Ald. Tom Tunney has joined several other alders by not running for re-election in 2023.

Why it matters: The vacancies could dramatically reshape the City Council in 2023.

The intrigue: When we asked whether Tunney plans to run for mayor, his ward staff directed us to newly hired spokesperson Kim Shepherd, who says, "He has made no announcement regarding future plans."

Context: If Tunney runs, he'll join Alds. Roderick Sawyer (6th), Raymond Lopez (15th) and Sophia King (4th) in the crowded field of City Council members bidding for mayor.

• In Chicago elections, you can't run for both mayor and alderperson.

Yes, but: No member of the City Council has ever been elected mayor.

Between the lines: The startling number of vacancies will put newcomers in charge of significant areas and relationships, especially among the city's "lakefront liberal" communities.

• Lakeview, Lincoln Park and Hyde Park are made up of predominantly white professionals who have historically constituted a key voting block for several Democratic mayors, including Lori Lightfoot.

What's more: The next election could reshape leadership in these wards and other key parts of the city:

North Side: Along with Tunney, Ald. Harry Osterman (48th), Ald. James Cappleman (46th) and Ald. Michele Smith (43rd) are all leaving communities with major Chicago institutions.

• This includes the North Side lakefront, beaches and bike paths.
• Tunney's 44th ward includes Wrigley Field. He's had public tussles over the Rickettses' land grab and transformation in Wrigleyville.

South Side: The exits of King and Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th) will change leadership in areas that include the University of Chicago, Jackson Park and the new Obama Library, which has generated fights over displacement and gentrification issues.

Of note: Lightfoot won all the above wards in the 2019 mayoral runoff election.

• One alderperson not stepping down is Ald. Ed Burke (14th), who goes on trial on bribery charges in November … 2023.

Illinois is the 10th-best state for workers, according to a new study by OxFam.

The highlights: Oregon is the best state for workers, and Georgia is the worst.

• Indiana is No. 36.
• Wisconsin is No. 38.

Zoom in: The report, which analyzes compensation and conditions for workers, points to wage decline, historic inflation and COVID-19 as making conditions for workers more perilous.

The big picture: This study comes on the heels of a new Gallup poll that says that 71% of Americans support labor unions, the highest percentage since 1965.

The other side: A 2021 survey of CEOs named Illinois one of the worst states for business.

💭 Justin's thought bubble: So CEOs hate our state because of strict worker protections and labor unions, which makes it harder to, what, exploit people and make more money?

• I think we should be proud of being a top 10 state for workers. Happy Labor Day!

Explore an interactive map

About 12.6 million Americans are expected to fly this Labor Day weekend amid short staffing, delays and cancelations.

• But according to federal data crunched by sports betting site IllinoisBet, you can improve your chances of leaving on time by flying very early.

Best times: 6am - 6:59am, with 89% on-time departures.

Worst times: 10pm - 10:59pm, with just 58%.

🥒 We're behind the rest of the country when it comes to Pickleball. (Sun-Times)

🚌 "They are not cargo; they're human beings." Mayor Lightfoot says Chicago will welcome migrants who were bused from Texas. (Tribune)

🕯️ The Lakeview church that was vandalized over support for abortion rights is holding a "standout" this Sunday. (BlockClub)

📺 Three more SNL cast members are leaving the show, including former Chicago improviser Alex Moffat. (AV Club)

🍽 Check out this great list of Labor Day weekend restaurant specials and entertainment. (Tribune)

🌳 Branch out with our Job Board.

1. Assistant Director, Digital Communications at School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
2. Sr. Integrated Producer at FCB Chicago.
3. Accounts Payable Manager at Sinch.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a Job.

👋 Hi, it's Justin! For the past two years, I've co-hosted "Da Chicago Game Show" on Twitch alongside improviser Scott Goldstein.

• It's a trivia show, but it's less about Chicago history and more about famous car dealerships and celebrity mustaches.

Flashback: Contestants have included George Wendt, Che "Rhymefest" Smith, Steve Albini and Joan Esposito.

What's happening: For the first time ever, we are moving out of our little Zoom boxes to a stage with a live audience!

Details: Join us at The Wieners Circle's new back patio this Wednesday at 7:30pm. It's free!

• What's better than some Chicago trivia with a char dog?
• Special guests will include Walter Jacobson, actor Joe Nunez, musician T.J. Shanoff, comedian Mary Catherine Curran and Monica!
• To get you in the mood, here are sample questions we've asked on the show, so you can play along at home.

👋 See you Wednesday!