Jane Byrne's Chicago was a city in transition

The death of Jane Byrne produced the expected spate of stories on her chaotic one-term reign as Chicago’s mayor, her feisty personality and, especially, the snowstorm that swept her into power. But these eulogies missed the real significance of her election — that she benefitted from and symbolized Chicago’s transformation from an industrial to a global city.

OPINION

It’s an instructive lesson in how cities change and mutate, with even the people who live in them unaware of what’s going on until something big — like a blizzard — comes along.

CONTINUE READING AT SUNTIMES.COM

Next Up In Politics

Bears stadium costs? Add another $1.2 billion

Cook County Democratic leaders pick Monica Gordon to run for county clerk: 'I have some big shoes to fill'

Why did Harry Caray always say ‘Holy Cow?’ It could be linked to a 1930s flying bovine. No bull!

After fighting to have gender-affirming care, a former prisoner adjusts to life in Chicago as a woman

Ex-National Enquirer boss testifies that he buried story about alleged affair by Rahm Emanuel

Illinois Republicans grapple with mail voting amid mixed signals from Trump — 'We have to adapt'