Headlines: Texas News

Source: Houston Chronicle — https://www.chron.com/news/article/houston-methodist-lawsuit-insurance-21171404.php

Houston Methodist, one of Texas’ largest and most influential hospital systems, has officially joined a sweeping national lawsuit that accuses several major health-insurance companies and a data-analytics firm, Claritev (formerly known as MultiPlan), of unlawfully manipulating how out-of-network medical claims are priced. According to the lawsuit, these insurers and Claritev allegedly used proprietary algorithms and reimbursement-pricing tools to artificially suppress the rates paid to hospitals and healthcare providers when patients received care outside of their insurer’s preferred network. The filing argues that this system created a hidden, coordinated pricing structure that benefited insurers financially by keeping payouts low while providers absorbed the financial strain of being under-reimbursed for the same medical services.

The lawsuit paints a detailed picture of how this alleged arrangement worked behind the scenes. Hospitals claim that insurers would feed patient data and billing information into Claritev’s platform, which would then generate…

Houston is entering a pivotal moment in its approach to homelessness and public space management. Newly released data from Houston Public Media shows a dramatic rise in citations issued to homeless individuals following expansions of the city’s “civility ordinance.” As city officials consider extending restrictions into the Greater East End, a growing debate has emerged about whether enforcement is solving the problem—or deepening the crisis for Houston’s unhoused residents.

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A Major Spike in Enforcement Since July 2025

After Houston expanded its civility ordinance in July 2025, enforcement increased at unprecedented levels—not only within designated civility zones, but citywide.

The City of Beaumont is alerting residents about a scam involving individuals going door-to-door while pretending to be city water utility workers. These impostors are reportedly attempting to sell water filtration systems and, in some cases, requesting access to homes under the pretense of testing the water for bacteria.

City officials emphasize that these individuals are not affiliated with any city department. Beaumont’s water utility department does not send representatives door-to-door to collect water samples or sell products of any kind. In fact, if water sampling is necessary, it is always scheduled in advance, and residents are notified accordingly.

"Legitimate city employees will never ask to enter your home for repairs or water quality tests without prior notice," said city officials in a recent public advisory. Real employees can be identified by clearly marked City of Beaumont vehicles and uniforms bearing the city's logo.

Residents are urged to remain cautious…

Texas Homeowners Insurance Rates Are Soaring — What Should Be Done?

If you’ve noticed your homeowners insurance premium creeping up (or jumping way up), you’re not alone. A recent article from The Texas Tribune and AP News highlights that Texas homeowners saw a 19% rate increase in 2024, following a 21% spike in 2023. And unless something changes, there’s little relief in sight.

🔗 Read the full article here

So, what’s driving the surge?

• Climate change is bringing more frequent and severe weather events