#Statutory Declarations

[mycdrwriters]

Statutory Declarations for VETASSESS: Why They Matter and How to Get Them Right

If you're applying for skilled migration to Australia, your statutory declaration can be the difference between approval and rejection—especially when reference letters or documents are unavailable.

These legally sworn statements help verify your work history, freelance experience, or gaps in documentation—essential for VETASSESS evaluations.

Don’t risk rejection. Let CDRWriters guide you through creating a detailed, compliant statutory declaration that meets all assessment standards.

✅ Legal format ✅ Expertly worded ✅ VETASSESS-compliant 📞 Contact us today to boost your chances of success for a Statutory Declarations.

[gordonandthompsonsolicitors]

Gordon and Thompson Solicitors

We are a nationwide team of Solicitors specialised in different areas of law. We provide services in personal injury, medical negligence, family, divorce, children contact, residential conveyancing, commercial conveyancing, housing, immigration, business law, crime, police, and property law. We have Legal Aid for Crime and Family.

Business hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Address: 51 Tweedy Rd, Bromley, BR1 3NH

Phone: 02071833009

Website: https://www.gordonandthompson.com

Business Email: bromley@gordonandthompson.com

[everythingmatters]

my favourite lawyer coworker who has like the second most senior position in our team (who is also the only openly gay person and is quitting next week💔) gave me this feedback for some letters i’ve drafted for him and it’s making me so emotional.😭 i have never gave a fuck that much about this job but this is like easily the nicest thing anyone here has said to me. like wait you really think i would do well in a role that literally pays double my current salary…. and U would endorse me fr……

[legalservicesincanada]

Walk-In Notary Public Windsor Ontario Now Available

Are you in search of an efficient notary public Windsor Ontario service that is not scheduled? Sealed & Legal Counsel is delighted to announce our latest non-admission notary public walk-in Windsor Ontario offering. 

In the current world of speed efficient and convenient legal services can be the difference. If you require documents that are authenticated, affidavits that have been signed or certified copies inspected by a walk-in service, we will ensure that you get prompt assistance, without the typical scheduling delays. 

As a reputable law firm located in Windsor Ontario, we recognize how important accessibility is, and we strive to assist clients who require immediate attention.In Sealed & Legal Counsel, our dedication to providing the highest quality legal Services goes beyond the traditional appointments.

This blog focuses on the advantages of our walk-in public notary service, including how you can get ready for the visit as well as other services that are complementary to ours, such as legal advice for families along with tax-related assistance, as well as general Legal Assistance in Windsor Ontario. 

Find out how our firm stands out from the rest of Law Firms in Windsor Ontario and how our process is streamlined to benefit both clients and business.

Why Choose a Walk-In Notary Public in Windsor Ontario?

Convenience and Flexibility

A lot of clients require urgent notarizations for contracts or real estate documents and court papers. With an open notary public in Windsor Ontario, you can visit Sealed & Legal Counsel when you are able to do so. There is no need to wait to make an appointment.

This flexibility is crucial for professionals working under deadlines and deadlines for students needing fast signatures or families who need to finish important papers.

Speedy Document Authentication

Our team of experts is prepared to take on a range of notarization needs. From affidavits to statutory declarations to authentic copies that are certified We provide speedy and precise service.

With our walk-in service, Sealed & Legal Counsel can help you to avoid stress at the last minute. As the need for fast notary public Windsor Ontario services rises and our service is tailored to those who require quick notarization, without sacrificing the quality.

Accessibility for All Clients

If you're a newcomer or a regular customer Our walk-in services are open to all. People who require legal help in Windsor Ontario appreciate the accessibility policy. Businesses can benefit from speedy turnaround times in the case of corporate paperwork.

This enables us to demonstrate our commitment to being an legal firm located situated in Windsor Ontario to serve the community by providing prompt and accessible legal assistance.

The Sealed & Legal Counsel Approach

Experienced Professionals

Sealed & Legal Counsel is where you can find experienced lawyers and notaries, as well as experts in corporate law, family law issues, estate planning. While our walk-in clinic focuses on notarization services, clients may encounter additional legal issues when they visit. For those looking for the Best Family Lawyer in Windsor Ontario, our team is available to provide specific assistance. The ease of handling many issues in one place can be beneficial and helps build long-lasting relationships with our clients.

Seamless Integration with Other Services

Visitors who drop at the counter for notarization are able to find out about the following related services:

Family lawyer Windsor Ontario consultations on matters such as separation agreements.

Tax assistance from our in-house or our affiliated Tax Lawyer experts.

Support for businesses via Legal Services Windsor which includes contract reviews as well as Corporate documents.

By positioning notarization in a wider perspective of law, Sealed & Legal Counsel guarantees clients comprehensive advice that is tailored to the specific needs of each client.

Professional Environment

Our office located in Windsor offers a warm and welcoming environment with clear signs indicating the walk-in hours. The signage reads "Walk-In Notary Public Windsor Ontario Now Available," to ensure that you're aware of the exact location you need to go. Our reception staff is specially trained to assist visitors effectively, which means that we can reduce waiting time while maintaining privacy and professionalism.

Comprehensive Legal Assistance Beyond Notarization

Family Law and Domestic Services

When you visit for a quick notarization, you might be aware of the need for support from the family law. Sealed & Legal Counsel is acknowledged as the top family lawyer located in Windsor Ontario for handling divorce, child custody as well as cohabitation contracts.

If you need the signing of a separation agreement, or to create a cohabitation agreement Our family law specialists will be able to schedule a thorough consultation right on the on the spot. Through the combination of walk-in notarization with the knowledge of family law We offer a holistic solution for clients.

Corporate and Business Law

Local entrepreneurs and small businesses often need certified signatures for incorporation documents, shareholder agreements, or partnership contracts.

Our walk-in service caters to these urgent needs, and our lawyer in Windsor team offers further guidance on corporate compliance, intellectual property, and business succession planning. As a reputable law firm in Windsor Ontario, Sealed & Legal Counsel stands ready to support enterprises of all sizes.

Estate Planning and Wills

Ensuring your estate planning documents are properly notarized is critical. During your walk-in visit, ask about will drafting, power of attorney arrangements, and healthcare directives.

Our professionals assist in preparing and notarizing these documents, and you benefit from our expertise as a trusted Law Firm in the region. Proper notarization adds legal weight, ensuring your wishes are honored without delays.

Tax and Financial Legal Advice

Tax-related notarization can include affidavits for foreign income declarations or certified documentation for financial institutions. If you need a Tax Attorney or advice on cross-border tax implications, our team can coordinate an appointment.

Clients appreciate that Sealed & Legal Counsel offers both quick notarization and strategic tax planning, reflecting our commitment to comprehensive Legal Services Windsor.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Sealed and Legal Counsel's Walk-In Notary Public Windsor Ontario Now Available service is designed to meet the demands of our community for flexible, effective legal assistance.

When you require a prompt notarization of your documents, talk to an attorney for your family in Windsor Ontario, or look into tax and corporate advice our comprehensive approach guarantees that you get top-quality support all under one roof.

Don't let scheduling hurdles delay critical legal tasks. Visit us now for a fast notarization or call us to find out more about other services like business consultations, estate planning and remote notarization services.

As a top law firm located in Windsor Ontario, Sealed & Legal Counsel is committed to providing professional, accessible and cost-effective legal services. Take advantage of our service at a walk-in and enjoy your peace of mind with every one of your legal and notarization requirements.

[apostilleser]

Statutory Declaration Witnessing

Statutory declarations need to follow a set format and be witnessed by a legal professional. They are governed by the Declaration Act of 1835. Apostille & Legalisation Services Ltd is a one-stop recognised platform providing precise solutions for statutory declaration witnessing. Complete the form with as much information as you can, and one of our friendly advisors will be in touch.

[awakenlng369]

Challenge a Utility Warrant: From Statutory Declaration to Case Stated Appeal

Stat Dec to Cancel a Warrant Case Stated Appeal Donate When a utility company obtains a warrant for rights of entry (for gas or electricity) without your knowledge, you have legal options to challenge it. This article explains how to use a statutory declaration to set aside the warrant and, if necessary, file a case stated appeal to challenge the magistrates’ court decision. Step 1: Using a…

[reasonsforhope]

"In a major move for rivers up and down the land, last week it was announced that Sussex’s River Ouse is set to be granted its own rights. 

A new charter that has just been approved by Lewes district council officially recognises the Ouse as a living entity. Based on the Universal Declaration of River Rights, the charter gives the waterway eight rights, including the right to flow, to be pollution-free, to have native biodiversity and to undergo regeneration and restoration. 

The decision to give the Ouse legal personhood was actually made two years ago when the council passed a rights of river motion. In the two years since, the likes of Lewes district council, Environmental Law Foundation, Ouse and Adur Rivers Trust and Southwood Foundation have all worked together to create the charter. 

Matthew Bird, director of the Love Our Ouse campaign, said: ‘This is a momentous moment for the river and goes some way towards recognising that the river is an entity in its own right and that its voice needs to be represented in decisions which affect it. The river faces numerous challenges including pollution, climate change, over use and development.

‘The Charter provides a common framework through which to address these challenges which we hope the other major stakeholders on the Ouse will feel able to endorse. We hope Lewes District Council’s decision to support the Ouse Charter will encourage communities throughout the UK to pursue charters for their local rivers.’

