WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department on Tuesday asked a federal appeals court to throw out the seditious conspiracy convictions of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers leaders who were sentenced to prison terms for leading members of the far-right extremist groups in attacking the U.S. Capitol to keep President Donald Trump in office over five years ago.

Trump commuted the prison sentences of several Proud Boys and Oath Keepers leaders last January in a sweeping act of clemency for all 1,500-plus defendants charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack.

The request by the Justice Department would go a step further and erase all the convictions for the extremist group leaders, including Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, who didn’t receive pardons last January.

The move to abandon the convictions represented a stunning reversal from the Biden administration, which hailed the guilty verdicts as a crucial victory in its bid to hold accountable those responsible for what prosecutors described as an attack on the heart of American democracy. It’s part of the Trump administration’s continued efforts to rewrite the history of the Jan. 6 attack and downplay the violence carried out by the mob of Trump supporters that left more than 100 police officers injured.

In court filings, prosecutors asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to vacate the convictions so that the government can permanently dismiss the indictments.

“The government’s motion to vacate in this case is consistent with its practice of moving the Supreme Court to vacate convictions in cases where the government has decided in its prosecutorial discretion that dismissal of a criminal case is in the interests of justice — motions that the Supreme Court routinely grants,” prosecutors wrote in a court filing signed by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.

Juries in Washington, D.C., convicted the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers leaders of orchestrating violent plots to stop the peaceful transfer of power after Trump’s 2020 election loss to Democratic President Joe Biden.

The department’s dismissal request also includes the convictions of Oath Keepers members Kelly Meggs, Kenneth Harrelson and Jessica Watkins and Proud Boys members Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl and Dominic Pezzola.

Other extremist group members, including former Proud Boys national chairman Enrique Tarrio, received pardons from Trump on the first day of his second term in the White House.

Rhodes was sentenced to 18 years in prison after he and several lieutenants were convicted in one of the most consequential cases arising from the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters.

LK Bennett, founded back in the 90s, entered administration in January, with John Noon and Mark Firmin of Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP appointed joint administrators.

Immediately following their appointment, the LK Bennett brand and related intellectual property were sold to US firm Gordon Brothers, which also owns Laura Ashley and Poundland.

However, LK Bennett’s nine stand-alone and 13 concession stores were not included in the deal, leaving them at risk of closing.

Its website explains: “The LK Bennett stores were not included in the transaction and continue to trade under the Administration.”

Full list of LK Bennett stores at risk of closing

The full list of LK Bennett stores at risk of closing is:

Stand-alone stores

• Lower Guildhall Mall (Bluewater)
• Canary Wharf (London)
• Eastgate Square Shopping Centre (Chester)
• Duke of York Square (London)
• Harrogate
• Knightsbridge (London)
• New Bond Street (London)
• Richmond
• White City Westfield (London)

Concession stores

• Arnotts (Dublin)
• The Bentall Centre (Kingston upon Thames)
• Brown Thomas (Dublin)
• De Gruchy (Jersey)
• Hoopers (Tunbridge Wells)
• Hoopers (Wilmslow)
• Jarrold (Norwich)
• John Lewis (Edinburgh)
• John Lewis (High Wycombe)
• John Lewis – Oxford Street (London)
• John Lewis (Manchester)
• John Lewis (Oxford)
• John Lewis (Cheadle)

LK Bennett shuts down its website

Online sales via the LK Bennett website have continued since the administration announcement earlier this year until now.

The website has now been shut down with a message reading: “Website and phone order now closed- Shop in store for a limited time.”

Online orders already placed by customers will still be processed as normal, according to the website.

Customers can still access the website (at the time of writing), but only for information on topics like returns, size guides, and store locations.

Online shopping via the LK Bennett website is no longer available. (Image: LK Bennett)

The closure of the LK Bennett website follows a sale on all online items, with up to 80% off some products.

LK Bennett launches closing-down sale in all UK stores

LK Bennett has also launched a closing-down sale in all stores across the UK with up to 75% off, with “everything reduced”.

