WarnerMedia on Thursday became the third major US media company to say it would reconsider working in Georgia if a new law banning abortions after a foetal heartbeat can be detected takes effect, following Walt Disney Co and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/netflix-to-rethink-investment-in-georgia-if-abortion-law-takes-effect-222382">Netflix.</a> 
 
Georgia is one of eight US&nbsp;states that have passed strict new limits on abortion this year, moves some anti-abortion activists said were aimed at prompting the US&nbsp;Supreme Court to review and strike down the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that established a woman`s right to terminate her pregnancy. 
 
"If the new law holds we will reconsider Georgia as the home to any new productions," the division of telecommunications company AT&amp;T Inc said. "As is always the case, we will work closely with our production partners and talent to determine how and where to shoot any given project." 
 
On Wednesday, Walt Disney Co Chief Executive Bob Iger told Reuters it would be "very difficult" to keep filming in Georgia if the new law went into effect. Netflix Inc on Tuesday said it would "rethink" its investment in Georgia if the law goes into effect. 
 
The Georgia law, which Republican Governor Brian Kemp signed on May 7, is due to take effect Jan. 1 if it survives court challenges. It would ban abortions at about six weeks into a pregnancy - before many women know they are pregnant. 
 
Abortion is one of the most socially divisive issues in US&nbsp;politics, with opponents often citing religious beliefs to call it immoral, while abortion-rights advocates say the bans amount to state control of women`s bodies. 
 
Georgia has attracted film and TV productions with tax credits and currently employs over 92,000 people in the entertainment business, according to the Motion Picture Association of America. 
 
The media companies` words echoed a parallel case in North Carolina, which in 2016 repealed a law restricting bathroom use by transgender people after a boycott that cost its economy hundreds of millions of dollars and saw the National Collegiate Athletic Association pull tournament championships and the National Basketball Association its All-Star Game from the state.

While most of the abortion restrictions passed this year have been signed by Republican governors, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, on Thursday was preparing to sign a six-week abortion ban authored by a fellow Democrat and passed by the state`s Republican-controlled legislature. 
 
MISSOURI COURT FIGHT 
 
Women`s health services provider Planned Parenthood on Thursday was warning that Missouri`s sole abortion clinic could be forced to stop providing them as the result of a license dispute that could make Missouri the sole U.S. state without a legal abortion provider.

Attorneys for the group were due in a St&nbsp;Louis courtroom to ask a judge to block the state health department from not renewing the clinic`s license on Friday. 
 
Hundreds of abortion rights protesters, including singer Amanda Palmer, some carrying "I Stand with Planned Parenthood" or "Stop the Ban" signs, gathered near the courthouse on Thursday during the hearing, according to videos of the scene posted online by Missouri media.&nbsp;

WarnerMedia on Thursday became the third major US media company to say it would reconsider working in Georgia if a new law banning abortions after a foetal heartbeat can be detected takes effect, following Walt Disney Co and Netflix.

WarnerMedia on Thursday became the third major US media company to say it would reconsider working in Georgia if a new law banning abortions after a foetal heartbeat can be detected takes effect, following Walt Disney Co and Netflix. Georgia is one of eight US states that have passed strict new limits on abortion this year, moves some anti-abortion activists said were aimed at prompting the US Supreme Court to review and strike down the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that established a woman`s right to terminate her pregnancy. "If the new law holds we will reconsider Georgia as the home to any new productions," the division of telecommunications company AT&T Inc said. "As is always the case, we will work closely with our production partners and talent to determine how and where to shoot any given project." On Wednesday, Walt Disney Co Chief Executive Bob Iger told Reuters it would be "very difficult" to keep filming in Georgia if the new law went into effect. Netflix Inc on Tuesday said it would "rethink" its investment in Georgia if the law goes into effect. The Georgia law, which Republican Governor Brian Kemp signed on May 7, is due to take effect Jan. 1 if it survives court challenges. It would ban abortions at about six weeks into a pregnancy - before many women know they are pregnant. Abortion is one of the most socially divisive issues in US politics, with opponents often citing religious beliefs to call it immoral, while abortion-rights advocates say the bans amount to state control of women`s bodies. Georgia has attracted film and TV productions with tax credits and currently employs over 92,000 people in the entertainment business, according to the Motion Picture Association of America. The media companies` words echoed a parallel case in North Carolina, which in 2016 repealed a law restricting bathroom use by transgender people after a boycott that cost its economy hundreds of millions of dollars and saw the National Collegiate Athletic Association pull tournament championships and the National Basketball Association its All-Star Game from the state. While most of the abortion restrictions passed this year have been signed by Republican governors, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, on Thursday was preparing to sign a six-week abortion ban authored by a fellow Democrat and passed by the state`s Republican-controlled legislature. MISSOURI COURT FIGHT Women`s health services provider Planned Parenthood on Thursday was warning that Missouri`s sole abortion clinic could be forced to stop providing them as the result of a license dispute that could make Missouri the sole U.S. state without a legal abortion provider. Attorneys for the group were due in a St Louis courtroom to ask a judge to block the state health department from not renewing the clinic`s license on Friday. Hundreds of abortion rights protesters, including singer Amanda Palmer, some carrying "I Stand with Planned Parenthood" or "Stop the Ban" signs, gathered near the courthouse on Thursday during the hearing, according to videos of the scene posted online by Missouri media.

WarnerMedia joins Disney, Netflix in reconsidering Georgia business over abortion law

Netflix Inc said on Tuesday it would "rethink" its film and television production investment in Georgia if a new law severely restricting abortion in the state is implemented, but the streaming service will continue to work there for now.

Netflix, which films TV shows like crime drama 'Ozark'&nbsp;and supernatural thriller 'Stranger Things" in the US&nbsp;state, said it would work with groups fighting the Georgia law through the U.S. courts. 
 
The company was the first major Hollywood producer to publicly comment on calls by some for an industry boycott of Georgia. The industry is responsible for more than 92,000 jobs in Georgia, according to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), and some 455 film and TV shows were shot in the state in 2018, according to then-Governor Nathan Deal. 
 
Netflix`s chief content officer, Ted Sarandos, said Netflix had many women working on productions in Georgia and their rights would be restricted by the new law. 
 
"It’s why we will work with the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) and others to fight it in court. Given the legislation has not yet been implemented, we’ll continue to film there - while also supporting partners and artists who choose not to. Should it ever come into effect, we’d rethink our entire investment in Georgia,” Sarandos said in a statement. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/georgia-abortion-ban-fallout-award-winning-director-pulls-out-tv-show-from-state-220591">Also read:&nbsp;Georgia abortion ban fallout: Award-winning director pulls out TV show from state</a> 
 
Georgia is one of eight states to pass anti-abortion legislation this year seeking to induce the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark case that established a woman`s right to terminate her pregnancy.. The Georgia law comes into effect on 1st Jan. 
 
Calls by some in Hollywood for a boycott of Georgia have so far failed to gain widespread support, with most studios and platforms remaining silent. That contrasts with a boycott of North Carolina over its transgender bathroom law that was supported by businesses, sports leagues and celebrities like Bruce Springsteen and led to the repeal of the law in 2017.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/abortion-rights-protest-held-on-cannes-2019-red-carpet-219922">Abortion rights protest held on Cannes 2019 red carpet</a> 
 
A number of producers and actors have said they will donate money to local groups fighting the abortion law, rather than boycott and cause people in Georgia to lose work.&nbsp; 
 
However the makers of an upcoming comedy starring Kristen Wiig decided last week not to shoot in Georgia. While work on 'Ozark'&nbsp;season three began in Georgia earlier this month, star and executive producer Jason Bateman said that if the abortion bill became law he would not work in Georgia. 
According to the Georgia film office website on Monday, 38 movies or TV shows are currently in production in the state. Past productions include the TV series 'The Walking Dead'&nbsp;and scenes from the 2018 superhero movie 'Black Panther.'

Netflix Inc said on Tuesday it would "rethink" its film and television production investment in Georgia if a new law severely restricting abortion in the state is implemented, but the streaming service will continue to work there for now.

