Georgia's ruling party has been forced to withdraw its controversial 'foreign agents' bill after people took to the streets in a protests against it in the capital. Watch this report to know further.

Georgia revokes controversial 'foreign agent' bill that sparked violent protests

Georgian police fired water cannon and tear gas at thousands of protesters Wednesday, ordering them to disperse, as they rallied against a planned "foreign agent" law reminiscent of Russian legislation used to silence critics.

Thousands Protest Over 'Foreign Agent' Bill In Georgia

Georgia withdraws 'foreign agents' bill after two days of protests

The police in Georgia fired tear gas and water cannon at the thousands of protesters, forcing them to disperse, as they demonstrated on Wednesday against the planned "foreign agent" law which is similar to the Russian legislation which was used to silence critics.

Huge crowds of protesters gathered in front of Georgia's parliament building in Tbilisi, waving EU and Georgian flags, and chanting slogans like "no to the Russian law".

The protesters have been raising their demand that the bill on "transparency of foreign funding” be dropped by the authorities, which according to the critics is similar to the Russian law that forced the dissenting groups and media to shut down.

Protester Elene Ksovreli, aged 16, said that Georgians do not want their future to be threatened.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/water-cannon-tear-gas-protesters-police-clash-in-georgia-over-foreign-agents-law-569791">Water cannon, tear gas | Protesters, police clash in Georgia over 'foreign agents' law</a>

"We will not allow them to make Russia define our future. We, young people, are here to protect our everything,” she said.

Earlier on Wednesday, protesters marched down the main thoroughfare of Tbilisi, holding a banner which read "Women against total control", to mark International Women's Day.

US appeals govt to show “restraint”, Zelensky calls for Georgia's "democratic success"

"We want Europe! We want the West," said Tamuna Kirkhvadze, who is a 37-year-old economist. "We want a bright future for our children and us,” she added.

Responding to the escalating protests, Washington appealed to the Georgia government to show "restraint" and allow people to stage peaceful protests.

"We urge the government of Georgia to respect the freedom of peaceful assembly and peaceful protests," said State Department spokesman Ned Price, appealing for "restraint" on all sides.

WATCH | Thousands protest in Tbilisi against controversial Georgian 'foreign agents' law

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"We are standing with the people of Georgia and the aspirations that they have. The bill jeopardises Georgia's Euro-Atlantic future," he said.

"We are concerned that the passage of this type of legislation would have consequences for our ability to continue to be the strategic partner that we have sought to be for Georgia and the people of Georgia over the course of decades," Price said.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hoped for "democratic success" in "friendly Georgia".

"There is no Ukrainian who would not wish success to our friendly Georgia. Democratic success. European success," said Zelensky in his evening address to the nation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The police in Georgia fired tear gas and water cannon at the thousands of protesters, forcing them to disperse, as they demonstrated on Wednesday against the planned "foreign agent" law which is similar to the Russian legislation which was used to silence critics.

The police in Georgia fired tear gas and water cannon at the thousands of protesters, forcing them to disperse, as they demonstrated on Wednesday against the planned "foreign agent" law which is similar to the Russian legislation which was used to silence critics. Huge crowds of protesters gathered in front of Georgia's parliament building in Tbilisi, waving EU and Georgian flags, and chanting slogans like "no to the Russian law". The protesters have been raising their demand that the bill on "transparency of foreign funding” be dropped by the authorities, which according to the critics is similar to the Russian law that forced the dissenting groups and media to shut down. Protester Elene Ksovreli, aged 16, said that Georgians do not want their future to be threatened. ALSO READ | Water cannon, tear gas | Protesters, police clash in Georgia over 'foreign agents' law "We will not allow them to make Russia define our future. We, young people, are here to protect our everything,” she said. Earlier on Wednesday, protesters marched down the main thoroughfare of Tbilisi, holding a banner which read "Women against total control", to mark International Women's Day. US appeals govt to show “restraint”, Zelensky calls for Georgia's "democratic success" "We want Europe! We want the West," said Tamuna Kirkhvadze, who is a 37-year-old economist. "We want a bright future for our children and us,” she added. Responding to the escalating protests, Washington appealed to the Georgia government to show "restraint" and allow people to stage peaceful protests. "We urge the government of Georgia to respect the freedom of peaceful assembly and peaceful protests," said State Department spokesman Ned Price, appealing for "restraint" on all sides. WATCH | Thousands protest in Tbilisi against controversial Georgian 'foreign agents' law "We are standing with the people of Georgia and the aspirations that they have. The bill jeopardises Georgia's Euro-Atlantic future," he said. "We are concerned that the passage of this type of legislation would have consequences for our ability to continue to be the strategic partner that we have sought to be for Georgia and the people of Georgia over the course of decades," Price said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hoped for "democratic success" in "friendly Georgia". "There is no Ukrainian who would not wish success to our friendly Georgia. Democratic success. European success," said Zelensky in his evening address to the nation. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Thousands of protesters rally against 'foreign agent' bill in Georgia

Water cannons and tear gas were used by the Georgian police against protesters on Tuesday as thousands of them took to the streets in Tbilisi to raise their voices against the controversial "foreign agents" bill.

Opposing the law, which would place registration requirements on NGOs and media, a protester threw a Molotov cocktail at the police cordon, as per the television footage.

The protest took place after Georgian lawmakers on Tuesday expressed their support to the draft law, which is similar to the legislation Russia used to crack down on dissent.

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The government authorities in Georgia, in recent years, have faced increasing international criticism over backsliding on democracy, which has further damaged the ties of Tbilisi with Brussels.

Russia, in 2012, adopted a law which permits authorities to take action against media outlets, NGOs and others deemed "foreign agents".

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, expressing her support for the protesters, promised to veto the proposed legislation.

"I stand with you because you are representing today the free Georgia which sees its future in Europe and will not let anyone steal this future," she stated in a video during her official visit to the United States. "Nobody has the right to take away your future," she added.

WATCH | Protests against EU, NATO across Europe over Ukraine war

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Meanwhile, the US embassy in Georgia said that the legislation was "Kremlin-inspired" and called it incompatible with the desire of the country to join the European Union.

"Today is a dark day for Georgia's democracy," stated the embassy in a statement, adding that the proposed legislation was raising questions about "the ruling party's commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration".

(With inputs from agencies)

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Water cannons and tear gas were used by the Georgian police against protesters on Tuesday as thousands of them took to the streets in Tbilisi to raise their voices against the controversial "foreign agents" bill.

