Facebook icon Twitter icon Instagram icon YouTube icon
The single-term Republican leaves behind a complicated history. He spent five years in federal prison after being convicted of racketeering, bribery, extortion, money laundering and tax fraud for actions during his term as secretary of state. However, while in the governor’s mansion, Ryan commuted the death sentences of 167 men on Illinois’ death row in 2003.
Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan, disgraced by a corruption scandal that landed him in prison yet heralded by some for clearing the state’s death row, has died. He was 91.
Former Mayor Richard M. Daley traveled to the nation’s capital twice as mayor. His successors, Mayors Rahm Emanuel and Lori Lightfoot, never made the trip in their official roles.
Former Gov. George Ryan expounds on the death penalty in a new book with co-author Maurice Possley titled, “Until I Could Be Sure: How I stopped the Death Penalty in Illinois.”
Former Illinois Gov. George Ryan is out of prison, and on house arrest for the remainder of his sentence. We talk with his former chief of staff Scott Fawell about the final chapter to this dramatic story.

George Ryan Arrested

Less than a year after leaving office, former Gov. George Ryan is arrested and charged with corruption.
Former Illinois Governor George Ryan is one step closer to getting out of prison.  Paris Schutz has more on today's decision.
The U.S. Supreme Court sent George Ryan's case back to an appeals court today. If Ryan wins the appeal, he could be out of prison within the next six months. Elizabeth Brackett reports.
 

Sign up for the WTTW News newsletter

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors