Check out some businesses in the Sugar Land and Missouri City area have recently opened, as reported by Community Impact.

Dave & Buster’s: The Dallas-based business offers arcade games and pool tables as well as a restaurant and sports bar featuring burgers, wings and salads. Desserts and alcoholic beverages are also available.

• 19892 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land

• 2487 Cartwright Road, Missouri City

• 14015 Southwest Freeway, Ste. 11, Sugar Land

MoCity Comedy Lounge is now hosting comedy shows and karaoke in the evenings at MoCity Sports Bar, officials confirmed. 

More details: The comedy club, which is owned by local comedian Eric Bowens also known as EricB, offers a variety of theme nights and experiences, plus reservations for special events, according to its website.

• 3760 Cartwright Road, Missouri City

The YMCA of Greater Houston is launching the 22nd year of Operation Backpack, an initiative aimed at providing school-aged children with necessary school supplies.

The big picture: Serving roughly 30,000 community members across the Houston area, the annual backpack collecting and distribution event is kicking off ahead of the 2026-27 school year, YMCA officials announced in a July 10 news release. In order to participate, individuals can drop off new, unused backpacks at any of the 14 locations in the Greater Houston area through August 1.

In their words: "Every child deserves to walk into the classroom feeling prepared and excited to learn," Stephen Ives, president and CEO of YMCA of Greater Houston, said. "With YMCA Operation Backpack, our goal is to remove barriers that stand in the way of a child's success, so every student has the opportunity to connect and thrive. We’re grateful for the volunteers, donors and community partners whose generosity makes this effort possible.”

United Airlines will offer year-round nonstop service between George Bush Intercontinental Airport and Cartagena, Colombia, beginning Dec. 17, Houston Airport System officials announced via a June 30 news release.

The big picture: With service already available to Bogota and Medellin, Cartagena marks the third destination in Colombia from Houston. Per the release, the new service further strengthens Houston's role as a leading gateway to Latin America.

Quote of note: "Colombia has been an important part of United's Latin America network for more than 30 years, and our new service to Cartagena reflects our continued investment in the country and commitment to offering customers new and distinct travel experiences," said Patrick Quayle, senior vice president of Network Planning and Global Alliances for United Airlines, in a statement.

Check it out: Beginning Dec. 17, United will offer four weekly flights during the winter season between IAH and Cartagena, and tickets are now available.