Block Club Chicago has welcomed three new team members to enhance its operations and reporting capabilities within the nonprofit newsroom. Former state investigative editor Crystal Paul, partnerships professional Christine Schmidt, and sales associate Ella Durchin bring a wealth of experience to their respective roles, contributing to Block Club’s mission of delivering impactful local news.
Crystal Paul joins as an investigative editor after previously working as a freelance reporter for Block Club. She led significant projects at the Illinois Answers Project, including the acclaimed yearlong series “Strapped Down” and the solutions-focused initiative “Making It In Chicago.” Paul also received the Lisagor Award for Best Community Reporting in 2024 for her investigative story on missing basketball courts in Beverly. With over a decade of editing and community reporting experience, she will collaborate with Mick Dumke, the Senior Editor of Investigations, to lead the Watch team and oversee neighborhood investigations.
In her own words, Paul expressed her enthusiasm for the role: “I’ve long admired Block Club’s deeply-embedded neighborhood model, and I’m excited to be part of building on those foundations to craft investigations grounded in community.” Her addition follows the retirement of former Watch editor Curtis Lawrence, marking a new chapter for the team.
Another key addition, Christine Schmidt, takes on the role of partnership associate. Schmidt previously served as a senior program associate at the Democracy Fund, managing over 30 grants and organizing events. Her background as a staff writer at Nieman Lab, where she covered the rise of nonprofit news, connects her past experiences to the mission of Block Club. Schmidt, a graduate of the University of Chicago, will work alongside Maple Walker Lloyd, the Vice President of Partnerships, to develop philanthropic initiatives, corporate sponsorships, and community events.
Reflecting on her new role, Schmidt stated, “Community is needed now more than ever, and local stories connect us. Block Club is doing the tough work of holding people accountable while reminding us what Chicago’s all about.” Her perspective emphasizes the importance of local journalism in fostering community connections and accountability.
The sales team also sees a new addition with Ella Durchin, who transitions from an internship to a full-time position as an assistant account executive. A University of Oregon graduate, Durchin is passionate about storytelling and community engagement. She expressed her pride in supporting Block Club’s mission, stating, “I love being part of a team that champions the people and businesses shaping this city.”
Block Club’s Watch team, including Paul’s new position, is supported by the McCormick Foundation and the Driehaus Foundation, which are committed to enhancing impactful reporting in Chicago and Illinois. Schmidt and Durchin’s roles are funded through the support of Block Club’s subscribers, advertisers, and donors.
As Block Club looks to the future, it aims to expand its operations further. The organization has set a goal of raising $30,000 to support the increasing costs of running a nonprofit newsroom with reporters dedicated to Chicago’s neighborhoods. Notably, all donations made up to this amount will be matched, doubling the impact of each contribution.
The commitment to local journalism remains strong at Block Club Chicago, with new talent joining the ranks to ensure that vital community stories continue to be told.
