Crystal Paul
@cplhouse.bsky.social
Investigative Editor, Block Club Chicago - The Watch
Formerly Illinois Answers Project, Seattle Times. Journalist, Editor -- Investigations. Enterprise. Equity.
Raised on the road. Found home in South Side Chicago.
Formerly Illinois Answers Project, Seattle Times. Journalist, Editor -- Investigations. Enterprise. Equity.
Raised on the road. Found home in South Side Chicago.
"Her son cried for his father and refused to eat the food served in jail. He lost weight. She said that other women who were incarcerated with them bought the boy ramen noodles from the commissary so he wouldn’t go hungry."
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
✍️ @melissa-sanchez.bsky.social
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
✍️ @melissa-sanchez.bsky.social
What the Trump Administration’s Videos From a Chicago Immigration Raid Don’t Show
Detained and deported Venezuelans tell their stories of what happened when immigration agents raided their apartment building.
www.propublica.org
November 19, 2025 at 4:46 PM
"Her son cried for his father and refused to eat the food served in jail. He lost weight. She said that other women who were incarcerated with them bought the boy ramen noodles from the commissary so he wouldn’t go hungry."
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
✍️ @melissa-sanchez.bsky.social
www.propublica.org/article/chic...
✍️ @melissa-sanchez.bsky.social
Feds used chemical weapons on protesters at least 49 times across 18 incidents since Oct 1.
And at least 30 times after a judge placed restrictions on its use.
Contrary to federal claims about attacks on agents, most of these incidents appear to involve nonviolent protesters or bystanders.
And at least 30 times after a judge placed restrictions on its use.
Contrary to federal claims about attacks on agents, most of these incidents appear to involve nonviolent protesters or bystanders.
Several Chicago newsrooms spent two months collecting and analyzing evidence of ICE & Border Patrol's use of tear gas and pepper spray in Chicago.
They found that agents deployed chemical agents nearly 50 times. Most uses occurred after a judge ordered federal agents to restrict their use.
They found that agents deployed chemical agents nearly 50 times. Most uses occurred after a judge ordered federal agents to restrict their use.
Feds Used Chemical Agents Dozens of Times in Chicago
An investigation by reporters from six newsrooms found that agents used chemical irritants nearly 50 times during Operation Midway Blitz.
southsideweekly.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Feds used chemical weapons on protesters at least 49 times across 18 incidents since Oct 1.
And at least 30 times after a judge placed restrictions on its use.
Contrary to federal claims about attacks on agents, most of these incidents appear to involve nonviolent protesters or bystanders.
And at least 30 times after a judge placed restrictions on its use.
Contrary to federal claims about attacks on agents, most of these incidents appear to involve nonviolent protesters or bystanders.
"Of the 16 arrestees with criminal histories — or about 2.6% of the 614 people — five involved domestic battery, two were related to drunken driving, and one allegedly had an unidentified criminal history in another country."
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/14/o...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/14/o...
Only 2.6% on list of 614 ‘Operation Midway Blitz’ arrestees had criminal histories, DOJ records show
Meanwhile, the other 598 people on the list had no listed criminal history at all.
www.chicagotribune.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:39 PM
"Of the 16 arrestees with criminal histories — or about 2.6% of the 614 people — five involved domestic battery, two were related to drunken driving, and one allegedly had an unidentified criminal history in another country."
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/14/o...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/14/o...
Happy to announce I've joined the @blockclubchi.bsky.social investigative team 'The Watch' as investigative editor.
I look grumpy in the photo, but I'm stoked to work with a dope team of journalists & at an outlet with such deep roots in Chicago communities.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/14/i...
I look grumpy in the photo, but I'm stoked to work with a dope team of journalists & at an outlet with such deep roots in Chicago communities.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/14/i...
Investigative Editor, Partnerships Pro And Sales Associate Join Block Club Chicago Team
Crystal Paul joins The Watch team as an investigative editor, Christine Schmidt joins our partnerships team as an associate and Ella Durchin joins revenue as an assistant account executive.
blockclubchicago.org
November 14, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Happy to announce I've joined the @blockclubchi.bsky.social investigative team 'The Watch' as investigative editor.
I look grumpy in the photo, but I'm stoked to work with a dope team of journalists & at an outlet with such deep roots in Chicago communities.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/14/i...
I look grumpy in the photo, but I'm stoked to work with a dope team of journalists & at an outlet with such deep roots in Chicago communities.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/14/i...
Reposted by Crystal Paul
Officials have revealed little about what led to the arrests. State Police haven’t fulfilled records requests for incident reports. Court records don’t include many details & few of the protesters arrested have appeared in court.
@blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/12/p...
@blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/12/p...
Protesters Keep Getting Arrested At Broadview By State Police Despite Promise To Protect Free Speech
About 80 protesters have been arrested at the ICE facility since barricades went up. Protesters and legal observers say the arrests run counter to the state’s stated goals of ensuring public safety an...
blockclubchicago.org
November 12, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Officials have revealed little about what led to the arrests. State Police haven’t fulfilled records requests for incident reports. Court records don’t include many details & few of the protesters arrested have appeared in court.
@blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/12/p...
@blockclubchi.bsky.social
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/12/p...
Found unfit for trail, people with mental illnesses are spending months in jails, waiting for room at hospitals where they can be restored to fitness.
Some of them are waiting longer than their sentences would be
Some of them have died waiting...
✍ @meredithnewman.bsky.social
🎨 Kailey Ryan
Some of them are waiting longer than their sentences would be
Some of them have died waiting...
✍ @meredithnewman.bsky.social
🎨 Kailey Ryan
Illinois defendants who have been found unfit for trial – and are in need of inpatient fitness restoration – are waiting nearly twice as long for a state hospital bed as they did five years ago.
In many cases, it’s more than three months.
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
In many cases, it’s more than three months.
illinoisanswers.org/2025/11/11/t...
Too mentally ill for trial, she spent months in an Illinois jail as the state looked for a hospital bed. She died waiting.
Many defendants declared unfit for trial have often waited three months or longer to be transferred to a hospital – regularly exceeding the state’s deadline, an Illinois Answers Project investigation ...
illinoisanswers.org
November 12, 2025 at 2:37 AM
Found unfit for trail, people with mental illnesses are spending months in jails, waiting for room at hospitals where they can be restored to fitness.
Some of them are waiting longer than their sentences would be
Some of them have died waiting...
✍ @meredithnewman.bsky.social
🎨 Kailey Ryan
Some of them are waiting longer than their sentences would be
Some of them have died waiting...
✍ @meredithnewman.bsky.social
🎨 Kailey Ryan
While Border Patrol photographers snapped photos, one agent shouted, “Everyone say, ‘Little Village!’”
“Little Village!” the crowd shouted back...
Agents tear-gassed a Little Village street this weekend.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/10/b...
📝📸 @colinbphoto.bsky.social
“Little Village!” the crowd shouted back...
Agents tear-gassed a Little Village street this weekend.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/10/b...
📝📸 @colinbphoto.bsky.social
Border Patrol Agents Pose At The Bean For Apparent Photo Op
The photo op came after agents tear-gassed a Little Village street and were spotted in the area numerous times. At the Bean, one agent shouted, "Everyone say, 'Little Village!'"
blockclubchicago.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:21 PM
While Border Patrol photographers snapped photos, one agent shouted, “Everyone say, ‘Little Village!’”
“Little Village!” the crowd shouted back...
Agents tear-gassed a Little Village street this weekend.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/10/b...
📝📸 @colinbphoto.bsky.social
“Little Village!” the crowd shouted back...
Agents tear-gassed a Little Village street this weekend.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/10/b...
📝📸 @colinbphoto.bsky.social
"Several teachers fled with a student and hid in a back of a pickup truck, 'terrified of being found,' Meadow said.
'They weren’t sure what was going on. ICE, an attack on the school — they didn’t know,' Meadow said."
'They weren’t sure what was going on. ICE, an attack on the school — they didn’t know,' Meadow said."
The incident happened in front of parents and children, Martin and a parent said. Other workers became afraid to come in, and the daycare center closed for the day, parents said.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/05/d...
📝 @mollydevore.bsky.social & Mack Liederman
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/05/d...
📝 @mollydevore.bsky.social & Mack Liederman
Daycare Teacher Pulled Out Of Preschool By Armed Federal Agents, 'Traumatizing' Parents
The incident happened in front of parents and children at Rayito de Sol in North Center, a parent said. They believe the employee is legally allowed to work in the United States.
blockclubchicago.org
November 5, 2025 at 7:18 PM
"Several teachers fled with a student and hid in a back of a pickup truck, 'terrified of being found,' Meadow said.
'They weren’t sure what was going on. ICE, an attack on the school — they didn’t know,' Meadow said."
'They weren’t sure what was going on. ICE, an attack on the school — they didn’t know,' Meadow said."
