers : `` As many of you know , Kanye has bipolar disorder .
`` Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does , knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand .
`` I 've never spoken publicly about how this has affected us at home because I am very protective of our children and Kanye 's right to privacy when it comes to his health .
`` But today , I feel like I should comment on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about mental health . ''
Kardashian West described how the loved ones of those with mental illness are `` powerless '' , adding that the individual has to `` engage in the process of getting help no matter how hard family and friends try '' .
`` I understand Kanye is subject to criticism because he is a public figure and his actions at times can cause strong opinions and emotions , '' she said .
`` He is a brilliant but complicated person who on top of the pressures of being an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experienced the painful loss of his mother , and has to deal with the pressure and isolation that is heightened by his bipolar disorder ( sic ) . ''
The mother-of-four asked for her husband to be treated with `` compassion and empathy '' , adding : `` We as a society talk about giving grace to the issue of mental health as a whole , however we should also give it to the individuals who are living with it in times when they need it the most . ''
You can read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is characterised by intense mood swings which can range from extreme highs to extreme lows , the NHS website says .
Sufferers can experience episodes of mania and depression that often last for several weeks or months .
People with bipolar disorder may make uncharacteristic and risky decisions , often without realising their harmful effects , according to the National Institute of Mental Health .
West , known for hits including Gold Digger and Stronger , announced he was running for president earlier this month .
In his first rally on Sunday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how he was nearly aborted by his parents , saying : `` There would have been no Kanye West , because my dad was too busy . ''
He also referenced a decision he made with his wife Kim not to abort a pregnancy .
`` I almost killed my daughter ... even if my wife were to divorce me after this speech , she brought North into the world , even when I did n't want to , '' he said .
In his recent Twitter outburst , West appeared to consider @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He also claimed his wife was trying to have him locked up on medical grounds , and compared himself to Nelson Mandela .
: : Anyone feeling distressed by the mental health aspect of this story can contact the Samaritans for help or advice on 116 123 or jo @ samaritans.org in the UK .
In the US you can contact them on 1 ( 800 ) 273-TALK .

Kim Kardashian West has spoken out about her husband Kanye West's bipolar disorder for the first time, describing him as a "brilliant but complicated person".
Writing on her Instagram story, she said that "those who are close with Kanye know his heart and understand his words sometimes do not align with his intentions".
The reality star's post followed a string of concerning tweets from her husband, who claimed he had been trying to divorce her and that she had tried to "lock me up".
Image: Kardashian West described her husband's illness as 'incredibly complicated to understand'
Responding to the rapper's now-deleted Twitter rant, Kardashian West told her 180 million followers: "As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar disorder.
"Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand.
"I've never spoken publicly about how this has affected us at home because I am very protective of our children and Kanye's right to privacy when it comes to his health.
"But today, I feel like I should comment on it because of the stigma and misconceptions about mental health."
Kardashian West described how the loved ones of those with mental illness are "powerless", adding that the individual has to "engage in the process of getting help no matter how hard family and friends try".
"I understand Kanye is subject to criticism because he is a public figure and his actions at times can cause strong opinions and emotions," she said.
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Image: Kim Kardashian West's response to her husband's claims. Pic: Instagram/Kim Kardashian
"He is a brilliant but complicated person who on top of the pressures of being an artist and a black man, who experienced the painful loss of his mother, and has to deal with the pressure and isolation that is heightened by his bipolar disorder (sic)."
The mother-of-four asked for her husband to be treated with "compassion and empathy", adding: "We as a society talk about giving grace to the issue of mental health as a whole, however we should also give it to the individuals who are living with it in times when they need it the most."
You can read her full post here.
Bipolar disorder is characterised by intense mood swings which can range from extreme highs to extreme lows, the NHS website says.
Sufferers can experience episodes of mania and depression that often last for several weeks or months.
People with bipolar disorder may make uncharacteristic and risky decisions, often without realising their harmful effects, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
West, known for hits including Gold Digger and Stronger, announced he was running for president earlier this month.
In his first rally on Sunday, he broke down in tears while describing how he was nearly aborted by his parents, saying: "There would have been no Kanye West, because my dad was too busy."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:34 Kanye West breaks down in tears at rally
He also referenced a decision he made with his wife Kim not to abort a pregnancy.
"I almost killed my daughter... even if my wife were to divorce me after this speech, she brought North into the world, even when I didn't want to," he said.
In his recent Twitter outburst, West appeared to consider postponing his presidential bid until 2024.
He also claimed his wife was trying to have him locked up on medical grounds, and compared himself to Nelson Mandela.
:: Anyone feeling distressed by the mental health aspect of this story can contact the Samaritans for help or advice on 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US you can contact them on 1 (800) 273-TALK.


