Edition #23 | April 18, 2026

Plot Twist - It's a Saturday Drop

We don’t usually show up on a Saturday.

But this week had its own rhythm—and we went with it.

Same focus. Same purpose. Just landing at a different time.

For 78 years, Beaumont has celebrated spring with the beloved Neches River Festival, uniting the community by the river’s edge.

Tonight, Queen Neches LXXVIII will be crowned at Julie Rogers Theatre, alongside a festive royal court presentation and scholarship awards.

Public tickets are available at NechesRiverFestival.com, with doors opening at 5 p.m. and the coronation starting at 6 p.m.

This year’s theme, “Together on the Neches,” brings over 150 youth from every Beaumont high school into the spotlight—showcasing the spirit and pride that define our city.

The Mary Grace Baker Fun Run honored the memory of Baker, one of 27 lost in the 2025 Camp Mystic tragedy, with strong community turnout.

If you missed last night’s lively parade featuring marching bands and local favorites, mark your calendar to join the tradition next spring.

Beaumont quietly boasts more museums per capita than any other Texas city its size, making it an unexpected cultural powerhouse.  

From the Texas Energy Museum to the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, the city’s diverse collection rivals the cultural infrastructure of much larger places.  

This includes vibrant art spaces, historical gems like the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, and tributes to legends such as the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum.  

Beaumont is also home to unique destinations like the Fire Museum of Texas, Edison Museum, McFaddin-Ward House, and the Clifton Steamboat Museum.  

Families enjoy the Beaumont Children’s Museum, while art lovers find inspiration at the Dishman Art Museum and Beaumont Art League.  

Most locals pass these treasures daily, unaware of the richness lining their own streets.  

With so much to explore, Beaumont invites residents and visitors alike to discover something new this weekend.

Ashlon Jackson is making headlines after being selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

The standout athlete, who earned recognition as a McDonald's All-American and led Hardin-Jefferson to three state tournaments, continued her journey at Duke before stepping onto the professional stage.

Jackson now proudly represents the 409 region, carrying the legacy of Southeast Texas athletics.

Her rise is a powerful reminder that this area continues to produce world-class talent destined for greatness in the sports world.

Beaumont’s Parks for All initiative has received the Gold Award for Advancing Diversity and Social Change from the American Planning Association Texas Chapter.

This prestigious honor highlights Beaumont’s commitment to creating a more inclusive future and demonstrates real progress in serving the needs of all its residents.

With statewide recognition, local leaders and the community are being applauded for thoughtful planning that prioritizes everyone.

The award signals a new standard in how Beaumont values diversity, ensuring everyone gets a voice in shaping public spaces.

A note from Beaumont Current: This is Natalia's final book recommendation for us. She has shared books the way the best readers do, like she genuinely wanted you to experience them, not just read them. That is a rare thing. Thank you, Natalia. This corner was better because of you.

Why One of Us is Lying is the Perfect Series Starter for Mystery Fans 

This is one of my favorite series, and the book that started it all completely pulled me in from the very beginning.

The story follows five students who walk into detention, but only four walk out—leaving everyone questioning what really happened and who might be hiding the truth. Each character has secrets they’d rather keep buried, and as the story unfolds, the tension keeps building in ways that make it almost impossible to stop reading.

This book does such a great job of mixing mystery, drama, and unexpected twists that keep you guessing the entire time. It explores themes of friendship, reputation, and how quickly things can spiral when secrets start coming to light.

If you love a fast-paced mystery with plenty of twists and characters you can’t quite figure out, this one is definitely worth the read—and it’s what made this series one of my all-time favorites.

Appreciate you being here...back to our usual rhythm next week.

The Beaumont Current Team