Commuters could begin seeing progress on the Mykawa Road widening project over the next year after Pearland City Council approved nearly $690,000 for additional engineering and design work at its July 13 meeting.

The funding allows engineering firm Lockwood, Andrews and Newnam, or LAN, to complete design work, update utility surveys and support right-of-way acquisition before construction can begin, according to city documents.

What residents need to know: The Mykawa Road project will widen nearly 3 miles of roadway between Broadway Street and Beltway 8, expanding the existing two-lane road into a four-lane divided boulevard with new storm drainage, traffic signals, landscaping and a 10-foot shared-use path, according to city documents. 

LAN is expected to complete the 95% design phase within five months, while the city expects to complete right-of-way acquisition by June 2027, according to city documents. TxDOT is scheduled to bid the project in September 2028, with construction expected to follow and last around three years, documents show.

Sugar waxing studio Sugaring NYC soft opened its doors in early July, the franchisee said.

What they offer: The organic waxing and lash studio offers over 40 different waxing treatment and service combos, including Brazilian bikini, full body and Keratin lash lifts, among other services.

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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.

In Texas, 246 of the state’s 254 counties are designated by the federal government as “mental health professional shortage areas,” meaning local law enforcement are often tasked with responding to mental health crisis calls.

The situation: All Texas peace officers are required to complete crisis intervention and deescalation trainings, according to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

What's happening: Across Community Impact’s coverage areas, some city and county law enforcement agencies are partnering with local mental health professionals to respond to crisis calls. However, law enforcement and criminal justice leaders from smaller communities told state legislators July 7 that they have “limited tools” to effectively respond to mental health calls and help people in crisis.

“We do not have any inpatient mental health facilities in my county—we've never had that, and we've needed them for decades,” Comal County Criminal District Attorney Jennifer Tharp said July 7. “We originally started out sending individuals to the San Antonio area, and right now we are transporting individuals for inpatient treatment to North Austin.”