Netflix Inc said on Tuesday it would "rethink" its film and television production investment in Georgia if a new law severely restricting abortion in the state is implemented, but the streaming service will continue to work there for now. Netflix, which films TV shows like crime drama 'Ozark' and supernatural thriller 'Stranger Things" in the US state, said it would work with groups fighting the Georgia law through the U.S. courts. The company was the first major Hollywood producer to publicly comment on calls by some for an industry boycott of Georgia. The industry is responsible for more than 92,000 jobs in Georgia, according to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), and some 455 film and TV shows were shot in the state in 2018, according to then-Governor Nathan Deal. Netflix`s chief content officer, Ted Sarandos, said Netflix had many women working on productions in Georgia and their rights would be restricted by the new law. "It’s why we will work with the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) and others to fight it in court. Given the legislation has not yet been implemented, we’ll continue to film there - while also supporting partners and artists who choose not to. Should it ever come into effect, we’d rethink our entire investment in Georgia,” Sarandos said in a statement. Also read: Georgia abortion ban fallout: Award-winning director pulls out TV show from state Georgia is one of eight states to pass anti-abortion legislation this year seeking to induce the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 landmark case that established a woman`s right to terminate her pregnancy.. The Georgia law comes into effect on 1st Jan. Calls by some in Hollywood for a boycott of Georgia have so far failed to gain widespread support, with most studios and platforms remaining silent. That contrasts with a boycott of North Carolina over its transgender bathroom law that was supported by businesses, sports leagues and celebrities like Bruce Springsteen and led to the repeal of the law in 2017. Abortion rights protest held on Cannes 2019 red carpet A number of producers and actors have said they will donate money to local groups fighting the abortion law, rather than boycott and cause people in Georgia to lose work. However the makers of an upcoming comedy starring Kristen Wiig decided last week not to shoot in Georgia. While work on 'Ozark' season three began in Georgia earlier this month, star and executive producer Jason Bateman said that if the abortion bill became law he would not work in Georgia. According to the Georgia film office website on Monday, 38 movies or TV shows are currently in production in the state. Past productions include the TV series 'The Walking Dead' and scenes from the 2018 superhero movie 'Black Panther.'

Netflix to 'rethink' investment in Georgia if abortion law takes effect

Actress Alyssa Milano has called for a 'sex strike' and urged women in America to join in to protest against the new abortion law that has been imposed in Georgia.&nbsp;

"Until women have legal control over our own bodies we just cannot risk pregnancy," she tweeted.

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Our reproductive rights are being erased. 
 
Until women have legal control over our own bodies we just cannot risk pregnancy. 
 
JOIN ME by not having sex until we get bodily autonomy back. 
 
I’m calling for a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SexStrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SexStrike</a>. Pass it on. <a href="https://t.co/uOgN4FKwpg">pic.twitter.com/uOgN4FKwpg</a>
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alyssa_Milano/status/1127040792281767936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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We can LOVE sex and fight for our bodily autonomy. There are lots of alternatives to cis men. 
 
Protect your vaginas, ladies. Men in positions of power are trying to legislate them. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SexStrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SexStrike</a> <a href="https://t.co/yPCXuMt286">pic.twitter.com/yPCXuMt286</a>
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Alyssa_Milano/status/1127296700169605125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Georgia is the latest state in US to enact legislation which restricts abortion.

Milano's tweet though divided twitter and sparked of a debate that led to the #SexStrike hashtag trending on Twitter in the US.

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There are an awful lot of triggered men on Twitter this morning complaining about women making their own choices about what to do with their bodies. 
 
Which is the entire goddamn point.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SexStrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SexStrike</a>
— Ben Jackson (@DadoftheDecade) <a href="https://twitter.com/DadoftheDecade/status/1127177029462446082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Things that should be regulated: 
 
Guns 
 
Things that should not be regulated: 
 
Vaginas 
 
Things that should be regulated: 
 
Carbon emissions 
 
Things that should not be regulated: 
 
Uteruses 
 
Things that should be regulated: 
 
Wall Street 
 
Things that should not be regulated: 
 
Women
— Travis Akers (@travisakers) <a href="https://twitter.com/travisakers/status/1127312723782582273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Um my uterus is my uterus and mine alone. I decide what I want to carry in there. My decision doesn't dictate who I am in general. I'd be damned if someone tries to tell me otherwise.
— Kenidra4Humanity (@KenidraRWoods_) <a href="https://twitter.com/KenidraRWoods_/status/1127321241512284160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Our feminist foremothers fought for sexual liberation, which goes hand in hand with bodily autonomy. It’s up to us to protect it. Desperate times call for desperate measures. 🤷🏻‍♀️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SexStrike?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SexStrike</a>
— Maureen Shaw (@MaureenShaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaureenShaw/status/1127327130625421313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The 'heartbeat' bill, which was signed by Governor Brian Kemp on Tuesday, is scheduled to come into effect from 1 January 2020 onwards.&nbsp;

The bill has been facing criticism for some time now. The new law bans abortions as soon as a foetal heartbeat can be detected - which is at about six weeks into a pregnancy.

Most critics have argued that many women are not aware they pregnant by six weeks, with morning sickness usually kicking in only after nine weeks. 
The law is likely to be challenged in court. A federal judge blocked a similar law in Kentucky which was scheduled to come into effect immediately, while Mississippi passed a six-week abortion law in March that is not due to take effect until July and is also facing challenges. 
&nbsp;

Actress Alyssa Milano has called for a 'sex strike' and urged women in America to join in to protest against the new abortion law that has been imposed in Georgia.

Actress Alyssa Milano has called for a 'sex strike' and urged women in America to join in to protest against the new abortion law that has been imposed in Georgia. "Until women have legal control over our own bodies we just cannot risk pregnancy," she tweeted. Our reproductive rights are being erased. Until women have legal control over our own bodies we just cannot risk pregnancy. JOIN ME by not having sex until we get bodily autonomy back. I’m calling for a #SexStrike. Pass it on. pic.twitter.com/uOgN4FKwpg — Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) May 11, 2019 × We can LOVE sex and fight for our bodily autonomy. There are lots of alternatives to cis men. Protect your vaginas, ladies. Men in positions of power are trying to legislate them. #SexStrike pic.twitter.com/yPCXuMt286 — Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) May 11, 2019 × Georgia is the latest state in US to enact legislation which restricts abortion. Milano's tweet though divided twitter and sparked of a debate that led to the #SexStrike hashtag trending on Twitter in the US. There are an awful lot of triggered men on Twitter this morning complaining about women making their own choices about what to do with their bodies. Which is the entire goddamn point.#SexStrike — Ben Jackson (@DadoftheDecade) May 11, 2019 × Things that should be regulated: Guns Things that should not be regulated: Vaginas Things that should be regulated: Carbon emissions Things that should not be regulated: Uteruses Things that should be regulated: Wall Street Things that should not be regulated: Women — Travis Akers (@travisakers) May 11, 2019 × Um my uterus is my uterus and mine alone. I decide what I want to carry in there. My decision doesn't dictate who I am in general. I'd be damned if someone tries to tell me otherwise. — Kenidra4Humanity (@KenidraRWoods_) May 11, 2019 × Our feminist foremothers fought for sexual liberation, which goes hand in hand with bodily autonomy. It’s up to us to protect it. Desperate times call for desperate measures. 🤷🏻‍♀️ #SexStrike — Maureen Shaw (@MaureenShaw) May 11, 2019 × The 'heartbeat' bill, which was signed by Governor Brian Kemp on Tuesday, is scheduled to come into effect from 1 January 2020 onwards. The bill has been facing criticism for some time now. The new law bans abortions as soon as a foetal heartbeat can be detected - which is at about six weeks into a pregnancy. Most critics have argued that many women are not aware they pregnant by six weeks, with morning sickness usually kicking in only after nine weeks. The law is likely to be challenged in court. A federal judge blocked a similar law in Kentucky which was scheduled to come into effect immediately, while Mississippi passed a six-week abortion law in March that is not due to take effect until July and is also facing challenges.

