Women in Power - Jane Byrne

• Chicago
• women's rights

 First Female Mayor of Chicago

Did you know Chicago’s first female mayor was elected in April 46 years ago? On April 3, 1979, Democrat Jane Byrne defeated Republican Wallace D. Johnson. She was sworn in on April 16, 1979.

Byrne got her start as a volunteer on John F. Kennedy’s 1960 campaign for president, where she met infamous Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. Eyeing Byrne’s enthusiasm and talent, Daley asked Byrne to several positions culminating in chairperson of the Cook County Democratic Central Committee.

She entered the race for Chicago mayor in 1979, challenging incumbent mayor Michael A. Bilandic. Byrne defeated Bilandic 51% to 49% and winning to general election with 82.1% of the vote, the largest in Chicago mayoral election history.

As mayor, Byrne appointed the city’s first African American and female school superintendent, Ruth B. Love and was the first mayor to recognize the gay community. She ended the police’s practice of raiding gay bars and created the first Chicago “Gay Pride Parade Day” in 1981. Byne was a supporter of the arts and funded art institutions around the city and came up with the idea for a unified lakefront museum campus, renovating Navy Pier and expansion of O’Hare International Airport.

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Small team, big impact: MTH Pump wins “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois”

Innovation, speed and a little Midwestern ingenuity were the winning qualities behind this year’s Makers Madness champion. The title of “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois” went to MTH Pump. This small, Plano-based manufacturer created a game-changing pump that provides rapid, reliable water access for aerial firefighting teams.

This new pump is designed to refill in just 30 seconds, down from the usual minute or more, and could significantly increase the speed and effectiveness of aerial firefighting. This Illinois-made invention could make a lifesaving difference in emergencies where every second matters.

Now in its fifth year, Makers Madness is hosted by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and celebrates the state’s long-standing legacy of manufacturing excellence. The statewide tournament calls on the public to vote for their favorite product made in Illinois. Past winners have included industry giants like Caterpillar and Rivian—making this year’s win by a small team from MTH Pump all the more impressive.

This year’s contest reminds us that big ideas don’t always come from big companies in Illinois and that small teams can make a major impact.

Exploring the Prehistoric and Underground: Illinois’ Caves and Mounds

Illinois is full of natural wonders and prehistoric monuments, some of the most fascinating examples are found in our caves and mounds.

Head down to Cave-In-Rock State Park in southern Illinois, where a massive riverside cave carved into the limestone cliffs has captivated visitors for centuries. Once rumored to be a hideout for river pirates, but don’t let that dissuade you from visiting, this site now offers a scenic and safe peek into the state’s rugged past.

A bit farther north, Illinois Caverns State Natural Area near Waterloo is one of the few public wild caves in the Midwest. With its underground streams, mineral formations and cool year-round temps, it’s a true adventure for nature lovers and geology buffs alike.

Above ground, Illinois is home to some of the most important Native American archaeological sites in the country. At Cahokia Mounds, just outside of St. Louis, you’ll find the remnants of a massive city that once rivaled London in size. It’s a powerful reminder of the Mississippian culture that thrived here long before European settlers arrived.

For a more intimate experience, Dickson Mounds offers insight into Native life along the Illinois River. Its museum and trails overlook the valley, once home to generations of Indigenous communities.

From underground to prehistorical heights, these sites offer an immersive way to connect with Illinois's natural and cultural history.

National Zoo Lovers Day

National Zoo Lovers Day, celebrated on April 8 in the U.S., brings all the zoo animal enthusiasts together to celebrate this significant day. Zoos are more than just conservation sites for endangered species – they also provide educational, research and entertainment purposes. If you love animals, then this holiday is just for you. Visit a zoo nearby to find out about your favorite animals – you can also ask to volunteer at a zoo.

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