Water cannons and tear gas were used by the Georgian police against protesters on Tuesday as thousands of them took to the streets in Tbilisi to raise their voices against the controversial "foreign agents" bill. Opposing the law, which would place registration requirements on NGOs and media, a protester threw a Molotov cocktail at the police cordon, as per the television footage. The protest took place after Georgian lawmakers on Tuesday expressed their support to the draft law, which is similar to the legislation Russia used to crack down on dissent. ALSO READ | France protests: Around 1.28 mn people demonstrate against Macron's pension reforms The government authorities in Georgia, in recent years, have faced increasing international criticism over backsliding on democracy, which has further damaged the ties of Tbilisi with Brussels. Russia, in 2012, adopted a law which permits authorities to take action against media outlets, NGOs and others deemed "foreign agents". Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, expressing her support for the protesters, promised to veto the proposed legislation. "I stand with you because you are representing today the free Georgia which sees its future in Europe and will not let anyone steal this future," she stated in a video during her official visit to the United States. "Nobody has the right to take away your future," she added. WATCH | Protests against EU, NATO across Europe over Ukraine war Meanwhile, the US embassy in Georgia said that the legislation was "Kremlin-inspired" and called it incompatible with the desire of the country to join the European Union. "Today is a dark day for Georgia's democracy," stated the embassy in a statement, adding that the proposed legislation was raising questions about "the ruling party's commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration". (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Water cannon, tear gas | Protesters, police clash in Georgia over 'foreign agents' law

Protests erupted in Tbilisi on Tuesday after Georgia’s parliament passed the first reading of a controversial draft law that would require some organizations receiving foreign funding to register as “foreign agents.” Rights groups have criticized the law as curtailing basic freedoms in the country.

Thousands protest in Tbilisi against controversial Georgian 'foreign agents' law

In a first-ever lawsuit&nbsp;filed by victims of the opioid epidemic, and brought on to trial, a Georgia court gave its verdict in favour of pharmaceutical companies.&nbsp;

The individual plaintiffs claimed that the medicine distributors Cardinal Health Inc (CAH.N), McKesson Corp (MCK.N) and JM Smith Corp, which hold a federal licence were resorting to illegal measures in taking opioid orders.

They said that the pharmaceutical companies were not adhering to the federal Controlled Substances Act and were cashing in by not reporting the sceptical&nbsp;purchases.&nbsp;

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The court trial was brought by 21 plaintiffs. It included kin&nbsp;of opioid-addictive parents who lost their lives, a woman whose grandson died at the age of one month and was born with opioid addiction symptoms and a rape-survivor whose opioid-addicted mother did not tend to her.&nbsp;

Glynn County Superior Court jury, after hours of deliberations, favoured the companies in the trial, which was brought on by individuals and not by any government entity, as is the case always.&nbsp;

"We are pleased with the jury's decision, which confirms that a law meant to apply to street dealers of illegal drugs cannot be used in a misguided attack" on distributors of federally licensed drugs, Cardinal said in a statement.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-china-lambast-west-for-blackmailing-attempting-to-interfere-in-other-countries-internal-affairs-567688">Russia, China slam West for blackmailing, attempting to interfere in other countries' internal affairs</a>

Often pharmaceutical companies end up paying huge amounts of money in&nbsp;settlements of these sorts of opioid-related litigations, however, in this case, the companies were exonerated by the Georgia court. As per statistics, legal matters in over 3,300 state, local and tribal governments against opioid firms has ended in over $50 billion in settlements.

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This included manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies.&nbsp;

The prescription opioid menace is a major cause of concern in the United States as the deaths caused by it have risen in recent years.&nbsp;According to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the number of reported deaths involving prescription opioids totalled 16,706 in 2021, a significant rise from 16,416 deaths reported in 2020.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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In a first-ever lawsuit filed by victims of the opioid epidemic, and brought on to trial, a Georgia court gave its verdict in favour of pharmaceutical companies.

In a first-ever lawsuit filed by victims of the opioid epidemic, and brought on to trial, a Georgia court gave its verdict in favour of pharmaceutical companies. The individual plaintiffs claimed that the medicine distributors Cardinal Health Inc (CAH.N), McKesson Corp (MCK.N) and JM Smith Corp, which hold a federal licence were resorting to illegal measures in taking opioid orders. They said that the pharmaceutical companies were not adhering to the federal Controlled Substances Act and were cashing in by not reporting the sceptical purchases. Also Read | Philippines dispatches resources to contain oil spillage from sunken tanker 'Princess Empress' The court trial was brought by 21 plaintiffs. It included kin of opioid-addictive parents who lost their lives, a woman whose grandson died at the age of one month and was born with opioid addiction symptoms and a rape-survivor whose opioid-addicted mother did not tend to her. Glynn County Superior Court jury, after hours of deliberations, favoured the companies in the trial, which was brought on by individuals and not by any government entity, as is the case always. "We are pleased with the jury's decision, which confirms that a law meant to apply to street dealers of illegal drugs cannot be used in a misguided attack" on distributors of federally licensed drugs, Cardinal said in a statement. Also Read | Russia, China slam West for blackmailing, attempting to interfere in other countries' internal affairs Often pharmaceutical companies end up paying huge amounts of money in settlements of these sorts of opioid-related litigations, however, in this case, the companies were exonerated by the Georgia court. As per statistics, legal matters in over 3,300 state, local and tribal governments against opioid firms has ended in over $50 billion in settlements. Watch | Russia reveals why it has suspended the New START nuclear arms control treaty This included manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies. The prescription opioid menace is a major cause of concern in the United States as the deaths caused by it have risen in recent years. According to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the number of reported deaths involving prescription opioids totalled 16,706 in 2021, a significant rise from 16,416 deaths reported in 2020. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pharmaceutical firms win opioid trial in Georgia court on suit filed by victims

Due to drastic weight loss, the health of Georgia's jailed Former President Mikheil Saakashvili has been deteriorating, his doctor said Wednesday.&nbsp;Addressing a presser on Wednesday, the opposition politician's doctor, Tamar Davarashvili, said, the health condition of the former leader is such that he may land in an intensive care unit.&nbsp;"The patient's condition is becoming serious," she said. "His weight and body mass are extremely low," she said, adding that the "next stage could be an intensive care unit."

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In what is seemingly grave news for Saakashvili's supporters, the doctor added that he weighed 115 kilogrammes when he was jailed in October 2021 and now he weighs just 67 kilogrammes. Over 570 members of the European Parliament last week passed a resolution where they voiced their opposition to Saakashvili's arrest. The resolution demanded the Georgian government release the former leader and set him free so that he could receive medical treatment abroad.

"The way former President Mikheil Saakashvili is being treated is a litmus test of the Georgian government's commitment to European values," the resolution read. There are growing calls from the international community over Saakashvili's release. In the latest, a group of US-based doctors said that he is suffering from serious neurological, gastrointestinal, and orthopaedic conditions which was a result of "torture" in custody.