Alyssa Milano calls for a 'sex strike' to protest against new abortion law

Tornadoes, wind gusts of up to 70 mph and pounding hail remained threats early on Monday from eastern New York and into New England, as the remnants of a deadly storm push out to sea, the National Weather Service said.

More than 79,000 homes and businesses were without power in Virginia, according to the tracking site PowerOutage US, with 89,000 more outages reported across Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, Maryland and New York.

The affected areas will get heavy rains, winds with gusts of up to 70 mph (110 kph) and the possibility of hail, NWS Weather Prediction Center in Maryland said.

"This is an ongoing threat," said Brian Hurley, from the centre.

"There are short spin-ups, pockets of heavy rain and damaging winds that can still hit before this pushes offshore."

The weekend's storm brought tornadoes that killed at least five people, including three children, in the US South, officials said.

The massive storm system sped from Texas eastward with dozens of twisters reported as touching down across the South from Texas through Georgia into Pennsylvania.

Nearly 2,300 US flights were cancelled by Sunday evening, more than 90 per cent of them at airports in Chicago; Houston, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; Pittsburgh; Columbus, Ohio and a dozen major airports on the Eastern Seaboard, according to FlightAware.com.

But no major flight delays were reported on the east coast before 6 am Monday.

The storm's cold front brought snow to Chicago on Sunday, with 1 to 3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) reported in central Illinois.

Two children, siblings aged three and eight, were killed on Saturday when a tree fell on the car in which they were sitting in Pollok, Texas, said a spokeswoman for the Angelina County Sheriff's Department.

A third child, Sebastian Omar Martinez, 13, drowned late on Saturday when he fell into a drainage ditch filled with flash floodwaters near Monroe, Louisiana, said Deputy Glenn Springfield of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office.

In another storm death nearby, an unidentified victim's body was trapped in a vehicle submerged in floodwaters in Calhoun, Louisiana, Springfield said.

In Mississippi, Governor Phil Bryant said one person was killed and 11 injured over the weekend as tornadoes ripped through 17 counties and left 26,000 homes and businesses without electricity.

In addition, three people were killed when a private jet crashed in Mississippi on Saturday, although Bryant said it was unclear whether it was caused by the weather.

Soaking rains could snarl the Monday morning commute on the East Coast before the storm moves off to sea.

"The biggest impact rush hour-wise probably will be Boston, around 7 to 8 o'clock in the morning, and around New York City around 5 or 6 o'clock, before sunrise," NWS meteorologist Bob Oravec said.

Tornadoes, wind gusts of up to 70 mph and pounding hail remained threats early on Monday from eastern New York and into New England, as the remnants of a deadly storm push out to sea, the National Weather Service said.

Tornadoes, wind gusts of up to 70 mph and pounding hail remained threats early on Monday from eastern New York and into New England, as the remnants of a deadly storm push out to sea, the National Weather Service said. More than 79,000 homes and businesses were without power in Virginia, according to the tracking site PowerOutage US, with 89,000 more outages reported across Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, Maryland and New York. The affected areas will get heavy rains, winds with gusts of up to 70 mph (110 kph) and the possibility of hail, NWS Weather Prediction Center in Maryland said. "This is an ongoing threat," said Brian Hurley, from the centre. "There are short spin-ups, pockets of heavy rain and damaging winds that can still hit before this pushes offshore." The weekend's storm brought tornadoes that killed at least five people, including three children, in the US South, officials said. The massive storm system sped from Texas eastward with dozens of twisters reported as touching down across the South from Texas through Georgia into Pennsylvania. Nearly 2,300 US flights were cancelled by Sunday evening, more than 90 per cent of them at airports in Chicago; Houston, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; Pittsburgh; Columbus, Ohio and a dozen major airports on the Eastern Seaboard, according to FlightAware.com. But no major flight delays were reported on the east coast before 6 am Monday. The storm's cold front brought snow to Chicago on Sunday, with 1 to 3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) reported in central Illinois. Two children, siblings aged three and eight, were killed on Saturday when a tree fell on the car in which they were sitting in Pollok, Texas, said a spokeswoman for the Angelina County Sheriff's Department. A third child, Sebastian Omar Martinez, 13, drowned late on Saturday when he fell into a drainage ditch filled with flash floodwaters near Monroe, Louisiana, said Deputy Glenn Springfield of the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office. In another storm death nearby, an unidentified victim's body was trapped in a vehicle submerged in floodwaters in Calhoun, Louisiana, Springfield said. In Mississippi, Governor Phil Bryant said one person was killed and 11 injured over the weekend as tornadoes ripped through 17 counties and left 26,000 homes and businesses without electricity. In addition, three people were killed when a private jet crashed in Mississippi on Saturday, although Bryant said it was unclear whether it was caused by the weather. Soaking rains could snarl the Monday morning commute on the East Coast before the storm moves off to sea. "The biggest impact rush hour-wise probably will be Boston, around 7 to 8 o'clock in the morning, and around New York City around 5 or 6 o'clock, before sunrise," NWS meteorologist Bob Oravec said.

Deadly storms leave thousands without power in eastern US

A giant&nbsp;alligator was spotted&nbsp;dawdling&nbsp;onto a golf course in Georgia, the United States on a bright&nbsp;sunny day.&nbsp;

He was filmed&nbsp;interrupting a game of golf before dipping into a water feature at The Club golf course in Savannah Harbor.&nbsp;

The reptile&nbsp;even scared one of the golfers, who was seen in the video retrieving his putter on the far side of the hole.&nbsp;

Ed Vance, who&nbsp;took the footage, said that alligators are a common occurrence on the course, however, this particular&nbsp;alligator's size stood out.&nbsp;

"When I noticed how big this one was I instinctively reached into my golf bag, grabbed my phone and started filming it. I thought my four-year-old son would love it. We were all in awe of how massive it was," he said.

He added, "Once it got on the green you could hear the "thud" with every step...like you would expect to hear from a dinosaur or something!"

Watch the video:&nbsp;

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MASSIVE 9-foot alligator surprises these Savannah golfers and plops down on the 17th hole. 😲😲😲😲😲😲 
 
Video credit: Ed Vance/FB <a href="https://t.co/Yk59k42okF">pic.twitter.com/Yk59k42okF</a>
— Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) <a href="https://twitter.com/GAFollowers/status/1110995601293017091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, there are approximately 200,000-250,000&nbsp;alligators in the state of Georgia.&nbsp;

A giant alligator was spotted dawdling onto a golf course in Georgia, the United States on a bright sunny day. He was filmed interrupting a game of golf before dipping into a water feature at The Club golf course in Savannah Harbor.

A giant alligator was spotted dawdling onto a golf course in Georgia, the United States on a bright sunny day. He was filmed interrupting a game of golf before dipping into a water feature at The Club golf course in Savannah Harbor. The reptile even scared one of the golfers, who was seen in the video retrieving his putter on the far side of the hole. Ed Vance, who took the footage, said that alligators are a common occurrence on the course, however, this particular alligator's size stood out. "When I noticed how big this one was I instinctively reached into my golf bag, grabbed my phone and started filming it. I thought my four-year-old son would love it. We were all in awe of how massive it was," he said. He added, "Once it got on the green you could hear the "thud" with every step...like you would expect to hear from a dinosaur or something!" Watch the video: MASSIVE 9-foot alligator surprises these Savannah golfers and plops down on the 17th hole. 😲😲😲😲😲😲 Video credit: Ed Vance/FB pic.twitter.com/Yk59k42okF — Everything Georgia (@GAFollowers) March 27, 2019 × According to The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, there are approximately 200,000-250,000 alligators in the state of Georgia.

Watch: Giant alligator interrupts golf match

A 21-year-old man from Georgia has been arrested and charged over allegations he plotted to attack the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-may-will-not-allow-syria-chemical-attacks-to-continue-white-house-129693">White House</a> by blowing a hole in it with an anti-tank rocket then storming the building with guns and grenades, US prosecutors said on Wednesday.

Hasher Jallal Taheb, of the Atlanta suburb of Cumming, was arrested in Gwinnett County on Wednesday and appeared briefly in federal court in Atlanta in a case brought by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Byung Pak, the US attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, told reporters.