The incident happened in front of parents and children, Martin and a parent said. Other workers became afraid to come in, and the daycare center closed for the day, parents said.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/05/d...
📝 @mollydevore.bsky.social & Mack Liederman
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/05/d...
📝 @mollydevore.bsky.social & Mack Liederman
Daycare Teacher Pulled Out Of Preschool By Armed Federal Agents, 'Traumatizing' Parents
The incident happened in front of parents and children at Rayito de Sol in North Center, a parent said. They believe the employee is legally allowed to work in the United States.
blockclubchicago.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:42 PM
The incident happened in front of parents and children, Martin and a parent said. Other workers became afraid to come in, and the daycare center closed for the day, parents said.
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/05/d...
📝 @mollydevore.bsky.social & Mack Liederman
blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/05/d...
📝 @mollydevore.bsky.social & Mack Liederman
Thank you! Thrilled our project could be among so many great finalists!
Also congrats to @cplhouse.bsky.social @rubybailey.bsky.social, @illinoisanswers.bsky.social team & the @southsideweekly.bsky.social team for the Making It in Chicago nom! Proud the Reader was able to republish several of these stories makingitinchicago.illinoisanswers.org
Detours and Dead Ends on the Path to Opportunity
makingitinchicago.illinoisanswers.org
October 31, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Thank you! Thrilled our project could be among so many great finalists!
Reposted by Crystal Paul
Also congrats to @cplhouse.bsky.social @rubybailey.bsky.social, @illinoisanswers.bsky.social team & the @southsideweekly.bsky.social team for the Making It in Chicago nom! Proud the Reader was able to republish several of these stories makingitinchicago.illinoisanswers.org
Detours and Dead Ends on the Path to Opportunity
makingitinchicago.illinoisanswers.org
October 31, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Also congrats to @cplhouse.bsky.social @rubybailey.bsky.social, @illinoisanswers.bsky.social team & the @southsideweekly.bsky.social team for the Making It in Chicago nom! Proud the Reader was able to republish several of these stories makingitinchicago.illinoisanswers.org
Reposted by Crystal Paul
Broadview ICE facility a ‘black box’ where immigrants denied access to lawyers, medicine: lawsuit
Story by @bylaurenfitz.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Story by @bylaurenfitz.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Broadview ICE facility a ‘black box’ where immigrants denied access to lawyers, medicine: lawsuit
The ACLU of Illinois and others ask a federal judge to intervene against ‘inhumane’ conditions. Federal immigration officials have said the facility follows its rules.
chicago.suntimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Broadview ICE facility a ‘black box’ where immigrants denied access to lawyers, medicine: lawsuit
Story by @bylaurenfitz.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
Story by @bylaurenfitz.bsky.social: chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/...
A loophole lets counties spend millions in transit taxes not on transit...but on jails & courts
Now, to save Chicago transit from cuts, lawmakers want to use those funds.
The idea met a fierce backlash.
📝 @gracehauck.bsky.social & @alexnitkin.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/28/l...
Now, to save Chicago transit from cuts, lawmakers want to use those funds.
The idea met a fierce backlash.
📝 @gracehauck.bsky.social & @alexnitkin.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/28/l...
A Little-Known Legal Loophole Has Scrambled State Efforts to Save Transit Agencies From Financial Disaster
Suburban counties last year spent $83M in RTA sales taxes on jails and courts; they'll fight to keep the money as the state scrapes for cash.
illinoisanswers.org
October 29, 2025 at 12:11 PM
A loophole lets counties spend millions in transit taxes not on transit...but on jails & courts
Now, to save Chicago transit from cuts, lawmakers want to use those funds.
The idea met a fierce backlash.
📝 @gracehauck.bsky.social & @alexnitkin.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/28/l...
Now, to save Chicago transit from cuts, lawmakers want to use those funds.
The idea met a fierce backlash.
📝 @gracehauck.bsky.social & @alexnitkin.bsky.social
illinoisanswers.org/2025/10/28/l...
Solid play-by-play on Bovino's hearing today by @heathercherone.bsky.social
Greetings from the Dirksen federal courthouse, where Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino is set to appear before U.S. District Court Judge Sara Ellis.
What you need to know, for @wttw.bsky.social:
What you need to know, for @wttw.bsky.social:
Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino, Who Fired Tear Gas at Little Village Crowd, Set to Face Federal Judge
U.S. District Court Judge Sara Ellis ordered Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino to appear in her courtroom at the Dirksen Federal Building in downtown Chicago at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
news.wttw.com
October 28, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Solid play-by-play on Bovino's hearing today by @heathercherone.bsky.social
"Ellis told Bovino that she wanted to see him every day during the immigration operation so he could report to her on any incidents that occurred.
