iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 9h

Block Club Beer is here! 🍻 Thanks to Marz Community Brewing for supporting our nonprofit neighborhood newsroom. The beer's can pays homage to Chicago urban animals featured in some of @blockclubchi.bsky.social's most popular stories over the years, and is illustrated by local artist Ryan Duggan.

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

WOW! A huge thank you to the staff, volunteers, vendors, performers, sponsors, Half Acre Beer & the 2,300! of you who showed up to make @blockclubchi.bsky.social's 3rd annual Block Party a success! Thanks to you, we raised $50,000! More about the magical day: blockclubchicago.org/2026/10/14/b...

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Plus, if you subscribe at the $100 level, you unlock access to our “Our River, Our City” T-shirt, a design made exclusively for Block Club’s 8th birthday and chosen by nearly 2,000 readers. SUBSCRIBE: blockclubchicago.org/2026bday/ DONATE: blockclubchicago.org/happy-8th-bi...

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

8 years ago, laid-off journalists launched @blockclubchi.bsky.social. Since then, we've told 31,000 stories. We’ve grown from 8 to 42 full-time staffers. Our reporting has changed laws, led to criminal charges + uplifted. And we outlived our billionaire-owned predecessor. Thank you, Chicago. 🙏

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Added a new title to my resume: Mom of 4. I’ll be slow to respond as I adjust to my new role. Got @blockclubchi.bsky.social-related tips/pitches/questions? Reach all of our editors at newsroom@blockclubchi.org.

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

New South Side newsletter alert: @blockclubchi.bsky.social's Beverly, Morgan Park, Mount Greenwood + Washington Heights newsletter is live! ✨ Curated by Beverly reporter + native @jimrlynch.bsky.social. Sign up for free here: blockclubchicago.org/newsletters/

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

The night included performances from mariachi Cielito Lindo and spoken word artist Paula "LaLa" Bolander, free meals from Los Comales and an immigrant-owned vendor market with the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to support small businesses. Mike Rivera provided photography.

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

Thanks to @ramirez.house.gov, Erendira Rendon of the Resurrection Project, Maria Orozco of the Street Vendors Association & Karina Martinez of the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council for sharing their experiences + @franciagarciah.bsky.social for moderating. TraducciónNow provided live translation.

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

Last month, @blockclubchi.bsky.social brought more than 200 neighbors together to reflect on the impact of immigration — & immigration enforcement — at Apollo's 2000 Theater in Little Village. A huge thank you to the many who came together to bring this powerful event to life. 👇

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Billionaires won’t save us. I learned that the hard way when a billionaire shuttered our newsroom overnight in 2017 and laid off 115 journalists.

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

@blockclubchi.bsky.social is bringing neighbors together to reflect on Operation Midway Blitz in Little Village. 📅6 PM 1/20 📍Apollo's 2000 🤝Mariachi. Food. Shop immigrant-owned businesses. Hear from ppl most impacted w/ @franciagarciah.bsky.social Free. RSVP: secure.everyaction.com/ar7Aboam10KQ...

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

We're thrilled to welcome reporter @jimrlynch.bsky.social, a Morgan Park native, to the @blockclubchi.bsky.social team, expanding our full-time coverage to Beverly, Mount Greenwood, Morgan Park + Washington Heights. Send him your tips at jim@blockclubchi.org!

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

On Giving Tuesday, I'm asking you to support our nonprofit newsroom @blockclubchi.bsky.social. Every dollar donated will go straight to the reporters who help tell your neighborhood stories w/ accuracy, care + courage. Donate to support news that serves you first: blockclubchicago.org/cye-2025/

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 28/11/2025

Happy Black Friday! Amazon doesn't need your support this season. The small businesses that are the backbone of your community do. 🎁 @blockclubchi.bsky.social's 19 neighborhood-specific guides make it easy to shop local w/ hundreds of gift ideas: newsletter.blockclubchi.org/index.php?ac...

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

The @blockclubchi.bsky.social print deal you are obsessed w/ is back! 😍 Subscribe today + get a free neighborhood print of your choice by @chgohoods.bsky.social. 75+ to choose from, inc. a new Chicago dive bars print. Support local news + subscribe here: blockclubchicago.org/subscribe-pr...