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A LK Bennett spokesperson said to Newsquest sister site, London Now: “There are some truly exceptional offers available across all categories.

“Everything has been reduced, including new season pieces.

“We anticipate strong demand and expect key styles to sell through quickly; we would like to thank our loyal customers for their support over the years and invite them to shop early to avoid disappointment.”​​​

Did you manage to grab yourself a bargain on the LK Bennett website before it closed? Let us know in the comments below.

Emily Coates plays teenager Katie in Channel 5’s new drama Missed Call

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The actual age of the actress portraying Katie in Channel 5‘s Missed Call has emerged and it’s certain to astonish viewers.

The fresh drama launched this week and centres on Joanna Scanlan as Sarah Gleason, a mother whose daughter Katie (Emily Coates) participates in a school exchange to the South of France.

Yet after Sarah fails to answer a late-night telephone call from Katie, her worry escalates when her daughter stops all contact.

While the school, supervising teacher and host family insist Katie is out with friends, Sarah’s maternal instincts suggest something more sinister, driving her to take matters into her own hands and travel to Saint-Michel in search of the truth.

The compelling drama returned to television on Tuesday (April 14) and tension mounted when Sarah presented police with a WhatsApp message Katie allegedly sent before it was mysteriously erased, reports the Mirror.

Sarah then dedicated herself to uncovering what really happened, even visiting the location where Katie attended a gathering.

Regarding Katie actress Emily Coates, she’s well-versed in screen work. The performer has featured in productions including fantasy series Cursed and The Great. Emily also portrayed Rosa in the 2023 live-action version of The Little Mermaid.

However, it’s Emily’s true age that might surprise audiences. The accomplished performer is in fact 31, despite portraying a teenager in Channel 5’s Missed Call.

The series synopsis states: “When British teenager Katie Gleason vanishes during a school exchange in southern France, her mother Sarah rushes to Saint-Michel seeking answers.

Met with evasive police and hostility from Katie’s powerful host family, the Morvans, Sarah launches her own investigation alongside local detective Lieutenant Virginie Taylor, exposing buried secrets, abuse, corruption, and trafficking within the tight-knit town.

“As bodies surface and suspicions reach influential figures – including Virginie’s father – alliances fracture. Betrayed and unravelling, Sarah learns that Katie may still be alive. Time is running out for them both and justice.”

Missed Call airs on Channel 5 at 9pm

The First Minister said: “Where we have the powers in Scotland, we will act – building on the support we already have in place to support people with the cost of living including abolishing peak rail fares, extending childcare provision and ensuring most people in Scotland pay less income tax than south of the border. ”

Tees Valley Wildlife Trust has launched the contest to shine a light on the wild species living across parks, gardens, and its nature reserves.

Open to amateur photographers of all ages, the competition will feature at least 12 winning images in the trust’s 2027 calendar, with one selected for the front cover.

Tom Harman, chief executive of Tees Valley Wildlife Trust (TVWT), said: “We know there are some brilliant wildlife moments happening across the Tees Valley every day – in our parks, along our streets, by the river and coast.

“This competition is about celebrating that and encouraging people to take a closer look at the nature around them.

“You don’t need to travel far to find something special.”

Entrants can submit up to three landscape-format photos taken with a phone or camera, provided they feature wild, native species in natural settings in the Tees Valley.

Images can be shared via Facebook, Instagram, or emailed to info@teeswildlife.org.

No AI-generated or heavily edited images will be accepted.

The competition closes on May 1.

Mr Harman said: “The competition is designed to be accessible to everyone, you can enter with a few clicks via social media or email and you don’t need a fancy camera.

“It’s all about images that reflect real moments in nature.”

Winning photographs will be featured on TVWT’s website and social media, and the calendar will be for sale from local business across the Tees Valley.

In addition to celebrating local wildlife, the competition aims to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and enhancing green spaces across the Tees Valley.

Entrants are reminded that only wild, native species are eligible, and images must capture animals or plants in their natural habitat.