 
"His alleged intent was to attack the White House and other targets of opportunity in the Washington, DC, area by using explosive devices, including an improvised explosive device, an anti-tank rocket," Pak said. 
All threats have been neutralized, Pak said in a statement. 
It was not clear whether Taheb had a lawyer.

A criminal complaint said around March 2018 a community member contacted law enforcement to say Taheb had become "radicalized." On August 25, 2018, Taheb put his vehicle up for sale and an FBI informant showed interest in buying it, the complaint said.&nbsp;

Taheb later told the informant "he wished to conduct an attack in the United States against targets such as the White House and the Statue of Liberty," according to the complaint.

Taheb told the informant "jihad was the best deed in Islam and the peak of Islam," the complaint said. 
At a December 2018 meeting with an undercover FBI agent, Taheb said he wanted to do as much damage as possible and he expected to become a "martyr." Taheb told the agent to acquire weapons and explosives for the White House attack.&nbsp;

Later that month he told the agent he also planned to attack the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Monument and a synagogue. He wanted to use semi-automatic weapons, an "AT-4" anti-tank weapon and hand grenades, the complaint said. It said Taheb hoped to carry out the attack on or about January 17, together with the agent and the informant. 
"He described his plan to use the AT-4 to blow a hole in the White House so that the group could enter," FBI Special Agent Tyler Krueger said in an affidavit. "His plan was to go in and take down as many (people) as they possibly could."&nbsp;

He was arrested on January 16 when he met another undercover agent to supposedly obtain weapons and explosives. 
&nbsp;

A 21-year-old man from Georgia has been arrested and charged over allegations he plotted to attack the White House by blowing a hole in it with an anti-tank rocket then storming the building with guns and grenades, US prosecutors said on Wednesday.

A 21-year-old man from Georgia has been arrested and charged over allegations he plotted to attack the White House by blowing a hole in it with an anti-tank rocket then storming the building with guns and grenades, US prosecutors said on Wednesday. Hasher Jallal Taheb, of the Atlanta suburb of Cumming, was arrested in Gwinnett County on Wednesday and appeared briefly in federal court in Atlanta in a case brought by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Byung Pak, the US attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, told reporters. "His alleged intent was to attack the White House and other targets of opportunity in the Washington, DC, area by using explosive devices, including an improvised explosive device, an anti-tank rocket," Pak said. All threats have been neutralized, Pak said in a statement. It was not clear whether Taheb had a lawyer. A criminal complaint said around March 2018 a community member contacted law enforcement to say Taheb had become "radicalized." On August 25, 2018, Taheb put his vehicle up for sale and an FBI informant showed interest in buying it, the complaint said. Taheb later told the informant "he wished to conduct an attack in the United States against targets such as the White House and the Statue of Liberty," according to the complaint. Taheb told the informant "jihad was the best deed in Islam and the peak of Islam," the complaint said. At a December 2018 meeting with an undercover FBI agent, Taheb said he wanted to do as much damage as possible and he expected to become a "martyr." Taheb told the agent to acquire weapons and explosives for the White House attack. Later that month he told the agent he also planned to attack the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Monument and a synagogue. He wanted to use semi-automatic weapons, an "AT-4" anti-tank weapon and hand grenades, the complaint said. It said Taheb hoped to carry out the attack on or about January 17, together with the agent and the informant. "He described his plan to use the AT-4 to blow a hole in the White House so that the group could enter," FBI Special Agent Tyler Krueger said in an affidavit. "His plan was to go in and take down as many (people) as they possibly could." He was arrested on January 16 when he met another undercover agent to supposedly obtain weapons and explosives.

Man charged in plot to attack White House with anti-tank rocket

Australia's world number one Kaylee McKeown will pull out of the women's 200 meters medley at the Olympic Games over a scheduling conflict to focus on backstroke events, the national coach said on Thursday.

McKeown, 20, is ranked number one in three events coming into the Tokyo competition but the medley clashed with the 100m backstrokes, for which a tough competition is expected, head coach Rohan Taylor said.

McKeown's rivalry with Regan Smith is expected to figure prominently in Tokyo after the Australian snatched Smith's 100m backstroke world record at the Australian trials last month.

"You know, you got a rookie coming in and the&nbsp;Olympics, it's going to be a big experience for her, it's a big call," Taylor told reporters.

"They've gone for months talking about it and I respect that decision, they're going to focus on the backstrokes and medley relay."

The withdrawal could be a blow to Australia's hopes of taking on the United States in the pool, with the possible loss of a medal given McKeown's form.

The Queenslander was a highlight of the Olympic trials, setting a world record in the 100 meters backstroke and producing strong performances in both the 200m backstroke and 200m medley.

Taylor said McKeown was a newcomer but would be expected to tackle more events at future Games.

"So it's new to her, and I think emotionally, we need to respect that but if it's something she's not familiar with," he said.

"We need to make sure she's familiar with it because she is such a weapon in so many different facets."

Taylor said the team had had good preparations, with little interruption to training during the coronavirus pandemic.

"They just have that real, real competitive desire," he said.

"We've got a broader mix of depth and the types of athletes that I think can thrive in this environment, but they've got to prove it.

"So until they prove it. Yeah, we're very positive about how we're looking, but that's on paper."

Australia's world number one Kaylee McKeown will pull out of the women's 200 meters medley at the Olympic Games over a scheduling conflict to focus on backstroke events, the national coach said on Thursday.

Australia's world number one Kaylee McKeown will pull out of the women's 200 meters medley at the Olympic Games over a scheduling conflict to focus on backstroke events, the national coach said on Thursday. McKeown, 20, is ranked number one in three events coming into the Tokyo competition but the medley clashed with the 100m backstrokes, for which a tough competition is expected, head coach Rohan Taylor said. McKeown's rivalry with Regan Smith is expected to figure prominently in Tokyo after the Australian snatched Smith's 100m backstroke world record at the Australian trials last month. "You know, you got a rookie coming in and the Olympics, it's going to be a big experience for her, it's a big call," Taylor told reporters. "They've gone for months talking about it and I respect that decision, they're going to focus on the backstrokes and medley relay." The withdrawal could be a blow to Australia's hopes of taking on the United States in the pool, with the possible loss of a medal given McKeown's form. The Queenslander was a highlight of the Olympic trials, setting a world record in the 100 meters backstroke and producing strong performances in both the 200m backstroke and 200m medley. Taylor said McKeown was a newcomer but would be expected to tackle more events at future Games. "So it's new to her, and I think emotionally, we need to respect that but if it's something she's not familiar with," he said. "We need to make sure she's familiar with it because she is such a weapon in so many different facets." Taylor said the team had had good preparations, with little interruption to training during the coronavirus pandemic. "They just have that real, real competitive desire," he said. "We've got a broader mix of depth and the types of athletes that I think can thrive in this environment, but they've got to prove it. "So until they prove it. Yeah, we're very positive about how we're looking, but that's on paper."

Georgia's first female president sworn in

Around 25,000 Georgians on Sunday protested against the election of a ruling party-backed candidate to the presidency, claiming fraud, in a move that threatens to complicate the transition of power in the Western-backed nation.

Holding Georgian and EU flags, protesters packed Rustaveli Avenue in front of the parliament building in the centre of the Georgian capital Tbilisi.&nbsp;

"I am here to protest against election fraud," Liana Partsvania, 63, told AFP. She accused billionaire tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili, seen by many as the country's de facto ruler, of stealing "our votes".

On Wednesday, former French diplomat Salome Zurabishvili was elected the ex-Soviet nation's first woman president, beating a candidate supported by flamboyant ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili.

Zurabishvili has said her election was a step forward for women and a move closer to Europe.

But opposition leaders including Zurabishvili's rival Grigol Vashadze have refused to accept the result and called for snap parliamentary elections.

The new head of state will be a largely ceremonial figure, but the vote was seen as a trial run for the contest between Ivanishvili's ruling Georgian Dream party and the opposition in more important parliamentary polls set for 2020.

