| Volume 142 Number 83 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
If your cell phone is your go-to device for checking your email, paying your bills, or posting to social media, you’re not alone. So imagine that your cell phone suddenly stops working: no data, no text messages, no phone calls. Then picture getting an unexpected notification from your cellular provider that your SIM card has been activated on a new device. What’s going on? These could be signs that a scammer has pulled a SIM card swap to hijack your cell phone number. Click here for more.
U.S. budget deficit closing in on $1 trillion
The U.S. government’s budget deficit is on a path to reach $1 trillion, according to a statement from the Treasury Department. The deficit -- a measure of how much more the government spends than it takes in -- reached $984 billion for the fiscal year that ended September 30. That’s an increase of $205 billion over the previous fiscal year. The Washington Post reports the federal deficit has risen 50 percent since President Trump took office, as Republicans in Congress joined Democrats in voting for large spending increases ranging from the military to social programs. But Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin suggests the big spending increases are temporary. Click here for more.
Your Money
Americans tend to retire in their 60s, but some people want to retire sooner so they have time to pursue other interests. Early retirement generally requires a serious commitment to saving and maintaining a frugal lifestyle. You can achieve an earlier retirement date with thoughtful planning, disciplined spending and persistent investing. Here’s a guide to early retirement: Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Texas Veterinary Licensing Act bars DTPA claim. A Texas appellate court has held that a veterinarian’s misrepresentation is barred by the Section 801.507 of the Veterinary Licensing Act. Then court stated that, “There is no dispute that Dr. Holcomb is a licensed veterinarian,” as if that answerers all questions. In fact, the Act exempts veterinarians only for claims alleged to have resulted from veterinary malpractice or negligence. The court seems to ignore the consumer allegation that her claim arises from Hill Country's misrepresentations that the drugs it dispensed would cure the infection. Connor v. Hill Country Animal Hosp., (Tex. App.—Austin 2019, no pet. h.) Click here for more.