Former Illinois Governor George Ryan dies at 91

Former Illinois Governor George Ryan has died at age 91 after a long career in state politics, serving as governor from 1999 to 2003, secretary of state, and in other leadership roles. Ryan's tenure was marked by his bold decision to place a moratorium on the death penalty and commute 167 death row inmates' sentences, citing concerns about misconduct in capital cases. Despite his historic actions on criminal justice reform, his legacy was overshadowed by a major corruption scandal tied to his time as secretary of state, which led to his conviction and more than five years in federal prison. Ryan's evolution from a hardline conservative to a more pragmatic policymaker reflected in his later support for fairness and equal treatment. He remained a controversial yet influential figure in Illinois politics, with both supporters and critics acknowledging his complex impact on the state. He died in hospice care in his hometown of Kankakee, surrounded by family.