Emma Montlake, co-director of the Environmental Law Foundation, added: ‘By supporting the Rights of Rivers, Lewes District Council has set a precedent that could transform the way we safeguard our rivers. The River Ouse is an essential part of the region’s ecosystem and cultural heritage—this decision ensures a better future for the River’s health and protection.’

The charter isn’t actually legally binding just yet. The next stage will involve working with statutory agencies, communities and landowners along the river to make sure that that the new rights are implemented."

-via TimeOut, March 3, 2025

Note: This is part of the broader Rights of Nature movement, and I believe the first natural body to be granted personhood/rights in Europe [edited for accuracy 3/12/25]. (Let me know in the comments if there have been others!) It's a whole new paradigm for how to view nature - and grants us a new set of powerful tools for legally defending nature from degradation and pollution. In other words, this is pretty exciting. Read more about the Rights of Nature movement here and here.

[jtmportland]

I know this post is long, but it’s important to read to understand what’s going on. A lot of people are asking, “Why is Trump just out golfing while things are falling apart?” It’s simple: the emergency isn’t something he’s reacting to — it’s something he’s building.

Trump recently declared a national economic emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) — granting himself sweeping authority over international trade by labeling foreign economic practices an “unusual and extraordinary threat.”

But here’s the real play: by declaring a national emergency, Trump didn’t just respond to a crisis — he created one. And in doing so, he unlocked access to over 120 statutory powers scattered throughout federal law. Many of these powers have nothing to do with trade — and everything to do with expanding presidential authority inside the U.S.

What This Move Enables: Expanded Domestic Powers

1. Control of Domestic Communications

- 47 U.S.C. §606(c): Allows the president to take control of, shut down, or regulate wire and radio communications — including the internet, social media platforms, broadcast networks, and telecom infrastructure — in the name of national defense. Originally intended for wartime, this Cold War-era law remains on the books.

2. Asset Freezing and Financial Surveillance

- Under IEEPA and related laws, the president can freeze the assets and bank accounts of individuals or organizations accused of aiding foreign threats. These powers are vague and can be stretched to include domestic political groups, journalists, or activists — especially if they’re perceived as having foreign ties or influence.

3. Domestic Military Deployment

- Under the Insurrection Act (10 U.S.C. §§ 251–255), the president can deploy active-duty U.S. military to enforce laws or suppress civil unrest within the country. In certain scenarios, this can be done without state governor consent — especially if the president claims state authorities are failing to uphold federal law.

4. Emergency Detention Powers (Non-Citizens)

- The Alien Enemies Act (50 U.S.C. §21) — a law dating back to 1798 — allows the president to detain or restrict the movement of non-citizens from nations deemed hostile. The criteria for “hostile” can be broad and undefined during a declared emergency.

5. Control of Energy and Transportation

- Under laws like 42 U.S.C. §6272 and others, the president can redirect or restrict domestic fuel production, electricity usage, or energy transportation. Additionally, 49 U.S.C. §40106(b) allows the president to limit, reroute, or suspend civil aviation, giving the executive branch near-total control over U.S. airspace in a crisis.

6. Suspension of Labor Regulations

- During a declared emergency, the president can waive federal labor regulations and override contract protections. This includes removing limits on hours, wages, and workplace safety for federal contractors and any industries deemed vital to national security.

7. National Security Letters & Warrantless Surveillance

- Emergency declarations expand the reach and use of National Security Letters (NSLs) — tools that let federal agencies demand financial, telecom, and internet records without a warrant. These also come with gag orders, preventing the recipient (e.g., Google or a bank) from disclosing that they’re under surveillance.

Why it Matters?

Even when legal domestic powers are limited, a national emergency lets the president:

- Frame the issue as a national security crisis, justifying aggressive action

- Bypass Congress and the courts by acting unilaterally

- Sway public opinion using fear, urgency, and patriotic rhetoric

Bottom Line

IEEPA is focused on foreign threats — but once the emergency is declared, the president taps into a hidden arsenal of domestic control powers. What began as a trade issue could quickly shift into civil liberties restrictions, mass surveillance, or even crackdowns under the legal shield of an “emergency.”

This isn’t just about tariffs. It’s about redefining the boundaries of executive power. Imagine if this economic crisis keeps getting worse — the amount of power he will gain.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

Michael de Adder :: @deAdder

* * * *

"The most important office is office of citizen."

June 11, 2025

Robert B. Hubbell

The most consequential story on Tuesday continues to be that Trump is issuing blatantly illegal and unconstitutional orders. The deployment of federal troops to Los Angeles violates the Posse Comitatus Act and does not qualify for any statutory exception. That fact is omitted from nearly every story reporting on the situation in Los Angeles. But no such story is accurate or complete unless the first line says, “In violation of federal law and without justification, President Trump has ordered federal troops to Los Angeles . . . .”

