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May 04, 2026

How Beaumont became the hottest barbecue destination in Texas

Plus: Election Day is Saturday. Here's what's on Houston-area ballots.

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Weekend Wrap

May 2, 2026

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Good afternoon, Houston!

One of Houston Ballet’s most dramatic real-life moments didn’t happen onstage.

In 1981, a young dancer’s decision to defect from China while in Houston set off an international standoff involving the FBI, diplomats and even the vice president, turning a personal story into global news.

In the latest Houston Explained, Jhair Romero revisits how that moment unfolded and why it still resonates today.

Here’s the rest of the news.

Photo of J.R. Gonzales

Lauren Mitchell, Digital Production Editor

lauren.mitchell@houstonchronicle.com

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3 stories you shouldn't miss

The hottest barbecue destination in Texas? It'll surprise you

A guide to the best barbecue in Beaumont, including Redbird BBQ, Patillo’s and more, and why the city is becoming a top BBQ destination.

Election Day is Saturday. Here's what's on Houston-area ballots.

Here is a rundown of key municipal races and school bond elections across the Houston region.

Worried about the economy? Houston’s doing better than you think

While Houston continues to outperform much of the country in job and population growth, rising costs and global instability are weighing on how residents feel about the economy.


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Challenge your property tax appraisal with TX Tax

For first-time homebuyers, navigating Texas property tax season can be intimidating. Avoid rookie mistakes that could cost you for years with TX Tax. Compare nearby homes, review your value and prepare a strong protest using trusted local data. 

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1 story to bring you joy

Houston Texans’ Will Anderson, left, laughs with Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James after Anderson helped him up out of bounds during the second half in Game 6 of a first-round NBA playoff basketball series at Toyota Center in Houston on Friday, May 1, 2026.

What LeBron James said to Will Anderson Jr. during Rockets-Lakers playoff game

A brief run-in with Texans star Will Anderson Jr. had LeBron James joking about the "family" resemblance.

Read More

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7 stories you may have missed this week

U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Who is to blame for national debt topping $38 trillion?

AG Ken Paxton and Sen. John Cornyn are battling in a May 26 GOP primary runoff to see who will take on Democrat James Talarico in November. Read More

This map shows reported tornadoes that have touched down in Illinois since Jan. 1, 2026.

Texas lags in 2026 tornadoes. Here's why that could change in May

Illinois leads with more than 100. See why the Midwest is active and how Texas in May could change totals. Read More

Spirit Airlines updated its policy on the contract of carriage Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 to specify what kind of clothing and tattoos were prohibited before boarding or staying on a aircraft. 

Spirit Airlines shuts down. Here's what passengers need to know.

The budget airline announced Wednesday that it was ceasing operations due to bankruptcy. Read More

A cyclist rides alongside Brays Bayou near the Texas Medical Center in Houston, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025.

Authorities suspend search for women missing in Brays Bayou

The department brought in rescue crews, two boats, drones and a Houston Police Department dive team. They suspended the search two hours later after a searching a nearly 7-mile stretch. Read More

CEO of Good Reason Houston, Courtney Isaak Pichon, is photographed in Houston, Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Good Reason Houston nonprofit expands influence among Houston-area districts

Good Reason Houston — which recently named Courtney Isaak Pichon as its new CEO —  has become a powerful player in local education, bringing together districts, CEOs and local nonprofits. Read More

Brothers and U.S. Coins and Jewelry Co-Owners Kenny Duncan Jr., left, and Matthew Duncan pose for a photograph Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Houston. April 21-27 is the National Coin Week.

Houston collectibles store opens bigger Katy Freeway showroom

The move marks a milestone and the next chapter for the Houston-based family-owned business, including the introduction of luxury time piece house, Duncan Watch Co., to its inventory. Read More

The Quiz- a weekly news quiz

Test your news knowledge

Find out how much you know about the week’s news. Sign up for the news quiz newsletter to get next week's quiz emailed directly to you. Read More

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4747 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027

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Breaking News: Texas Supreme Court greenlights ban on Delta-8 THC

Read more at HoustonChronicle.com.  ͏  ͏  ͏
Breaking News

May 1, 2026

Breaking News: Texas Supreme Court greenlights ban on Delta-8 THC

The Texas Supreme Court ruled Friday that state regulators may criminalize Delta-8 THC, the intoxicating compound found in some hemp products — a significant blow to an industry fighting for its survival.

The ruling, which reverses a decision by a lower court, revives rules set by the Department of State Health Services in 2021 that classify Delta-8 as an illegal substance. 

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Make Houston Chronicle a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search.

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4747 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027

© 2026 Hearst Newspapers, LLC