A trauma surgeon who rose to prominence after treating Dallas police officers ambushed by a sniper in 2016 is running for Democratic Rep. Colin Allred's seat in Congress.

Why it matters: Brian Williams, an Air Force veteran who completed his medical residency at Harvard before working at Parkland Memorial Hospital, has a story and a message that could take him a long way in American politics.

The big picture: Running as a Democrat, Williams wants to help curb the country's epidemic of gun violence, he tells Axios. He's also concerned about unaffordable health care coverage and environmental issues, and says "reproductive rights are under attack."

• Of note: Allred has announced that he's not seeking re-election and instead will run for Republican Sen. Ted Cruz's seat in 2024.

Flashback: Williams was in charge of Parkland's trauma room in July 2016, treating seven of the 16 people shot in a sniper attack downtown. Five police officers were killed.

• Williams found himself at the center of a national conversation about race and policing.

Between the lines: Williams says the shooting was the catalyst for his involvement in politics.

• Since then he's pushed for gun safety on a national level, working as an adviser for Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

What they're saying: "I could only do so much inside the hospital, wearing a white coat with a scalpel," Williams says. "My work had to extend outside the hospital."

By the numbers: Williams has raised more than $360,000, according to his campaign's most recent Federal Election Commission filing.

Yes, but: State Rep. Julie Johnson, a Democrat from Farmers Branch — Williams' most high-profile opponent in the March primary — raised $410,000 in the same period.

What we're watching: With five candidates already vying for the Democratic nomination, and so much time before the primary, the field could get even more crowded.

The Dallas Wings are soaring this month with a three-game winning streak and second seed in the WNBA's Western Conference.

Driving the news: Last week, the team beat the Minnesota Lynx by 40 points and set a new record for the largest margin of victory in Wings franchise history. Their previous record was 37 points in 2000.

• Wings forward Natasha Howard was named the Western Conference's Player of the Week last week, heading into the All-Star break.

State of play: So far this season, the Wings rank highest in the league for rebounds per game and are tied for fourth for total points per game.

• But the Las Vegas Aces, the 2022 champions, remain a key competitor as the top seed in the Western Conference with a 19-2 record.

Meanwhile: Wings players Arike Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally showcased their talent on a national platform during the All-Star festivities last weekend.

• They were the third-highest scorers on their respective teams in the main matchup, with over 20 minutes of playing time each.
• Ogunbowale also placed third in the 3-point contest.

What's next: The Wings take on the New York Liberty in Brooklyn tomorrow and return home to play the L.A. Sparks in Arlington on Saturday.

Feeling clueless about how to keep your teenager occupied in this summer heat? The City of Dallas wants to help.

Driving the news: The city's Summer of Safety campaign has a long list of activities and events to help families fill their days.

Here are some options…

👀 Girl Talk: Dallas police will go over ways to avoid scams and fraud. The talk will be followed by an origami workshop. 1pm today at Vickery Park Branch Library.

🎭 Intro to theater for teens: Participants will brainstorm how poems, monologues and stories can be turned into a show. 5:30pm tomorrow at J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.

🏞️ All-access passes: The passes give teens who live in Dallas free entry to places including the Dallas Zoo, Southern Skates Roller Rink and Dallas Arboretum. Passes must be picked up at a recreation center.

📚 Summer reading: Encourage your teen to read more and earn rewards in the process.

🧢 Teen rec nights: Recreation centers across the city host free teen nights from 7-10pm on Fridays.

💉The FDA approved an antibody against RSV for babies a year old and younger. The virus usually starts circulating in the fall and peaks in the winter. (Axios)

🎒 Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to keep pushing for a voucher-like plan to give Texas families public funds for private schooling. (DMN)

🚚 A new pilot program in Tarrant County will let food trucks with permits operate anywhere in the county. (Fort Worth Report)

⚖️ The trial of the 19-year-old suspect in the 2021 Timberview High School shooting began yesterday. (NBC5)

💼 Check out who's hiring now.

1. Senior Salesforce Administrator at Communities Foundation of Texas.
2. Social Media Marketing Manager at Dallas Cowboys.
3. Transit Senior Operations Manager at Uber.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Use code FIRST50 for $50 off your first job post.

Today's taco Tuesday trip takes us to a Fair Park mezcaleria that has both tasty tacos and tequila pairings.

• This colorful bar offers up interesting cocktails and Mexican food to soak up the alcohol.

What to order: We ordered chicken and lengua.

Where: Las Almas Rotas, 3615 Parry Ave.

Cost: $14 for four tacos.

Pro tip: Order a flight of spirits to decide whether you're ready to switch from tequila to sotol.

Six-word review: Meaty tacos tender to the tongue.

🤔 Know a great taco we should try? Hit reply and let us know.