Before addressing the fake state of emergency created by Trump, let’s skip to the solution: Tens of millions of Americans must take to the streets, expressing the will of the people in opposition to Trump's unlawful actions. Thousands of decentralized protests of millions of Americans will be beyond the ability of Trump to resist—even with the US military cosplaying as law enforcement officers.

It is vitally important that everyone join the No Kings Day protests—June 14, 2025. Find a protest near you: No Kings. On June 14, Flag Day, the story must be that millions of Americans rose to defend democracy instead of the obscenely expensive military parade ordered by Trump because no one else will celebrate his birthday.

For once, the New York Times is getting it right. In its Tuesday online edition, the first headline in Column A1 reads:

The Times’ news analysis reports, in part,

Legal scholars say the president’s actions are not authorized by the statutes he has cited and are, instead, animated by a different goal. “He is declaring utterly bogus emergencies for the sake of trying to expand his power, undermine the Constitution, and destroy civil liberties,” said Ilya Somin, a libertarian professor at Antonin Scalia Law School who represents a wine importer and other businesses challenging some of Mr. Trump’s tariffs.

For the usually stodgy Times, the above analysis amounts to a full-throated condemnation of Trump’s sham declarations of emergency.

The Times’ news analysis closed with a reference to the case of Youngstown Sheet and Tube Company v. Sawyer, in which the Court expressed skepticism of presidential declarations of emergencies because “emergencies beget emergencies”:

Justice Jackson wrote that the framers of the Constitution were wary of granting the president emergency powers.

“They knew what emergencies were, knew the pressures they engender for authoritative action, knew, too, how they afford a ready pretext for usurpation,” he wrote. “We may also suspect that they suspected that emergency powers would tend to kindle emergencies.”

Trump's declaration of emergency is an attempt to create an emergency justifying the deployment of troops. It is an illegal, unjustified use of the US military—and is grounds for impeachment, conviction, and removal from office.

As a point of personal privilege as an Angeleno native, I want to express my anger at the national media for facilitating Trump's misrepresentation of the situation in Los Angeles.

After seeing MSNBC play video on Tuesday of the same two Waymo cars burning (which occurred on Saturday), I drove around my neighborhood to take a video of peaceful city streets with commentary by me. The video is here:

A shareable link is here: The Real Los Angeles 6.10.25

Mayor Karen Bass imposed a curfew over a small area in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday evening. The tiny sector under curfew is a few blocks in Los Angeles County, which covers 4,752 sq. miles. Los Angeles County is roughly three times the size of Rhode Island, twice the size of Delaware, the same size as Connecticut, and half the size of New Jersey.

Imagine 10 blocks under curfew in an area the size of Connecticut because several dozen citizens are standing in front of a federal building—surrounded by 700 Marines, 2,000 National Guard, and the LAPD riot squad. That is the fake emergency that Trump has created by unlawfully deploying federal troops into Los Angeles.

The scale of Los Angeles County also highlights an important point about the limited ability of federal forces, even when they are misused by Trump. It took 700 Marines three days to travel 83 miles from Camp Pendleton to Los Angeles, where they have remained secluded inside a federal building housing a detention center. The Marines occupy one building in a single block of a county spanning 4,752 square miles.

On Tuesday evening, California Governor Gavin Newsom delivered a speech condemning Trump's actions. It deserves to be viewed, in full, by all Americans. The video of the speech is here: Meidas Touch Network, Exclusive: Governor Newsom Addresses State and Nation.

The full text of the speech is here: Governor of California, Democracy at a Crossroads.

Governor Newsom addressed all of Trump's unlawful conduct over the last four months, saying in part:

Authoritarian regimes begin by targeting people who are least able to defend themselves. But they do not stop there. Trump and his loyalists thrive on division because it allows them to take more power and exert even more control. By the way, Trump – he’s not opposed to lawlessness and violence, as long as it serves HIM. What more evidence do we need than January 6th? I ask everyone to take the time to reflect on this perilous moment. A president who wants to be bound by no law or constitution. Perpetrating a unified assault on American traditions. This is a President who, in just over 140 days, has fired government watchdogs that could hold him accountable for corruption and fraud. He’s declared a war on culture, on history, on science – on knowledge itself. Databases, quite literally vanishing. He’s delegitimizing news organizations and assaulting the First Amendment. At the threat of defunding them, he’s dictating what universities can teach. Targeting law firms and the judicial branch that are the foundation of an orderly, civil society. [¶¶] Look, this isn’t just about protests in LA. When Donald Trump sought blanket authority to commandeer the National Guard, he made that order apply to every state in this nation. This is about all of us. This is about you. California may be first – but it clearly won’t end here. Other states are next. Democracy is next. Democracy is under assault right before our eyes – the moment we’ve feared has arrived. [¶¶] The founding fathers did not live and die to see this moment. It’s time for all of us to stand up. Justice Brandeis said it best: in a democracy, the most important office is not president, it’s certainly not governor. The most important office is office of citizen. At this moment, we must all stand up and be held to a higher level of accountability. If you exercise your First Amendment rights, please do so peacefully. I know many of you are feeling deep anxiety, stress, and fear. But I want you to know that YOU are the antidote to that fear and anxiety.

