Fran Spielman interviews former Chicago alderman Dick Mell, focusing on recent history-making events in Chicago and Illinois politics. Mike Madigan, former Illinois House Speaker, has been convicted of federal corruption charges and faces significant prison time at 82. Meanwhile, former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, Mell's son-in-law, received a full pardon from President Trump. Mell shares insights on Madigan's career, reflects on historical political battles, and critiques the growing influence of unions, especially the Chicago Teachers Union.