'Yes, ma’am,' Bovino said."
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/28/j...
📝 @minabloom.bsky.social
'Yes, ma’am,' Bovino said."
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/28/j...
📝 @minabloom.bsky.social
Judge Blasts Border Patrol Boss Greg Bovino For Violating Excessive Force Order
“Kids dressed in Halloween costumes walking to a parade do not pose an immediate threat to the safety of a law enforcement officer,” U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis told Bovino during a court hearing T...
blockclubchicago.org
October 28, 2025 at 5:23 PM
"Ellis told Bovino that she wanted to see him every day during the immigration operation so he could report to her on any incidents that occurred.
'Yes, ma’am,' Bovino said."
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/28/j...
📝 @minabloom.bsky.social
'Yes, ma’am,' Bovino said."
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/28/j...
📝 @minabloom.bsky.social
Reposted by Crystal Paul
“Tricia McLaughlin said protesters “shot at agents” with fireworks and threw objects at agents [and] Agents...gave protesters multiple warnings.
The video of the incident does not show protesters throwing rocks or fireworks at agents, nor can agents be heard warning protesters.”
The video of the incident does not show protesters throwing rocks or fireworks at agents, nor can agents be heard warning protesters.”
Border Patrol Boss Bovino Tear-Gasses Chicago Crowd, Violating Judge’s Order, Lawyers Say
New video shows Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino tossing a tear gas canister toward people in Little Village Thursday. Attorneys in an ongoing lawsuit over force against peaceful protesters say Bovino ...
blockclubchicago.org
October 24, 2025 at 5:18 PM
“Tricia McLaughlin said protesters “shot at agents” with fireworks and threw objects at agents [and] Agents...gave protesters multiple warnings.
The video of the incident does not show protesters throwing rocks or fireworks at agents, nor can agents be heard warning protesters.”
The video of the incident does not show protesters throwing rocks or fireworks at agents, nor can agents be heard warning protesters.”
News outlets were nearly unanimous in rejecting new rules imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that would leave journalists vulnerable to expulsion if they sought to report on information — classified or otherwise — that had not been approved by Hegseth for release.
apnews.com/article/pent...
apnews.com/article/pent...
Journalists turn in access badges, exit Pentagon rather than agree to new reporting rules
Journalists at the Pentagon turned in access badges and cleaned out their workspaces, the price for refusing to agree to new restrictions on their jobs at the seat of U.S. military power.
apnews.com
October 15, 2025 at 11:52 PM
News outlets were nearly unanimous in rejecting new rules imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that would leave journalists vulnerable to expulsion if they sought to report on information — classified or otherwise — that had not been approved by Hegseth for release.
apnews.com/article/pent...
apnews.com/article/pent...
The latest on Chicago's "worst landowner" from Mina Bloom and @ctoner.bsky.social.
"Nobody wanted most of the properties... That leaves the city without the money it anticipated and homeowners still saddled with weed-strewn vacant lots."
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/15/h...
"Nobody wanted most of the properties... That leaves the city without the money it anticipated and homeowners still saddled with weed-strewn vacant lots."
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/15/h...
Hundreds Of Lots Owned By 'City's Worst Landowner' Went Up For Sale. But Only A Fraction Have Sold
Parcels that belonged to Suzie B. Wilson and her sister accumulated $15 million in city fines for rat-related violations. Hundreds are still sitting empty without any promise of redevelopment.
blockclubchicago.org
October 15, 2025 at 1:20 PM
The latest on Chicago's "worst landowner" from Mina Bloom and @ctoner.bsky.social.
"Nobody wanted most of the properties... That leaves the city without the money it anticipated and homeowners still saddled with weed-strewn vacant lots."
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/15/h...
"Nobody wanted most of the properties... That leaves the city without the money it anticipated and homeowners still saddled with weed-strewn vacant lots."
blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/15/h...
Reposted by Crystal Paul
This CPD memo went out 1:53 p.m. today. Feds deployed gas, that we know of, on October 3 in Logan Square, October 4 in Brighton Park, October 12 in Albany Park, and October 14 (today) in East Side.
