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As health care costs continue rising in Texas and across the nation, state lawmakers are working to understand the factors that make health care unaffordable and what can be done to rein in prices.

The big picture: About 5.2 million Texans, or 16.7% of the state’s population, did not have health insurance in 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

For years, advocates have called on Texas lawmakers to pass laws to drive down health care costs and improve access to health insurance. During a two-day hearing April 30 and May 1, a Texas House committee examined why health care costs are rising. Lawmakers will discuss potential policy solutions later this year, committee chair Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, said.

What's happening: Yale University professor Zack Cooper said that since 2000, U.S. health care spending has grown three times faster than inflation. The average health insurance premium for a family of four is $27,000 per year, he said.

“Every family is basically buying a new Toyota Corolla worth of health insurance," Cooper told lawmakers.

Fort Bend ISD’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget is now expected to see a $32.8 million shortfall, district officials said at a June 8 agenda review meeting.

The figure is a little over $3 million improvement compared to the $35.9 million projection shared at the May 4 agenda review meeting.

The overview: Staff recommended the board adopt the budget as presented because it allows the district to operate at the start of the fiscal year, meet the 90-day operating reserve requirement and gives the district time to track current unknowns.

Since May 11, the district has completed a debt sale and updated the debt service fund budget to include final debt maturities, which will help improve the 2026-27 budget end balance to $50.6 million, a $2.5 million increase from May, Executive Director of Finance Kelly Schlacks said.

Next steps: A public hearing on the budget and tax rate is scheduled before the board’s regularly scheduled meeting June 15.

Martial arts school K-Taekwondo is set to open its doors in Sienna, instructor Bomin Kwon confirmed.

What you need to know: Classes—which are available for children, adults and families—will be taught by Master Kwon, who has over 20 years of experience in Taekwondo, including competing as a sparring athlete and refereeing matches, according to K-Taekwondo's website. The school is also available for birthday parties.

• 5822 Sienna Parkway, Unit 200, Missouri City

As Houston prepares to see seven matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several venues plan to hold watch parties across the Greater Houston area.

Rooftop Cinema Club
Rooftop Cinema Club invites soccer fans for the FIFA USA vs Paraguay match.

• June 12, 8 p.m.

• $15 (admission)

• 1700 Post Oak Blvd., 5th Level, Houston

Green Street
Taking place throughout GreenStreet Alley, programming will include experiences such as lasso competitions, axe throwing, Texas line dancing lessons, a Texas Makers Market curated by Feel Good Group, cowboy caricature artists, dueling mechanical bulls and cow milking contests.

• June 12-17, full schedule can be viewed on the website

• Free (admission)

• 1201 Fannin St., Houston

District 2.4.9 Bar & Grill
FIFA watch parties at District 2.4.9 Bar & Grill will feature large screens, cold drinks and specials, full kitchen all day.

• Through July 19

• Free (admission)

• 23238 Hwy. 249, Tomball