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Saakashvili went into exile to Ukraine, where he spent most of his life after leaving Georgia. After becoming the governor of Ukraine's Odessa region, he renounced his Georgian citizenship in 2015.&nbsp;In 2018, the former president was convicted by a Georgian court on the charge of corruption and abuse of office. He was sentenced to prison for six years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, in October 2021, he was arrested when he landed in Georgia from exile. The pro-Western Saakashvili led the Caucasus country from 2004 to 2013.&nbsp;Many rights groups have said that the arrest of Saakashvili was politically motivated. However, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has repeatedly said that she will not pardon him.&nbsp;

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Saakashvili has been requesting voters to throw their weight behind the United National Movement (UNM), the country's main opposition party against the ruling Georgian Dream party.&nbsp;

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Due to drastic weight loss, the health of Georgia's jailed Former President Mikheil Saakashvili has been deteriorating, his doctor said Wednesday. Addressing a presser on Wednesday, the opposition politician's doctor, Tamar Davarashvili, said, the health condition of the former leader is such that he may land in an intensive care unit.

Due to drastic weight loss, the health of Georgia's jailed Former President Mikheil Saakashvili has been deteriorating, his doctor said Wednesday. Addressing a presser on Wednesday, the opposition politician's doctor, Tamar Davarashvili, said, the health condition of the former leader is such that he may land in an intensive care unit. "The patient's condition is becoming serious," she said. "His weight and body mass are extremely low," she said, adding that the "next stage could be an intensive care unit." Also Read | World's largest four-day work-week trial in Britain proves to be a success, here's how In what is seemingly grave news for Saakashvili's supporters, the doctor added that he weighed 115 kilogrammes when he was jailed in October 2021 and now he weighs just 67 kilogrammes. Over 570 members of the European Parliament last week passed a resolution where they voiced their opposition to Saakashvili's arrest. The resolution demanded the Georgian government release the former leader and set him free so that he could receive medical treatment abroad. "The way former President Mikheil Saakashvili is being treated is a litmus test of the Georgian government's commitment to European values," the resolution read. There are growing calls from the international community over Saakashvili's release. In the latest, a group of US-based doctors said that he is suffering from serious neurological, gastrointestinal, and orthopaedic conditions which was a result of "torture" in custody. Also Read | Toyota accedes to unions' demands, set to provide biggest wage hike in two decades Saakashvili went into exile to Ukraine, where he spent most of his life after leaving Georgia. After becoming the governor of Ukraine's Odessa region, he renounced his Georgian citizenship in 2015. In 2018, the former president was convicted by a Georgian court on the charge of corruption and abuse of office. He was sentenced to prison for six years. However, in October 2021, he was arrested when he landed in Georgia from exile. The pro-Western Saakashvili led the Caucasus country from 2004 to 2013. Many rights groups have said that the arrest of Saakashvili was politically motivated. However, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has repeatedly said that she will not pardon him. Watch | Wagner group head accuses Russian command of treason Saakashvili has been requesting voters to throw their weight behind the United National Movement (UNM), the country's main opposition party against the ruling Georgian Dream party. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Health of Georgia’s jailed Former President Mikheil Saakashvili deteriorating, says doctors

A man was saved by Georgia police from an overturned patrol car just before it was hit by an approaching train.&nbsp;During a traffic stop, the man stole a police car, setting off a high-speed chase with the authorities. The suspect, 29-year-old Mickal Parker, jumped behind the wheel of the police car and drove away as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.&nbsp;

Later, he lost control of the vehicle, which then flipped over into the train tracks.

"They just immediately went into rescue mode where they got to get this guy out of the car and away from that train," Atlanta Sgt. John Chaffee told&nbsp;FOX5 Atlanta.

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Video courtesy: FOX 5 Atlanta

Police released aerial and bodycam video of officers working with the Georgia State Patrol to pull the suspect from the vehicle just seconds before the train struck the patrol car.

Atlanta police lauded the officers involved in&nbsp;saving the suspect’s life&nbsp;and said that the incident shows that "no traffic stop is routine."

"We are proud of the efforts of the units on the ground as well as in the air, as they all worked to safely conclude an incident that could have ended in death or seriously bodily harm," the department said.

The driver was accused of theft by taking, evading arrest, driving recklessly, disrupting traffic, and causing damage to public property, according to the Atlanta Police Department.

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A man was saved by Georgia police from an overturned patrol car just before it was hit by an approaching train. During a traffic stop, the man stole a police car, setting off a high-speed chase with the authorities.

A man was saved by Georgia police from an overturned patrol car just before it was hit by an approaching train. During a traffic stop, the man stole a police car, setting off a high-speed chase with the authorities. The suspect, 29-year-old Mickal Parker, jumped behind the wheel of the police car and drove away as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. Later, he lost control of the vehicle, which then flipped over into the train tracks. "They just immediately went into rescue mode where they got to get this guy out of the car and away from that train," Atlanta Sgt. John Chaffee told FOX5 Atlanta. × Video courtesy: FOX 5 Atlanta Police released aerial and bodycam video of officers working with the Georgia State Patrol to pull the suspect from the vehicle just seconds before the train struck the patrol car. Atlanta police lauded the officers involved in saving the suspect’s life and said that the incident shows that "no traffic stop is routine." "We are proud of the efforts of the units on the ground as well as in the air, as they all worked to safely conclude an incident that could have ended in death or seriously bodily harm," the department said. The driver was accused of theft by taking, evading arrest, driving recklessly, disrupting traffic, and causing damage to public property, according to the Atlanta Police Department. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Watch: Georgia man crashes stolen police car on train tracks, officers rescue him

According to reports, officials have confirmed that at least nine people have been killed, after a major storm system-induced series of tornadoes barreled through parts of Georgia and Alabama in the United States, on Thursday. As search and rescue efforts are underway, on Friday, the death toll is expected to rise in the hardest-hit central Alabama, said the local officials. Meanwhile, at least tens of thousands of homes across the US Southeast region are left without power following the storm which has left a trail of widespread destruction in its wake.&nbsp;

The National Weather Service (NWS) &nbsp;said that the suspected tornado damage was reported across at least 14 counties in Alabama and 14 in Georgia where the temperatures were forecast to plunge below freezing overnight, reported Associated Press. At least seven people have been killed in central Alabama’s Autauga County and two others&nbsp;including a five-year-old boy&nbsp;in Georgia,&nbsp;said&nbsp;officials.&nbsp;

As of Friday morning, at least 40,000 homes and businesses are still out of power across the two aforementioned states, according to the tracking site PowerOutage.us. Visuals emerging from the affected areas show uprooted trees, damaged power lines, debris from nearby houses on the streets, and several structures reduced to rubble.&nbsp;

The weather agency, on Friday, also said that damage appears to be from at least two tornadoes rated EF-2 and EF-3 and that the total number of tornadoes is still being determined. The NWS also said that the twister in the hardest-hit central Alabama left damage which is consistent with an EF-3 tornado which can contain wind speeds between 136 and 165 mph. Notably, EF-5 damage is the most severe category on the scale.&nbsp;

The storms stretched from Mississippi to Georgia where Governor Brian Kemp, also confirmed the death of a state employee who was responding to the emergency. Additionally, officials also confirmed that four tornadoes touched down southeast of the state capital Atlanta but the damage was seen across several parts of the state. Meanwhile, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, on Thursday, declared a state of emergency across six counties.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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According to reports, officials have confirmed that at least nine people have been killed, after a major storm system-induced series of tornadoes barreled through parts of Georgia and Alabama in the United States, on Thursday.