Fresh street protesters could spark concern for the country, which has seen civil wars, mass demonstrations and unrest since gaining its independence in 1991 with the breakup of the Soviet Union.

"People took to the streets today because the elections were rigged," said protester Gia Mgeladze, 20. "I defend people's right to change power through fair elections."

The vote was also seen as a test of Georgia's democratic credentials as it seeks<a href="http://www.wionews.com/europe/27-european-union-leaders-approve-brexit-deal-with-britain-eu-council-president-donald-tusk-179318"> European Union</a> and<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-asks-nato-to-send-ships-to-back-it-in-conflict-with-russia-180117"> NATO </a>membership.

Monitors from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe said the election was competitive but they also raised concerns about misuse of administrative resources that "blurred the line between party and state".

In the first round, held in October, former French ambassador Zurabishvili failed to take the 50-per cent-plus-one-vote needed to win outright.&nbsp;

But she gained more than 59 per cent of the second-round vote, while Vashadze topped 40 per cent.

&nbsp;

Around 25,000 Georgians on Sunday protested against the election of a ruling party-backed candidate to the presidency, claiming fraud, in a move that threatens to complicate the transition of power in the Western-backed nation.

Around 25,000 Georgians on Sunday protested against the election of a ruling party-backed candidate to the presidency, claiming fraud, in a move that threatens to complicate the transition of power in the Western-backed nation. Holding Georgian and EU flags, protesters packed Rustaveli Avenue in front of the parliament building in the centre of the Georgian capital Tbilisi. "I am here to protest against election fraud," Liana Partsvania, 63, told AFP. She accused billionaire tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili, seen by many as the country's de facto ruler, of stealing "our votes". On Wednesday, former French diplomat Salome Zurabishvili was elected the ex-Soviet nation's first woman president, beating a candidate supported by flamboyant ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili. Zurabishvili has said her election was a step forward for women and a move closer to Europe. But opposition leaders including Zurabishvili's rival Grigol Vashadze have refused to accept the result and called for snap parliamentary elections. The new head of state will be a largely ceremonial figure, but the vote was seen as a trial run for the contest between Ivanishvili's ruling Georgian Dream party and the opposition in more important parliamentary polls set for 2020. Fresh street protesters could spark concern for the country, which has seen civil wars, mass demonstrations and unrest since gaining its independence in 1991 with the breakup of the Soviet Union. "People took to the streets today because the elections were rigged," said protester Gia Mgeladze, 20. "I defend people's right to change power through fair elections." The vote was also seen as a test of Georgia's democratic credentials as it seeks European Union and NATO membership. Monitors from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe said the election was competitive but they also raised concerns about misuse of administrative resources that "blurred the line between party and state". In the first round, held in October, former French ambassador Zurabishvili failed to take the 50-per cent-plus-one-vote needed to win outright. But she gained more than 59 per cent of the second-round vote, while Vashadze topped 40 per cent.

Thousands hit streets of Georgia to protest against Presidential election result

US midterm polls: Georgia, Illinois, Alabama, Indiana, Texas extend polling hours

After the deadly shooting at a Texas high school on Friday, another shooting took place at a high school graduation ceremony in Clayton County of the United States' southeastern province Georgia on Friday night leaving one dead and two others wounded.&nbsp;

The shooting took place at a parking lot outside of the Clayton County Performing Arts Center located at 2530 Mt Zion Parkway in Jonesboro, near Mt&nbsp;Zion High School&nbsp;in Clayton County.&nbsp;

The incident followed a ceremony for graduates of the Perry Learning Center, which prepares students for careers as an alternative to traditional high schools.

According to the Clayton County Fire and Emergency Services, one adult female was killed after being shot multiple times. The others have been moved to a local hospital, reports said.

As per reports, an argument broke out in the parking lot which led to two women being shot - one in the leg and the other one multiple times in the chest.&nbsp;

The identification of the shooter is not yet revealed. The police are currently investigating the case.&nbsp;

This comes barely hours after when at least eight people were shot dead in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ten-dead-in-texas-school-shooting-student-arrested-138048">Santa Fe High School</a> in an early morning shootout in the southeastern Texas city of Santa Fe, about 50 kilometres away from Houston.

The shooting took place at a parking lot outside of the Clayton County Performing Arts Center located at 2530 Mt Zion Parkway in Jonesboro

After the deadly shooting at a Texas high school on Friday, another shooting took place at a high school graduation ceremony in Clayton County of the United States' southeastern province Georgia on Friday night leaving one dead and two others wounded. The shooting took place at a parking lot outside of the Clayton County Performing Arts Center located at 2530 Mt Zion Parkway in Jonesboro, near Mt Zion High School in Clayton County. The incident followed a ceremony for graduates of the Perry Learning Center, which prepares students for careers as an alternative to traditional high schools. According to the Clayton County Fire and Emergency Services, one adult female was killed after being shot multiple times. The others have been moved to a local hospital, reports said. As per reports, an argument broke out in the parking lot which led to two women being shot - one in the leg and the other one multiple times in the chest. The identification of the shooter is not yet revealed. The police are currently investigating the case. This comes barely hours after when at least eight people were shot dead in Santa Fe High School in an early morning shootout in the southeastern Texas city of Santa Fe, about 50 kilometres away from Houston.

After Texas, shooting in Georgia high school kills one, wounds two

A rare winter storm hit the US Southeast on Wednesday, dumping snow on Florida&#39;s capital for the first time in three decades and snarling travel, while New England braced for a &quot;bombogenesis&quot; blizzard forecast to bring heavy accumulations on Thursday.

The governors of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia declared states of emergency, warning residents to expect icy roads and freezing temperatures. In the northeast, work crews loaded trucks with road salt in advance of the storm.

The New York City Department of Education said it would close public schools on Thursday because of severe weather. The National Weather Service predicted New York could see 5-8 inches of snow and wind gusts as high as 50 mph on Thursday.

Much of the eastern United States is in the grips of a sustained cold spell that has frozen parts of Niagara Falls on the American and Canadian sides, played havoc with public works causing pipes to freeze and water mains to burst, and impeded firefighting in places where temperatures barely broke 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cold has been blamed for at least nine deaths over the past few days, including two homeless people in Houston. Police in Roseville, Michigan, said on Wednesday that a 96-year-old woman, recently diagnosed with dementia, was found dead in a playground, apparently having frozen to death after wandering outside in a robe and slippers.

The National Weather Service had blizzard warnings in effect from Virginia to Maine, with areas around Boston expected to see about a foot (30 cm) of snow on Thursday.

Snow would fall quickly during the day, at a rate of several inches per hour, with the storm intensified by the &quot;bombogenesis&quot; effect, private forecaster Accuweather warned.

&quot;Bombogenesis,&quot; also known as a &quot;bomb cyclone,&quot; occurs when a storm&#39;s barometric pressure drops by 24 millibars in 24 hours, greatly strengthening the storm.

The effect is seen along the Northeastern coast every winter, but this storm will be particularly powerful, said Judah Cohen, a visiting scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

&quot;This one is unique in how quickly the pressure is going to fall,&quot; Cohen said. &quot;The pressures could rival a Category 1 or Category 2 hurricane.&quot;

An arctic air mass will remain entrenched over the eastern two-thirds of the United States through the end of the week.

NOT FIT FOR MAN NOR BEAST

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An emergency service vehicle exits the New York State Thruway, which was closed following a major traffic incident due to blizzard-like conditions, near Buffalo, New York. (Reuters)
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&nbsp;

At a news conference, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster warned people in the eastern part of the state to stay indoors if possible and to keep pets indoors.

&quot;If they can&#39;t get in the heat, they&#39;ll freeze to death and they&#39;ll be gone,&quot; McMaster said. &quot;And the same thing will happen to people. So you have to be careful about that.&quot;

In the state&#39;s historic city of Charleston, the winter storm shuttered carriage-horse tour companies after a horse slipped and fell on ice during a tour on Tuesday, city spokesman Jack O&#39;Toole said.

