WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department will adopt firing squads as a permitted method of execution as the Trump administration moves to ramp up and expedite capital punishment cases, officials said Friday.

The Justice Department is also reauthorizing the use of single-drug lethal injections with pentobarbital that were used to carry out 13 executions during the first Trump administration — more than under any president in modern history. The Biden administration had removed pentobarbital from the federal protocol over concerns about the potential for unnecessary pain and suffering.

The moves were announced as part of a broader push to step up federal executions after a moratorium under the Biden administration. Only three defendants remain on federal death row after Democratic President Joe Biden converted 37 of their sentences to life in prison, though the Trump administration has so far authorized seeking death sentences against 44 defendants.

“The prior administration failed in its duty to protect the American people by refusing to pursue and carry out the ultimate punishment against the most dangerous criminals, including terrorists, child murderers, and cop killers,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of Justice is once again enforcing the law and standing with victims.”

The federal government has not previously included firing squad as a method of execution in its protocols, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Five states currently allow executions by firing squad: Idaho, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah.

The pentobarbital protocol was adopted by Bill Barr, attorney general during Trump’s first term, to replace a three-drug mix used in the 2000s, the last time federal executions were carried out before Trump’s first term in office.

Attorney General Merrick Garland in the final days of the Biden administration withdrew the pentobarbital lethal injection policy after a government review of scientific and medical research found there remains “significant uncertainty” about whether its use causes unnecessary pain and suffering.”

In 2020, under Barr’s leadership, the Justice Department published a rule in the Federal Register to allow the federal government to conduct executions by lethal injection or use “any other manner prescribed by the law of the state in which the sentence was imposed.”

A number of states allow other methods of execution, including electrocution, inhaling nitrogen gas or death by firing squad.

The Trump administration, in a report released Friday, said the Biden administration “got the standard and the science wrong.” The Biden administration’s findings, among other things, “failed to address the overwhelming evidence” that an injected with pentobarbital quickly “quickly loses consciousness—rendering him unable to experience pain,” the report said.

Currently on death row are are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue in 2018, the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history.

“Prison officer numbers and security unfortunately have been depleted over the years due to cutbacks, and violence is totally out of control,” he says. “Prisoners who are serving these sentences do so for a reason, and in the absence of the death penalty – which is an entirely different argument – it demonstrates how dangerous our prisons have become.”

“This is the best hair removal method I’ve tried. It’s so much easier and less painful than waxing or shaving”

Dealing with unwanted body hair can be quite the burden come summer, with many removal methods proving either painful or time-consuming. Whether you’re looking to achieve smooth skin ahead of a holiday or simply want to go hair-free for summer shorts and dresses, we’ve tracked down a deal on a gadget that fans claim made ‘a big difference after a few uses.’

Keskine’s IPL Hair Removal Handset has garnered widespread praise among beauty enthusiasts online – so much so that it carries an impressive rating of 4.9 out of five stars from nearly 4,000 reviews. The device – which provides at-home hair removal – has been engineered to permanently eradicate unwanted body hair from multiple areas of the body.

These include the armpits, legs, face and bikini area. Keskine states that users can expect to notice results in as little as 1 to 4 weeks, with the best results typically achieved in around 6 to 12 weeks.

READ MORE: Shark reduces gadget said to work ‘like an iron’ on wrinkles by mature shoppers

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What’s more, the handy device is now available as part of a double discount deal on the retailer’s website. The IPL Hair Removal Handset has been reduced from £299 to £199, but there’s a way for shoppers to save even more with a quick and easy method.

Keskine fans who enter the code SUMMER20 at checkout will see the price drop to just £159.20 – however, they’ll need to act fairly swiftly as this exceptional offer expires on May 31, 2026. While this remains a considerable investment, when salon-goers take into account that a full leg wax can set you back around £30-£40 per session alone depending on the salon and location, the Keskine device works out at roughly the equivalent of five or six salon visits.

Keskine’s IPL device features multiple intensity levels that can be adjusted to suit varying skin sensitivities and target areas. Designed with an ergonomic shape for ease of use, it also boasts a rapid flash rate for swift and effective hair removal, reports the Mirror.

The Keskine IPL Hair Removal Handset is available from Keskine

£299

£159.20

Keskine

Buy here

The device targets rough, stubborn hairs with technology aimed at achieving up to 98% hair reduction, while full body treatments can take around 24 minutes.