According to reports, officials have confirmed that at least nine people have been killed, after a major storm system-induced series of tornadoes barreled through parts of Georgia and Alabama in the United States, on Thursday. As search and rescue efforts are underway, on Friday, the death toll is expected to rise in the hardest-hit central Alabama, said the local officials. Meanwhile, at least tens of thousands of homes across the US Southeast region are left without power following the storm which has left a trail of widespread destruction in its wake. The National Weather Service (NWS) said that the suspected tornado damage was reported across at least 14 counties in Alabama and 14 in Georgia where the temperatures were forecast to plunge below freezing overnight, reported Associated Press. At least seven people have been killed in central Alabama’s Autauga County and two others including a five-year-old boy in Georgia, said officials. As of Friday morning, at least 40,000 homes and businesses are still out of power across the two aforementioned states, according to the tracking site PowerOutage.us. Visuals emerging from the affected areas show uprooted trees, damaged power lines, debris from nearby houses on the streets, and several structures reduced to rubble. The weather agency, on Friday, also said that damage appears to be from at least two tornadoes rated EF-2 and EF-3 and that the total number of tornadoes is still being determined. The NWS also said that the twister in the hardest-hit central Alabama left damage which is consistent with an EF-3 tornado which can contain wind speeds between 136 and 165 mph. Notably, EF-5 damage is the most severe category on the scale. The storms stretched from Mississippi to Georgia where Governor Brian Kemp, also confirmed the death of a state employee who was responding to the emergency. Additionally, officials also confirmed that four tornadoes touched down southeast of the state capital Atlanta but the damage was seen across several parts of the state. Meanwhile, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, on Thursday, declared a state of emergency across six counties. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: At least nine killed after major storm sweeps through parts of Alabama, Georgia

At least six people were killed and several others injured after an "extremely dangerous"&nbsp;tornado rocked the southern United States on Thursday. Alabama and Georgia declared a state of emergency in light of a severe weather outbreak. The deadly tornado ripped through homes, toppling roofs, and uprooting trees in Selma, Alabama.

People in Selma have been advised to seek shelter and stay off the local roads. There have also been reports of downed power lines all across the area. Urging the residents to call 911 to report damages, The City of Selma said, "We are asking everyone to stay calm and stay in place until further notice."

Selma and its surrounding areas saw some of the worst damage, with National Weather Service (NWS) calling&nbsp;the tornado "large and extremely dangerous.” NWS meteorologist Gerald Satterwhite estimated that&nbsp;the twister lasted on the ground for approximately 80 kilometres and damaged seven counties throughout the state, CNN reported. “It was a pretty significant tornado” with “debris lofted in the air to about 10,000 to 15,000 feet,” Satterwhite said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/world/winter-storm-tornadoes-batter-us-thousands-without-electricity-543564" hreflang="en">Winter storm, tornadoes batter US, thousands without electricity</a>

An Autauga County Sheriff's spokeswoman confirmed the number of deceased but didn’t share any other information, Reuters reported.&nbsp;According to Coroner Buster Barber, at least four people died from flying debris during the tornado.

"I am sad to have learned that six Alabamians were lost to the storms that ravaged across our state. My prayers are with their loved ones and communities. We are far too familiar with devastating weather, but our people are resilient. We will get through it and be stronger for it," Alabama Governor Kay Ivey&nbsp;tweeted.

"The best we can tell is about 40 homes have major damage or have been completely destroyed," weather.com quoted Emergency Management Director Ernie Baggett, as saying.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/wion-climate-tracker-tornado-rage-across-us-south-killing-several-543417" hreflang="en">Tornado rage across U.S. South, killing several</a>

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Following the storms, six counties in Alabama, including Autauga County, saw Governor Ivey Kay issue an emergency declaration. Additionally included in the declaration were the counties of Chambers, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, and Tallapoosa.

"We have already seen parts of the state rattled by this severe weather system, which is why I have issued a state of emergency," Alabama Gov. KayIvey said in a tweet.

Nearly 34 tornadoes hit the US, with 58 counties in California being declared as disaster areas, Governor Gavin Newsom said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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At least six people were killed and several others injured after an "extremely dangerous" tornado rocked the southern United States on Thursday. Alabama and Georgia declared a state of emergency in light of a severe weather outbreak.

At least six people were killed and several others injured after an "extremely dangerous" tornado rocked the southern United States on Thursday. Alabama and Georgia declared a state of emergency in light of a severe weather outbreak. The deadly tornado ripped through homes, toppling roofs, and uprooting trees in Selma, Alabama. People in Selma have been advised to seek shelter and stay off the local roads. There have also been reports of downed power lines all across the area. Urging the residents to call 911 to report damages, The City of Selma said, "We are asking everyone to stay calm and stay in place until further notice." Selma and its surrounding areas saw some of the worst damage, with National Weather Service (NWS) calling the tornado "large and extremely dangerous.” NWS meteorologist Gerald Satterwhite estimated that the twister lasted on the ground for approximately 80 kilometres and damaged seven counties throughout the state, CNN reported. “It was a pretty significant tornado” with “debris lofted in the air to about 10,000 to 15,000 feet,” Satterwhite said. Also Read | Winter storm, tornadoes batter US, thousands without electricity An Autauga County Sheriff's spokeswoman confirmed the number of deceased but didn’t share any other information, Reuters reported. According to Coroner Buster Barber, at least four people died from flying debris during the tornado. "I am sad to have learned that six Alabamians were lost to the storms that ravaged across our state. My prayers are with their loved ones and communities. We are far too familiar with devastating weather, but our people are resilient. We will get through it and be stronger for it," Alabama Governor Kay Ivey tweeted. "The best we can tell is about 40 homes have major damage or have been completely destroyed," weather.com quoted Emergency Management Director Ernie Baggett, as saying. Watch | Tornado rage across U.S. South, killing several Following the storms, six counties in Alabama, including Autauga County, saw Governor Ivey Kay issue an emergency declaration. Additionally included in the declaration were the counties of Chambers, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, and Tallapoosa. "We have already seen parts of the state rattled by this severe weather system, which is why I have issued a state of emergency," Alabama Gov. KayIvey said in a tweet. Nearly 34 tornadoes hit the US, with 58 counties in California being declared as disaster areas, Governor Gavin Newsom said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Extremely dangerous’ tornado, thunderstorm kill 6 in Alabama, Georgia; state of emergency declared

Democratic Party candidate Raphael Warnock claims victory in Georgia midterm Senate runoff. Watch further to know more.