Governor Newsom spoke the truth in a powerful speech.1

As before, we must remain disciplined and focused on protesting Trump's unlawful actions. We must avoid blaming members of the US military and LAPD who have been thrust into a chaotic situation against their will.

Stay calm—but show up! Your democracy needs you!

Troops at Fort Bragg jeer Newsom and Biden during Trump speech

Trump gave a partisan speech at Fort Bragg on Tuesday in which he attacked Governor Newsom, Joe Biden, the news media, and Los Angeles. During the speech, members of the US military appeared to jeer and boo at the names of politicians, the media, and Los Angeles. See Raw Story, 'Boo!' Trump prompts Army troops to jeer news media and cheer Robert E. Lee.

As readers of this newsletter know, I have been steadfast in defending the loyalty and professionalism of troops in our all-volunteer military. But each of the military members who jeered and booed elected officials, the news media, and a US city violated the DoD Directive 1344.10, Guidance for Military Personnel, which states, in part,

Per longstanding DoD policy, active duty personnel may not engage in partisan political activities and all military personnel should avoid the inference that their political activities imply or appear to imply DoD sponsorship, approval, or endorsement of a political candidate, campaign, or cause.

The commanders of Fort Bragg failed to maintain good military order by allowing troops under their command to participate in a partisan political rally that attacked Democratic officeholders and their former Commander-in-Chief. Allowing troops under their command to express partisan political viewpoints while in uniform is corrosive to public trust in the professionalism and neutrality of the military. The responsible commanders at Fort Bragg should resign or be disciplined for losing control of their troops.

As an aside, during Trump's speech, he announced that five military bases formerly named after Confederate traitors who killed hundreds of thousands of American soldiers during the Civil War would have their original Confederate names restored.

But because Trump realized that re-naming the bases for Confederate generals was unacceptable even for his white supremacist agenda, Trump's minions located US soldiers who have the same names as the Confederate generals and then renamed the bases after those US soldiers. See Task & Purpose, Trump reverts 7 Army bases to former names with new honorees.

So, for example, the former “Fort Robert E. Lee” will be renamed “Fort Lee” “in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Pvt. Fitz Lee, a Black Buffalo Soldier, for his heroism during the Spanish-American War.”

The cynical ploy to rename military bases to honor Confederate traitors by using the names of real American heroes is despicable.

Concluding Thoughts

Many people are distraught over the events in Los Angeles because they feel we have no control over the situation. While it is true that we cannot control the actions of everyone—especially agitators intent on hijacking peaceful protests—it is not true that we are powerless. We can seize control of the narrative by ensuring that millions of Americans take to the streets on June 14—No Kings Day and Flag Day.

If millions of Americans protest peacefully against Trump's unlawful actions, the media will give primacy to “We, the people,” rather than to the malignant narcissist.

As Governor Newsom said, “You are the antidote to fear and anxiety . . . . In a democracy, the most important office is not president, it’s certainly not governor. The most important office is office of citizen.”

We need only to act in order to overcome our feelings of helplessness and anxiety—and to regain control of the political narrative. Indeed, Trump's actions are those of a leader who is frightened about his grip on power. By acting in unison, we will prevail. Together, there is nothing we cannot do.

[Robert B. Hubbell Newsletter]

[guerrillatech]

Russian researcher at Harvard University is being detained at a Louisiana detention center over failing to declare frog embryos while passing through customs, according to a complaint filed by her attorney.

"Upon discovery [of the] the samples following a search of her luggage, and despite her attempts to explain, the CBP officer failed to pursue the statutory and regulatory process for failure to declare an article in luggage," the complaint says. "Rather, the officer marked [Petrova's] visa in her passport as canceled."

Read More

[everythingmatters]

forcing myself to do something scary at work today. But also it isn’t rlly that scary idgaf… but lowkey i am shaking about it a little bit. but um who cares

[mariacallous]

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has canceled plans to introduce new rules designed to limit the ability of US data brokers to sell sensitive information about Americans, including financial data, credit history, and Social Security numbers.

The CFPB proposed the new rule in early December under former director Rohit Chopra, who said the changes were necessary to combat commercial surveillance practices that “threaten our personal safety and undermine America’s national security.”

The agency quietly withdrew the proposal on Tuesday morning, publishing a notice in the Federal Register declaring the rule no longer “necessary or appropriate.”