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

We're stronger together. A huge thank you to the Executives' Club of Chicago and Press Forward Chicago for having me to talk all-things @blockclubchi.bsky.social alongside some of the leaders who make Chicago's news ecosystem one of the strongest in the country. ✨

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 05/11/2025

The pace of immigration enforcement news in Chicago is relentless. A huge thank you to @yanak.bsky.social of @azluminaria.org for sending the @blockclubchi.bsky.social team donuts in appreciation of their hard work on the ground. The support of our fellow journalists + readers will carry us through

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

So proud of the @blockclubchi.bsky.social team! We're nominated for 12 Chicago Journalists Association awards, inc. Best Immigration Coverage. We do this for our readers, not awards. But it's an honor to be nominated. Thanks for trusting us w/ your stories chicagojournalists.net/2025/10/31/c...

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

Tomorrow! Looking forward to this conversation The Executives’ Club of Chicago presents: Bylines & Bottom Lines: The New Rules of Journalism 4-6:30 PM Tuesday, Nov. 4 Loyola University Chicago, 111 E. Pearson St. Register: www.executivesclub.org/events/bylin... Discount code: BYLINESMEM

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

The Executives’ Club of Chicago presents: Bylines & Bottom Lines: The New Rules of Journalism 4-6:30 PM Nov. 4, 2025 Loyola University Chicago, 111 E. Pearson St. Register: lnkd.in/g2XgvP6G DISCOUNT CODE: BYLINESMEM Looking forward to this discussion w/ stellar fellow panelists

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 07/10/2025

In a note to @blockclubchi.bsky.social readers, I explain why we joined the lawsuit to protect Chicago journalists — and why this step isn't political & shouldn't be viewed as controversial: newsletter.blockclubchi.org/index.php?ac...

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 29/09/2025

Overwhelmed by all of the ICE news? @quinnmyers.bsky.social gets you caught up in 90 seconds for @blockclubchi.bsky.social: www.tiktok.com/@blockclubch...

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 11/09/2025

We're doing it again — mark your calendars! Join us for the 2nd annual @blockclubchi.bsky.social Block Party 🎉 📅Saturday, Oct. 4 📍 Half Acre Beer Co. 🎶 Live DJs, entertainment, kids activities, local vendors, food + drinks 🤑 FREE RSVP or get VIP tickets here: partywithblockclub.org

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Wonder what was happening in the West Loop 10 years ago?

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

PSA: Today is the last day to apply for AAJA Chicago's fall internship at @blockclubchi.bsky.social! Apply here: form.jotform.com/251495093751...

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

To those of you who have believed in @blockclubchi.bsky.social since the beginning, or subscribed, donated, sent news tips, shared your story, + complimented or critiqued us along the way, thank you for 7 incredible years. And here's to many more!

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

We’re also offering our new “Democracy Requires A Free Press” shirt to subscribers or donors who come in at the $100 level. SUBSCRIBE: blockclubchicago.org/birthday-sub... DONATE: blockclubchicago.org/happy-7th-bi...

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Every day, @blockclubchi.bsky.social is empowering you, our neighbors, to help each other and help make our city a better place. But there is so much more work to be done.

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Seven years ago, planning a new nonprofit newsroom out of coffee shops + a 10x10 office, we didn’t know if @blockclubchi.bsky.social would work. But our readers had our backs. 📷: @jkimpictures.bsky.social

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

7 years ago today, laid-off DNAinfo journalists launched @blockclubchi.bsky.social. Since then, we've told nearly 28,000 stories. We’ve grown from 8 to nearly 40 full-time staffers. And our reporting has changed laws, led to criminal charges + uplifted our city. Thank you, Chicago. 🙏

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

For @blockclubchi.bsky.social's 7th birthday, we're debuting a new "Democracy Requires A Free Press" shirt. It's inspired by a reader who put our mission into a 5-word note. 2 ways to get it: Subscribe at $100: blockclubchicago.org/birthday-sub... Donate $100: blockclubchicago.org/happy-7th-bi...

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

📢 DREAM JOB ALERT: @blockclubchi.bsky.social is hiring an Investigative Editor to help lead our award-winning investigative team, The Watch. Deadline: 6/27 Learn how to apply here: blockclubchicago.org/were-hiring-...