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For those looking at alternatives to Keskine’s device, LookFantastic stocks the FOREO PEACH 2 Go Device in a spring-inspired lavender shade for £269. This is also suitable for use on both faces and bodies, and delivers up to 120 flashes per minute for speedy hair removal.

Over at Boots, the Braun Skin i·expert Smart IPL Hair Removal System with connected App and 4 attachment caps PL7387 is for shoppers with a bit more budget to use, as it comes in at £999.99. Complete with real-time guidance, users can monitor their progress with the device at home through a dedicated app.

Keskine’s device still offers the best bang for your buck, though; shoppers who purchased it believe so as well, as they simply can’t stop raving about the IPL Hair Removal Handset. One customer said: “This is the best hair removal method I’ve tried. It’s so much easier and less painful than waxing or shaving. I’ve noticed a big difference after just a few uses.”

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Someone else echoed this view, writing: “The device is effective and really simple to operate. It’s pain-free, and I noticed a reduction in hair growth after just a few uses. Definitely a game-changer for my skincare routine.”

Another shopper’s review reads: “I love that I can use this from the comfort of my home instead of booking salon appointments. The convenience alone makes it worth it. Plus, my skin has never felt this soft!”

One hairless shopper described their results as ‘amazing’; they wrote: “I’ve been using this device for a few months now, and the results have been amazing! The process is surprisingly simple and almost painless. I’ve noticed a significant reduction in hair growth, with some areas completely smooth after just a few sessions. My skin also feels softer and healthier overall.”

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They went on to say: “It’s such a time-saver compared to constant shaving or waxing, and the convenience of doing it at home makes it even better. Highly recommend!”

One customer awarded a five-star rating, but did point out a minor concern about their skin’s condition after using the Keskine’s IPL device: “Very easy to use. Used for a week and already there is a marked difference. Very happy. Does however dry the skin a little but small price to pay for fuzz free skin!”

Another customer added: “It’s been a couple of weeks, and I already see a huge improvement. My hair growth has slowed, and my skin feels so much smoother. This product is so easy to use!” Another simply stated: “I wasn’t expecting much, but it’s genuinely amazing. I’m hooked.”

I’m a Celebrity… South Africa aired its live final on Friday, where Adam Thomas was crowned the winner

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I’m a Celebrity… South Africa was full of drama on Friday night as it aired its live final in London.

The highly-anticipated spin-off reached its end on Friday (April 24), with Adam Thomas being announced as the winner. Adam battled it out alongside Craig Charles, Mo Farah, and Harry Redknapp in a live final that was broadcast from London.

However, fans noticed Adam, 37, looking slightly subdued during his win following a heated altercation with David Haye and Jimmy Bullard just moments before live on air.

David, 45, who found himself in a “bullying” row with Adam on the show which he denied, confronted the Waterloo Road star over his argument with Jimmy, 47, earlier on the live final.

Adam and Jimmy argued on Tuesday’s episode during a trial, where Jimmy decided to quit, which meant Adam, who was paired with him, would have to leave too.

However, Ant and Dec made a U-turn decision, allowing Adam to stay on the show after his fellow campmates agreed he could stay in the competition due to the ‘unfair’ circumstances.

Meanwhile, during the live final, the drama continued when Jimmy gave his version of events, leading to a tense segment that ended with Sinitta and Gemma Collins walking off in frustration while Ant hit back at the former footballer.

Following Adam’s win, hosts Sam Thompson and Kemi Rodgers caught up with the contestants on I’m A Celebrity… Unpacked Live. Speaking to Ashley Roberts, Scarlett Moffatt, Gemma Collins and Sinitta, Ashley, 44, made a heartbreaking observation about Adam’s win.

The star said: “I hope Adam enjoys it, I think he’s been through so much, and I just hope that he can take a second, because I feel like he doesn’t feel like he maybe deserves it because he’s won.”

To which Scarlett added: “He does deserve it. It was hard in there, and he was amazing, and he was a friend to us all. It is really disheartening that he didn’t get to have that moment of glory.”

Gemma also said: “The best man won! It was positive, like what is such a shame about tonight, I’m just going to tell it how it is. We had such an amazing experience in there. We had a ball.

“It was tough, it was raw, it was hard. You know, but it was fun. It was fun and I just don’t get where the negativity is coming from.”

