City Cast Chicago
10 years since the video that changed Chicago
November 24, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
It’s been 10 years since one video changed Chicago.
After an attempted coverup, the city released dashcam footage of the killing of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald on Nov. 24, 2015. In it, a police officer shoots the teen 16 times.
Today, Invisible Institute’s Jamie Kalven and The Triibe’s Tonia Hill join City Cast Chicago to discuss the shadow it cast.
We also reflect on the efforts of McDonald’s family, organizers, journalists, and eyewitnesses who worked diligently to bring attention to his murder.
What's CITY Talking About
Illinois Wetlands at Risk
The Trump administration is slashing federal protections for wetlands, which leaves millions of acres vulnerable here in Illinois. In addition to environmental effects nationwide, Illinois will lose millions of dollars worth of residential flood protection. State lawmakers have yet to pass local protections. [WBEZ]
Window Reopening for Property Tax Appeals
The Cook County Board of Review is reopening the appeals window in townships where it’s closed. The move comes after a four-month delay in mailing second installment property tax bills to residents. [Sun-Times]
- Last week: Record property tax hikes hit the South and West Sides hard. [WBEZ]
Imagine Downtown ... in 2045
A new Central Area Plan will officially serve as a blueprint for downtown growth over the next 20 years. It calls for adding:
- An Office of Nighttime Engagement
- A new Madison Street Pink Line station
- A green corridor connecting the Near West Side to the lakefront
- New public plazas
- A Riverwalk extension [Block Club]
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What To Do
Monday, Nov. 24
- ❄️ Free admission: ZooLights | Lincoln Park Zoo
- 🎵 Sting | The Auditorium | Loop
- 📖 Adult Book Discussion: "Killers of the Flower Moon" | Chinatown Branch
- 🍻 Kölsch Service | Salt Shed Pub | Goose Island
- 🕺🏻 Free Monday | Empty Bottle | Ukrainian Village
- 🤘 Punk Rock Monday | Delilah’s | Lincoln Park
Tuesday, Nov. 25
- 🎶 Billy Corgan | Lyric Opera House | Loop
- 🎥 “Lone Star” | Chicago Cultural Center | Loop
- 🎁 Free Show & Tell for Grown-Ups | Heritage Bikes & Coffee | Lakeview
- 🎨 Bob Ross Painting Night | Nighthawk | Albany Park
- 🖼️ Nadya Tolokonnikova: POLICE STATE | Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago | Streeterville
- 🎥 "Fear of Fear" | Gene Siskel Film Center | Loop
🦃 Mondays aren’t so bad in a short week, eh? Just three more days till Thanksgiving!
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