Houston, Texas is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup from June 11th, 2026 (FIFA). The World Cup venue — NRG Stadium: * NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans, will serve as the World Cup venue in 2026; it has a retractable roof and seats 72,220, opening in 2002. (The

🍔 Burger King Korea Brings El Paso to the Menu * Burger King Korea launched the El Paso Chipotle burger on May 21 as the latest addition to its Originals lineup, available through November 25 at all locations nationwide and via app and delivery channels. (Stars and Stripes; The JoongAng) * The burger

Background and Key Developments: * Bloomberg reported that Apple has entered preliminary discussions with Intel and Samsung Electronics regarding U.S.-based production of key system-on-chip (SoC) processors used in iPhones and iPads. * Apple executives have reportedly toured Samsung Electronics’ advanced semiconductor facility under construction in Taylor, Texas, while

* At approximately 10 a.m. on May 5, a shooting took place near Gwangjang Market inside K Town Plaza, a major hub of the Korean business district in Carrollton, Texas. * Two people were killed at the scene, and three others were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. The injuries

The announcement: * Nvidia and Corning have revealed plans to construct three new facilities dedicated to light and glass technologies for AI manufacturing, split between Texas and North Carolina * The partnership is expected to generate more than 3,000 jobs across the new sites, though neither company has disclosed specific locations

* As Texas faces a long-term water shortage crisis, state government analysis projects that approximately $174 billion in investment will be needed over the next 50 years to prevent severe disruptions. The figure is more than double the $80 billion estimate outlined in the state’s water plan just four

Opening Overview: * Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) have opened a new branch in Houston, Texas, to strengthen K-food exports across the Americas. The office officially launched on the 22nd (local time). * The opening ceremony was

The closure: * Coco's Cafe, widely regarded as Austin's first boba tea shop, will shut down its store on Guadalupe St. on May 10 after more than 25 years in operation. (Chron, culturemap austin) * The North Austin location at 8557 Research Blvd. will remain open. (Chron, culturemap

The visit * On April 2, Plano Mayor John Muns and city officials traveled to SK Signet's headquarters and R&D center in Korea. * The delegation toured key facilities including the ultra-fast charger design and validation lines, an EMC chamber, and a vehicle simulator — directly assessing the

What happened * Texas residents who suffered fire and burn injuries from products containing Samsung SDI batteries filed a damages lawsuit against Samsung SDI. * The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the case, ruling that Texas courts lack jurisdiction over Samsung SDI, a Korean company, because it did not directly distribute

* Texas Market Entry Mission (TMEM), a seven-day program visiting four key Texas cities — Dallas, Austin, Taylor, and Houston — is now accepting applicants from Korean companies exploring U.S. expansion. * Designed for C-suite and senior executive-level participants, with a cap of around 30 attendees; spots are filling quickly

The policy * As of April 1, Texas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (henceforth SNAP, also known as food stamps) recipients can no longer use benefits to purchase sweetened beverages or candy. * The restriction stems from Senate Bill 379, authored by Sen. Mayes Middleton (R-Galveston), aimed at reducing consumption of foods

* Korean Air and Delta Air Lines are actively reviewing the launch of a direct route connecting Incheon International Airport and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. On March 11, representatives from both airlines and local government officials gathered in Austin to discuss the plan. (Global Economic, TTW) * The immediate catalyst for these