Good afternoon, Houston.

If you’re looking for a lunch spot today, let me recommend one of my Houston favorites: Fainmous BBQ. Tucked into Sawyer Yards, it’s run by husband-and-wife team Jamie and Karen Fain, who serve East Tennessee–style barbecue with heart — and a lot of grit.

After weathering floods, the pandemic, and years of disruptive construction, the Fains have bounced back with a dining room that’s open again and a $8 BBQ Basket (sandwich, fries, and a drink) that’s become an instant hit. It’s proof that good food — and good people — are worth supporting. Read more from barbecue columnist J.C. Reid.

Here's the rest of the news.

Lauren Mitchell, Digital Production Editor lauren.mitchell@houstonchronicle.com

3 stories you shouldn't miss

A guide to Houston's top haunted houses: Prices, dates and more.

Haunted houses are already opening across Houston. From immersive scare zones to terrifying creatures, these top 10 venues are set to deliver plenty of chills.

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A star was born: When C.J. Stroud outdueled Baker Mayfield in 2023

C.J. Stroud led a TD drive in the final seconds to beat Tampa Bay in 2023 and mark himself as a star. The teams meet again on Monday Night Football.

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Texas A&M professor's firing endangers academic freedom, speech advocates say

Texas A&M University's move to fire a faculty member involved in controversy over a gender identity lesson has sparked major alarm among multiple free-speech advocacy organizations.

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The ultimate Harris County property tax guide We created custom data tools to make protesting your property tax appraisal as simple as possible. Never pay more for taxes than you have to.

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Westfield High School's viral valedictorian makes history again in Spring ISD

Viral Westfield High School valedictorian Da'Vion Tatum is now a Harvard graduate. This summer, he became the youngest director in Spring ISD history.

7 stories you may have missed this week

Noe Diaz's first year as HPD chief included pay raises and ICE controversy HPD Chief Noe Diaz's first year leading the police force has seen a department in transition, big pay raises and more calls to ICE.

See which Houston-area fire departments have the highest starting salaries Here's a look at the starting salaries for firefighters in cities surrounding Houston.

Houston's post-Harvey building boom puts thousands at risk. Explore our map. Houston’s relentless push into new suburbs has overlooked flood risks, putting tens of thousands of families in harm’s way. Search our map of the over 65,000 structures built in flood prone areas of Houston since Hurricane Harvey.

Astros at Braves: How to watch as Hunter Brown pitches The Astros, tied with Seattle in the AL West, go for a second win in a row against the Atlanta Braves.

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.

If Apple's iPhone Air is "piece of the future," should you buy it now? Apple's newest "Air" product could be a game-changer. How will we know?

Repairs to Houston Avenue Bridge will cause a traffic nightmare this weekend Repairs are scheduled through 5 a.m. Monday, causing several lane closures on the Interstate 10 and Interstate 610 West Loop, according to TxDOT.