At the World Aquatics Championships in Signapore, Matthew Richards, James Guy, Jack McMillan, and Duncan Scott of Great Britain won gold in the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay.
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As Rome prepares to deport migrants to Albanian detention centers, the European Union’s top court has given its support to Italian judges who questioned a list of “safe countries” created by Rome.
The ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) was condemned by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s hard-right government, which said it “weakens policies to combat mass illegal immigration.”
Others in the bloc have closely followed Meloni’s plan to outsource migrant processing to a non-EU nation and expedite the repatriation of asylum seekers.
The expensive scheme has been hampered by legal challenges for months.
Italian magistrates cited the European Court’s ruling that states of the EU cannot designate specific regions as “safe” when others are not.
The Luxembourg-based ECJ ruled on Friday in a long-awaited decision, saying that Italy is free to choose which nations are “safe.” However, it should adhere to stringent legal requirements and permit applicants and courts to access and challenge the supporting evidence.
A Rome court turned to EU judges, according to the ECJ’s statement, citing the impossibility of accessing such information and preventing it from “challenging and reviewing the legitimacy of such a presumption of safety” in its statement.
The ECJ concurred with Italian judges who raised this issue last year by saying that a nation might not be considered “safe” if it does not provide adequate protection to its entire population.
In November 2023, Meloni and her Albanian counterpart, Edi Rama, signed a migration agreement, and Rome opened two centers in Albania last year, with the intention of processing up to 36, 000 asylum seekers annually.
Due to legal challenges, the detention facilities have been deserted for months. A report last week discovered that their construction cost seven times more than an Italian equivalent center.
The European court rendered its decision in the case of two Bangladeshi nationals who were taken to Albania by Italian authorities after being rescued at sea and denied asylum because of Italy’s definition of Bangladesh as a “safe” nation.
The Albanian migrant camps scheme, according to Dario Belluccio, a lawyer who represented one of the Bangladeshi asylum seekers at the ECJ on Friday, has been put to death.
According to him, “It will not be possible to continue with the Italian government’s decision that was made prior to this decision.” “Technically speaking, it seems to me that the government’s approach has been completely destroyed,” he told the Reuters news agency.
The EU judgment, according to Meloni’s office, “further restricts the already limited” capacity of parliament and government to make decisions on the matter.”
It stated that “this development should concern everyone.”
Italy’s overall strategy to stop illegal immigration by sea has been successful, even though the Albanian scheme is still in legal limbo.
According to law enforcement, Shane Tamura, a Las Vegas man suspected of killing four people on July 28 in a Manhattan office building, had a history of mental illness, which raised questions about his access to weapons.
Four people were killed, including a police officer who worked for a corporate security detail, and then himself when Tamura, 27, was identified as the shooter who opened an M4 rifle in the building where the NFL headquarters is located. Former high school football player Tamura, according to reports, had a note claiming to have CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which is thought to be related to head trauma.
On July 28, Las Vegas police commissioner Jessica Tisch told them about Tamura’s history of mental illness. No more details were provided by her.
In Nevada in 2022 and 2024, according to news reports citing unnamed law enforcement sources, Tamura had two mental health crisis “holds” that allow for a person to be held illegitimately for evaluation and treatment for up to 72 hours.
Tisch claimed Tamura used an AR-15-style assault rifle while possessing a Nevada gun license. According to Tisch, Tamura was able to purchase a revolver with his concealed carry card in June. Tamura’s 2022 permit was captured by CBS and CNN, along with other photos of it.
Before a violent act occurs, “Red flag” laws are intended to remove weapons from insular individuals. Sometimes the laws go by different names, such as “high risk protection orders” or “extreme risk protection orders” in Nevada.
A high-risk protection order is not made by the state attorney general as a result of a mental health crisis hold. In Nevada, law enforcement or family members have the right to request that a court grant a person’s request to temporarily revoke their firearms or the right to keep a gun if they pose a threat to themselves or others.
No response was provided when we inquired about the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s response to whether Tamura had reacted to the law in order to grant the department’s request to use it.
A growing number of state laws aim to stop gun injuries and deaths, including Nevada’s high-risk protection orders.
Since enacting in 2020, the Nevada law has not been very widely used. According to experts, states typically put their red flag laws slowly, with some exceptions, into effect. For instance, Florida issued roughly 2,500 orders in the first 18 months of its 2018 law, according to University of California, Davis assistant professor Veronica Pear, an expert on violence prevention.
Since 1999, 21 states and Washington, DC, many of which have Republican support, have passed red flag laws.
Who can begin a civil petition process to remove or restrict access to weapons is defined by state laws. Some states permit requests for orders from only law enforcement. Other states permit petition filing by relatives or close friends, such as coworkers or teachers. Law enforcement files the majority of petitions, and courts typically grant them.
Nevada law enforcement uses a detailed description of conduct and high-risk behavior as well as a question to the petitioner about having a firearm.
Orders are issued for longer-term and weeklong periods in Nevada. Following a hearing where only one party’s cause for action was presented, the seven-day order is issued. Up to a year can be placed in an extended order.
Former President Joe Biden signed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022, which provided funding for states to implement red flag laws.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, these laws can save lives when properly implemented. Additionally, the organization claimed that linking mental illness with violence is a harmful stereotype.
People who commit violent crimes, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression, account for 3 to 5 percent of violent crimes. More frequently than the general population, those who have a mental illness are victims of violence.
Nevada’s 2020 law was sponsored by Democratic State Representative Sandra Jauregui, who was present at a 2017 music festival where a gunman killed 58 people.
Former Governor Steve Sisolak, a Democrat, signed the legislation, which Republicans opposed. Former Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo, the current Republican governor, campaigned in 2022 on a promise to “remove antiquated laws”, including Nevada’s red flag law. But the law remains on the books with Democrats controlling the Legislature.
According to Everytown for Gun Safety, these laws have been used nationwide more than 49, 000 times up to 2023.
How frequently do red flag laws be used can depend on how well-versed in law enforcement is in them. Every year, orders are filed in Florida, New York, California, and Connecticut.
Nevada started out slowly, but it has since increased its legal usage.
In 2024 and 2023, there are 28 high-risk protection orders listed on the website of the Nevada attorney general. According to a spokesperson for the office, there have been six orders so far in 2025.
There are varying opinions on whether red flag laws actually work.
In July 2024, The Rand Corp., a nonprofit public policy research organization, reviewed studies on red flag laws. According to researchers, there was little evidence of the laws’ impact on mass shootings and violent crime, and it was limited to suicide.
It’s difficult to predict the effects of the laws because most of them have been implemented in the last ten years, according to Rand. There are also differences between the frequency of use of the laws in states and cities.
Other researchers point to studies that demonstrate how red flag laws can help stop crime or, perhaps, suicide.
According to a study conducted in August 2024, Florida’s red flag gun law, which was passed in response to the 2018 Parkland mass shooting, was linked to an 11 percent decrease in firearm homicide rates between 2019 and 2021. One of the authors demanded further investigation because the study did not show a significant reduction in gun suicide.
One significant law in a network of laws aims to stop access to firearms by professor Pear of the University of California, Davis, according to a statement made by PolitiFact in 2022 is called “extreme risk protection orders.” However, there are other laws that can be supported by evidence, such as those that forbid the purchase and possession of firearms following a violent misdemeanor conviction, waiting periods, and laws governing firearm licensing.
As the new Premier League season draws closer, the uncertainty over Alexander Isak’s future has intensified.
Newcastle play Aston Villa on August 16 but they appear far from prepared with only one player signed this summer, Anthony Elanga, and their talisman striker, who is reportedly determined to leave the club.
Isak has been training at his former club Real Sociedad as he recovers from a “minor thigh injury” while his team-mates are traveling in Asia on a pre-season tour.
Should he leave, Newcastle will rightly be expecting a significant fee for a player who has scored more than 20 Premier League goals in each of the last two seasons.
When Isak joined Newcastle in a deal worth £60m from Real Sociedad three years ago he said one of the reasons he moved was because he believed in their project.
In part, a return to European football would have been a requirement, as they did in his debut season, when he scored 10 goals in 27 games to help them finish fourth in the Premier League.
Isak added 21 league goals in 2023-24 and 23 last year, helping the club reclaim the Champions League, and scored the winning goal in the League Cup final to put Newcastle on their 70-year wait for domestic silverware.
Since joining Newcastle only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (84) and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah (65) have scored more goals in the Premier League than Isak’s total of 50.
The Sweden international has teamed up with some of Europe’s best marksmen over the same time because of his numbers over the past few seasons.
Isak’s 44 strikes came from an expected goal of 40.7%, beating his overall average by 3.3 during this time.
“Isak is Newcastle’s best striker since Alan Shearer”, said Matthew Raisbeck, who covers the club for BBC Radio Newcastle.
He was revered on Tyneside and was the player who scored the decisive goal at Wembley, one of many special black and white moments.
Should Isak leave the club despite the noises from Newcastle, it does not suggest that he has no future there.
The 25-year-old is anticipated to start training with his team-mates the following week.
” He is still our player, “said manager Eddie Howe.
He has a contract with us, he says. We have some control over what comes next for him.
“I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. I wish he would stay, but I can’t control that.
He should stay, and I’d like to see him play again next year.
That’s the club’s stance – but the supporters may feel a little differently.
Isak has received praise for his accomplishments, but some find it unsettling that he wants to leave.
Lee Johnson from the Newcastle podcast True Faith said, “We just had an amazing season where we won our first trophy in 70 years, and he helped us win.”
” The hope was that this summer would have been a transformation for ourselves but it seems to be turning into a bit of a nightmare now. “
Steve Howey, a former Newcastle defender, added: “He’s at a club where I adore a lot. It would have to be a club that he would like to leave for because they have won money, are in the Champions League, and have incredible money.
“He has been looked after very well by Newcastle, has three years left on his contract and we’re open to giving him a pay rise, but for him to have his head turned is just disappointing at this stage.
Since he joined, Isak’s goals alone have netted Newcastle 30 points, and it will be difficult to replace them.
A number of forwards have been identified to fill the void with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko both targets.
Sesko scored 13 goals in the Bundesliga and 21 goals in 45 games across all competitions last year, compared to Wissa’s 19 in the Premier League.
They are excellent players, but there are a number of reasons why the transfer market for Newcastle has been slow and frustrating this summer.
A big-money move for Isak, which has a suggested fee of around £150m, would give Newcastle the freedom to make some premium additions.
However, any departure will need to be made in a timely manner.
” There is an acceptance Newcastle need to become better at selling players, “admitted Raisbeck.
Former sporting director Paul Mitchell made an allusion to this last year when he said their transfer plan prior to his arrival was “not fit for purpose.”
For the first time since the club’s takeover in October 2021, a notable player has come to the club.
“Many fans are worried about the impact on the dressing room and fear others will see a move away from St James ‘ Park as the best thing for their careers.
The ownership has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on Newcastle over the past four years, and the message is that they will continue to support the club.
If they sell, the Isak money will strengthen their PSR position and, hopefully, give their squad more depth and quality, something they have been doing really poorly in this transfer window.
Supporter and True Faith podcaster Charlotte Robson added: “Make no mistake: losing Isak without a replacement ready would be catastrophic for Newcastle United.
Should Newcastle resist a sale, they would retain a player who is arguably one of the world’s best strikers.
Supporter Morris told BBC Radio Newcastle, “I think he might [start the season at Newcastle], but I don’t think he will play.”
However, Eddie Howe would still give it his all if he was given the opportunity.
“He scores all sorts of goals, he is the best striker we’ve had since Alan Shearer”.
Former Newcastle defender John Anderson remarked, “I love watching him.”
He “frightens the life out of defenders” and “he is a top player who scores goals and creates goals.”
Stay or go, the saga of Isak’s future has undoubtedly hampered Newcastle’s preparations for the new campaign.
Whatever happens, the club won’t have to endure a difficult season, though.
Raisbeck continued, “It has definitely been a difficult few months.”
“But, they were in a difficult place 12 months ago with PSR pressures, changes at executive level, and speculation about the manager’s future. The club’s most successful season came soon afterward.
A move to Liverpool, the Premier League champions, seems to be the most likely option if he leaves.
The Reds are investing heavily as they look to push on next season, and see Isak as the man to lead their frontline.
However, Liverpool fans seem divided.
Let’s be honest, Callum, a supporter, said, “This is just us being greedy.”
” He would be a great addition to the squad – any team would happily take him – but we just have so much threat in the attack that we simply don’t need him to the point of spending more than £100m. “
Michael, a fellow fan, thinks the team has other priorities.
He continued, “It’s getting ridiculous this.” If there are funds to spend get a centre-back – that’s the cover we need. There is no need for another forward. Just because there is money, it doesn’t mean we have to spend it.
But fellow Liverpool fan Simon said:” If Isak is available and Liverpool can afford him, then go for it.
“This will bring Liverpool to the same level that Manchester City have enjoyed recently.”
England got off to a flying start in their second innings against India on day two of the final Test at the Oval when Zach Crawley delivered a quick 64 off 57 balls, including 14 boundaries.
Fifth Test between England and India, day two
An appeals court in Bosnia has upheld an earlier ruling sentencing Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik to one year in prison and banning him from politics for six years over his separatist actions, which set off tensions in the Balkan country.
Dodik rejected the court ruling on Friday, telling reporters that he will continue to act as the Bosnian Serb president as long as he has the support of the Bosnian Serb parliament.
“I do not accept the verdict”, he said. “I will seek help from Russia and I will write a letter to the US administration”.
A Sarajevo court in February sentenced the president of Republika Srpska – the ethnic Serb part of Bosnia – to a year in prison for failing to comply with rulings by the international envoy overseeing Bosnia’s 1995 peace accords.
It also banned him from holding office for six years.
The conviction led to uproar in Bosnia’s autonomous Serb Republic, triggering Bosnia’s worst political crisis since the conflict in the early 1990s, which killed about 100, 000 people between 1992 and 1995.
Dodik has rejected the trial and his conviction as “political”.
In response, the parliament in Republika Srpska passed a law prohibiting the central police and judicial authorities from operating in the Serb entity. Bosnia’s constitutional court annulled those laws in May.
On Friday, the European Union said in a brief statement that the appeals court’s “verdict is binding and must be respected”.
“The EU calls on all parties to acknowledge the independence and impartiality of the court, and to respect and uphold its verdict”, the bloc said.
Dodik’s lawyer Goran Bubic said his team would appeal Friday’s ruling to the constitutional court and seek a temporary delay of the implementation of the verdict pending its decision.
Dodik has repeatedly called for the separation of the Serb-run half of Bosnia to join Serbia, which prompted the administration of former United States President Joe Biden to impose sanctions against him and his allies in 2022.