Midterm Election 2022: Democrat Raphael Warnock wins Georgia runoff

U.S. Prez Joe Biden lauds Democrat Raphael Warnock wins Georgia runoff

Democrats and Republicans keenly wait for Georgia midterm elections results. As per predictions, it seems the Democrats can win majority. Watch further to know more.

U.S. Midterm Elections: Senate candidates make last pitch in Georgia runoff

Midterm Election 2022: Republican Herschel Walker faces defeat in Georgia runoff

Democrat Raphael Warnock won re-election of Georgia runoff. This has strengthened the party's razor-thin majority. Warnock had defeated Republican former football star Herschel Walker.

Democrat Raphael Warnock wins Georgia election runoff

The end of 2022 US midterms election is just one day away, more than 1.8 million Georgians voted early in the runoff between Senator Raphael Warnock, a Democrat, and his Republican opponent.

US: Georgia runoff Senate a vote a new test for Biden and Trump

Walker vs Warnock: Who will win the Georgia Senate runoff?

The state of Georgia in the United States has again broken its early voting record. Both candidates Warnock & Walker made the closing pitch to voters.

US: Georgia breaks early voting record again; Warnock & Walker make the closing pitch to voters

As the early voting in Georgia has ended on Friday, the new record has been set at the runoff election. Now according to the Secretary of State Brader, more than 1.85 million Georgians turned out to vote.

More than 1.85 million Georgians come out to vote, gets new record in voter turnout

Georgia's controversial LIFE abortion ban, which forbids abortions after around six weeks of pregnancy, has been reinstated by the state's Supreme court. The court has put on hold a lower court's overturning the ban as it considers an appeal by the state attorney general's office.&nbsp;

It not only upheld the state's ban on abortion but also rejected the abortion sector's demand for a 24-hour notice period prior to the ban's restoration.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Why are women being denied the Right to abortion?

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The one-page decision did not provide any justification for granting the state's request to reinstate the ban.

In the judgement, the court said that "the state of Georgia’s emergency petition … seeking a stay of the order of the superior court of Fulton county in the above-styled action is hereby granted."&nbsp;

"To the extent the state also seeks an 'administrative stay,' that motion is dismissed as moot," it added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgias-six-week-abortion-ban-unconstitutional-rules-judge-534714">Georgia’s six-week abortion ban unconstitutional, rules judge</a>

The so-called LIFE legislation has been reinstated barely one week after the Fulton County Superior Court declared it to be unconstitutional and invalidated it.

On November 15, Fulton county superior court judge Robert McBurney ruled that the state ban was invalid.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/georgia-provides-unborn-foetus-rights-of-a-person-just-weeks-after-taking-away-basic-rights-of-women-503579">Gravitas Plus: Why are women being denied the Right to abortion?</a>

&nbsp;

According to the verdict, the prohibition was unconstitutional since, at the time it was enacted in 2019, US supreme court precedent under Roe v. Wade and another ruling permitted abortions for pregnancies that have crossed the six-week mark.

McBurney in his ruling wrote that the Act may one day "become the law of Georgia", however that can happen "only after our legislature determines in the sharp glare of public attention that will undoubtedly and properly attend such an important and consequential debate whether the rights of unborn children justify such a restriction on women’s right to bodily autonomy and privacy."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Georgia's controversial LIFE abortion ban, which forbids abortions after around six weeks of pregnancy, has been reinstated by the state's Supreme court. The court has put on hold a lower court's overturning the ban as it considers an appeal by the state attorney general's office.

Georgia's controversial LIFE abortion ban, which forbids abortions after around six weeks of pregnancy, has been reinstated by the state's Supreme court. The court has put on hold a lower court's overturning the ban as it considers an appeal by the state attorney general's office. It not only upheld the state's ban on abortion but also rejected the abortion sector's demand for a 24-hour notice period prior to the ban's restoration. Watch | Gravitas Plus: Why are women being denied the Right to abortion? The one-page decision did not provide any justification for granting the state's request to reinstate the ban. In the judgement, the court said that "the state of Georgia’s emergency petition … seeking a stay of the order of the superior court of Fulton county in the above-styled action is hereby granted." "To the extent the state also seeks an 'administrative stay,' that motion is dismissed as moot," it added. Also read | Georgia’s six-week abortion ban unconstitutional, rules judge The so-called LIFE legislation has been reinstated barely one week after the Fulton County Superior Court declared it to be unconstitutional and invalidated it. On November 15, Fulton county superior court judge Robert McBurney ruled that the state ban was invalid. Also read | Gravitas Plus: Why are women being denied the Right to abortion? According to the verdict, the prohibition was unconstitutional since, at the time it was enacted in 2019, US supreme court precedent under Roe v. Wade and another ruling permitted abortions for pregnancies that have crossed the six-week mark. McBurney in his ruling wrote that the Act may one day "become the law of Georgia", however that can happen "only after our legislature determines in the sharp glare of public attention that will undoubtedly and properly attend such an important and consequential debate whether the rights of unborn children justify such a restriction on women’s right to bodily autonomy and privacy." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Georgia Supreme Court reinstates six-week abortion ban, just a week after it was deemed 'unconstitutional'

Nearly five days after the midterm elections closed in the US, the final picture regarding who wrestles control of the Senate finally seems to have cleared. In a remarkable outcome that defies all predictions of a Republican victory in both houses of the Congress, US media network projections have called the electoral race in Nevada in favour of Democrat leader Catherine Cortez Masto, paving way for Democrat control over the Senate again in 2023.