The wintry mix and low wind chills caused widespread power outages and icy roads, making commuting treacherous for millions of Americans from northern Florida to southern Virginia, the National Weather Service said.

The storm was starting to snarl air travel in the southern United States, with about 50 percent of flights canceled at airports in South Carolina&#39;s Charleston and Myrtle Beach and Savannah, Georgia, according to the FlightAware tracking service.

Two to 3 inches (5-8 cm) of snow were expected in northeastern Florida, coastal Georgia and South Carolina, weather service meteorologist Bob Oravec said. The weather service said its Tallahassee office had measured snow and sleet accumulation of 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) on its roof, the first snow in Florida&#39;s capital since 1989.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh ordered schools closed on Thursday, warning city residents that the peak of the storm would occur during the day, making travel extremely dangerous.

&quot;Both rush hours will be affected,&quot; Walsh told a news conference. &quot;Be patient. With the amount of snow we&#39;re getting here, we could be plowing your street and a half hour later it could look like we haven&#39;t been there.&quot;

The New York City Department of Education said it would close public schools on Thursday because of severe weather.

A rare winter storm hit the US Southeast on Wednesday, dumping snow on Florida's capital for the first time in three decades and snarling travel, while New England braced for a "bombogenesis" blizzard forecast to bring heavy accumulations on Thursday. The governors of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia declared states of emergency, warning residents to expect icy roads and freezing temperatures. In the northeast, work crews loaded trucks with road salt in advance of the storm. The New York City Department of Education said it would close public schools on Thursday because of severe weather. The National Weather Service predicted New York could see 5-8 inches of snow and wind gusts as high as 50 mph on Thursday. Much of the eastern United States is in the grips of a sustained cold spell that has frozen parts of Niagara Falls on the American and Canadian sides, played havoc with public works causing pipes to freeze and water mains to burst, and impeded firefighting in places where temperatures barely broke 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The cold has been blamed for at least nine deaths over the past few days, including two homeless people in Houston. Police in Roseville, Michigan, said on Wednesday that a 96-year-old woman, recently diagnosed with dementia, was found dead in a playground, apparently having frozen to death after wandering outside in a robe and slippers. The National Weather Service had blizzard warnings in effect from Virginia to Maine, with areas around Boston expected to see about a foot (30 cm) of snow on Thursday. Snow would fall quickly during the day, at a rate of several inches per hour, with the storm intensified by the "bombogenesis" effect, private forecaster Accuweather warned. "Bombogenesis," also known as a "bomb cyclone," occurs when a storm's barometric pressure drops by 24 millibars in 24 hours, greatly strengthening the storm. The effect is seen along the Northeastern coast every winter, but this storm will be particularly powerful, said Judah Cohen, a visiting scientist at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "This one is unique in how quickly the pressure is going to fall," Cohen said. "The pressures could rival a Category 1 or Category 2 hurricane." An arctic air mass will remain entrenched over the eastern two-thirds of the United States through the end of the week. NOT FIT FOR MAN NOR BEAST An emergency service vehicle exits the New York State Thruway, which was closed following a major traffic incident due to blizzard-like conditions, near Buffalo, New York. (Reuters) × At a news conference, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster warned people in the eastern part of the state to stay indoors if possible and to keep pets indoors. "If they can't get in the heat, they'll freeze to death and they'll be gone," McMaster said. "And the same thing will happen to people. So you have to be careful about that." In the state's historic city of Charleston, the winter storm shuttered carriage-horse tour companies after a horse slipped and fell on ice during a tour on Tuesday, city spokesman Jack O'Toole said. The wintry mix and low wind chills caused widespread power outages and icy roads, making commuting treacherous for millions of Americans from northern Florida to southern Virginia, the National Weather Service said. The storm was starting to snarl air travel in the southern United States, with about 50 percent of flights canceled at airports in South Carolina's Charleston and Myrtle Beach and Savannah, Georgia, according to the FlightAware tracking service. Two to 3 inches (5-8 cm) of snow were expected in northeastern Florida, coastal Georgia and South Carolina, weather service meteorologist Bob Oravec said. The weather service said its Tallahassee office had measured snow and sleet accumulation of 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) on its roof, the first snow in Florida's capital since 1989. Boston Mayor Marty Walsh ordered schools closed on Thursday, warning city residents that the peak of the storm would occur during the day, making travel extremely dangerous. "Both rush hours will be affected," Walsh told a news conference. "Be patient. With the amount of snow we're getting here, we could be plowing your street and a half hour later it could look like we haven't been there."

'Bombogenesis' takes aim at US Northeast as snow sweeps South

A former Islamic State fighter suspected of masterminding a deadly attack on Istanbul airport in 2016 was killed during a special operation in ex-Soviet Georgia last week, a spokeswoman for Georgia&#39;s state security service said on Friday.

Akhmed Chatayev was named by Turkish media and a US&nbsp;congressman as the mastermind of the suicide bombing of Istanbul airport in 2016 which killed 45 people. His involvement has not been corroborated by Turkish officials.

&quot;It&#39;s confirmed that one of those killed during the operation is Akhmed Chatayev,&quot; Nino Giorgobiani, a spokeswoman for Georgia&#39;s state security service, told a news briefing. Giorgobiani said that Chatayev blew himself up.&nbsp;

One Georgian special forces serviceman and two other members of the armed group, which was suspected of terrorism, were killed in the same operation. Four police officers were wounded and one member of the group was also arrested.

The 20-hour operation took place at an apartment block on the outskirts of the Georgian capital Tbilisi last week.

Giorgobiani declined to name the two other armed men killed or disclose the identity of the member of the group who was arrested, the group&#39;s motives, or how they got to Georgia.

&quot;The investigation is ongoing ... We continue to work with our international partners to identify the other two (armed men),&quot; Giorgobiani said.

She said that experts from the United States had been participating in the investigation.

A United Nations sanctions list describes Chatayev as a senior figure in Islamic State responsible for training Russian-speaking militants.&nbsp;

A veteran of Chechnya&#39;s conflict with Moscow during which he lost an arm, he lived in Georgia&#39;s Pankisi Gorge, a remote area populated largely by people from the Kist community, ethnic Chechens whose ancestors came to mainly Christian Georgia in the 1800s.

When, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Chechnya rose up in an armed rebellion against Moscow&#39;s rule, the Kist community were drawn to the fight. Thousands of refugees arrived from Chechnya, and some insurgents used the gorge to regroup and prepare new attacks.

Chatayev was wounded and arrested in Georgia in August 2012 following a clash between the Georgian police and a group of militants, who were allegedly trying to cross the Georgian-Russian border and move to Dagestan.

'It's confirmed that one of those killed during the operation is Akhmed Chatayev,' said Nino Giorgobiani, a spokeswoman for Georgia's state security service

A former Islamic State fighter suspected of masterminding a deadly attack on Istanbul airport in 2016 was killed during a special operation in ex-Soviet Georgia last week, a spokeswoman for Georgia's state security service said on Friday. Akhmed Chatayev was named by Turkish media and a US congressman as the mastermind of the suicide bombing of Istanbul airport in 2016 which killed 45 people. His involvement has not been corroborated by Turkish officials. "It's confirmed that one of those killed during the operation is Akhmed Chatayev," Nino Giorgobiani, a spokeswoman for Georgia's state security service, told a news briefing. Giorgobiani said that Chatayev blew himself up. One Georgian special forces serviceman and two other members of the armed group, which was suspected of terrorism, were killed in the same operation. Four police officers were wounded and one member of the group was also arrested. The 20-hour operation took place at an apartment block on the outskirts of the Georgian capital Tbilisi last week. Giorgobiani declined to name the two other armed men killed or disclose the identity of the member of the group who was arrested, the group's motives, or how they got to Georgia. "The investigation is ongoing ... We continue to work with our international partners to identify the other two (armed men)," Giorgobiani said. She said that experts from the United States had been participating in the investigation. A United Nations sanctions list describes Chatayev as a senior figure in Islamic State responsible for training Russian-speaking militants. A veteran of Chechnya's conflict with Moscow during which he lost an arm, he lived in Georgia's Pankisi Gorge, a remote area populated largely by people from the Kist community, ethnic Chechens whose ancestors came to mainly Christian Georgia in the 1800s. When, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Chechnya rose up in an armed rebellion against Moscow's rule, the Kist community were drawn to the fight. Thousands of refugees arrived from Chechnya, and some insurgents used the gorge to regroup and prepare new attacks. Chatayev was wounded and arrested in Georgia in August 2012 following a clash between the Georgian police and a group of militants, who were allegedly trying to cross the Georgian-Russian border and move to Dagestan.

