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Cyclospora outbreak: Are you avoiding lettuce this summer?

Let us know if your eating habits have changed due to the outbreak.

Health

Some Americans are shifting their eating habits to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="avoid lettuce" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/cyclospora-outbreak-diarrhea-infection-wash-food" data-vars-content-id="985a9073-4030-4a82-be5e-e8341d801840" data-vars-headline="Cyclospora outbreak: Are you avoiding lettuce this summer?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/cyclospora-outbreak-diarrhea-infection-wash-food" target="_self">avoid lettuce</a> and other uncooked vegetables due to the current Cyclospora outbreak.Why it matters: Taylor Farms last month recalled iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico, and the FDA continues to focus on it as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="likely source" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/fda-cyclospora-taylor-farms-lettuce-false-positive" data-vars-content-id="985a9073-4030-4a82-be5e-e8341d801840" data-vars-headline="Cyclospora outbreak: Are you avoiding lettuce this summer?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/20/fda-cyclospora-taylor-farms-lettuce-false-positive" target="_self">likely source</a> of the largest Cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history.

Things to do in Austin this weekend

Live music, Austin's Pride parade and more.

Things to Do

Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s on deck this weekend.<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Friday</h2>

Texas kindergarten vaccine exemptions jump

Texas exemptions are climbing, but Austin ISD vaccination rates rebound.

News

Texas&#x27; kindergarten vaccine exemption rate jumped nearly a full percentage point in the 2025-26 school year, according to new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="released" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" data-vars-content-id="edd87898-7ceb-439c-a1bd-f74e7734cb32" data-vars-headline="Texas kindergarten vaccine exemptions jump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" target="_blank">released</a> Monday.Why it matters: The rise in exemptions coincided with efforts by the Trump administration to make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccine policy changes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/26/mmr-mmrv-vaccine-shot-schedule-cdc-trump" data-vars-content-id="edd87898-7ceb-439c-a1bd-f74e7734cb32" data-vars-headline="Texas kindergarten vaccine exemptions jump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/26/mmr-mmrv-vaccine-shot-schedule-cdc-trump" target="_self">vaccine policy changes</a> and with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measles cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/25/measles-record-cases-states-numbers" data-vars-content-id="edd87898-7ceb-439c-a1bd-f74e7734cb32" data-vars-headline="Texas kindergarten vaccine exemptions jump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/25/measles-record-cases-states-numbers" target="_self">measles cases</a> hitting levels not seen in more than three decades.

What to know as AISD edges closer to a state takeover

The district has until Sept. 11 to make an appeal on underlying data that led to the failing ratings for two middle schools.

Austin ISD has been plunged into further uncertainty as state officials on Thursday announced two middle schools received &quot;F&quot; ratings for the fifth year in a row, meaning the district is closer to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state takeover" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/06/10/austin-public-schools-state-takeover" data-vars-content-id="d459e2eb-a3ae-48db-8311-b3efb8129b49" data-vars-headline="What to know as AISD edges closer to a state takeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/06/10/austin-public-schools-state-takeover" target="_self">state takeover</a>.Why it matters: Classes start Tuesday, and AISD&#x27;s roughly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="70,000 students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/08/13/how-many-austin-students-are-getting-voucher-money" data-vars-content-id="d459e2eb-a3ae-48db-8311-b3efb8129b49" data-vars-headline="What to know as AISD edges closer to a state takeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/08/13/how-many-austin-students-are-getting-voucher-money" target="_self">70,000 students</a> — and their parents — are facing big questions over who will be in charge of their campuses in the coming months and years.

Austin scores World Cup bump

New data suggests the tournament brought more visitors to the city.

Austin didn&#x27;t host a single World Cup match, but the tournament still appears to have brought more visitors and spending to the city.Why it matters: The World Cup offered a test for whether cities outside the host lineup could capitalize on one of the world&#x27;s biggest sporting events.

University of Texas baseball heads back to World Series

The Longhorns are making their record 39th trip to Omaha.

The University of Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="men&#x27;s baseball team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/15/1983-longhorns-baseball-team-documentary" data-vars-content-id="8177cfa7-009f-407b-9d39-8f1bdc1202e5" data-vars-headline="University of Texas baseball heads back to World Series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/04/15/1983-longhorns-baseball-team-documentary" target="_self">men&#x27;s baseball team</a>, ranked sixth nationally, will face No. 3 Georgia in its opening game of the 2026 men&#x27;s College World Series on Saturday. Why it matters: UT is arguably the New York Yankees of college baseball — this berth marks its record 39th appearance in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="College World Series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/06/17/texas-longhorns-world-series-omaha" data-vars-content-id="8177cfa7-009f-407b-9d39-8f1bdc1202e5" data-vars-headline="University of Texas baseball heads back to World Series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/06/17/texas-longhorns-world-series-omaha" target="_self">College World Series</a>.

Everything you need to know about the World Cup in Texas

Houston and Dallas are hosting their first World Cup matches on Sunday.

Headed to the World Cup in Houston or Dallas? Our colleagues in those cities rounded up what you need to know. The big picture: Houston is hosting seven World Cup matches starting Sunday with Germany vs. Curaçao. The Netherlands and Japan play Dallas Stadium&#x27;s first match on Sunday.

Austin youth soccer eyes World Cup bump

Youth participation has increased alongside the sport's popularity.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" data-vars-content-id="37ce5d92-ef74-478d-a9e2-8f604ec4d610" data-vars-headline="Austin youth soccer eyes World Cup bump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> kicks off June 11, to be played across the United States, Mexico and Canada — the first time in 32 years the U.S. will serve as a host nation.Why it matters: More Americans are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tuning into" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2025/world-cup-2026/" data-vars-content-id="37ce5d92-ef74-478d-a9e2-8f604ec4d610" data-vars-headline="Austin youth soccer eyes World Cup bump" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2025/world-cup-2026/" target="_blank">tuning into</a> soccer ahead of the sport&#x27;s most prestigious tournament, and youth soccer clubs hope the tournament spurs a rise in participation.

Where to watch the World Cup in Austin

Austin already has a strong soccer bar scene, with fan groups gathering across the city year-round.

The World Cup isn&#x27;t coming to Austin, but there are plenty of places to watch with friends.What&#x27;s happening: We&#x27;ve rounded up some of the best bars and watch parties around town for soccer fans looking to soak up the World Cup atmosphere.

Austin FC fires its head coach and sporting director

Assistant coach Davy Arnaud will take over as interim head coach.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Austin FC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/13/inside-austin-fc-s-payroll" data-vars-content-id="d38a266f-ff57-439a-9324-1c956733a9d0" data-vars-headline="Austin FC fires its head coach and sporting director" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2026/05/13/inside-austin-fc-s-payroll" target="_self">Austin FC</a>, struggling through the first half of the season, has fired head coach Nico Estévez and sporting director Rodolfo Borrell, effective immediately.Why it matters: The firings, ahead of a long midseason break for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" data-vars-content-id="d38a266f-ff57-439a-9324-1c956733a9d0" data-vars-headline="Austin FC fires its head coach and sporting director" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/2026-world-cup-casual-fan-guide" target="_self">World Cup</a>, mark an inflection point as the squad aims to shake itself out of mediocrity.

Texas softball gears up for title defense

Texas hopes to defend its national title.

Sports

The University of Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="softball squad" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/06/09/texas-longhorns-compete-in-womens-college-world-series" data-vars-content-id="6ef3c5d1-7fb8-45a9-b72e-f9e63deb82b3" data-vars-headline="Texas softball gears up for title defense" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2022/06/09/texas-longhorns-compete-in-womens-college-world-series" target="_self">softball squad</a> begins its title defense Friday in Austin with the opening of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overall No. 2 seed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncaa.com/news/softball/article/2026-05-10/ncaa-division-i-softball-committee-announces-2026-championship-field" data-vars-content-id="6ef3c5d1-7fb8-45a9-b72e-f9e63deb82b3" data-vars-headline="Texas softball gears up for title defense" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncaa.com/news/softball/article/2026-05-10/ncaa-division-i-softball-committee-announces-2026-championship-field" target="_blank">overall No. 2 seed</a>, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Longhorns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/06/05/1-world-series-softball-team-to-go" data-vars-content-id="6ef3c5d1-7fb8-45a9-b72e-f9e63deb82b3" data-vars-headline="Texas softball gears up for title defense" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2024/06/05/1-world-series-softball-team-to-go" target="_self">Longhorns</a> are aiming to defend their 2025 national title.

Austin FC partners unveil Texas' first blind soccer pitch

Q2 Stadium also plans to introduce Field of Vision haptic devices.

Austin FC and several community partners have opened a soccer pitch designed for students at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI) campus in Austin.Why it matters: Organizers say it&#x27;s the first pitch in Texas built for athletes who are blind or have low vision, expanding access to adaptive sports in Central Texas.

Where to score vintage World Cup T-shirts

An Austin vendor has collected nearly 100 vintage World Cup T-shirts.

👋 Asher here, your fearless old-school tee correspondent. Browsing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Guad Vintage Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/guadvintageatx/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="9bd54a1c-7fc7-4a07-980c-22af9462d215" data-vars-headline="Where to score vintage World Cup T-shirts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/guadvintageatx/?hl=en" target="_blank">Guad Vintage Market</a> on a recent Sunday afternoon, I noticed one rack with a series of cool vintage World Cup T-shirts.

1983 Longhorns baseball champs get the documentary treatment

"Summer of '83: Texas vs. Tide" is scheduled to air Wednesday night.

The 1983 University of Texas <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="baseball team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/17/texas-longhorns-baseball-auburn" data-vars-content-id="11f75302-e63e-4901-807b-8d7ddd942229" data-vars-headline="1983 Longhorns baseball champs get the documentary treatment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/04/17/texas-longhorns-baseball-auburn" target="_self">baseball team</a>, a storied squad that included Roger Clemens and a handful of other future big leaguers, is the focus of a new documentary about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="College World Series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/23/lsu-takes-home-8th-college-world-series-championship-in-tigers-history" data-vars-content-id="11f75302-e63e-4901-807b-8d7ddd942229" data-vars-headline="1983 Longhorns baseball champs get the documentary treatment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/06/23/lsu-takes-home-8th-college-world-series-championship-in-tigers-history" target="_self">College World Series</a> that year.Driving the news: &quot;Summer of &#x27;83: Texas vs. Tide&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="premieres Wednesday" data-vars-click-url="https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2026/03/sec-storied-summer-of-83-texas-vs-tide-sets-sec-network-premiere-date-april-15/" data-vars-content-id="11f75302-e63e-4901-807b-8d7ddd942229" data-vars-headline="1983 Longhorns baseball champs get the documentary treatment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2026/03/sec-storied-summer-of-83-texas-vs-tide-sets-sec-network-premiere-date-april-15/" target="_blank">premieres Wednesday</a> on the SEC Network.

Sports 🏅

Spurs will appear more often in Austin this season

Austin scores World Cup bump

How salaries stack up for two University of Texas coaches

University of Texas baseball heads back to World Series

Everything you need to know about the World Cup in Texas