Americans are firing up the barbecue this summer — but high beef prices have them trading down to cheaper proteins like chicken, pork and turkey.

Why it matters: Summer means burgers on the grill for many Americans, though that tradition is getting more expensive.

The big picture: Beef prices have climbed after years of drought conditions, shrinking cattle herds and supply pressures. There is little expectation for quick relief this summer.

• The U.S. cattle supply is now at its lowest level in 75 years, according to the Farm Bureau. USDA forecasts show U.S. beef production falling again in 2026 even as demand remains strong.

State of play: Cookout staples such as beef, cheese and buns are more expensive this year compared to last year, per an American Farm Bureau Federation analysis.

• Two pounds of ground beef have increased to $14.06, the highest price of beef since the federation started tracking cookout prices in 2016.
• Chicken prices, meanwhile, have remained relatively stable. Chicken breast is about $4.03 per pound, a 3.5% increase compared to last year, according to American Farm Bureau Federation analysis.

The impact: "Recent retail trends suggest some consumers are increasingly shifting toward chicken as a more affordable alternative," Courtney Schmidt, sector manager at the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute, tells Axios.

• And, Jennie-O ground turkey posted another quarter of double-digit dollar sales growth as consumers prioritized "affordable protein options."

What they're saying: Meat producers say shoppers are gravitating toward pre-marinated pork, ready-to-cook burgers, grill kits and mid-tier beef cuts that offer more value and convenience.

Yes, but: John Wood, founder of U.S. Wellness Meats, tells Axios that demand for premium steaks like ribeyes and tenderloins remains strong among some customers despite higher prices.

What we're watching: How the screwworm outbreak impacts cattle herds and beef prices.

Atlético Dallas and Dallas Trinity FC will share the Cotton Bowl when the men's soccer team launches its franchise in Dallas next year. Now, they also share ownership.

Driving the news: Atlético Dallas has acquired Dallas Trinity FC from the Neil family, who founded the women's team in 2023, the teams announced this week.

Why it matters: Taking the men's World Cup as a launching pad, the owners hope to make Dallas an even larger soccer hub. FC Dallas, the other professional men's team, has been in Frisco since 2005.

• "Our goal is simple: Support the club's continued success, honor its identity, and help create a future where professional women's and men's soccer become defining institutions in Dallas sports," Atlético Dallas chairman Matt Valentine said in a statement.

State of play: Dallas Trinity FC will continue competing in the Gainbridge Super League. Atlético Dallas will compete in the United Soccer League, which is trying to become a top-tier league.

• Atlético Dallas was already building a headquarters near Fair Park. The team is adding additional square footage for Dallas Trinity FC's staff, per a spokesperson.
• The Den, a restaurant, soccer court and beer garden built by Atlético Dallas, is open for World Cup events.

What they're saying: "Dallas Trinity FC is in good hands. We are excited about what this next chapter means for the club and confident Atlético Dallas shares our commitment to continued growth and success of the women's game," Dallas Trinity FC president Charlie Neil said in a statement.

What's next: Atlético Dallas will debut next year. Dallas Trinity FC's season begins in August.

🚨 A gas line was not marked when soil testers started digging in the area of the Oak Cliff explosion that killed three people in May. (KERA)

🚒 A Pilates studio in Dallas was severely damaged in a three-alarm fire early yesterday. (NBC5)

🍗 KFC is launching a new concept to focus more on boneless chicken and will open the country's first location in McKinney. (DMN)

🧨 Let your colors burst. Ida Claire's annual Kaboomtown Block Party in Addison features a DJ, Fourth of July food and cocktails, yard games, and a front-row seat to the renowned fireworks show.

• 7 -10:30pm Friday. Tickets start at $15.

🐕 Cheer on your pup. Enter your dog in pet contests at Paws and Stripes at Frisco Freedom Fest.

• 6-10pm Friday at Kaleidoscope Park. $12 entry per event.

⚽️ Celebrate soccer. Head to the FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park to watch live soccer matches on the big screens.

• Watch fireworks Friday at the conclusion of the Colombia vs. Ghana match that begins at 8:30pm. Free with advanced registration.

📚 Go old school. Dallas' official celebration will be at Klyde Warren Park with food trucks, live music from Emerald City Band and the grand finale lighting up the city skyline.

• 7-9:30pm Saturday. Free.

🏅 Tap along to patriotic tunes. Celebrate America's 250th at Freedom Fest at the National Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington.

• Saturday and Sunday, culminating in a live performance by the 1st Cavalry Division Band from 7:30-9pm Sunday, followed by a viewing party of Light Up Arlington fireworks show at 9:30pm. General admission tickets start at $30.

🎇 Feel patriotic. Catch more fireworks displays at these free events:

• Irving, at 7pm Friday.
• Grandscape in The Colony, at 7:30pm Friday.
• Fort Worth at 5pm Saturday.
• Grapevine at 9:30pm Saturday