Suspect in Istanbul airport bombing killed last week: Georgia

US film star Shia LaBeouf was arrested in Georgia early Saturday after he became &quot;aggressive&quot; towards a police officer and was behaving in a &quot;disorderly&quot; fashion, authorities said.&nbsp;

According to the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, LaBeouf was arrested in the early hours after he approached a bystander and a police officer, asking for a cigarette.

It is the latest in a series of arrests for &quot;Transformers&quot; star LaBeouf, with at least one earlier incident also involving &quot;disorderly&quot; behavior.&nbsp;

&quot;When LaBeouf wasn&#39;t given a cigarette, he became disorderly, using profanities and vulgar language in front of the women and children present,&quot; the police department said in a statement.

The officer told LaBeouf to leave the area but he refused and grew aggressive, the statement read.&nbsp;

When the officer attempted to place LaBeouf under arrest, he ran to a nearby hotel before eventually getting arrested in the lobby.

LaBeouf was charged with obstruction, disorderly conduct, and public drunkenness.

LaBeouf is in Georgia to film the &quot;Peanut Butter Falcon,&quot; a movie co-starring Dakota Johnson.

Also known for films such as &quot;Disturbia&quot; (2007) and Lars von Trier&#39;s &quot;Nymphomaniac&quot; (2013), LaBeouf was arrested in January when he allegedly grabbed and pushed a man outside the Museum of the Moving Image in New York, where the film star had set up an anti-Donald Trump installation.

LaBeouf has said the charges against him were subsequently dropped.

He was also arrested in June 2014 at a Broadway musical after causing a disturbance in the theater.

LaBeouf was charged with obstruction, disorderly conduct, and public drunkenness

US film star Shia LaBeouf was arrested in Georgia early Saturday after he became "aggressive" towards a police officer and was behaving in a "disorderly" fashion, authorities said. According to the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department, LaBeouf was arrested in the early hours after he approached a bystander and a police officer, asking for a cigarette. It is the latest in a series of arrests for "Transformers" star LaBeouf, with at least one earlier incident also involving "disorderly" behavior. "When LaBeouf wasn't given a cigarette, he became disorderly, using profanities and vulgar language in front of the women and children present," the police department said in a statement. The officer told LaBeouf to leave the area but he refused and grew aggressive, the statement read. When the officer attempted to place LaBeouf under arrest, he ran to a nearby hotel before eventually getting arrested in the lobby. LaBeouf was charged with obstruction, disorderly conduct, and public drunkenness. LaBeouf is in Georgia to film the "Peanut Butter Falcon," a movie co-starring Dakota Johnson. Also known for films such as "Disturbia" (2007) and Lars von Trier's "Nymphomaniac" (2013), LaBeouf was arrested in January when he allegedly grabbed and pushed a man outside the Museum of the Moving Image in New York, where the film star had set up an anti-Donald Trump installation. LaBeouf has said the charges against him were subsequently dropped. He was also arrested in June 2014 at a Broadway musical after causing a disturbance in the theater.

Actor Shia LaBeouf arrested in Georgia for 'disorderly' behaviour

Donald Trump&#39;s vice-president and top aides joined the US president-elect in criticising&nbsp;US Representative John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat,&nbsp;civil rights activist and lawmaker for questioning the legitimacy of his election win, opening up a new divide days before the inauguration.

US Representative John Lewis, told NBC&#39;s &quot;Meet the Press&quot; he thought hacking by Russians had helped Trump, a Republican, to get elected in November. Lewis said he does not plan to attend Trump&#39;s swearing in on Friday, the first time he would miss such an event since being elected to the House in 1986.

Vice-President-elect Mike Pence, incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and Trump spokesman Sean Spicer characterised Lewis&#39; remarks as disappointing and damaging to the reputation of US democracy.

&quot;We honour the sacrifice that he made,&quot; Pence said on CBS&#39; &quot;Face the Nation.&quot; &quot;For someone of his stature not just in the civil rights movement but in voting rights to make a comment that he did not consider Donald Trump to be a legitimate president I think is deeply disappointing. I hope he reconsiders both statements.&quot;

Pence said he had attended both of President Barack Obama&#39;s inaugurations. He said at a time when the country was facing challenges both at home and abroad, Americans should look for ways to come together and work together. The 76-year-old Lewis, who has been a civil rights leader for more than half a century, was beaten by police during a march he helped lead in 1965 in Selma, Alabama, drawing attention to hurdles preventing blacks from voting. He protested alongside leader Martin Luther King Jr. that day and on other occasions. The spat comes ahead of Monday&#39;s federal holiday that honours King.

Speaking on ABC&#39;s &quot;This Week&quot;, Priebus said Lewis&#39; comments, given his position in society, were irresponsible. &quot;We need folks like John Lewis, and others who I think have been champions of voter rights, to actually recognise the fact that Donald Trump was duly elected,&quot; said Priebus. &quot;I think putting the United States down across the world is not something that a responsible person does.&quot;

Outgoing White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough said Obama believed that Trump was the freely elected president. McDonough, however, said concerns raised by Lewis and other Democrats about Russia&#39;s interference in the election were not trivial.

&quot;My hope would be that the president-elect will reach out to...John Lewis, who has done so many things over the course of his life, to try to work this out,&quot; McDonough said on CNN&#39;s State of the Union. Such a gesture, he said, would show Americans that the nation is united and send a message to the Russians that &quot;their efforts to divide us, to weaken us, to advance their own interests, at the expense of ours, are going to fail.&quot;

Trump&#39;s aides defended his hard-hitting response on Twitter on Saturday that Lewis &quot;should spend more time on fixing and helping his district, which is in horrible shape and falling apart (not to mention crime infested),&quot; instead of complaining about the November 8 election results.

Lewis&#39; district encompasses Atlanta and the city&#39;s main newspaper, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, told Trump he was &quot;wrong&quot; in his characterization of the area, which includes &quot;many of Atlanta&rsquo;s crown jewels as well as pockets of poverty.&quot;

&quot;It was John Lewis that attacked Donald Trump. Donald Trump has a right to respond to that, and he did. And forcefully,&quot; Spicer said on Fox News. But other Republicans and conservatives, like Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska, had voiced support for Lewis on Saturday and his contribution not just to the United States, but to the world. At least 10 other Democratic politicians have said they also plan to skip the inauguration.

(Reuters)&nbsp;

Trump's top aides have joined in on criticism?of US Representative John Lewis for questioning the legitimacy of Trump's election victory