skynewsus--2020-07-23--Trump orders 'surge' of federal agents into cities

President Donald Trump is to send a `` surge '' of federal law enforcement officers into cities including Chicago and Albuquerque in a crackdown on crime .
Protests over the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis in May have spread across the US , some turning violent and descending into civil disorder .
Mr Trump is presenting himself as the candidate of law and order against his Democratic rival , Joe Biden , as he seeks re-election in the 3 November election , now just over 100 days away .
Critics say the administration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from its widely criticised response to the coronavirus pandemic .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker But announcing his plan for further federal intervention into US communities `` plagued by violent crime '' - following deployments in Portland , Oregon - Mr Trump painted Democrat-led cities as out of control and blamed the `` radical left '' .
`` In recent weeks there has been a radical movement to defund , dismantle and dissolve our police department , '' said Mr Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shocking explosion of shootings , killings , murders and heinous crimes of violence '' .
`` Frankly , we have no choice but to get involved , '' he said .
`` This bloodshed must end , '' he said .
`` This bloodshed will end . ''
The move is an extension of Operation Legend , devised to tackle violent crime in Kansas City , Missouri , and named after four-year-old LeGend Taliferro , who was fatally shot while sleeping in his family home last month .
It involves the deployment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Drug Enforcement Administration and other federal agencies to work with local authorities and police .
Similar actions have proved controversial in Portland , Oregon , where federal agents without identifying badges have been accused of pulling protesters into unmarked vans , a possible violation of their civil rights .
Attorney General William Barr , who joined Mr Trump for the announcement , said around 200 federal agents would be deployed to Chicago .
Wednesday 's White House news conference followed a night of violence in Chicago which included a drive-by shooting by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wounded 15 people .
Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot , a Democrat , who had initially said she would never allow `` Donald Trump 's troops to come to Chicago and terrorise our residents '' , later added : `` If those agents are here to actually work in partnership on support of gun violence and violent cases , plugging into existing infrastructure of federal agents , not trying to play police in our streets , then that 's something different . ''
New Mexico Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich , however , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Given the mess it created in Portland ... this is n't the kind of 'help ' that Albuquerque needs . ''
Acting Homeland Security secretary Chad Wolf drew a distinction between the mission in Portland - to protect federal property - and the planned interventions in Kansas City , Chicago and Albuquerque to help stop violence .
In Kansas City , the top federal prosecutor said any agents involved in an operation to reduce violent crime would be clearly identifiable when making arrests , unlike what has been seen in Portland .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets , '' US Attorney Timothy Garrison said .
`` They wo n't replace or usurp the authority of local officers . ''

President Donald Trump is to send a "surge" of federal law enforcement officers into cities including Chicago and Albuquerque in a crackdown on crime.
Protests over the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis in May have spread across the US, some turning violent and descending into civil disorder.
Mr Trump is presenting himself as the candidate of law and order against his Democratic rival, Joe Biden, as he seeks re-election in the 3 November election, now just over 100 days away.
Critics say the administration is seeking to shift the focus away from its widely criticised response to the coronavirus pandemic.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
But announcing his plan for further federal intervention into US communities "plagued by violent crime" - following deployments in Portland, Oregon - Mr Trump painted Democrat-led cities as out of control and blamed the "radical left".
"In recent weeks there has been a radical movement to defund, dismantle and dissolve our police department," said Mr Trump, blaming the movement for "a shocking explosion of shootings, killings, murders and heinous crimes of violence".
"Frankly, we have no choice but to get involved," he said.
"This bloodshed must end," he said. "This bloodshed will end."
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The move is an extension of Operation Legend, devised to tackle violent crime in Kansas City, Missouri, and named after four-year-old LeGend Taliferro, who was fatally shot while sleeping in his family home last month.
It involves the deployment of officers from the FBI, Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration and other federal agencies to work with local authorities and police.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 0:19 22 July: Portland protesters attempt to set court on fire
Similar actions have proved controversial in Portland, Oregon, where federal agents without identifying badges have been accused of pulling protesters into unmarked vans, a possible violation of their civil rights.
Attorney General William Barr, who joined Mr Trump for the announcement, said around 200 federal agents would be deployed to Chicago.
Wednesday's White House news conference followed a night of violence in Chicago which included a drive-by shooting by suspected gang members at a funeral that wounded 15 people.
Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot, a Democrat, who had initially said she would never allow "Donald Trump's troops to come to Chicago and terrorise our residents", later added: "If those agents are here to actually work in partnership on support of gun violence and violent cases, plugging into existing infrastructure of federal agents, not trying to play police in our streets, then that's something different."
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 1:32 19 July: Clashes at police brutality protest in Portland
New Mexico Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich, however, said the action was unwelcome, tweeting: "Given the mess it created in Portland... this isn't the kind of 'help' that Albuquerque needs."
Acting Homeland Security secretary Chad Wolf drew a distinction between the mission in Portland - to protect federal property - and the planned interventions in Kansas City, Chicago and Albuquerque to help stop violence.
In Kansas City, the top federal prosecutor said any agents involved in an operation to reduce violent crime would be clearly identifiable when making arrests, unlike what has been seen in Portland.
"These agents won't be patrolling the streets," US Attorney Timothy Garrison said. "They won't replace or usurp the authority of local officers."


