The US Army is drawing up plans to carry out four military executions of death row inmates for the first time in more than 50 years, pending approval from President Donald Trump

The US Army is preparing to conduct four executions should President Donald Trump issue the command, according to an internal planning document seen by ABC News.

The plan, if implemented, would represent the first occasion the military has executed convicted American prisoners in more than half a century. “Operation Resolute Justice” instructs Army officials to liaise with the Federal Bureau of Prisons to move condemned inmates from the US Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to the federal execution facility in Terre Haute, Indiana.

During Trump’s first term, the Justice Department undertook a series of non-military federal executions at that location. The US military has not executed a service member since 1961. Army spokesperson Cynthia Smith said the service routinely undertakes planning exercises for executions, in anticipation of directives from the White House.

“Exercises regarding this operation have been conducted regularly for the past 20 years. These drills are a standard component of our continued planning and preparation if the president approves a death sentence,” Smith told ABC News, adding that the service has not yet received an order from the president, reports the Mirror US.

Military courts can hand down the death sentence, but presidential authorisation is required before any execution can take place. The White House did not respond to ABC’s request for comment. Internally, the Army has instructed multiple Army divisions to prepare for and enable executions “no later than 150 days from the date of presidential approval of the death sentences.”

The instruction sets out timetables for progress meetings and protocols for undertaking executions should Trump authorise them. It also covers how the Army would handle public announcements relating to an execution.

Executions of death row inmates have nearly doubled since Trump returned to office. In April, Trump’s Department of Justice instructed federal prisons to widen the range of techniques used for executions, to include firing squads, gas asphyxiation and electrocution.

In a 48-page memo, the department stated that this expansion would “strengthen” the death penalty, “deterring the most barbaric crimes, delivering justice for victims and providing long-overdue closure to surviving loved ones.”

They also stated in an accompanying report that by widening the methods of capital punishment, it “will help ensure the department is prepared to carry out lawful executions even if a specific drug is unavailable.”

The substantial increase in federal executions followed the Biden administration implementing a moratorium. Additionally, there were no federal executions under President Barack Obama.

You might have heard of the seven ancient wonders of the world, some of the planet’s most magnificent creations chosen and compiled into a list by Hellenic travellers passing through lands thousands of years ago.

The list, created as early as the fifth century BC, venerated landmarks like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon in ancient Iraq, the domineering bronze statue of the Greek sun god Helios known as the Colossus of Rhodes, and the Lighthouse of Alexandria, a magnificent navigational beacon for voyagers in ancient Egypt.

However, the passage of time was not kind to these wonders, with many damaged or destroyed by natural disasters or by humans. The only survivor on the list is the 4,600-year-old Great Pyramid of Giza, which once stood for thousands of years as the tallest manmade structure in the world.

While some of these wonders now only exist in history books and legends, a foundation called the New7Wonders sought to unite the world by honouring heritage across the globe and naming seven other sites the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World’. More than 100 million votes were cast worldwide, and a new list was born.

From the ancient Roman Colosseum in Italy to the grand and domineering presence of the Taj Mahal in India, the new seven wonders were chosen to become symbols that respect, honour, and celebrate the world’s cultural diversity.

Sometimes its harder to visit some sites than others. Conflict in the Middle East meant that for months, the UK government advised against non essential travel to Jordan, where the ancient settlement of Petra is found in the southwestern desert. A recent lifting of the travel advisory, however, means that travellers are free to visit this colossal structure once again.

To marvel at the seven wonders in the flesh, we have compiled the best travel tours to experience them for yourself.

The seven new wonders of the world and how to see them

1. Roman Colosseum, Italy

Found in the centre of Italy’s historic capital, Rome, the Colosseum remains one of the city’s most important monuments, representing thousands of years of history and a symbol of ancient Roman life and legacy. The Colosseum was built in the 1st century AD at the request of the Flavian dynasty emperors, becoming a venue for large spectacles, including animal hunts and gladiator battles. Like the games it used to hold, the amphitheatre remains a marvel that attracts droves of visitors from around the world every year.