Donald Trump's vice-president and top aides joined the US president-elect in criticising US Representative John Lewis, a Georgia Democrat, civil rights activist and lawmaker for questioning the legitimacy of his election win, opening up a new divide days before the inauguration. US Representative John Lewis, told NBC's "Meet the Press" he thought hacking by Russians had helped Trump, a Republican, to get elected in November. Lewis said he does not plan to attend Trump's swearing in on Friday, the first time he would miss such an event since being elected to the House in 1986. Vice-President-elect Mike Pence, incoming White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and Trump spokesman Sean Spicer characterised Lewis' remarks as disappointing and damaging to the reputation of US democracy. "We honour the sacrifice that he made," Pence said on CBS' "Face the Nation." "For someone of his stature not just in the civil rights movement but in voting rights to make a comment that he did not consider Donald Trump to be a legitimate president I think is deeply disappointing. I hope he reconsiders both statements." Pence said he had attended both of President Barack Obama's inaugurations. He said at a time when the country was facing challenges both at home and abroad, Americans should look for ways to come together and work together. The 76-year-old Lewis, who has been a civil rights leader for more than half a century, was beaten by police during a march he helped lead in 1965 in Selma, Alabama, drawing attention to hurdles preventing blacks from voting. He protested alongside leader Martin Luther King Jr. that day and on other occasions. The spat comes ahead of Monday's federal holiday that honours King. Speaking on ABC's "This Week", Priebus said Lewis' comments, given his position in society, were irresponsible. "We need folks like John Lewis, and others who I think have been champions of voter rights, to actually recognise the fact that Donald Trump was duly elected," said Priebus. "I think putting the United States down across the world is not something that a responsible person does." Outgoing White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough said Obama believed that Trump was the freely elected president. McDonough, however, said concerns raised by Lewis and other Democrats about Russia's interference in the election were not trivial. "My hope would be that the president-elect will reach out to...John Lewis, who has done so many things over the course of his life, to try to work this out," McDonough said on CNN's State of the Union. Such a gesture, he said, would show Americans that the nation is united and send a message to the Russians that "their efforts to divide us, to weaken us, to advance their own interests, at the expense of ours, are going to fail." Trump's aides defended his hard-hitting response on Twitter on Saturday that Lewis "should spend more time on fixing and helping his district, which is in horrible shape and falling apart (not to mention crime infested)," instead of complaining about the November 8 election results. Lewis' district encompasses Atlanta and the city's main newspaper, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, told Trump he was "wrong" in his characterization of the area, which includes "many of Atlanta’s crown jewels as well as pockets of poverty." "It was John Lewis that attacked Donald Trump. Donald Trump has a right to respond to that, and he did. And forcefully," Spicer said on Fox News. But other Republicans and conservatives, like Senator Ben Sasse of Nebraska, had voiced support for Lewis on Saturday and his contribution not just to the United States, but to the world. At least 10 other Democratic politicians have said they also plan to skip the inauguration. (Reuters)

Now, Trump's team slams John Lewis

Wales let slip two 2018 World Cup qualifying points in a 1-1 draw at home to Georgia in Cardiff on Sunday.

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale headed Wales into a 10th-minute lead and the Euro 2016 semi-finalists should have scored more goals before half-time.

Georgia hit back after the break, equalising through Tornike Okriashvili&#39;s 57th-minute header and they nearly won the game late on when Valeri Kazaishvili struck the crossbar.

&quot;People will look at it as two points dropped but it might be a point gained at the end of the day, in the second half,&quot; Wales manager Chris Coleman told Sky Sports.

&quot;We got a great start but you&#39;ve got to take care of business. We didn&#39;t and we were punished, we tried to come again but it was too late, they&#39;d got a bit of confidence by then.&quot;

He added: &quot;We could have lost it in the second half but you think Georgia at home, you&#39;ve got to take the three points.

&quot;The next game now is Serbia here (on November 12). It puts more pressure on us to take three points there and we have to deal with that.&quot;

 
&nbsp;

(AFP)

The match ended in a 1-1 draw with Gareth Bale getting wales a 10th-minute lead and Georgia's Tornike Okriashvili's 57th-minute header

Wales let slip two 2018 World Cup qualifying points in a 1-1 draw at home to Georgia in Cardiff on Sunday. Real Madrid star Gareth Bale headed Wales into a 10th-minute lead and the Euro 2016 semi-finalists should have scored more goals before half-time. Georgia hit back after the break, equalising through Tornike Okriashvili's 57th-minute header and they nearly won the game late on when Valeri Kazaishvili struck the crossbar. "People will look at it as two points dropped but it might be a point gained at the end of the day, in the second half," Wales manager Chris Coleman told Sky Sports. "We got a great start but you've got to take care of business. We didn't and we were punished, we tried to come again but it was too late, they'd got a bit of confidence by then." He added: "We could have lost it in the second half but you think Georgia at home, you've got to take the three points. "The next game now is Serbia here (on November 12). It puts more pressure on us to take three points there and we have to deal with that." (AFP)

Wales drop two World Cup points in Georgia draw

Hurricane Matthew hit Florida, Georgia and South Carolina in the&nbsp;United States after killing almost 900 people in Haiti but was reduced to a category 1 storm on Saturday.

The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) downgraded the storm to a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds subsiding to a still dangerous 75 miles (130 kilometers) per hour, AFP reported.

&quot;The combination of a dangerous storm surge, the tide, and large and destructive waves will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline,&quot; the NHC said.

The Matthew appeared to be diminishing after hitting the southern coast of South Carolina after causing power outages in Florida and claiming at least four lives.

In Florida, 775,000 were without power, according to state utilities, while in South Carolina 433,000 had no power, Governor Nikki Haley said, Reuters reported. Florida governor Rick Scott told Reuters that more than 6,000 people stayed in shelters on Friday night.

&quot;We&#39;re all blessed that Matthew stayed off our coast,&quot; he said, though he also described extensive flooding, damaged roads, downed trees and homes without electricity. He predicted most people would have power back by Sunday evening.

&quot;The weather experts have described Matthew as a once in a 100-year type of storm,&quot; said Mayor Lenny Curry in Jacksonville, Florida.

Matthew triggered mass evacuations and cities were under curfew as the storm accelerated along the US coast from Florida through Georgia and into South Carolina and North Carolina.

Cities including Savannah and Charleston in South Carolina were under dusk-to-dawn curfews to keep people off the streets and guard against looting.

Streets in Charleston were flooding up to the top of the tires. However, the officials did not report any deaths, injuries or significant structural damage.

President Barack Obama has declared federal states of emergency in Florida, Georgia, and North and South Carolina.

A US Navy ship transport dock ship was en route to Haiti to support relief efforts. The US government was also airlifting in blankets, hygiene kits, kitchen sets and plastic sheeting for emergency shelters, a statement by the United States Agency for International Development said.

The storm caused major flooding and left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean coast. Tens of thousands were left homeless in Haiti earlier this week before it skirted Florida&#39;s Atlantic coast on Friday.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

Matthew triggered mass evacuations and cities were under curfew as the storm accelerated along the US coast from Florida through Georgia

Hurricane Matthew hit Florida, Georgia and South Carolina in the United States after killing almost 900 people in Haiti but was reduced to a category 1 storm on Saturday. The Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) downgraded the storm to a Category 1 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds subsiding to a still dangerous 75 miles (130 kilometers) per hour, AFP reported. "The combination of a dangerous storm surge, the tide, and large and destructive waves will cause normally dry areas near the coast to be flooded by rising waters moving inland from the shoreline," the NHC said. The Matthew appeared to be diminishing after hitting the southern coast of South Carolina after causing power outages in Florida and claiming at least four lives. In Florida, 775,000 were without power, according to state utilities, while in South Carolina 433,000 had no power, Governor Nikki Haley said, Reuters reported. Florida governor Rick Scott told Reuters that more than 6,000 people stayed in shelters on Friday night. "We're all blessed that Matthew stayed off our coast," he said, though he also described extensive flooding, damaged roads, downed trees and homes without electricity. He predicted most people would have power back by Sunday evening. "The weather experts have described Matthew as a once in a 100-year type of storm," said Mayor Lenny Curry in Jacksonville, Florida. Matthew triggered mass evacuations and cities were under curfew as the storm accelerated along the US coast from Florida through Georgia and into South Carolina and North Carolina. Cities including Savannah and Charleston in South Carolina were under dusk-to-dawn curfews to keep people off the streets and guard against looting. Streets in Charleston were flooding up to the top of the tires. However, the officials did not report any deaths, injuries or significant structural damage. President Barack Obama has declared federal states of emergency in Florida, Georgia, and North and South Carolina. A US Navy ship transport dock ship was en route to Haiti to support relief efforts. The US government was also airlifting in blankets, hygiene kits, kitchen sets and plastic sheeting for emergency shelters, a statement by the United States Agency for International Development said. The storm caused major flooding and left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean coast. Tens of thousands were left homeless in Haiti earlier this week before it skirted Florida's Atlantic coast on Friday. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Hurricane Matthew downgraded to Category 1 storm as it hits southeastern US coast

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