skynewsus--2020-07-23--George Floyd killing suspect 'dodged tax on luxury BMW and second job'

The ex-police officer accused of George Floyd 's murder has been charged with tax evasion - including claims he dodged tax on a BMW and did n't declare thousands earned from security work .
Derek Chauvin and his wife are both charged with six counts of filing false or fraudulent state tax returns from 2014 to 2019 .
This allegedly means they underreported their joint income by $ 464,433 ( £394,000 ) - meaning they owe nearly $ 38,000 ( £32,000 ) .
They also face three charges of failing to file their tax returns .
Prosecutors claim Chauvin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( £80,000 ) over six years working security at a restaurant - but did not report it as income .
They also say the couple did not pay proper sales tax on a $ 100,000 ( £85,000 ) BMW by registering it in Florida , where they have a property , instead of Minnesota where it was bought and the location of their main home .
: : Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and Spreaker She is an estate agent and also has a photography @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 340 cheques totalling more than $ 66,000 ( £56,000 ) received by the business were not reported as income in 2014 and 2015 .
Kellie Chauvin said she knew she had to file tax returns but told investigators `` it got away from her , '' according to the charges .
The investigation into the couple was started in June by the the Minnesota Department of Revenue and Oakdale Police Department , said lawyer Pete Orput .
Chauvin remains in custody , charged with second-degree murder , third-degree murder and manslaughter over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd died on 25 May after Chauvin pressed his knee into his neck for eight minutes - despite numerous pleas from the handcuffed man that he could not breathe .
Chauvin and the other officers at the scene were fired and the killing sparked anti-racism protests across the world .

The ex-police officer accused of George Floyd's murder has been charged with tax evasion - including claims he dodged tax on a BMW and didn't declare thousands earned from security work.
Derek Chauvin and his wife are both charged with six counts of filing false or fraudulent state tax returns from 2014 to 2019.
This allegedly means they underreported their joint income by $464,433 (£394,000) - meaning they owe nearly $38,000 (£32,000).
They also face three charges of failing to file their tax returns.
Prosecutors claim Chauvin, 44, earned more than $95,000 (£80,000) over six years working security at a restaurant - but did not report it as income.
Image: A memorial honouring George Floyd in Houston, where he grew up
They also say the couple did not pay proper sales tax on a $100,000 (£85,000) BMW by registering it in Florida, where they have a property, instead of Minnesota where it was bought and the location of their main home.
Chauvin's wife, Kellie Chauvin, filed for divorce after Mr Floyd's killing.
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 Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
She is an estate agent and also has a photography business called KC Images.
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Investigators claim that 340 cheques totalling more than $66,000 (£56,000) received by the business were not reported as income in 2014 and 2015.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 55:57 The Killing of George Floyd. Watch the full documentary.
Kellie Chauvin said she knew she had to file tax returns but told investigators "it got away from her," according to the charges.
The investigation into the couple was started in June by the the Minnesota Department of Revenue and Oakdale Police Department, said lawyer Pete Orput.
Chauvin remains in custody, charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter over the death of George Floyd.
Mr Floyd died on 25 May after Chauvin pressed his knee into his neck for eight minutes - despite numerous pleas from the handcuffed man that he could not breathe.
Chauvin and the other officers at the scene were fired and the killing sparked anti-racism protests across the world.