How to do it

Trailfinders offers a four-day city break to Rome from £799 per person, depending on the departure date. The itinerary includes exploration of the city’s historic streets, piazzas and architectural wonders, visiting the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum and the Pantheon Roman temple. The tour offers private return transfers from the airport, three nights in four-star accommodation, three breakfasts and a street food tour in Trastevere.

Find out more at trailfinders.com

Read more: I recreated my own Roman Holiday on a Vespa tour of Italy’s capital

2. Petra, Jordan

One of Jordan’s most prized national treasures is the ancient city of Petra, a half-built, half-rock-carved settlement that was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia. An industrious Arab people called the Nabataeans resided in Petra more than 2,000 years ago, and it then became a settlement for the Romans and the Byzantines. Now Petra stands as one of the most famous archaeological sites on the planet, giving visitors a glimpse of ancient Eastern tradition and Hellenistic architecture.

How to do it

Intrepid runs an eight-day trip through Jordan, starting and ending in the capital Amman (full of ancient ruins itself), journeying over to the Dead Sea before heading down to Petra to explore the archaeological site for two entire days, including an optional visit to the wonder by night. The itinerary also includes a trip further south down to Wadi Rum, a protected desert wilderness famous for its red sand dunes, which have drawn many a science fiction film director due to its likeness to Mars. The package includes meals, hotel accommodation, and arrival airport transfer, and can be booked from £1,748.

Find out more at intrepidtravel.com

Read more: Exploring Jordan beyond Petra – why it’s worth venturing outside the Golden Triangle

3. Christ the Redeemer, Brazil

This 98-foot symbol of Christ was completed in 1931, having taken nine years to construct. Over 93 years later, Christ the Redeemer has become one of the most recognisable statues in the world, a key emblem of Rio De Janeiro’s landscape and a cultural icon for Brazil. While ideas for a Christian symbol to be built in Rio had been floated previously, it was not until a push from the Catholic Circle of Rio that the plan was put into action. The statue, made out of reinforced concrete with a soapstone veneer, was created by French-Polish sculptor Paul Landowski and built by Brazilian engineer Heitor da Silva Costa, in collaboration with French engineer Albert Caquot, while Brazilian artist Carlos Oswald also helped with the design. The statue sits atop Corcovado Mountain overlooking the bustling city below, as many visitors each year continue to make the pilgrimage up the mountain to see Christ the Redeemer up close in all its grandeur.

How to do it

For a whistle-stop tour of some of the country’s best sights, Intrepid is offering an eight-day exploration of the best of Brazil. Starting in Rio De Janeiro, travellers will be able to soak up the lively atmosphere and breathtaking views this city has to offer, before moving on to three days of travelling around Paraty, traversing rainforest trails in the surrounding national park, heading out on a boat trip or visiting Trindade, which boasts some of Brazil’s best beaches. A trip to the largely untouched paradise of Ilha Grande is squeezed in before heading back to Rio de Janeiro for free time to hit up Copacabana beach, admire the peak of Sugarloaf Mountain and, of course, stand at the feet of Christ the Redeemer. This eight-day trip includes four breakfasts, hotel accommodations and transport. Prices start from £576.

Find out more at intrepidtravel.com

Read more:This Brazilian wildlife hotspot is cheaper than an African safari

4. Taj Mahal, India

One of the most spectacular mausoleums in the world, the Taj Mahal was built over the course of 17 years by the order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to keep the memory alive of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Made out of white marble and recognisable for its pronounced arches and striking domes, the Taj Mahal is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River and is thought of as one of the greatest architectural achievements of Indo-Islamic architecture. With the mausoleum completed in 1648, the grand structure has stood for over 300 years.

How to do it

Intrepid is running an eight-day tour of India’s Golden Triangle, a popular circuit that connects the cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. On this trip, you will be able to explore India’s Pink City, Jaipur, by visiting its bazaars and taking part in tours of the Palace of the Winds, the royal residence of City Palace, and Jantar Mantar, a giant stone observatory. The tour will then head to Agra, where travellers will be able to lay their eyes on the marvel that is the Taj Mahal, as well as a grand Mughal emperor’s marble tomb, Akbar’s Mausoleum. The tour will start and end with a trip around Delhi, visiting places such as Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, and busy marketplaces like Chandni Chowk. The price includes transport in and between cities and seven nights’ accommodation. Prices start from £480 per person.

