News of the assassination attempt on former President Trump has roiled the presidential race and raised wider questions about the state of political violence in the nation.

Why it matters: The shooting on Saturday at a rally in Pennsylvania ramped up lawmakers' fears of political violence.

• Two House members said yesterday they plan to file a bill that would enhance security protection for presidential candidates.

Trump said a bullet pierced his ear during the shooting, writing on Truth Social on Saturday that he "felt the bullet ripping through the skin."

• In a follow-up post, Trump urged Americans to "show our True Character."

The FBI identified the alleged shooter, whom Secret Service agents killed after he opened fire, as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. A motive isn't clear.

• A former fire chief attending the rally, Corey Comperatore, died protecting his family, and two others were injured.

What they're saying: Gov. Greg Abbott drew an implicit link between prosecutors going after Trump in court and his would-be assassin.

• "They try to jail him. They try to kill him. It will not work. He is indomitable," Abbott posted on X on Saturday.

The big picture: This will be a defining moment for the presidential election, especially when just days ago the conversation focused almost entirely on Democratic concerns that President Biden didn't have the stamina to win.

• The Biden team now has to juggle a delicate moment as the entire campaign narrative has shifted drastically.

The bottom line: "Everything in America has turned political," Axios' Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen write. "Everything political turned visceral. And everything visceral turned into the possibility of unspeakable violence like this."

What's next: The Republican National Convention begins today in Milwaukee, and you can expect Trump to receive a hero's welcome.

• Many in the GOP are already rallying around Trump.

Witness account: Axios reporter Sophia Cai was on the scene in Pennsylvania, and she wrote about what she saw — including Trump supporters turning on the media.

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The Astros are within one game of leading the American League West heading into this week's All-Star break, inching closer to a division lead after a 10-game deficit earlier this season.

Why it matters: The team — minus outfielder Yordan Álvarez, who will play in the All Star Game — will be able to rest up as the National and American leagues duke it out Tuesday in Arlington.

• Second baseman José Altuve and outfielder Kyle Tucker were voted All Stars but will not play due to injuries.

The intrigue: After a humbling start this year, the team sits at 50-46 (.521) going into the second half.

State of play: The Astros are fresh off of losing two games in a row to the Texas Rangers after sweeping the Miami Marlins, Colorado Rockies and Baltimore Orioles in their previous three series at Minute Maid Park.

• Their earlier 10-game home winning streak, snapped by the Rangers on Saturday, signals a marked improvement from last season, when the team struggled to win games in Houston.
• They ended the 2023 season with a 39-42 (.481) record at Minute Maid. They're 28-21 (.592) at home through the first half of the 2024 campaign.

💭 Jay's thought bubble: Haters be damned, Houston is no stranger to coming back from behind, and I'm manifesting that their prowess on the field will prevail.

• That tends to happen when they're counted out and is even further proved when the Bayou City faces adversity from natural disasters.

What's next: The Astros start a four-game series Friday against the AL West-leading Mariners in Seattle.

• Their next homestand starts July 26 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

⚡️ Gov. Greg Abbott has threatened to reduce CenterPoint Energy's service area if it doesn't rectify "failures" apparent in the wake of Beryl. (Houston Landing)

🍎 Houston ISD says 60 campuses were damaged by the storm. (Houston Public Media)

🍽️ Houston restaurants are struggling to stay afloat amid ongoing power failures. (Chron)

It's been a long, tough news cycle with a lot of uncertainties.

Why it matters: Your health and well-being should be the top priority.

The big picture: It's common to feel anxious, sad or angry after a shocking experience, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Healthy ways of coping include:

• Spending time with trusted friends and relatives.
• Maintaining routines for meals, sleep and exercise.
• Engaging in mindfulness and other activities that help reduce stress.

The bottom line: Take care of yourself, friends.

Go deeper for more self-care strategies and more tips for coping.