The CFPB received more than 600 comments from the public this year concerning the proposal, titled Protecting Americans from Harmful Data Broker Practices. The rule was crafted to ensure that data brokers obtain Americans’ consent before selling or sharing sensitive personal information, including financial data such as income. US credit agencies are already required to abide by such regulations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, one of the nation’s oldest privacy laws.

In its notice, the CFPB’s acting director, Russell Vought, wrote that he was withdrawing the proposal “in light of updates to Bureau policies,” and that it did not align with the agency’s “current interpretation of the FCRA,” which he added the CFPB is “in the process of revising.”

The CFPB did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Data brokers operate within a multibillion-dollar industry built on the collection and sale of detailed personal information—often without individuals’ knowledge or consent. These companies create extensive profiles on nearly every American, including highly sensitive data such as precise location history, political affiliations, and religious beliefs. This information is frequently resold for purposes ranging from marketing to law enforcement surveillance.

Many people are unaware that data brokers even exist, let alone that their personal information is being traded. In January, the Texas Attorney General’s Office, led by attorney general Ken Paxton, accused Arity—a data broker owned by Allstate—of unlawfully collecting, using, and selling driving data from over 45 million Americans to insurance companies without their consent.

The harms from data brokers can be severe–even violent. The Safety Net Project, part of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, warns that people-search websites, which compile information from data brokers, can serve as tools for abusers to track down information about their victims.

Last year, Gravy Analytics—which processes billions of location signals daily—suffered a data breach that may have exposed the movements of millions of individuals, including politicians and military personnel.

“Russell Vought is undoing years of painstaking, bipartisan work in order to prop up data brokers’ predatory, and profitable, surveillance of Americans,” says Sean Vitka, executive director of Demand Progress, a nonprofit that supported the rule. Added Vitka: “By withdrawing the CFPB’s data broker rulemaking, the Trump administration is ensuring that Americans will continue to be bombarded by scam texts, calls and emails, and that military members and their families can be targeted by spies and blackmailers.”

Vought, who also serves as director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, received a letter on Monday from the Financial Technology Association (FTA) calling for the rule to be withdrawn, claiming the rules exceed the agency’s statutory mandate and would be “harmful to financial institutions’ efforts to detect and prevent fraud.” The FTA is a US-based trade organization that represents the interests of banks, lenders, payment platforms, and their executives.

Privacy advocates have long pressed regulators to use the Fair Credit Reporting Act to crack down on the data broker industry. Common Defense, a veteran-led nonprofit, urged the CFPB to take action in November, blaming data brokers for recklessly exposing sensitive information about US service members that placed them at “substantial risk” of being blackmailed, scammed, or targeted by hostile foreign actors.

A 2023 study cited by the group—funded by the US Military Academy at West Point—concluded that the current data broker ecosystem is a threat to US national security, permitting the sale of sensitive personal data that can be used not only to identify service members and “other politically sensitive targets,” but also to offer details about medical conditions, financial problems, and political and religious beliefs. “Foreign and malign actors with access to these datasets could uncover information about high-level targets, such as military service members, that could be used for coercion, reputational damage, and blackmail,” the authors report.

Common Defense political director Naveed Shah, an Iraq War veteran, condemned the move to spike the proposed changes, accusing Vought of putting the profits of data brokers before the safety of millions of service members. "For the sake of military families and our national security, the administration must reverse course and ensure that these critical privacy protections are enacted," Shah says.

Investigations by WIRED have shown that data brokers have collected and made cheaply available information that can be used to reliably track the locations of American military and intelligence personnel overseas, including in and around sensitive installations where US nuclear weapons are reportedly stored.

WIRED reported in February that US data brokers were using Google's ad-tech tools to sell access to information about devices linked to military service members and national security decisionmakers, as well as federal contractors that manufacture and export classified defense-related technologies. Experts say it proves trivial for foreign adversaries to de-anonymize the data.

"Data brokers inflict severe harm on individuals by degrading privacy, threatening national security, enabling scams and fraud, endangering public officials and survivors of domestic violence, and putting immigrant populations at risk,” says Caroline Kraczon, law fellow at the Electronic Privacy Information Center focused on consumer protection.

“The CFPB had a critical opportunity to address these harms by clarifying that data brokers must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act,” adds Kraczon. “This withdrawal is deeply disappointing and another attack in the administration’s war against consumers on behalf of corporate interests."

Last month, more than 1,400 CFPB employees had their positions at the agency terminated, leaving the agency with a staff of around 300 people. Elon Musk, whose so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has spearheaded the White House's efforts to radically restructure the federal government by slashing the size of its workforce, last November called on President Donald Trump to “delete” the CFPB, whose job includes shielding Americans from predatory lending practices.