Find out more at intrepidtravel.com

Read more: Why now is the perfect time to discover India’s most underrated city

5. Machu Picchu, Peru

This 15th-century Incan citadel, situated high in the heart of a mountain forest, has established itself as one of the most familiar and lasting legacies of the Inca Empire. The citadel was abandoned only a century after the Spaniards conquered the empire and was not publicly promoted again until 1911. Machu Picchu is embedded in a powerful landscape where the Peruvian Andes meet the Amazon Basin, with its structure cut naturally into the rocky slope and diverse flora and fauna meandering throughout the remains. It’s still unclear how important the role of this magnificent blend of the natural and manmade world played for the Incas, but on average, the site receives thousands of visitors a day to experience this wonder of the world first-hand.

How to do it

Intrepid offers various opportunities to hike the Inca Trail, but if travelling by other modes is best for you, company holds a nine-day experience through Peru, touring ancient Inca sites. The trip starts in the capital city, Lima, before heading over to Cusco, a remarkable mix of ancient ruins, colonial architecture and natural beauty. From there you will head over to Machu Picchu for a guided visit of this astonishing Incan citadel, traversing the many temples, astronomical artefacts and living quarters. The trip will end back in Lima, but not before a two-day excursion to Puno, located on the edge of Lake Titicaca, known for its folk heritage and traditional customs. The trip will include some meals, transport, accommodation and the Machu Picchu guided tour. Prices start from £1,535 per person.

Find out more at intrepidtravel.com.

Read more: The best cities and towns to visit in Peru, from Lima to Cusco

6. Chichén Itzá, Mexico

The sacred site of Chichén Itzá dates back to pre-Hispanic America, standing for over 1,000 years, and is one of the most prominent lasting symbols of the Mesoamerican Mayan civilisations. One of its most famous surviving buildings is El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan, a step pyramid that dominates the centre of the archaeological site and is the tallest, standing at 98 feet tall. Throughout the ancient city, remnants of the Maya and Toltec civilisations can be seen within the stone monuments, constructions and artistic works it has left behind.

How to do it

Hop onto a five-day tour with Trailfinders, meandering through Mexico’s most famous Mayan sites and spending a few days in the vibrant city of Merida that reflects various historic ages, from colonial-era churches to museums honouring Mayan culture. On day two, you will rise early for a morning tour of Chichén Itzá tucked away in a dense rainforest, allowing you to immerse yourself in the history and importance of these ancient ruins. The rest of the tour allows you to stop by the ancient city of Uxmal, the Palace of Masks at Kabah and the Celestún Biosphere, home to thousands of pink flamingos. The tour includes a private vehicle and driver, four breakfasts, three lunches and four nights in hotel accommodation. Prices start from £1,585 per person.

Find out more at trailfinders.com

Read more: The best hotels in Mexico for design, beaches and all-out luxury

7. Great Wall of China, China

Over 13,000 miles long, the Great Wall of China is the largest manmade project in the world that spans over two thousand years of Chinese history. The wall first came into being when sections of earlier fortifications were connected in 220 BC to create a large, unified defence system against invasions in the north. The wall is a representation of collisions and exchanges between the agricultural and nomadic civilisations that lived in ancient China. The political and military landscape and technological advances in architecture of the time are immortalised in this powerful, grand structure. Construction of the wall continued up to the Ming dynasty in the 17th century, and it now stands as one of China’s greatest cultural symbols, embodying the continued labour over hundreds of years through different dynasties and historical periods.

