President Trump said Republicans will hold a midterm convention in Dallas for "the first time ever" in September.

Why it matters: National party conventions are typically held only during presidential election years, making a midterm gathering an unusual effort to rally supporters and shape the party's message ahead of the critical November elections.

Driving the news: Trump announced in a Truth Social post yesterday that Republicans plan to hold the convention in Dallas on Sept. 9-10, calling it "a truly Historic Event" that had never been done before.

What he's saying: "We are going to celebrate the GREAT AMERICAN COMEBACK, and the incredible successes of the American People who transformed our Country through the America First Agenda," he said, citing administration policies including no tax on tips, overtime or Social Security, a stronger U.S. border, lowering the cost of living and more jobs.

• He also hailed American energy dominance and said oil prices were "dropping sharply, even as we Denuclearize Iran."
• "At the Event, we will have hardworking Americans, our Great Innovators, Entrepreneurs, Manufacturers, First Responders, and Job Creators who are powering our Nation's Golden Age, and proving that America's best days are still ahead of us," Trump said.
• "We will also have lots of Great Entertainment — It will be a RALLY like none other! America's 250th Birthday is approaching, and together, we are building the foundation for the NEXT 250 YEARS of American Greatness," he added. "THE GOLDEN AGE OF AMERICA HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN!"

Zoom in: Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general, faces well-funded Democrat James Talarico, a state legislator from Austin, in a race that Republicans are counting on winning to retain control of the Senate.

• Recent polling shows a tight race, as Latino voters sour on Trump's handling of the economy and immigration.

What's next: Additional details about the Dallas convention, including speakers and programming, are expected in the coming weeks.

Norway advanced to the round of 16 after knocking Ivory Coast out of the World Cup at Dallas Stadium yesterday.

Driving the news: Norway's star Erling Haaland scored a late goal to break a 1-1 tie in the first of four knockout matches in Arlington.

• It was the first-ever World Cup knockout win for Norway, which faces Brazil next.

Vibe check: Norway's supporters saved their famous Viking row for key moments, including a post-game celebration with the team.

• Some fans paired Cowboy hats with their bright red Norway jerseys.

Zoom in: Fort Worth resident Aaron Rickels and his family showed up wearing Viking hats and fake beards that they DIY'd using yarn.

• "We've been inspired by Haaland, and the Norway soccer team. We individualized all of our costumes and we just wanted to support them because they came so far to get here," said Rickels, who also experienced the 1994 World Cup at the Cotton Bowl.

The bottom line: Rickels said seeing foreigners fall in love with Texas has been touching as a Texan and as a parent.

• "We've needed this so bad — a true representation of who we are here in Texas, and the hospitality, how diverse we are," he said. "It's an important lesson to the kids that what you see on TV isn't always reality."

Sportsmanship in the stands

⚖️ The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Trump's executive order restricting birthright citizenship, reaffirming the long-held belief that any person born on American soil is a citizen. (Axios)

✈️ Budget airline Avelo announced it will fly to Las Vegas and four Florida cities when McKinney National Airport launches commercial service. (NBC5)

🤝 American Airlines and Tarrant County College are partnering to address the aviation industry's growing demand for skilled maintenance technicians. (WFAA)

👋🏽 Hi! Megan here, from Axios San Antonio.

Watching bats emerge at Bracken Cave Preserve is a special summer activity that draws travelers from around the globe to a field outside San Antonio.

The intrigue: The cave is home to the largest bat colony in the world.

• About 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats stay at Bracken Cave during the summer, generally May through September. Bats have been roosting there for about 10,000 years.

State of play: The bats are migratory, and those that come to Bracken Cave are pregnant females.

• They give birth in June and the babies often begin flying in July, learning the ropes through the end of the summer so they can survive the trip back to Mexico and South America for the winter.

How it works: The bat viewings are ticketed, costing around $33, and in high demand.

Zoom in: Your listed arrival time might be well before sunset, but there's plenty to do at the preserve. Hike the short trails and check out an old guano mine. Take some binoculars into the bird blind.

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