[apostilleser]

Statutory Declaration Witnessing

A statutory declaration is a legal document that serves as a formal statement made affirming that certain information is true to the best of the declarant’s knowledge. In the UK, statutory declarations are frequently used for purposes such as affirming identity, declaring financial status, or verifying a statement for legal or official purposes.

https://www.apostille-services.co.uk/what-is-a-statutory-declaration-and-when-will-i-need-one/

[beardedmrbean]

A Florida nurse was allegedly caught by her husband having sex with his 15-year-old son following weeks of reported seduction and has lost her medical license, according to a report.

Alexis Von Yates, 35, had her single-state nursing license revoked last week as she awaits criminal trial for last July’s alleged statutory rape of the minor who was visiting his father in Ocala, Fla., for summer vacation, Law & Crime reported.

“Nurses are placed in a position of trust,” the Florida Department of Health said in an order, according to the outlet.

“Therefore, it is imperative that they demonstrate good judgment and good moral character. Ms. Yates’ decision to engage in sexual activity with a minor child and/or her decision to engage in oral and penetrative sex indicates that she lacks the good judgment and moral character necessary to be a registered nurse,” the statement on the April 25 suspension read.

On the night of July 26, 2024, Yates put her two children to bed and then hung out with her 15-year-old stepson on the living room couch. The pair reportedly hit a THC vape, played video games, and watched movies, while his lineman father was working late, according to a Marion County arrest affidavit.

At around 1 a.m., Yates flipped on horror movie “Terrorizer 2,” then further tempted the minor — declaring the movie was boring and stating how “horny” she was because “she had not had sex in two weeks and she was on her period,” the victim told cops.

The pair then cuddled closer, with the 15-year-old first kissing Yates on the neck and the pair proceeding to make out, with Yates allegedly saying, “I wish you were 18, because you’re not old enough,” according to the affidavit.

Yates then “kicked off” her panties and the pair engaged in oral sex and intercourse without a condom, according to the affidavit.

The unsuspecting father and husband came home from his blue-collar job to discover his wife and son on the couch, completely naked. The 15-year-old ran out of the house but allegedly heard Yates explain that the child victim looked like his father when he was younger, the affidavit claimed.

The father then drove his son to his grandparents’ house, telling the boy he “ruined his life” while drinking beer on the drive over, according to the affidavit.

Prior to the alleged sex assault, Yates allegedly engaged in several acts of seduction and overt flirtation toward the minor.

“I bet everyone thought you were my little boy toy,” Yates allegedly said to her stepson as the pair finished a workout at the gym she belonged to.

On another occasion, Yates allegedly made a show of making whipped cream and then put some on her tongue and stuck it out at the minor.

“Oh, you like that?” she said solicitously, according to the affidavit.

The 15-year-old also told cops that in the week leading up to the alleged sexual encounter, Yates would regularly speak to him about being “horny.”

The day after the incident, Yates had the gall to call the boy, saying she wished they had kept having sex and that her husband had not discovered them, the affidavit claimed.

She also asked the 15-year-old to rate her sexual performance, to which he replied, “Seven out of ten,” the affidavit read.

A concerned family member reported the incident to police after the boy’s father neglected to call cops, according to the affidavit. Yates was arrested in November, according to Ocala News.

Yates is charged with felony lewd or lascivious battery with a victim age 12 to 16. She has pleaded not guilty.

If you have been sexually assaulted and live in New York, you can call 1-800-942-6906 for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the state, you can dial the 24/7 National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673.

[dertaglichedan]

Judge Rules DOGE, Trump Admin Gutting U.S. Institute of Peace ‘Unlawful’

A federal judge declared that the gutting of the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Trump administration was “unlawful.”

U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell on Monday found that DOGE removing “USIP’s president, his replacement by officials affiliated with DOGE” and the termination of some USIP staff had been “effectuated by illegitimately-installed leaders” who didn’t have the legal authority, NBC News reported.

“In a drastic and abrupt change of course, within the first month of his second term, President Trump unilaterally decided that USIP is ‘unnecessary,’ issuing Executive Order 14217 (‘EO 14217’) § 1, 90 Fed. Reg. 10577, 10577 (Feb. 19, 2025), to this effect, and then his Administration rushed through actions, including removal of Board members, to reach the professed goal of reducing all of USIP’s operations and personnel to the bare minimum to perform only mandated statutory tasks, while ignoring the broader statutory goals set out for this organization to fulfil,” Howell said in a court document. “The unilateral actions were taken without asking Congress to cease or reprogram appropriations or by recommending that Congress enact a new law to dissolve or reduce the Institute or transfer its tasks to another entity, despite the President’s constitutional duties either to ‘take care’ of ‘faithfully execut[ing]’ the law, U.S. CONST. art. II § 3, cl. 4, or to ‘recommend to [Congress’s] Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient,’ id., cl. 1.”