Anyone interested in taking part can find full entry details at www.teeswildlife.org, or by emailing info@teeswildlife.org.

Images can also be submitted via the trust’s social media channels before the deadline.

The coastguard and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) were called to the beach at Red Bank Farm, Bolton-le-Sands, at around 5.15pm.

Teams worked quickly as the tide came in to free those who had become trapped.

Bay Search and Rescue, a recovery team working in the area, said the people got stuck in wet and very soft sand while out walking.

The rescue involved coastguard teams from Knott-End, Arnside and South Lakes, Morecambe, and Holyhead, North Wales.

Two people were rescued from quicksand in Bolton-le-Sands (Image: Bay Search and Rescue/Facebook)

In a social media post, Bay Search and Rescue said: “Holyhead CG requested BSARs Sherp and Quicksands Rescue equipment following a call when people managed to get stuck in some very soft sand while out walking.

“The first team on scene from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service did an outstanding job supported by Morecambe Coastguard Rescue Team and freed the casualties in quick sharp time and got them to safety.

“Superb responses from all teams asked to assist and a massive response from BSAR members with nearly a whole team turnout.

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“If you see someone in difficulty around the coast, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

A fire service spokesperson said: “Two fire engines from Morecambe and Bolton-le-Sands attended Shore Lane, Bolton-le-Sands.

“Two casualties were rescued from quicksand by fire service personnel using one sandboard and one spade. The casualties were escorted back to the shoreline.

“Crews were detained for 45 minutes.”

The Government is being called up to include comprehensive, cross-cutting anti-SLAPP measures in the King’s Speech in May

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Local news organisations across the UK are today taking part in a coordinated Day of Action against abusive legal threats known as SLAPPs, led by the News Media Association in partnership with the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition.

The day brings together publishers to highlight the growing use of Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation to intimidate journalists and suppress reporting in the public interest, and to urge the Government to deliver robust anti-SLAPP legislation.

Publishers are marking the Day of Action through op-eds and letters to MPs, underlining the particular vulnerability of local and regional newsrooms to costly and time-consuming legal intimidation.

The News Media Association and the UK Anti-SLAPP Coalition are calling on the Government to include comprehensive, cross-cutting anti-SLAPP measures in the King’s Speech in May.

Owen Meredith, chief executive of the News Media Association, said: “SLAPPs thrive in silence, using the threat of costly and intimidating legal action to shut down journalism in the public interest.

“This SLAPPs Day of Action is a timely opportunity to shine a light on the growing misuse of the legal system and its chilling effect on journalists and newsrooms, particularly at a local level.

“As the Government sets out its priorities in the King’s Speech, there is a clear and urgent need for comprehensive anti-SLAPP legislation to properly safeguard public interest journalism and uphold freedom of expression.”

David Higgerson, chief content officer at Reach plc, said: “SLAPPs are not about seeking justice – they are about silencing journalism. When legal threats are used as a weapon, they chill reporting and deprive the public of information they have a right to know.”

Toby Granville, editorial development director at Newsquest, said: “Local journalism plays a vital democratic role. SLAPPs exploit imbalances of power and risk deterring reporters from pursuing stories that matter to their communities.”

James Mitchinson, editor at The Yorkshire Post, said: “Journalists should not have to weigh the public interest against the threat of financial ruin. Strong, effective anti-SLAPP protections are essential if scrutiny journalism is to survive.”

Ian Carter, chief operating officer, Iliffe Media, said: “SLAPPs rely on intimidation and secrecy. This Day of Action is about calling out abusive legal tactics and making clear that journalists will not be intimidated out of doing their jobs.”

Jon Gripton, group editorial director, Tindle Newspapers, said: “Freedom of expression and accountable journalism are cornerstones of our democracy. Tackling SLAPPs is about protecting those principles and ensuring they endure.”

Daily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says child poverty targets will be missed unless parties come together.

Political parties tend to tailor their manifestos to the groups in society that have the loudest voice.

Older people vote and leaders are increasingly scared of doing anything to upset pensioners.

