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 the 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."

👋 Megan here from Axios San Antonio! I've been vegetarian or pescatarian for more than a decade, and have had plenty of good cookouts without meat.

• Beyond Meat is well-known for a reason. Dress it up like you would any burger. I also wouldn't overlook the Abbot's brand of plant-based ground beef. While not quite grilling material, it makes a great taco substitute.

Reality check: Beef substitutes can be expensive. Enter, vegetables.

Zoom out: There's so much more to grilled vegetables than corn-on-the-cob: zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper, tomato.

• Grilled peaches for dessert are always a win.

The bottom line: You don't need beef for a successful holiday.

As we mark the first anniversary of the devastating Hill Country flooding that claimed the lives of more than 130 people last Fourth of July weekend, we're taking a moment to reflect.

Zoom in: Watching the disaster unfold so close to home was heartbreaking. We're honoring the memories of those who were lost by sharing reporting and storytelling that reflects resilience.

"River of Angels" is a new documentary from Houston-based production company Welling Films that includes interviews with survivors.

• This seven-minute clip is worth your time.

"Hope for the Guadalupe" is a documentary that follows biologists, conservationists and landowners working to restore the Guadalupe River by planting native grasses to stabilize its banks and distributing native seeds to help the ecosystem recover.

"After the Flood" is Texas Monthly senior editor Aaron Parsley's reflection of the past year and follow-up to "The River House Broke. We Rushed in the River.," the personal account of the flood that earned him a Pulitzer Prize.

"One Year After the July 4 Flood, Kerr County Shows Signs of Trauma and Healing" by the Texas Tribune's Emily Foxhall explores what being in recovery means for the community — in both tangible and intangible ways.

🪦 Demolition crews in Tomball unearthed what is believed to be a cemetery dating back to the early 1900s. The city is working with historians to determine the significance. (Houston Chronicle)

💽 Brazoria County passed new regulations targeting data centers, forcing developers to safeguard electricity and water usage. (Houston Public Media)

🍩 Portland-based Voodoo Donuts closed two of its Houston-area locations, leaving only its original location on Washington Avenue open for the time being. (Chron)

👋 Shafaq here! I stopped by a couple of World Cup watch parties this week and wanted to share what it was like celebrating with fans.

Why it matters: World Cup energy is contagious, especially in a host city.

Yesterday, I slipped away during lunch to The Red Lion Houston after reader Malcolm G. recommended the pub.

• The English pub easily became a gathering place for fans traveling from England and Scotland. It was a packed house inside and outside on the newly renovated patio.
• When England narrowly beat Congo 2-1, the pub erupted with England's famous silly chants and cheers.

Tuesday evening, I went to Axelrad Beer Garden, where hundreds of fans huddled around projectors and TV screens throughout the venue to see Mexico defeat Ecuador 2-0.

• The atmosphere was loud, passionate and so much fun as supporters witnessed Mexico's first World Cup knockout-stage win in 40 years. Dance parties broke out at halftime and after the final whistle.

What's next: Mexico and England play each other Sunday in Mexico City.