Former Gov. George Ryan remains well-liked among state lawmakers, perhaps more popular than the current governor.

Ryan made a rare public appearance in Waukegan Friday to speak about criminal justice reform. Those in attendance, including local politicians and state lawmakers, were eager to take pictures and speak with him, despite his five-year prison sentence for corruption.

Several state legislators, including State Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan) said Ryan knew how to gain support for legislation from both parties, which has been a struggle since Gov. Bruce Rauner took office.

Ryan himself wouldn’t criticize Rauner, saying the state’s “in a financial mess” and feels Rauner is trying to solve those issues. He did mention that when he was able to get along with House Speaker Michael Madigan when he was in office.

Ryan declined to offer any advice to Rauner saying “he’s doing OK.”

In other State news, Central Illinois women are being encouraged to get free mammograms in the month of October.

Springfield’s Memorial Medical Center is partnering with others in the region to promote “Mammogram Mondays,” an initiative made possible through a grant from the Susan G. Komen foundation. Memorial’s Celeste Wiley says it’s important for women of a certain age to be seen.

Wiley says it’s important to know your own body early – know what’s there, know what’s normal before being tested. Memorial, St. John’s Hospital in Springfield and Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln are offering free mammograms on Mondays all month.