The inhabitants of middle Scotland are annoyed about levels of tax and parties have responded accordingly.

Business chiefs have better access than most to the political process and their concerns are always addressed in election campaigns.

It is therefore a legitimate question to ask who looks out for disadvantaged children during the chase for votes.

Whichever party wins on May 7th will inherit a legally binding target to slash child poverty rates.

The current level is 21% – around 210,000 kids – and the target is to reduce it to below 10% by 2030.

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This means the next Scottish Government will have to take another 111,000 children out of poverty if the target is to be met.

Anti-poverty groups believe the SNP administration is on course to fail and more needs to be done.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar is first out of the traps with a bold commitment to meet the target.

He says a focus on “structural” poverty – boosting skills, childcare and employment – is the best approach, not a benefits top up.

However, he is also committed to the SNP Government’s successful Scottish Child Payment, which means he accepts social security has an important role to play.

SNP leader John Swinney has said child poverty is his top priority in Government and his party’s manifesto will be launched on Thursday.

The reality is the SNP and Labour – two parties of the centre left – have more in common on anti-poverty policies than they would ever admit.

Hitting the 2030 target is difficult, but would be manageable if there is a political will.

Regardless of who wins next month, progressive parties should come together to give these children a better future.

Two RAF Typhoons were deployed from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland and a Voyager refuelling jet took off from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, as jets flew towards Shetland in response to reports of a suspected Russian aircraft

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RAF fighter jets have been scrambled amid concerns over a suspected Russian bomber approaching UK airspace, according to reports.

Two RAF Typhoons were deployed from RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland today, while a Voyager refuelling jet also took off from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. The aircraft headed in the direction of Shetland.

According to The Telegraph, an unidentified Russian warplane remained outside British airspace. The Typhoons subsequently returned to their base after it became clear that the Russian aircraft did not require intercepting. Sources told the publication that the deployment of British fighter jets to track the Russian aircraft formed part of a broader NATO response, reports the Mirror.

This follows an incident in 2020 when two Russian Bear-F Tu-142 long-range aircraft were intercepted by six Typhoons as they travelled towards the UK. In recent weeks, Russian warships and submarines have also passed close to UK waters.

Earlier this month, Defence Secretary John Healey revealed that the UK and its allies tracked a Russian attack submarine and two spy submarines loitering over critical undersea cables in the North Atlantic for a full month before they withdrew.

A British warship and aircraft were deployed to deter “malign” activity by Moscow in waters off the UK’s northern coast, the Defence Secretary confirmed.

He warned that Vladimir Putin had sought to exploit the world being “distracted” by the Iran war, and that he represents “the primary threat to UK security”. Addressing the Russian president directly, Mr Healey said: “We see your activity over our cables and our pipelines, and you should know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences.”

Speaking at a Downing Street press conference, Mr Healey revealed that over the past few weeks – while much of the world’s attention was focused on the Middle East crisis – the UK, working alongside Norway and other allies, had responded to “increased Russian activity” in the Atlantic north of the UK.

This involved a Russian Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine and two specialist submarines from Russia’s ministry of defence deep sea research programme known as Gugi (Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research), he said.

Mr Healey said: “In response to the Russian submarines, I can confirm that I deployed our armed forces to track and to deter any malign activity by these vessels.

“A Royal Navy warship and Royal Air Force P-8 aircraft alongside allies ensured that the Russian submarines were monitored 24/7.

“The Akula submarine subsequently retreated home, having been closely tracked throughout and we continued to monitor the two Gugi submarines in and around wider UK waters.

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“Our armed forces left them in no doubt that they were being monitored, that their movements were not covert, as President Putin planned, and that their attempted secret operation had been exposed. Those Gugi submarines have now left UK waters and headed back north.” He revealed that 500 British personnel took part in the month-long operation. RAF crews flew more than 50 sorties using P-8 Poseidon submarine-hunting aircraft, with support from allied nations including Norway.

The Mirror has contacted the Ministry of Defence for comment.