CPD memo to officers today: helmet and gas mask available and accessible at all times, to be read at 7 days of roll calls. (For officers assigned masks.) Supervisors to ensure compliance acc to the memo. #chicago
October 14, 2025 at 9:15 PM
This CPD memo went out 1:53 p.m. today. Feds deployed gas, that we know of, on October 3 in Logan Square, October 4 in Brighton Park, October 12 in Albany Park, and October 14 (today) in East Side.
An interesting follow-up to our "Making it in Chicago" reporting on ADUs in Chicago.
After years of stalled progress, thousands more homeowners will be able to build coach houses...as long as their alderperson approves it
@alexnitkin.bsky.social reports.
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/25/c...
After years of stalled progress, thousands more homeowners will be able to build coach houses...as long as their alderperson approves it
@alexnitkin.bsky.social reports.
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/25/c...
‘Granny Flats’ Poised For Expansion — But Only in Neighborhoods Where Alderpeople Allow Them
The new law will allow more coach house construction and conversions but will likely create confusion and increase costs, advocates say.
illinoisanswers.org
September 26, 2025 at 3:09 PM
An interesting follow-up to our "Making it in Chicago" reporting on ADUs in Chicago.
After years of stalled progress, thousands more homeowners will be able to build coach houses...as long as their alderperson approves it
@alexnitkin.bsky.social reports.
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/25/c...
After years of stalled progress, thousands more homeowners will be able to build coach houses...as long as their alderperson approves it
@alexnitkin.bsky.social reports.
illinoisanswers.org/2025/09/25/c...
"Whatever else we have going on in our newsroom, investigations have to be a priority." - Todd Eschman
Now: Todd Eschman, EIC at Belleville News Democrat (BND) in downstate IL on"Investigations from a small newsroom perspective"
BND had 67 journalists less than a decade ago. Today? 9.
"Enterprising journalism has to be baked into the culture of the newsroom."
illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
BND had 67 journalists less than a decade ago. Today? 9.
"Enterprising journalism has to be baked into the culture of the newsroom."
illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
September 18, 2025 at 6:51 PM
"Whatever else we have going on in our newsroom, investigations have to be a priority." - Todd Eschman
Now: Todd Eschman, EIC at Belleville News Democrat (BND) in downstate IL on"Investigations from a small newsroom perspective"
BND had 67 journalists less than a decade ago. Today? 9.
"Enterprising journalism has to be baked into the culture of the newsroom."
illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
BND had 67 journalists less than a decade ago. Today? 9.
"Enterprising journalism has to be baked into the culture of the newsroom."
illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
September 18, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Now: Todd Eschman, EIC at Belleville News Democrat (BND) in downstate IL on"Investigations from a small newsroom perspective"
BND had 67 journalists less than a decade ago. Today? 9.
"Enterprising journalism has to be baked into the culture of the newsroom."
illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
BND had 67 journalists less than a decade ago. Today? 9.
"Enterprising journalism has to be baked into the culture of the newsroom."
illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
Great insights at our "Investigate the State" virtual conference.
Right now: "How to cover Indian Country (and other communities) when there isn't any official data" with Mary Hudetz & Dianna Hunt
"I treat every investigation as a mini-beat." - @maryhudetz.bsky.social
Right now: "How to cover Indian Country (and other communities) when there isn't any official data" with Mary Hudetz & Dianna Hunt
"I treat every investigation as a mini-beat." - @maryhudetz.bsky.social
September 18, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Great insights at our "Investigate the State" virtual conference.
Right now: "How to cover Indian Country (and other communities) when there isn't any official data" with Mary Hudetz & Dianna Hunt
"I treat every investigation as a mini-beat." - @maryhudetz.bsky.social
Right now: "How to cover Indian Country (and other communities) when there isn't any official data" with Mary Hudetz & Dianna Hunt
"I treat every investigation as a mini-beat." - @maryhudetz.bsky.social
Reposted by Crystal Paul
Our Investigate the State conference is up and running! If you didn't register, you can still sign up and join this free, virtual conference here: illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
September 18, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Our Investigate the State conference is up and running! If you didn't register, you can still sign up and join this free, virtual conference here: illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
Last chance to register! Come for one session or stay for the whole day.
We'll see you there!
We'll see you there!
Our *virtual* conference is this Thursday. Check out the program and come through for any sessions that interest you. See you soon!
illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...
Investigate the State
Thinking of expanding your coverage to statewide audiences? Looking for partnerships with newsrooms in your community or even statewide? Interested in how news outlets around the Midwest are confronti...
illinoisanswers.org
September 17, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Last chance to register! Come for one session or stay for the whole day.
We'll see you there!
We'll see you there!