I’m A Celebrity… South Africa is available to stream on ITVX

Construction crews have moved in on the former Judges County House Hotel to transform it into the “top drawer” Kirklevington Hall. 

The project, led by property developer Chris Musgrave, will feature a new restaurant, events pavilion, and garden lodges alongside a community of premium self-build homes.

Plans for the site were approved by Stockton Borough Council last month, despite concerns of the hotel being a “Trojan horse” for new homes. 

And now, pictures taken this week show how new Kirklevington Hall signs have been erected where the Judges signs used to sit on the entrance to the estate, just off the A67. 

Signs for the new Kirklevington Hall near Yarm (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

A large new sign has also recently been put up teasing the “private gated community” of “exclusive self-build plots available by appointment only”. 

Kirklevington Hall was originally constructed in 1888 as a rural retreat for the Richardson family of Hartlepool, remaining a private residence for decades. 

Signs for the new Kirklevington Hall near Yarm (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

It was eventually adapted as lodgings for circuit judges who were visiting the North East to preside over court proceedings and was then developed into Judges.

Judges operated until March 2023 when it suddenly closed its doors and cancelled weddings and events. Shortly after, the building was bought by Mr Musgrave. 

(Image: KYMEL)

Now, the property developer and hotel and restaurant operator Kymel are putting a more than £25 million investment to breathe new life into the site, which was in a “poor state of disrepair” following its closure. 

The development will include a luxury spa and wellness facilities, woodland lodges set within the grounds, a high-end events space within the historic walled garden, the conversion of the former stables for events and hospitality use, and a premium food and beverage offering.

Signs for the new Kirklevington Hall near Yarm (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Once operational, the hotel and spa will create a further 80 to 120 permanent roles across hospitality, wellness, events and estate management functions. 

The construction phase is expected to support between 120 and 180 direct and indirect jobs. 

A sketch of the proposed development at Kirklevington Hall near Yarm (Image: GSSArchitecture)

Mr Musgrave said he wanted to celebrate the site’s heritage while “creating a destination of genuine regional and national appeal”. 

Kymel chairman Paul Mackings said Kirklevington Hall is a “rare opportunity to create a truly special destination, incorporating fine dining and luxury overnight stays to spa breaks, bespoke weddings and high-end events”. 

Self-build plot reservations are now open.

The Maxine Peacock actress revealed that she will be undergoing chemo treatment

Coronation Street legend Tracy Shaw has revealed that she is fighting breast cancer in an emotional social media post.

The 52-year-old actress is best known for playing Maxine Peacock on the ITV soap. Tracy made her debut on the cobbles back in 1995.

Known for working with Denise Osbourne (Denise Black) and later Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) in their salon, Maxine was married to Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold), but had a dramatic pregnancy story following her affair with Matt Ramsden (Stephen Beckett).

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Sadly, Maxine was infamously murdered by the villainous Richard Hillman (Brian Capron) when she walked in on him attacking Emily Bishop (Eileen Derbyshire) with a crowbar. The episode was watched by over 17 million people.

Taking to Instagram on Friday night (April 24), former Weatherfield actress Tracy revealed her diagnosis in a candid video. She captioned her post: “My diagnosis of breast cancer.

“So the journey begins. Love to everyone who is also going through this journey, looking forward to hearing from you all, especially you amazing survivors. Peace.”

Tracy said that she was due to have surgery in two weeks. However, the doctors at the Royal Berkshire Hospital told her she has to have chemo treatment following tests which found HER2 in her cells.

According to the NHS, HER2 is found in all human cells and controls cell growth and repair. High levels of HER2 are found in some types of breast, oesophageal and stomach cancer, which helps the cancer cells grow and survive.

Around 1 in 5 breast and stomach cancers are HER2 positive. HER2 is a protein that promotes cancer cell growth and is found in more aggressive types of the disease.

Speaking in the video, Tracy said: “I have come on just to explain a situation that is happening in my life. I have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“I have to have chemo for five months, then hopefully surgery to have lumps removed and take the nymph glands out. Thank you for messaging me to check how I am because I haven’t been present.”

The comments section of Tracy’s video saw a host of her former Corrie colleagues and famous friends sending her messages of support and commending her on her honesty.

Jenny Bradley actress Sally Ann Matthews said: “Love you baby girl.” Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor, added: “Sending love to you Tracy.”

Denise Welch wrote: “Sending lots of love to you and the boys.” Former EastEnders actress Luisa Bradshaw-White posted: “Sending you massive amounts of love.”

Shobna Gulati, who played Sunita Alahan, commented: “Sending you all the love, brilliant you.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, divided opinion with this month’s trip to Australia, with some questioned the nature and purpose of the tour

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to be eyeing another “faux-royal” tour — despite criticism following the Australia trip.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were accused of using their titles for publicity and mixing charitable engagements with commercial ones when they visited Australia this month. The backlash by some became so severe calls were made for the couple to never carry out “royal-style” tours again.

But the defiant pair, who married in 2018 before leaving The Firm just two years later, are now understood to be planning a similar venture — this time across parts of Africa. It is thought Harry and Meghan will visit several large cities and carry out philanthropic projects, just as they did Down Under.

“They’re not calling it a royal tour, but that’s exactly how it’s being designed. Africa is the focus, and the scope is big. Think Commonwealth-level visibility without the royal stamp. It walks like a royal tour, talks like a royal tour, and that’s the issue,” a source said.

READ MORE: Prince Harry proclaims he will ‘always be a part of the Royal Family’ during Ukraine tripREAD MORE: ‘I was crying on my flight home — then Prince Harry said three words I’ll cherish forever’

The destination would be deeply personal for the Duke of Sussex, who has often described Africa as his second home. His first trip there came when he was just 13-years-old, shortly after the death of his mother, Princess Diana. Recalling the trip, the Duke of Sussex once said: “I first came [to Africa] in 1997, straight after my mum died. My dad told my brother and me to pack our bags. We were going to Africa to get away from it all.”

And, with this in mind, the new source told royal journalist Rob Shuter Harry has plans afoot to re-explore parts of the continent. Mr Shuter writes in his substack Naughty But Nice Harry and Meghan are likely to carry out philanthropic engagements, selected media appearances, and revenue-generating opportunities during this jaunt.

But some royal commentators and members of the public questioned the nature and purpose of the Australia trip. Mum-of-two Meghan, 44, was particularly criticised when she encouraging fans to “call me Meg”.

One source familiar with public reaction said: “Encouraging people to basically ‘Call my Meg’ is being seen by critics as a carefully curated attempt to project approachability, but it is clashing with a long-established perception of her as a multi-millionaire figure with exacting, and well-known diva standards. For some, it comes across less as genuine warmth and more as a calculated rebrand that does not entirely ring true.”

Speaking to RadarOnline.com, the insider added: “This kind of informality feels staged, particularly given the level of privilege and expectation that surrounds her, and that disconnect is what people are reacting to so strongly.”

​Following fierce opposition from local residents, politicians, and campaigners, ​Europa Oil & Gas’ proposal to install a 125ft (38m) rig in the village of Burniston, close to the North York Moors National Park has been stalled.

​Hundreds of people demonstrated against the plan outside Scarborough Town Hall on Friday, April 24, and following an almost five-hour meeting, councillors said they were ‘minded to refuse’ the scheme for a temporary wellsite

​The preliminary refusal is subject to the Government’s appraisal of Europa’s environmental screening and is dependent on whether the Secretary of State requests further details, and could mean the application returns to the planning committee.

View East Of Proposed Burniston Drilling Site. Courtesy Nyc

​Europa Oil & Gas CEO William Holland said his company would appeal the decision and felt “confident” about winning.

​Residents and activists from across Yorkshire had travelled to the demonstration to voice their concerns, including fears about environmental pollution, cliff stability, noise and light pollution, and impacts on groundwater.

​North Yorkshire Council’s strategic planning committee voted to reject the application, with all but one voting to refuse, based on:

* Heritage coast and landscape harm, and concerns that the temporary nature of the plan would not mitigate the harm and would be contrary to council policies
* Proximity to residential properties and vibration, noise and disturbance, and 24/7 operation of the site
* The site, height, and lighting would impact the scenic beauty of the North York Moors National Park
* Concerns that the impact on tourism and economic benefits had not been demonstrated
* Conflict with the council’s climate commitments and objectives

Local ward councillor Derek Bastiman told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) after the meeting: “I’m absolutely over the moon with the results.

​“It’s been a long afternoon, but councillors considered everything, and they explored every avenue. I was very pleased that they listened to us, to me as the divisional member, and the three parish councils I represented.”

​More than 1,600 objections were submitted by residents, local MP Alison Hume, parish councils including Burniston, Cloughton, Newby & Scalby and Scarborough town councils, and Friends of the Earth, among others.

Wellbore Illustration. Europa Oil And Gas

​Planning officers said the scheme would not have an unacceptable impact on residential amenity or tourism, and that short-term impacts could be mitigated. They also said they were satisfied that the use of proppant squeeze did not justify refusal of the application.

​The proppant squeeze method has been likened to “small-scale fracking” and is allowed under current legislation.

​At the meeting, half a dozen public speakers opposed the scheme, including Professor Chris Garforth of Frack Free Coastal Communities, who said: “Gas from North Yorkshire will not bring lower prices, because gas from here may well be exported. Energy security comes from speeding up a transition to renewable energy.

​He added: “Visitors come here for the tranquillity of the heritage coast, which this development will blight.”

​William Holland, the CEO of Europa Oil & Gas, told the committee: “Developments of this nature can be carried out responsibly and we are committed to working constructively with the local community throughout.

​“The development is limited, and it does not determine any future development. Let’s be clear, if we are successful, we will make another application and it will create jobs and support the UK economy, it will also create gas that will be consumed here in Yorkshire.

​“Let’s say yes to Yorkshire gas for Yorkshire people.”

Europa Ceo Wiliam Holland. Courtesy Numminen, Ldrs

​Cllr Andy Brown raised concerns about odours from gas burning “which is permitted for 15 weeks” and highlighted “a shrouded ground flare would be sited in the northern corner of the site, which will be 12m in height, with all produced gas during the testing period disposed of by burning the gas in the flare”.

​Planning officers said they believed that “odorous releases of gas would be minimal”.

​Councillors also raised concerns about the impact of lighting on the North York Moors National Park’s dark skies policy.

Drilling Phase Light Spill.

​Speaking at the meeting Cllr Andrew Timothy said he was “concerned with public safety impacts and that should be paramount in everything we do.

Anti Gas Rig Demo Scarborough Town Hall. Courtesy Numminen,, Ldrs.

​He said: “I don’t believe its possible for us to know if its safe or not and as such I can’t support this application.”

​Cllr Arnold Warneken told the committee: “I do not feel the evidence is sufficient to support the safety of residents.”

​However, speaking to the LDRS after the meeting, Europa’s CEO Mr Holland said he was not surprised by the committee’s decision.

​“I’m quite confident that the grounds that it’s been rejected on, when we go to appeal, and we will appeal it, the decision will be overturned at appeal.”

​Commenting on the environmental concerns raised by residents, he added: “We need to be concerned about the environment, but if we don’t produce domestic gas, we buy it from overseas. 77 per cent of people in Yorkshire consume gas for their heating, so there’s a tremendous consumption of gas in Yorkshire.”

The biker died at the scene.

A man has been arrested after a motorcyclist died in a crash on a Cambridgeshire A-road. The crash happened on the A1303 on Thursday (April 23) at around 4.45pm at the junction with Bell Road at Bottisham.

It involved a silver Honda motorbike and a white Kia EV4. Cambridgeshire Police and paramedics attended but the biker, a 62-year-old man from Newmarket, died at the scene.

The driver of the Kia, a 36-year-old man from Stevenage, was taken to hospital but was not thought to have been seriously injured. He has since been arrested suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

He has been bailed pending further enquiries. Officers are now asking for anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage from the collision or the moments leading up to it should contact Cambridgeshire Police online quoting Operation Excel. Anyone without access to the internet can call 101.

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The pedestrians were taken to hospital to be checked over.

Two children were taken to hospital after being hit by a van. Cambridgeshire Police were called at just before 9am on Wednesday, April 22, following reports of a crash in Eye.

The crash on Crowland Road involved a van and three pedestrians. The pedestrians, including two children, were taken to hospital to be checked over.

The van involved in the crash left the area. Investigations into the incident are currently ongoing.

A spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police said: “We were called just before 9am on Wednesday (22 April) with reports of a collision between a van and three pedestrians on Crowland Road, Eye. Officers attended and the pedestrians, including two children, went to hospital to be checked over.

“The vehicle involved had left the scene, investigations are ongoing.”

To get more news and top stories delivered directly to your phone, join our new WhatsApp community. Click this link to receive your daily dose of CambridgeshireLive content.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.