How to do it

Intrepid runs a ‘China highlights’ trip over eight days starting in Shanghai and ending in Beijing, packing in some of the country’s most beautiful and culturally significant sites. During the trip there will be an walking tour of the Huishan Ancient Town Scenic Area, Xi’an, known for being the imperial centre and start of the Silk Road, before arriving in Beijing via high-speed train. Travellers will then stay at a family-run guesthouse right near the Great Wall, allowing them to go for a short hike to the wall for an incredible sunset scene. A whole day will also be dedicated to the Wall, where you can explore the ancient wonder, learn about its history and take in the sprawling landscapes that surround it. The trip includes three breakfasts, transport and accommodation. Prices start at £1,062.

Find out more at intrepidtravel.com.

Read more: The Temple House, Chengdu, China, hotel review

Nowadays, the rural market town offers an array of unique businesses and affordable homes

It can be hard to imagine a life of commuting in a town without a railway station – and for many people, it is a reality. Driving seems the only viable way to travel around parts of the Fens.

One of those places is the market town of Ramsey, which once had two railway stations but now has none. They were called Ramsey North and Ramsey East.

Ramsey North was opened first, in July 1863, as the terminus of the Ramsey Railway – which connected the town to Holme on the Great Northern Railway (GNR).

It was acquired by the Great Eastern Railway (GER) in 1875, with plans to link it to another line to run from Somersham to Ramsey. The line was built but never connected and the Somersham line eventually terminated at Ramsey East.

Ramsey East opened in September 1889. It connected to Somersham via Warboys, with passengers able to change at Somersham to reach the line between St Ives and March.

The stations were given names to differentiate one from the other in 1923, after the two railway companies became part of the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). Neither of the stations were especially popular.

Ramsey East closed to passengers in September 1930 and to freight traffic in September 1956. Ramsey North closed to passengers in October 1947, and to freight in December 1973.

The site of Ramsey East is now occupied by an industrial estate. There are also two housing developments nearby called Signal Road and The Sidings – likely named in memory of the former railways.

Nowadays, the rural market town of Ramsey is home to around 8,800 people, according to the 2021 census. It is a town full of history and beautiful surrounding countryside as well as an array of unique businesses, such as Crafty Ideas described by a customer as “a treasure chest of beautiful things”, and a “fabulous little coffee shop” called Ruby Cooper’s Coffee House.

House prices in Ramsey are relatively affordable. According to Rightmove, house prices had an overall average of £291,808 over the last year.

The majority of properties sold in the pretty town last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £365,375. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £263,087 and terraced properties fetched £169,500.

Multiple people were shot Saturday afternoon near a community street festival in Toledo, Ohio, police said.

Toledo police officers responded to a report of a person shot near the Old West End Festival at about 5:30 p.m. When they arrived, they found multiple shooting victims, the police department said in a statement.

Many victims have been taken to nearby hospitals, police said. Police did not provide further details on the injuries and how many people were shot.

Police are actively searching for suspects and the working to determine the circumstances of the shootings.

The Old West End Festival is a two-day celebration in Toledo’s historic district that includes live music, food vendors, home tours and shopping.

Sgt. Mohamad Nasser, a spokesman for the Toledo Police Department, said more information would be released shortly on the department’s Facebook and X accounts.

“I think I’m going to go with the Scottish, they’re our Celtic brothers, you know, I’m going to stick with them.”

Former One Direction star Niall Horan has said he will be supporting Scotland at this year’s World Cup.

The 32-year-old Irish singer who has just released his fourth studio album Dinner Party, was speaking ahead of his performance at Capital’s Summertime Ball on Saturday – during which he performed his old boyband’s song Steal My Girl.

When asked who he would support ahead of the start of the World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada on Thursday, Horan told the Press Association: “I think I’m going to go with the Scottish, they’re our Celtic brothers, you know, I’m going to stick with them.”

In recent years, Horan has formed a close friendship with West Lothian superstar Lewis Capaldi. The pair bonded over social media when Niall reached out to Lewis in 2017 via a direct message to show his love for the song ‘Lost On You’.

Capaldi would go on to open for Niall during his 2018 tour before going on to co-star alongside his boy band pal in the 2022 documentary Niall Horan’s Homecoming: The Road to Mullingar, which followed them on a road trip across Ireland.

In 2024, during his show in Aberdeen’s P&J Live Arena, Horan was captured on camera waving around the Saltire flag.

One Direction formed in 2010, when they were put together by Simon Cowell on ITV talent show The X Factor.

One of the group’s members, Liam Payne, died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina in 2024, and the boyband’s surviving members, Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik, reunited at his funeral with former manager, Cowell, in November that year.

They had four UK number one singles and four UK number one albums, and are best known for songs such as Story Of My Life, What Makes You Beautiful and Best Song Ever. Horan’s solo career was launched after he and his fellow One Direction band members went on hiatus in 2016, almost a year after Malik left the group.

He released his debut solo album, Flicker, in 2017, and the albums Heartbreak Weather in 2020 and The Show in 2023.

Speaking about this weekend’s Capital’s Summertime Ball, he described the day festival, which takes place annually at Wembley Stadium, as “a big part of my career for the last 15 years”.

Horan added: “Any opportunity I get to play at Jingle Bell Balls or Summertime Balls, it’s always amazing, and there’s not many companies that can pull off a gig of this size with the line-up that we have, so it’s a pleasure to be here.”

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The Captain Cook Inn, on Staithes Lane in the seaside village of Staithes, is being marketed for £899,000 by Christie & Co.

The nine-bedroom inn sits in the picturesque harbour, which is popular among day-trippers and holiday-makers for its location within the North York Moors National Park and on the coast.

The Captain Cook Inn, in Staithes, has been put up for sale. Photo: Christie & Co/ Rightmove (Image: Christie& Co/ Rightmove)

Staithes, once home to Captain James Cook, is famed for its narrow cobbled streets, shops and cafés, and its dramatic but sheltered position between cliffs and overlooking the North Sea.

This historic fishing village, about ten miles from Whitby, is also one of only a handful of places where the sun is said to both rise and set over the sea.

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The business includes a bar, restaurant and dining room capable of serving about 100 diners, supported by a bar servery and a large catering kitchen with a five-star hygiene rating.

The property also benefits from gardens, a beer garden with views towards Boulby Cliffs and the remains of the old viaduct that once spanned the ravine, and 13 parking spaces – a rare asset in the village.

Staithes is a tourist hotspot, popular among day trippers and holiday-makers. Photo: Christie& Co/ Rightmove (Image: Christie& Co/ Rightmove)

Accommodation comprises nine en-suite letting rooms, six of which are doubles plus three family rooms, and many have views across the sea or moors. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs and tea and coffee facilities.

To the rear, the sale includes a three-bedroom owner’s house featuring a kitchen, lounge, office, laundry, bathroom and shower room, along with a large garage or storage space with potential for conversion to create extra accommodation. A static caravan currently used for rental, as well as additional garden space, is also included.

The inn is described as “very popular with excellent reviews”, holding a 4.5 out of 5 rating across platforms including Facebook and TripAdvisor. Its restaurant is ranked number one out of seven in Staithes on TripAdvisor and has received a Travellers’ Choice Award.

Agents say the sale presents an opportunity for a hospitality buyer to acquire an established and popular pub and hotel in one of Yorkshire’s most sought-after coastal locations.

Sea arrivals into mainland Europe peaked in 2015, when the UN said more than a million people crossed the Mediterranean. Between April 2025 and March 2026, there were a combined 169,341 sea arrivals to the UK, Greece, Italy, Spain and Cyprus. Crossings to the UK accounted for about 23% of the total.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, which once operated more than 1,100 cafés worldwide, has spent the past decade shrinking its presence across the United States amid changing consumer habits, rising costs and the fallout from the Covid pandemic

A leading coffee chain that significantly reduced its presence following years of closures is planning a resurgence as it seeks to rival competitors, including Starbucks.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, which previously ran over 1,100 cafés globally, has spent the last decade contracting its footprint throughout the United States amid shifting consumer preferences, escalating expenses and the aftermath of the Covid pandemic.

Despite the contraction, the firm is now forging ahead with strategies to expand the brand through fresh outlets, menu developments and customer reward programmes.

Established in Southern California in 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf developed into one of the planet’s biggest coffee and tea chains, establishing a footprint across the US, Asia and the Middle East.