“Instead, the current Administration decided to effectuate the President’s Executive Order 14217 through blunt force, backed up by law enforcement officers from three separate local and federal agencies,” Howell continued.

[peggythestrange]

Luo Binghe had been arrested and was now facing trial for the murder of wanted men who broke out of prison years earlier and were found dead at the bottom of a ditch. Every clue led back to Binghe, every piece of evidence led back to that ruthless killer who had managed to keep his terrible crime a secret all those years. But the police had discovered him and arrested him on the spot when they tracked him down. He had not put up any resistance and had been taken to the nearest police station in a squad car.

They had given him a chance to stand up for himself at trial, but he persisted in showing the judge that crooked smile. His nose bleeding from the blows he had taken from the cops who had beaten him to make him talk, giving him a hate-filled look. The boy would not talk or give his side of the story; he was just ready to take full responsibility for his actions, not at all afraid of the consequences and suffering that awaited him in prison behind bars. Luo Binghe seemed to be amused by the way justice seemed to want to serve him what he deserved for being guilty of such ungodliness. To everyone present, one thing was clear: that demon did not feel an ounce of sympathy or even the slightest bit of repentance. Indeed, he was very proud of his actions and had repeatedly declared that he would do it again.

However, his blood-stained face, messy clothes, and untidy hair could not take away from the beauty that characterized him. It was just an injustice that a person with such angelic looks was born with a heart swollen with such evilness. And to say that Luo Binghe seemed to have been a docile and innocent boy at one time. What had happened to the docile little lamb who had ceased to exist and turned into the bad wolf of the fairy tales? He was not afraid of anything, not even afraid of the yelling of those who wanted to force him to speak. So much so that once he got his sentence, he could not hold back his laughter, as if he had just won a holiday in a luxury suite. The boy must have completely lost his mind.

Or at least he seemed to have lost his mind.

He recoiled only when the wonderful and ethereal Shen Jiu, the son of a wealthy Chinese family that owned one of the most prominent agencies, entered the courtroom. Everyone knew that the two had always had a stormy relationship that had always passed under the spotlight because of the important personality that was Shen Jiu, standing before the court, statutory, with a cold face and a stern gaze. No one would ever know how to look away from him and those confident eyes, within which burned a flame hotter than the flame of a thousand candles. Everyone thought the man was planning to point the finger at his lifelong enemy, but instead what came out of the beautiful lips of the man who had never ceased to make people talk about him was very different.

“Luo Binghe is a murderer. But I helped him.”

Luo Binghe looked incredulous and so did everyone in the room. There were those who were trying to give a justification for what had happened, there were those who believed that Shen Jiu had hit his head somewhere and forgotten for a moment who the person they were processing was, that he was trying to protect the wrong person. I mean, that shouldn't have been the script, right? Yet Shen Jiu, the most unsuspected person, was confessing a crime before all the people and he was not backing down.

“He did it to avenge me, I was the one who asked him to do it.”

He continued confidently, lifting his head and making sure to point his gaze into that of the judge who was still staring at him open-mouthed. No one had expected such a turn of events. It was all much better than a soap opera; no one wanted to miss a single line of that exchange.

“You fool!”

Luo Binghe had remarked. But Shen Jiu had not lost his phlegm for a moment and had not lost his composure this time either. No one understood why he had stepped in like that, not even Luo Binghe himself, who was starting to panic at that sudden revelation. As if he knew everything but did not expect it would turn out that way. It was as if…he was mourning for some reason.

“Those people are dead, it's true. But it was a relief, because they are the people who killed me when I was a kid.”

He said then, leaving those present speechless. Binghe seemed to have calmed down, but he did not agree at all with what his partner in crime was doing. For what reason? Why had he had to ruin the plan like that? He was going to kill him when it was all over, cut him up and throw him into some river; he couldn't have done it all for nothing.

“I know what you are thinking. Just because I'm here and talking to all of you it doesn't mean I'm still alive.”

The people those crazy couple had killed were the abusers of a young Shen Jiu, the people who had made his childhood and adolescence a nightmare. Luo Binghe had killed them out of some sort of deal with the man who seemed to have more power over him than everyone initially thought. It was obvious that he did not dictate his decisions, but it was also obvious that the young man seemed to almost hang on his every word and seek some kind of approbation, despite the fact that his gaze was devoid of any kind of affection toward him.

Although the judge could understand the pain and felt close to the victims, he could only arrest the couple of criminals in front of him and lock them both up in jail. It was the right thing to do and neither of them would resist. They had managed to hide for years, but they had stopped running. Everyone wondered what kind of relationship bound them together at the end of the day. To act together in that way. And to end up locked up in prison together in the same way.