Nearly five days after the midterm elections closed in the US, the final picture regarding who wrestles control of the Senate finally seems to have cleared. In a remarkable outcome that defies all predictions of a Republican victory in both houses of the Congress, US media network projections have called the electoral race in Nevada in favour of Democrat leader Catherine Cortez Masto, paving way for Democrat control over the Senate again in 2023. The incumbent Masto has reportedly defeated Republican challenger Adam Laxalt, a former state attorney general and a Trump backer, suggesting that the mythical 'red wave' never really managed to make significant dents across the country. WATCH | Everything you need to know about the US midterm elections × Masto's win means that Democrats have reached the magical figure of 50 seats for an effective majority in the senate with one race still undecided. As reported by WION, the Georgia seat is heading to a runoff election next month and even if the Republican challenger Herschel Walker wins the ballot, it will not anyhow earn a majority for the Republicans. Read more: Explainer: What causes a delay in US election results? Notably, even if Democrats and Republicans have 50 seats each, Democrats would have a majority considering Vice President Kamala Harris has the casting vote. However, if Democrat Senator Raphael Warnock manages to hold his fort, it would extend Democrat's majority to 51-49. This significant two-seat advantage plus Kamala Harris' vote will grant Democrats the much-required cushion to pass some of the controversial bills, which otherwise would have required 60 votes. The victory of Masto comes in the backdrop of Democrat Senator Mark Kelly's victory in Arizona, a day before. Read more: Democrat Senator Mark Kelly retains Arizona, party just a win short from majority: Reports Trump had hoped to ride a Republican "red wave" that would prime him for another presidential run but the party is looking at a much smaller victory than had been predicted. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Democrats retain control of US Senate with Cortez Masto's win in Nevada

In the US midterm election 2022, Herschel Walker managed to hold Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock, who is seeking a full term after winning the seat in a runoff in January 2021.

In the US midterm election 2022, Herschel Walker managed to hold Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock, who is seeking a full term after winning the seat in a runoff in January 2021. The US Senate contest in Georgia is headed for a December runoff, media projections showed. The race in Georgia is extremely crucial as it may decide the future control of Congress, which remained in the balance as several key races were yet to be decided, for example, Nevada and Arizona. Currently, Warnock leads Walker by a small thin margin, 49.4% to 48.5% and the state could swing the balance of power in Congress, depending upon the results. In Georgia, a candidate must reach a simple majority (at least 50% of the vote) to declare victory, which is not the case currently. ALSO READ | From marijuana to abortion: How did referendums fare in US midterm polls 2022? Warnock is a Black pastor at a historically Black church. Republican challenger Walker is a former American football star who is backed by former US president Donald Trump. CNN and NBC have projected that both will battle for the seat on December 6. Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger told reporters in Atlanta: "There is one race in our state that is going to be moving to the December 6th runoff. That is the race for the United States Senate between Senator Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker." "Our office has already begun the behind-the-scenes work to start building the ballots. So ballots are being built as we speak and counties are making preparations," he added. IN PICS | US midterm elections: Historic milestones marked by winning candidates in 2022 What is a runoff? In the United States, there's a practice of a runoff election, which is a second election, that takes place when neither candidate gets the required votes for victory. Usually, the threshold to claim victory is typically a simple majority, but in the case of Georgia, the candidate requires to win 50% of the votes or more. WATCH | Biden hits world stage after Midterms: US President to attend COP27, G20 & ASEAN Summit ×

Control of Senate uncertain as Georgia heads to a December runoff. What does it mean?

In a close battle for the US&nbsp;Senate in Georgia&nbsp;that may determine whether the party maintains control of the chamber after the 2019 midterm elections, Democrats turned to former President Barack Obama for support.

Obama, a two-term Democrat&nbsp;who left office in 2017, campaigned in Atlanta for Senator Raphael Warnock, who is up against Republican candidate Herschel Walker, who is sponsored by Donald Trump. According to polls, Warnock and Walker's Republican opponent are in a statistical tie.

Obama urged the over 5,000 supporters in the crowd to cast their votes on 8 November.

"I am here to tell you tuning out is not an option. Despair is not an option," he said.

"The fundamental question you should be asking yourself right now is: 'Who will fight for you?'"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paul-pelosi-undergoes-successful-skull-surgery-biden-calls-attack-despicable-529299">Paul Pelosi undergoes 'successful skull surgery', Biden calls attack 'despicable'</a>

The largely African-American crowd that jammed the arena just outside Atlanta chanted&nbsp;Obama's signature slogan: "Yes we can" as he spoke.

Republicans are focusing heavily on taking over Georgia because they only need to gain one seat to take over the Senate. President Joe Biden, Warnock, and Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff were all elected in the typically conservative Georgia two years ago, indicating the beginnings of a political shift.

Obama also visited to support Stacey Abrams, a Democrat running against Republican Brian Kemp for governor. In that game, Abrams has routinely lagged Kemp.

Democrats are growing more concerned about the Senate contest at the time of his travel. Walker, a former football star at the University of Georgia who has been hounded by inquiries about his tumultuous personal life, had been losing ground to Warnock in the polls to Walker for months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-firm-will-build-polands-first-nuclear-power-plant-529294">US firm will build Poland's first nuclear power plant</a>

Walker has since reduced the gap. Chuck Schumer, the leading Democrat in the Senate, was overheard by a television camera microphone on Thursday informing President Biden that the Georgia election was "going downhill."

Obama slammed Walker by equating him to the former President Donald Trump. Obama stated, "It seems to me he's a celebrity who wants to be a politician," Obama said. "And we've seen how that goes."

Warnock's unexpected victory two years ago depended heavily on a surge of Black voters, and Obama's visit was mostly intended to encourage same population to turn out once more.

The Georgia Secretary of State's office reports that a record number of early voters have cast ballots in Georgia. By Friday, more than 1.25 million voters had cast ballots, far more than had done so at this point in 2018, the year of the most recent midterm election (730,706).

Beginning with this appearance, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-bird-is-freed-musk-memes-flood-the-internet-after-twitter-takeover-529109">Obama</a> will visit the battleground states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania as part of a five-state tour. That final visit will be with Biden, who has refrained from campaigning in certain crucial battlegrounds due to his issues with low public support, on the Saturday before the Nov. 8 midterm elections.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a close battle for the US Senate in Georgia that may determine whether the party maintains control of the chamber after the 2019 midterm elections, Democrats turned to former President Barack Obama for support.

