Texas Health Insurance CEO Fired After Admitting to Spying on Patients and Lawmakers

USUnited States|

Mark Sanders, the CEO of Austin-based Superior HealthPlan, was fired for admitting to hiring private investigators to surveil customers, lawmakers, and journalists during a Texas House committee hearing. Sanders' testimony before the Texas House Delivery of Government Efficiency Committee raised serious concerns about the company's practices, leading Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to announce an investigation.

Sanders disclosed that the investigations began in 2017 and were intended to gather background information on individuals associated with the company, including state representatives and healthcare providers. His admission has sparked outrage among lawmakers, with State Representative Giovani Capriglione questioning the ethics of using state funds for surveillance.

The parent company, Centene, condemned Sanders' actions, stating they do not reflect the company's values. “The conduct highlighted… is not reflective of our values nor is it a practice Centene’s current leadership condones,” they said. Legislation is being proposed to prevent future occurrences, as lawmakers express commitment to holding accountable any companies that engage in similar behavior.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from United States

Paul House, Wrongfully Convicted Death Row Inmate, Dies at 63

Paul “Greg” House, who spent 22 years on death row in Tennessee before being exonerated, passed away on March 22 at the age of 63 from pneumonia, as confirmed by his attorneys. House was convicted in 1986 for the murder of Carolyn Muncey but always maintained his innocence. His case gained significant attention, especially after new DNA evidence emerged, leading the U.S. Supreme Court in 2006 to state that he would not have been convicted with this evidence in hand. Despite the Supreme Court's ruling, House remained incarcerated for two more years due to prosecutors’ intentions to retry him. He was finally released in 2008 when a donor posted his $100,000 bond. Following his release, he campaigned against the death penalty and worked with organizations like Witness to Innocence. In a statement, his attorneys highlighted the tireless efforts of his mother, Joyce House, in advocating for his innocence. "His death is a profound loss, but his courage will inspire others," remarked Stacy Rector of Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.
USUnited States

Indiana University Professor Disappears Amid FBI Investigation

Xiaofeng Wang, a prominent computer science professor at Indiana University, has mysteriously vanished, along with his wife, as FBI agents recently raided their homes in Bloomington and Carmel, Indiana. Their profiles, including email accounts and phone numbers, were removed from the university’s website prior to the FBI's arrival, raising concerns among colleagues about the circumstances of their disappearance. Wang, known for his work in cryptography and cybersecurity, has secured nearly $23 million in research funding over his 21-year career at Indiana University. His wife's profile, Nianli Ma, has also been deleted amid the unfolding investigation. According to reports, agents conducted extensive searches over several hours and confiscated boxes from both residences, although the FBI has not disclosed the reasons for the raid or any potential charges. Fellow researchers expressed their astonishment on social media, describing the situation as "not normal." An Indiana University spokesman did not provide comments regarding the employment status of Wang and Ma or the removal of their information. As of now, attempts to locate the couple have been unsuccessful.
USUnited States

Trump Raises Tensions with Iran, Threatens Military Action

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, suggesting military action could be on the table in response to Tehran's recent provocations. During a press briefing, Trump emphasized that any aggression towards American interests would be met with a decisive response, stating, "Iran has been very provocative. We will take action if necessary." This statement comes as reports of escalating tensions between the two nations heighten in the wake of military incidents in the region. According to officials, recent maneuvers by Iranian forces have raised alarms within U.S. intelligence circles, prompting calls for a stronger defense posture. The potential for conflict is underscored by Iran's ongoing nuclear program and its support for various militant groups throughout the Middle East. Analysts note that a military confrontation could have significant repercussions for global oil markets and regional stability. Trump’s remarks align with his administration's broader strategy to counter Iran's influence, emphasizing a willingness to use military force if diplomacy fails. The international community watches closely, aware that further escalation could lead to unintended consequences.
USUnited States