skynewsus--2020-07-23--Clint Eastwood sues over claims he's quitting films for CBD business

Clint Eastwood has launched legal action against a number of companies alleged to have falsely used his name and image to sell products using CBD , an ingredient derived from the cannabis plant .
The 90-year-old Hollywood star - known for starring roles in The Good , The Bad And The Ugly and Dirty Harry - has filed two lawsuits setting out the claims in a Los Angeles court .
Lawyers for the double Oscar-winning actor and director - famous for telling an on-screen villain `` Go ahead , make my day '' - likened his stance to that of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Like many of his most famous characters , Mr Eastwood is not afraid to confront wrongdoing and hold accountable those that try to illegally profit off his name , '' one of the lawsuits said .
They include allegations that companies have spread false articles reporting that Eastwood is leaving the film industry to focus on a CBD business .
The legal papers say Eastwood `` does not have , and never has had '' any part in the manufacture , sale or promotion of CBD .
CBD , or cannabidiol , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also derived from the hemp plant .
It was legalised in the US in 2018 and is often sold as a dietary supplement , or included in creams or ointments .
The lawsuits say Eastwood has been `` fiercely protective '' of his name and image throughout his career and has rarely promoted any products beside his films .
They allege defamation , trademark infringements and invasion of privacy , and seek unspecified damages and injunctions .
One lawsuit cites an online news article featuring a purported interview with the actor , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new CBD line and is `` stepping away from the spotlight to put more time into his wellness business '' .
A second alleges that programming code has been used illegally to insert his name into some online searches for CBD products .
Eastwood 's lawyer Jordan Susman said in a statement : `` My client is not one to sit idly by as the defendants use his good name to dupe customers into purchasing products with which he has no affiliation . ''
: : Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spreaker The legal papers name nearly 20 small US-based companies , while also pointing to 60 others - currently anonymous - that may be named later .
One of those named , Sera Labs , said that it `` worked for a limited time with a publisher and gave them specific advertisements they could use which follow our very strict guidelines and shut down the ads immediately after learning that they used Eastwood 's name and likeness '' .
It said its guidelines banned the use of such false claims in its ads @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the advertiser , and urged others in the industry to do the same .

Clint Eastwood has launched legal action against a number of companies alleged to have falsely used his name and image to sell products using CBD, an ingredient derived from the cannabis plant.
The 90-year-old Hollywood star - known for starring roles in The Good, The Bad And The Ugly and Dirty Harry - has filed two lawsuits setting out the claims in a Los Angeles court.
Lawyers for the double Oscar-winning actor and director - famous for telling an on-screen villain "Go ahead, make my day" - likened his stance to that of his tough guy film roles.
Image: Eli Wallach and Clint Eastwood in The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, from 1966. Pic: P E A/Kobal/Shutterstock
"Like many of his most famous characters, Mr Eastwood is not afraid to confront wrongdoing and hold accountable those that try to illegally profit off his name," one of the lawsuits said.
They include allegations that companies have spread false articles reporting that Eastwood is leaving the film industry to focus on a CBD business.
The legal papers say Eastwood "does not have, and never has had" any part in the manufacture, sale or promotion of CBD.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, and is also derived from the hemp plant.
It was legalised in the US in 2018 and is often sold as a dietary supplement, or included in creams or ointments.
The lawsuits say Eastwood has been "fiercely protective" of his name and image throughout his career and has rarely promoted any products beside his films.
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Image: A double-Oscar win for Clint Eastwood in 2005
They allege defamation, trademark infringements and invasion of privacy, and seek unspecified damages and injunctions.
One lawsuit cites an online news article featuring a purported interview with the actor, falsely suggesting that he is developing a new CBD line and is "stepping away from the spotlight to put more time into his wellness business".
A second alleges that programming code has been used illegally to insert his name into some online searches for CBD products.
Eastwood's lawyer Jordan Susman said in a statement: "My client is not one to sit idly by as the defendants use his good name to dupe customers into purchasing products with which he has no affiliation."
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:: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker
The legal papers name nearly 20 small US-based companies, while also pointing to 60 others - currently anonymous - that may be named later.
One of those named, Sera Labs, said that it "worked for a limited time with a publisher and gave them specific advertisements they could use which follow our very strict guidelines and shut down the ads immediately after learning that they used Eastwood's name and likeness".
It said its guidelines banned the use of such false claims in its ads and that it has severed all relationships with the advertiser, and urged others in the industry to do the same.