Nevertheless, the business has consistently scaled back its domestic operations in recent years, reports the Express.

The chain withdrew from Manhattan in 2016 when all 12 of its New York branches shut down, while scores more shops vanished during and following the pandemic.

Currently, the firm runs 192 outlets across 12 US states, with the majority of surviving cafés based in California.

Yet while its conventional high street presence has diminished, the company is backing a distinct approach for future expansion.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf anticipates roughly 80% of its future sites will function in non-traditional environments such as airports, hospitals and university campuses. The firm has also introduced a redesigned loyalty scheme and broadened its retail range, including coffee capsules that work with Nespresso machines.

Most recently, it launched a new collection of premium espresso beverages under its “Perfect Americano” menu, while introducing a series of promotional deals designed to appeal to budget-minded customers.

The recovery push arrives as rivalry intensifies throughout the coffee industry, with chains competing for customers amid increasing living expenses and evolving consumer preferences.

Despite difficulties in the US market, parent firm Jollibee Food Corporation reported The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf achieved 10.7% year-on-year systemwide sales growth during the first quarter of 2026.

The brand is also continuing to grow internationally, with most new sites opening across Asia.

The difference underlines the chain’s shifting approach: fewer conventional cafés, but a fresh drive for expansion through new formats, new products and growth in key markets.

Following years of closures and market withdrawals, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is now gambling that its transformation can enable it to compete once more with coffee giants such as Starbucks.

Texas Attorney General and Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton claimed on Friday he secured a “major victory” in a lawsuit from the state over an LGBTQ+ pool party — even though the suit has been dropped without any apparent changes on the ground.

Last Thursday, Texas sued the city of Denton, located outside of Dallas-Fort Worth, over the planned rental of its Civic Center Pool for a private “Big Gay Swim Day” event. Paxton’s office alleged that city officials hadn’t done enough to ensure event organizers complied with state law barring gender-neutral changing rooms.

By the following week, however, the city and state had agreed to dismiss the suit, with Denton saying it hadn’t made any changes because it was already following the law in regards to sex-segregated spaces. Paxton nonetheless framed this outcome as a significant win.

“This is a major victory for the privacy and safety of women and children,” Paxton said in a statement on Friday. “The City of Denton has now agreed to follow the law and ensure that men are not allowed in women’s and girl’s changing areas. I will continue to ensure that every government entity in Texas complies with our laws protecting women and children.”

The city of Denton, as well as the groups organizing the event, PRIDENTON and OUTreach Denton, said they were already complying with state bathroom rules before Paxton got involved.

“The City of Denton has consistently maintained compliance with state law regarding the upcoming private rental of the Civic Center Pool by PRIDENTON,” Denton’s interim director of marketing and communications, Kayla Herrod, wrote in a statement on Friday. “Because the conditions sought by the Texas Office of the Attorney General reflected measures the City had proactively implemented before the lawsuit, the Denton City Council agreed to terms that were already in place to secure the dismissal of the lawsuit and avoid the unnecessary use of taxpayer resources on continued legal action.”

An exhibit in the lawsuit, dated May 21, noted that city rental policy already required keep all existing bathroom signage in place, and Herrod said city officials also met with the event planners to “communicate Denton’s requirements prohibiting both the covering or alteration of existing signs and the creation of gender-neutral changing areas.”

The Independent has contacted Paxton’s office, PRIDENTON and OUTreach Denton for comment.

The groups previously condemned the suit, writing in a joint statement on Monday that it was a “frivolous” attack and “waste of taxpayers’ time and money.”

The groups said they were informed by city officials on May 21 that they were not permitted to have all-gender bathrooms as a result of Texas’s SB8 law. As a result, they struck any language about such facilities from posts and advertisements about the event, the groups said.

The organizers nonetheless argued the law is vague and “gives license to harass and surveil any person who does not present or conform within the narrow limitations of an oppressive gender binary.”

Denton‘s Big Gay Swim Day has taken place since 2022, and organizers wrote on social media that the party is “a beautiful event where invited community members can swim, dance, and exist without fear of judgement or harassment.”