City officials are bracing for up to 25,000 new migrants arriving between now and the Democratic National Convention after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he would keep busing people here.

Why it matters: The city struggled to accommodate just 15,000 last winter, and the potential deluge could double that number if it materializes.

Catch up quick: On the third night of the Republican National Convention last week, Abbott told supporters: "We have continued busing migrants to sanctuary cities across the entire country, and those buses will continue to roll until we finally secure our border."

What they're saying: "We've looked at estimates of 20,000 to 25,000 people arriving," deputy mayor for immigration Beatriz Ponce de León tells Axios.

• "It depends on how many people are crossing the border. Right now there is a slowdown because of the executive order that puts limits on how many people can cross and ask for asylum, but that is being challenged in court."

The intrigue: It's unclear where Abbott would find that many migrants who want to move to Chicago. But if President Biden's order restricting migration falls, Ponce de León believes we'd feel it acutely here.

The plan: Officials are intentionally keeping about 5,000 shelter beds open in case of a sudden influx. If those are filled, the city can activate thousands of "just-in-time" beds for 30 days, she says.

• If those max out, the state will be ready with additional beds, "but we hope we don't have to get to that third level."

What's next: Ponce de León says she has asked FEMA for extra funding to address the potential surge but has not yet heard back.

On Monday, we asked you a flurry of questions about recent developments on the Democratic presidential ticket.

• Thousands of you voted, sharing some unexpected answers.

The results: First, Axios Chicago readers are happy that President Biden stepped aside (94%) and overwhelmingly approve of Vice President Kamala Harris being the presumptive Democratic nominee (84%).

• You also are OK (58%) with Harris getting nominated virtually before the convention.

Yes, but: When we asked who you'd like to see as Harris' running mate, Gov. JB Pritzker did not fare well.

The vibe: Not great for the leader of our state as a potential U.S. veep.

The intrigue: It wasn't just politics. We ended the poll with the all-important "ketchup on a hot dog" question. Only 66% of you said you'd never commit that sin.

• Maybe that's the real takeaway.

Reality check: Our poll is not scientific. For all we know, former President Trump could have voted 500 times.

Yes, but: It may offer some clarity on Chicago voters as we head into the DNC.

The Bulls and Blackhawks owners are proposing a massive renovation of the West Side neighborhood surrounding the United Center.

The big picture: The 1901 Project is a 55-acre sprawling megadevelopment that would transform the United Center area, adding a new 6,000-seat music venue, a hotel, retail, apartments and green space.

Context: The $7 billion project is being floated by the two owners of the United Center, Bulls president and CEO Michael Reinsdorf and Chicago Blackhawks chairman Danny Wirtz.

• They are not requesting public financing but would ask the city and state to pony up for infrastructure improvements to the area.

Driving the news: The development could start its first phase early next year if the City Council approves the plan.

Reality check: The United Center owners believe this will generate tax revenue and economic growth on the West Side.

Yes, but: West Side residents have heard this before. The predominantly Black neighborhood fought against the United Center when it was built 30 years ago.

• In the next decade, the nearby Henry Horner public housing complex was demolished, leading to a dramatic shift in the neighborhood, displacing poorer residents.
• Now, gentrification from the neighboring West Loop neighborhood is pricing residents out.

See more renderings.

📹 The Sangamon County State's Attorney's Office has released body camera footage of the fatal police shooting of Sonya Massey. The officer who shot and killed the unarmed Massey has been charged with first-degree murder. (WBEZ)

⚖️ Chicago expanded its lawsuit against gunmaker Glock by adding two local gun shops, alleging the stores are responsible for selling guns used in Chicago crimes. (Sun-Times)

⚽️ Three Chicago Red Star players are competing in the Paris Olympics. This year's Games feature a record number of National Women's Soccer League players. (Axios)

📆 Start planning your days ahead.

Titan Walls Mural Festival at District Brew Yards on August 10: Titan Walls provides an opportunity for artists to impact our community through experiencing art-in-the-making while enjoying great music, local vendors, food and drinks. From immersive activations to never-before-seen artist collaborations, our unique programming is designed with everyone in mind.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

This year's Dîner en Blanc celebrates the city's vast, diverse culinary culture.

Why it matters: For its 10th anniversary, the fancy "outdoor picnic" features baskets with food from Maxwell Street, Greektown, Devon, Pilsen and Little Italy.

How it works: The annual outdoor picnic is held at a secret location that guests don't learn about until they arrive at a separate meeting place. They must dress in white and bring their own picnic table and place settings; they can opt to provide their own baskets of food.

• Guests can also purchase tickets that include a prepared picnic basket and buy booze during dinner.
• Picnic baskets range from $52 for a French cheese and charcuterie platter served with a baguette to $82 for Little Italy-inspired surf and turf.

What to expect: This year the food is prepared by Charles Haracz of Blue Plate catering, with wine and champagne (the only beverage options) from local winery Glunz.

If you go: Tickets for Wednesday's soiree range from $55 to $68.

Read more

👏🏼 The vast majority of you guessed correctly that Monica was waving one of those traffic flags near Dawes Park on Sheridan Road in Evanston.

• The reflective flags were installed more than a decade ago to make pedestrians more visible to motorists near the lakefront parks.

As always, thanks for playing. And check out our archive here.