In a close battle for the US Senate in Georgia that may determine whether the party maintains control of the chamber after the 2019 midterm elections, Democrats turned to former President Barack Obama for support. Obama, a two-term Democrat who left office in 2017, campaigned in Atlanta for Senator Raphael Warnock, who is up against Republican candidate Herschel Walker, who is sponsored by Donald Trump. According to polls, Warnock and Walker's Republican opponent are in a statistical tie. Obama urged the over 5,000 supporters in the crowd to cast their votes on 8 November. "I am here to tell you tuning out is not an option. Despair is not an option," he said. "The fundamental question you should be asking yourself right now is: 'Who will fight for you?'" Also read | Paul Pelosi undergoes 'successful skull surgery', Biden calls attack 'despicable' The largely African-American crowd that jammed the arena just outside Atlanta chanted Obama's signature slogan: "Yes we can" as he spoke. Republicans are focusing heavily on taking over Georgia because they only need to gain one seat to take over the Senate. President Joe Biden, Warnock, and Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff were all elected in the typically conservative Georgia two years ago, indicating the beginnings of a political shift. Obama also visited to support Stacey Abrams, a Democrat running against Republican Brian Kemp for governor. In that game, Abrams has routinely lagged Kemp. Democrats are growing more concerned about the Senate contest at the time of his travel. Walker, a former football star at the University of Georgia who has been hounded by inquiries about his tumultuous personal life, had been losing ground to Warnock in the polls to Walker for months. Also read | US firm will build Poland's first nuclear power plant Walker has since reduced the gap. Chuck Schumer, the leading Democrat in the Senate, was overheard by a television camera microphone on Thursday informing President Biden that the Georgia election was "going downhill." Obama slammed Walker by equating him to the former President Donald Trump. Obama stated, "It seems to me he's a celebrity who wants to be a politician," Obama said. "And we've seen how that goes." Warnock's unexpected victory two years ago depended heavily on a surge of Black voters, and Obama's visit was mostly intended to encourage same population to turn out once more. The Georgia Secretary of State's office reports that a record number of early voters have cast ballots in Georgia. By Friday, more than 1.25 million voters had cast ballots, far more than had done so at this point in 2018, the year of the most recent midterm election (730,706). Beginning with this appearance, Obama will visit the battleground states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania as part of a five-state tour. That final visit will be with Biden, who has refrained from campaigning in certain crucial battlegrounds due to his issues with low public support, on the Saturday before the Nov. 8 midterm elections. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Barack Obama campaigns for Democrats in Georgia ahead of midterms

With fewer than two weeks until the midterm elections, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was overheard on a hot mic on Thursday warning President Joe Biden that the Georgia Senate race was "going south."

"The state where we're going downhill is Georgia," Schumer said of Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock's highly charged reelection bid. "It's hard to believe that they will go for Herschel Walker."

At Syracuse, New York, where the president was promoting his party's economic plan, Schumer and Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand were recorded giving him their honest assessment. Warnock, who is still the pastor of the illustrious Ebenezer Baptist Church, has had trouble winning reelection to his position against Trump-backed candidate and former Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker. The weighted polling average from FiveThirtyEight indicates that Walker is gaining ground while Warnock maintains a slim lead.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-now-in-charge-of-twitter-fires-ceo-parag-agarwal-other-top-executives-report-529012">Elon Musk now in charge of Twitter, fires CEO Parag Agrawal, other top executives: Report</a>

Additionally, the leader of the Senate Democrats was heard telling Biden that John Fetterman's weak debate performance "didn't harm us too badly." Mehmet Oz, a former TV physician, is Fetterman's opponent in the race to flip a seat. However, the election has become more competitive as Oz's campaign attacks Fetterman's health following his stroke in May. Fetterman was upfront during the discussion about how his ongoing recuperation would cause him to suffer, and that is exactly what happened.

According to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mahsa-amini-death-us-believes-russia-advising-iran-on-how-to-suppress-protest-528696">Schumer</a>, the party is "gathering up momentum" in Nevada, where Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto has been more and more exposed to the challenge of former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt.

Even while they have boosted the expected number of Republican House seats well beyond the number required to flip that house, many still believe that the Senate majority is too close to call. The longest-ever equally divided Senate may continue through the incoming Congress in January.

(With inputs from agencies)

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With fewer than two weeks until the midterm elections, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was overheard on a hot mic on Thursday warning President Joe Biden that the Georgia Senate race was "going south.

With fewer than two weeks until the midterm elections, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was overheard on a hot mic on Thursday warning President Joe Biden that the Georgia Senate race was "going south." "The state where we're going downhill is Georgia," Schumer said of Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock's highly charged reelection bid. "It's hard to believe that they will go for Herschel Walker." At Syracuse, New York, where the president was promoting his party's economic plan, Schumer and Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand were recorded giving him their honest assessment. Warnock, who is still the pastor of the illustrious Ebenezer Baptist Church, has had trouble winning reelection to his position against Trump-backed candidate and former Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker. The weighted polling average from FiveThirtyEight indicates that Walker is gaining ground while Warnock maintains a slim lead. Also read | Elon Musk now in charge of Twitter, fires CEO Parag Agrawal, other top executives: Report Additionally, the leader of the Senate Democrats was heard telling Biden that John Fetterman's weak debate performance "didn't harm us too badly." Mehmet Oz, a former TV physician, is Fetterman's opponent in the race to flip a seat. However, the election has become more competitive as Oz's campaign attacks Fetterman's health following his stroke in May. Fetterman was upfront during the discussion about how his ongoing recuperation would cause him to suffer, and that is exactly what happened. According to Schumer, the party is "gathering up momentum" in Nevada, where Democratic Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto has been more and more exposed to the challenge of former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt. Even while they have boosted the expected number of Republican House seats well beyond the number required to flip that house, many still believe that the Senate majority is too close to call. The longest-ever equally divided Senate may continue through the incoming Congress in January. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Hot mic captures Schumer telling Biden that Democrats in Georgia are 'going downhill'

From Internally displaced flood-affected people in Pakistan taking refuge to Russians arriving in Georgia, here are some impactful images from around the world on 28 September 2022.

World in Pictures: Internally displaced flood-affected people in Pak; Russians arrive in Georgia

According to archaeologists in Georgia, a tooth believed to be from a 1.8 million-year-old early human ancestor has been discovered.

Archaeologists unearth pre-human tooth dating back 1.8 million years

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez tied the knot for the second time over the weekend in Georgia amid the presence of friends and family. The couple had a secret wedding in Las Vegas ceremony in July but decided to do a gala celebration with their near and dear ones again.&nbsp; 
 
Turns out Georgia has a special connection with Bennifer. 
 
The couple exchanged vows and celebrated their wedding at Affleck's 87-acre compound on Hampton Island Preserve with &nbsp;135 friends and family members. 
 
A source close to the actor mentioned that Affleck and Lopez have a history with the state.&nbsp; 
 
"Ben bought the property 20 years ago when they were engaged the first time around," the source told PEOPLE. Many would recall that the couple were first engaged in 2002 and split in 2004. They rekindled their romance in April 2021. 
 
"They have a special connection there, and his 50th birthday was last week so it made sense to do it there and then," the source added. 
 
The wedding party had both the actor's children in attendance. Lopez is mom to 14-year-old twins Emme and Max from her previous marriage to Marc Anthony. Affleck shares daughters Violet, 16, and Seraphina, 13, as well as son Samuel, 10, with ex-wife Jennifer Garner.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez tied the knot for the second time over the weekend in Georgia amid the presence of friends and family. The couple had a secret wedding in Las Vegas ceremony in July but decided to do a gala celebration with their near and dear ones again.

