Major Legal Battle: Texas Attorney Truett Akin IV Faces Bankruptcy Claims from Litigation Funder

Dallas, Texas — Mass tort attorney Truett Akin IV is facing significant challenges in his bankruptcy proceedings as he battles claims from his largest creditor. The creditor in pursuit is linked to Virage Capital Management LP, a firm specializing in litigation funding. Recently, Virage Capital’s affiliate took legal steps to recover debts owed to them, intensifying the scrutiny surrounding Akin’s financial status. Akin, known for his work in mass tort litigation, has found himself navigating a complicated legal landscape as the bankruptcy case unfolds. The debt owed to Virage Capital has raised questions about Akin’s … Read more

Fact-Check: The Truth Behind Viral ‘No Touch Laws’ Claims Sweeping Social Media

Reports circulating on social media have sparked confusion about the existence of “no touch laws” that supposedly went into effect this month across 31 states, including Illinois. These viral posts claim that such regulations prohibit any use of mobile phones while driving, purportedly taking effect on June 5. However, the reality is more nuanced. On June 5, Pennsylvania enacted “Paul Miller’s Law,” which specifically criminalizes the use of hand-held cell phones while operating a vehicle, even when temporarily stopped for traffic signals or delays. This law builds on an existing ban on texting while driving, … Read more

Lawsuit Claims Funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions Violates Equal Protection Laws

AUSTIN, Texas — A lawsuit has been filed challenging the constitutionality of federal funding allocated to Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), claiming the practice is both discriminatory and unconstitutional. The legal action argues that this targeted financial support excludes non-Hispanic institutions from receiving similar benefits, resulting in a disparity that violates equal protection principles. The suit, initiated by a group of predominantly white universities, contends that the federal government’s designation of HSIs fosters an unequal academic landscape. The plaintiffs assert that this specific funding undermines the broader mission of equal opportunity in education, arguing that all institutions … Read more

Michigan Jury Awards Over $500,000 to Guatemalan Workers After Labor Exploitation Claims

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A jury has awarded over $500,000 to five Guatemalan men who reported instances of exploitation and inadequate compensation while working under a labor contractor in Michigan, where they were responsible for planting and harvesting fruits and vegetables. The substantial verdict, delivered last week, includes $450,000 designated as punitive damages against Purpose Point Harvesting, a contractor accused of breaching antitrafficking legislation. During the trial in U.S. District Court, the men provided testimony in Spanish, which was interpreted for the jury. They recounted their experiences from 2017 to 2019, working long hours and … Read more