Good morning, Beaumont.

The Johnny Ackel Memorial Rodeo returns to Winnie for its 5th annual event—raising scholarship funds for East Chambers and Hampshire-Fannett high school students; gates open today at 6pm at Lilton Sonnier Arena.

Beaumont police arrested Eric Gipson Sr., a 40-year-old local man, on four felony sexual assault charges after DNA evidence tied him to cold cases from 2018 to 2024 — his arrest was made around 3:30 p.m. Thursday as the investigation continues.

A Southeast Texas woman was sentenced on Friday to five years in prison for attacking a nurse with her fists while receiving treatment at Baptist Hospital, and officials stated that assaults on health workers will be fully prosecuted.

A victim who suffered a traumatic brain injury when a hijacked crane moved its boom over a construction zone on Interstate 10 last Saturday is preparing to file a lawsuit to seek accountability from 27-year-old Matthew Vincent and the crane-operating company—state police reported that Vincent faces multiple charges and is held on a bond over $330,000.

Beaumont anesthesiologist Dr. Ray Callas filed to run for Texas House District 21—making him the first candidate after Dade Phelan said he would not seek re-election.

Voters will choose a new representative in the 2026 election as the race begins following Phelan’s departure.

Blood donations dropped by 20 percent in the summertime and LifeShare Blood Center now urgently needs more Type O blood to help patients across the region—donors will receive a $25 eGift card when they donate at any LifeShare center during the campaign running until September 9th.

Eli Young Band Acoustic Performance

6-10 p.m. — The Venue at Belle Oaks — Reserved seating options available — Enjoy a limited seating acoustic show featuring your favorite Eli Young Band songs along with a delicious BBQ menu.

Classic Movie Night: Bride of Frankenstein

7-10 p.m. — Jefferson Theatre — No entry fee — Experience the thrill of classic horror with a screening of Bride of Frankenstein.

Classic Movie Night - The Dark Knight

7-8:30 p.m. — Jefferson Theatre — Ticket prices vary — A cinematic experience featuring one of the most acclaimed superhero films of all time.

Texas Thunder Karaoke Night

9 p.m. — Soggy Bottom Saloon — Free entry — Enjoy the best honky tonk country tunes and karaoke under the stars at this lively event.

Homeschool Workshop: Journaling for Confidence and Creativity

10-11:30 a.m. — The McFaddin-Ward House Historic Museum — Free entry — Explore journaling practices that inspire confidence and creativity at this interactive workshop for kids.

Comedy Night with Brad Williams

7-8:30 p.m. — Julie Rogers Theatre — Ticket prices from $60 — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Brad Williams in Beaumont.

VIVA! Beaumont Hispanic Festival

3-8 p.m. — Beaumont Civic Center — Free entry — Celebrate Hispanic heritage with live entertainment, delicious food, and family-friendly activities.

Computer Basics Course

3:30-4:00 p.m. — Elmo Willard Library — Registration required — Learn the essentials of computer usage in a friendly library setting.

Beaumont Butterfly Release

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Doggett Ford Park — Free entry — Celebrate nature's beauty at the 13th Annual Butterfly Release event with family-friendly activities.

3rd Annual Butterfly Release in Honor of Recovery Month

The 3rd Annual Butterfly Release is a heartfelt community event hosted by the Recovery Council of Southeast Texas, celebrating National Recovery Month. Guests will release live butterflies as powerful symbols of hope, healing, and new beginnings for individuals, families, and communities impacted by substance use and mental health challenges.