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez tied the knot for the second time over the weekend in Georgia amid the presence of friends and family. The couple had a secret wedding in Las Vegas ceremony in July but decided to do a gala celebration with their near and dear ones again. Turns out Georgia has a special connection with Bennifer. The couple exchanged vows and celebrated their wedding at Affleck's 87-acre compound on Hampton Island Preserve with 135 friends and family members. A source close to the actor mentioned that Affleck and Lopez have a history with the state. "Ben bought the property 20 years ago when they were engaged the first time around," the source told PEOPLE. Many would recall that the couple were first engaged in 2002 and split in 2004. They rekindled their romance in April 2021. "They have a special connection there, and his 50th birthday was last week so it made sense to do it there and then," the source added. The wedding party had both the actor's children in attendance. Lopez is mom to 14-year-old twins Emme and Max from her previous marriage to Marc Anthony. Affleck shares daughters Violet, 16, and Seraphina, 13, as well as son Samuel, 10, with ex-wife Jennifer Garner.

Here's why Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez married again in Georgia

A month after their impromptu wedding in Los Vegas, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck got hitched one more time, but this one was in presence of their close friends, family and their children at a lavish event.

A month after their impromptu wedding in Los Vegas, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck got hitched one more time, but this one was in presence of their close friends, family and their children at a lavish event. Jennifer and Ben again said 'I do' in a three-day wedding celebration hosted by the couple in the Affleck's Georgia estate. As per the photos going viral, the sprawling venue was decorated with white flowers, a piano, a bell and a large tent set-up that was installed on the grounds of the 87-acre riverfront villa with a long aisle. Most of the guests showed up wearing white attires. For the second wedding, which social media influencer Jay Shetty officiated apparently, Lopez was wearing a white Ralph Lauren gown with a huge trail and a deep back, meanwhile, Affleck was wearing a white tux paired with black pants and a bow tie. Several photos are going viral over the internet showing the newly married couple kissing each other passionately, walking down the aisle with Lopez carrying a big flower bouquet. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🦋Leah | @jlo follows✨ (@jenniferxlopezx1) × Celebrities who attended the grand wedding included were Affleck's close pal Matt Damon and his wife Luciana, actor Jason Mewes with his wife Jordan Monsanto, and director Kevin Smith among other A-listers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙛𝙚𝙧 ♥︎ (@mari.jlover_) × The wedding comes one month after their wedding in Los Vegas and their honeymoon in Paris. Earlier, JLo herself shared the news on her “On The JLo” newsletter along with some photos from their wedding. In the statement, she wrote back then reads, ““We did it!” she wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Raquel💕 (@andapalnomedigas) × ''Love is beautiful. Love is kind. And it turns out love is patient. Twenty years patient'' added the new bride. “Last night we flew to Vegas, stood in line for a license with four other couples, all making the same journey to the wedding capital of the world,” Lopez shared. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Raquel💕 (@andapalnomedigas) × Calling it the "the best possible wedding we could have imagined'' that they planned years ago and finally it all happened. She also shared more details about her wedding and wrote, ''So with the best witnesses you could ever imagine, a dress from an old movie and a jacket from Ben’s closet, we read our own vows in the little chapel and gave one another the rings we’ll wear for the rest of our lives.'' In April, this year Ben and Jennifer got engaged for the second nearly two decades after they abruptly called off their wedding and one year after they rekindled their romance. (With inputs from the agencies)

Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck tie the knot again in lavish wedding ceremony - check more details inside

Rudy Giuliani's lawyer informed attorneys for the former New York mayor that he is a target of the criminal investigation into possible illegal attempts by then-President Donald Trump and others to interfere in the 2020 general election in Georgia.

US: Rudy Giuliani targeted by Georgia election probe, says his lawyer

Any ''unborn child with detectable human heartbeat'' can be claimed as dependents in Georgia as per its news guidelines. In effect from July, it may qualify for a $3,000 state income tax deduction for 2022.

The Georgia Department of Revenue stated that taxpayers will have to submit relevant medical records or other supporting documentation to the department in order to prove their filing.

Arizona and Georgia had established that the "fetal personhood law" is the idea that a fetus is a person with full constitutional rights from the moment of fertilisation.

Abortion was banned in Georgia after the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade which sparked protests all across the country.

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Explaining how the tax break won’t support most lower-income families, Richard Auxier, senior policy associate at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center told CNBC that “It is an anti-abortion piece of legislation.”

According to him, many filers take the standard deduction rather than itemising and tax deductions are less valuable than tax credits because they are more difficult to claim.

Since the tax code doesn’t reflect what many families actually look like the policy also raises questions about how tax policy defines “dependents”.

It may be complicated to figure out who receives the benefit for unmarried parents living in separate households and for those who miscarry further along in their pregnancy.

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So what happens when you claim your fetus as a dependent and then miscarry later in the pregnancy, you get investigated both for tax fraud and an illegal abortion?
— Lauren Groh-Wargo (@gwlauren) <a href="https://twitter.com/gwlauren/status/1554440552086704128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

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Any ''unborn child with detectable human heartbeat'' can be claimed as dependents in Georgia as per its news guidelines. In effect from July, it may qualify for a $3,000 state income tax deduction for 2022.

Any ''unborn child with detectable human heartbeat'' can be claimed as dependents in Georgia as per its news guidelines. In effect from July, it may qualify for a $3,000 state income tax deduction for 2022. The Georgia Department of Revenue stated that taxpayers will have to submit relevant medical records or other supporting documentation to the department in order to prove their filing. Arizona and Georgia had established that the "fetal personhood law" is the idea that a fetus is a person with full constitutional rights from the moment of fertilisation. Abortion was banned in Georgia after the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade which sparked protests all across the country. × Explaining how the tax break won’t support most lower-income families, Richard Auxier, senior policy associate at the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center told CNBC that “It is an anti-abortion piece of legislation.” According to him, many filers take the standard deduction rather than itemising and tax deductions are less valuable than tax credits because they are more difficult to claim. Since the tax code doesn’t reflect what many families actually look like the policy also raises questions about how tax policy defines “dependents”. It may be complicated to figure out who receives the benefit for unmarried parents living in separate households and for those who miscarry further along in their pregnancy. So what happens when you claim your fetus as a dependent and then miscarry later in the pregnancy, you get investigated both for tax fraud and an illegal abortion? — Lauren Groh-Wargo (@gwlauren) August 2, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

People can claim 'unborn child with detectable human heartbeat' as dependents in Georgia

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