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Grateful to the University of Illinois College of Media for this honor — and for all my alma mater has poured into me. media.illinois.edu/journalism-a...

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

Was honored to participate in a conversation on "Engaging In A Divided Society" w/ my alma mater + the Suburban Illini Club. Read Q&A excerpts here: media.illinois.edu/excerpts-fro...

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

Congratulations to Illini Media for launching their new food-focused publication, Chambana Eats! It's Illini Media's first newsroom where students lead + learn alongside professional journalists. See the site: chambanaeats.com Get the newsletter: lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/D7lOi7T?f...

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 09/04/2025

Exciting news: @blockclubchi.bsky.social is launching a food + drink newsletter! 🍕🍻 Block Club Eats drops next week, serving up Chicago food news, features + hidden gems from our hungry neighborhood reporters. Sign up now to get it delivered every Monday: buff.ly/c5Ysha0

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

Thanks to everyone who voted @blockclubchi.bsky.social Best Newsletter + Best Indie Site in @chicagoreader.com's “Best Of” guide! Sign up for our free newsletter: blockclubchicago.org/newsletters/ And support the Reader: donorbox.org/save-the-chi....

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

📢 @blockclubchi.bsky.social is hiring paid summer interns in Chicago! 💡 Explore news that interests you 🤝 Work closely with our supportive team of reporters & editors 💰 Pay is $22/hour Deadline 4/7. Learn how to apply here: buff.ly/FcFOMeQ

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

It was honor to share @blockclubchi.bsky.social origin story + lessons we've learned in building a sustainable nonprofit newsroom w/ leading climate journalists at a summit in Chicago this week. Thank you, @macfound.bsky.social, for convening the group + Impact Architects for facilitating!

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 20/03/2025

Happy first day of spring, Chicago!

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

30-something! Grateful for another year around the sun.

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

Catch me on @wgnradio.bsky.social at 9:39 A.M. today (Thursday) talking Chicago's biggest stories w/ Bob Sirott. Tune to 720-AM or listen live here: player.amperwave.net/3614

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

Whether you've backed @blockclubchi.bsky.social since that fateful day or subscribed in the years since, you've played a big part in our nonprofit newsroom's story. If this work matters to you, consider supporting it. Subscribe: blockclubchicago.org/subscribe/ Donate: blockclubchicago.org/donate/

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

Since then, other local newsrooms and news programs have surpassed @blockclubchi.bsky.social's @kickstarter.com record, including @gothamist.com + @chicagoreader.com. We continue to believe people will pay for news that is relevant to their lives, and this is more evidence of it.

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

7 years ago today, @blockclubchi.bsky.social became the most funded local journalism @kickstarter.com in U.S. history. Since then, we've told 26,000 stories. Grew from a staff of 8 to 38. Outlived our billionaire-owned predecessor. It happened bc 3,143 backers supported us. Thank you 🙏

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 28/02/2025

Today is the last day of Black History Month. I'm proud of the stories @blockclubchi.bsky.social told to shine a light on Black Chicagoans + how their activism, art + ingenuity helped build this city + country. Check them out on Black History Is Chicago History: blockclubchicago.org/black-history/

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

When asked why it was advertised as a public meeting + why two other reporters were not asked to leave, Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez dismissed Francia’s concerns, saying it is a “tragedy” when “corporate media” centers a story “around some sort of First Amendment rights that are being made up.”

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

The notice advertising the event called it a “public meeting.” It was held in a public school. Public officials were in attendance. And they were there to discuss public business — the bar had been shut down by police after a deadly shooting outside + outcry from neighbors.

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

NEXT WEEK: Excited to participate in this conversation hosted by my alma mater + the Suburban Illini Club w/ Leon Dash, Colleen King, Dan Balz + dean Dr. Tracy Sulkin. 📅 6-7 PM Feb. 25 📍 Free on Zoom. More info + register: ow.ly/yMZN50UM355

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Stephanie Lulay @slulay2.bsky.social · 20/12/2024

A month ago, we got a tip from a reader who'd had a delightful run-in w/ a 94-year-old man working at Midway Airport. "He'd make a fascinating subject for a ... story." @blockclubchi.bsky.social tracked him down. Meet Robert Garrison, the holiday hero we need: blockclubchicago.org/2024/12/20/9...

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