“Cupcake Wars” was a childhood favorite for Haley Barnett. She would watch the baking competition, print recipes from each episode and recreate them at home before rating her favorites.

Years later, when Barnett interviewed for a front-of-house position at Rise Bakery, the previous owner told her the bakery was preparing to compete on the same show.

“I just knew it was meant to be,” Barnett said.

For dessert: Founded in 2011, Rise Cupcakes has grown into a place where customers can find both classic treats and creative flavors. Barnett focuses on keeping the menu fresh by drawing inspiration from baking trends, holidays, movies and pop culture.

“We love experimenting with new flavor combinations and seeing what people get excited about,” Barnett said.

From cupcakes and cookies to cakes, brownies, blondies and bars, Rise Cupcakes offers something for nearly every sweet tooth.

📍907 Friendswood Drive, Ste. 113, Friendswood

Two candidates are vying for Congressional District 22 in the upcoming Nov. 3 general election.

Meet the candidates: Democrat Marquette Greene-Scott is facing Republican Trever Nehls in the race for U.S. House District 22, which covers portions of Brazoria and Fort Bend counties.

Some context: The U.S. House of Representatives is composed of 435 members who are each elected for a two-year term with no term limits. Among other duties, representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on committees.

Something to note: Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, visit communityimpact.com/election.

Friendswood ISD families can now access district documents, updates and other resources through the district’s new mobile app, according to a release from the district.

What parents need to know: Released on Aug. 30, the FISD app provides a direct way for the district to communicate with staff and parents on district and campus news, upcoming events and important deadline reminders, according to the release.

Greater Houston-area officials are monitoring conditions as a tropical system could bring heavy rainfall and the potential for flash flooding to the area through Sept. 2, per the National Weather Service.

What’s happening: The latest update from the National Weather Service states Tropical Storm Edouard is moving inland, and is expected to bring heavy rains and flash flooding to portions of the area on Sept. 2.

Gov. Greg Abbott at an Aug. 31 press conference said the forecast could include a storm surge of 2-4 feet in Chambers and Jefferson counties, as well as local rainfall getting as high as 10-15 inches, including in some areas getting 3-4 inches per hour.

While the rainfall is expected to affect the area’s rivers, it’s too early to tell if it will pose any imminent danger, Abbott said.

Gov. Greg Abbott announced over $6.3 million in grants for 27 organizations that serve veterans in the Southeast Texas region as part of the Texas Veterans Commission’s Grants Across Texas Tour initiative according to a news release. The TVC is Texas’ state department of veteran affairs. 

Quote of note: “Texans are forever indebted to our brave veterans who selflessly answered the call to serve in our nation’s military,” Abbott said. “These Fund for Veterans' Assistance grants will provide the men and women who served in our nation’s military access to crucial services to improve their quality of life in Southeast Texas and the Coastal Bend area. Our state will always honor our veterans, their families, and their service to our state and our nation.”