Thousands of Georgians rallied in the capital Tbilisi to commemorate the country’s Independence Day, coinciding with the protests against the recent controversial “foreign agents” law. Georgia’s ruling party in Parliament said it intends to override a presidential veto over the law.

Put forth by the ruling Georgian Dream party, the law targets nongovernmental organizations and media outlets that receive funding from abroad, sparking outrage all across the country. Protesters held flags of Georgia and the EU together, labeling the protest as a fight for democracy against a pro-Russian government.

In a statement on Thursday, the US State Department announced visa restrictions on individuals who were involved with or responsible for creating a “Kremlin-style” law, including their immediate family members. Secretary Anthony Blinken noted that the law stifles the exercise of freedoms of association and expression, restricts organizations that serve citizens of Georgia, and suppresses independent media that provide crucial information and coverage in the country.

Blinken also argued that the government has engaged in intimidation of individuals involved in the protests opposing the law, calling them repressive tactics that have the potential of democratically backsliding the country.

Similarly, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk stated days ago that the newly passed foreign agents law undermines the country’s freedom of expression, and that in passing it, Georgian lawmakers have disregarded the warnings of human rights organizations.

At least 300 people have been arrested since April, with many being subjected to police brutality.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – As the weather gets warmer, you might plan to be out on the lake with your boats enjoying everything the lake has to offer.

But Georgia DNR says there are a few things you’ll want to be aware of to make sure your fun comes with safety precautions.

Summer has officially kicked off and it’s a busy weekend to be out on the water.

It’s the time of year where people are going boating, fishing, swimming and are enjoying being by the water.

“We try to gather as much as guys as possible to enforce the state laws and make sure the public is safe,” said Cory Bohannon, a Game Warden for Georgia DNR.

Boats have been coming and going all weekend on Clarks Hill lake where Georgia DNR expects to check hundreds of them to make sure they have proper safety equipment and are driving the boats safely.

“Definitely last year we saw an increase of boating under the influence, unfortunately. With our presence we increased last year, we still hold we’re still gonna hold that standard this year. That way we can make sure the public safe and has a good weekend, especially on a holiday weekend,” he said.

Last summer they had over 25 BUI’s and for the first official weekend of the summer, they’ve had one.

“It is very concerning. All we can do is just hope that people just make the correct decision. And just know that it’s just like driving a car, if you decide to drink, just have a backup plan and and somebody with you that can be the designated driver,” said Bohannon.

If you’re hitting the water they are also checking for things such as lifejackets, a fire extinguisher, working lights and are also making sure people are following the 100 foot rule law from shores, docks, boats and people in the water.

“We’re out here for those safety violations, or if we see something of concern that we can talk to those individuals about and hopefully it saves the life of another or themselves. So just we’re out here to make sure everyone’s safe, make sure everyone’s has their required safety equipment, and enjoying their weekend,” he said.

For more information about laws on the water, click here.

Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

Auburn has made a notable addition to its 2024-25 roster.

Bruce Pearl’s program picked up a transfer portal commitment from Miles Kelly. The former Georgia Tech guard shared the big news on social media.

WAR EAGLE LETS DO IT! pic.twitter.com/8wTQSUXndo

— Miles Kelly (@Kelly5Miles) May 26, 2024

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As a transfer, he was rated 4-stars and the No. 12 shooting guard in the portal by 247Sports.

What Kelly brings to The Plains

A native of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Kelly spent three seasons at Georgia Tech. The 6-6, 180-pound guard has been a regular starter the past two seasons, averaging double-digit points.

As a true freshman, Kelly was primarily a bench contributor. He appeared in 30 games, making 1 start. He logged 433 minutes for the season, an average of 4.5 per game. In Georgia Tech’s last two games of the season, including Kelly’s first career start against Louisville, he logged more than 30 minutes in each contest.

As a sophomore, Kelly played in 33 games, making 27 starts. It was the most productive season of his career, as he averaged 14.4 points per game while shooting 41% from the field, including 37.9% from 3-point range, adding 3.4 rebounds per game.

This past season, Kelly started all 32 games for the Yellow Jackets. He averaged 13.9 points per game, shooting 36.9% from the field, with a 32.1% mark on 3-point attempts. Kelly’s rebound numbers increased to 5.5 per game in his junior season.

Kelly was an All-ACC honorable mention for the 2023-24 season. As a scorer, he reached double figures in 24 contests, including a game against in Louisville in which he posted a career-high 36 points. He also showed a knack for getting to the foul line, leading Georgia Tech with 105 free-throw attempts in 32 games.

Miles Kelly was Georgia Tech’s leading scorer and erupted for 25+ in five games. The 6’5, 21-year-old wing has deep range and shot 43% on PnR 3’s. All-ACC Honorable Mention. https://t.co/TRiwqRLWQj pic.twitter.com/eBCLYwJuJy

— League Him (@League_Him) April 28, 2024