Mariah Rush
@mariahrush21.bsky.social
retail reporter for @chicago.suntimes.com | [email protected]
hello chicago-area parents + teachers, @chicago.suntimes.com reporter here!! If you've been school supplies shopping recently (online or in person) I'd love to hear from you. bonus points if you know how much $$ you spent!! message me here or email me at [email protected] :)
August 4, 2026 at 10:20 PM
hello chicago-area parents + teachers, @chicago.suntimes.com reporter here!! If you've been school supplies shopping recently (online or in person) I'd love to hear from you. bonus points if you know how much $$ you spent!! message me here or email me at [email protected] :)
Reposted by Mariah Rush
Looking for coffee at the Obama Presidential Center? The '44 Reserve' blend has 40-year Chicago legacy chicago.suntimes.com/small-busine... by @mariahrush.bsky.social
Looking for coffee at the Obama Presidential Center? The '44 Reserve' blend has 40-year Chicago legacy
Lower West Side company Color Me Coffee was chosen as the sole coffee supplier for the newly opened Obama Presidential Center.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 9, 2026 at 4:52 PM
Looking for coffee at the Obama Presidential Center? The '44 Reserve' blend has 40-year Chicago legacy chicago.suntimes.com/small-busine... by @mariahrush.bsky.social
Reposted by Mariah Rush
Man, we had QUESTIONS about the magnitude of this particular executive's death. He was a key liaison between the grocery company and the city.
Just last month we broke the story that the Save A Lot operator’s CEO had died.
Today we pubbed a story on how those seven Save A Lot stores are now set to close after Yellow Banana’s retail partner cut ties.
That leaves Chicago’s underserved residents without grocery access, once again.
Today we pubbed a story on how those seven Save A Lot stores are now set to close after Yellow Banana’s retail partner cut ties.
That leaves Chicago’s underserved residents without grocery access, once again.
July 21, 2026 at 8:27 PM
Man, we had QUESTIONS about the magnitude of this particular executive's death. He was a key liaison between the grocery company and the city.
Since 2022, I’ve been covering Save A Lot/Yellow Banana, starting w its first announcement as the city’s answer to help food deserts on Chicago’s West and South sides. @bylaurenfitz.bsky.social + I (kind of annoyingly) chronicled the company’s legal problems, debt and broken promises diligently.
July 21, 2026 at 8:25 PM
Since 2022, I’ve been covering Save A Lot/Yellow Banana, starting w its first announcement as the city’s answer to help food deserts on Chicago’s West and South sides. @bylaurenfitz.bsky.social + I (kind of annoyingly) chronicled the company’s legal problems, debt and broken promises diligently.
Baggu plans to open its second store in Chicago, this time in Lincoln Park: chicago.suntimes.com/small-busine...
Cult brand Baggu to open second Chicago store in Lincoln Park
The popular bag and accessories company opened its first Midwest store in Chicago two years ago, which drew hundreds of shoppers on its opening day.
chicago.suntimes.com
April 8, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Baggu plans to open its second store in Chicago, this time in Lincoln Park: chicago.suntimes.com/small-busine...
Reposted by Mariah Rush
Baggu, the California-based bag and accessories brand, plans to expand its Chicago footprint with a second store in Lincoln Park. The company opened its first Midwest store in Chicago two years ago, which drew hundreds of shoppers on its opening day.
Cult brand Baggu to open second Chicago store in Lincoln Park
chicago.suntimes.com
April 8, 2026 at 12:21 AM
Baggu, the California-based bag and accessories brand, plans to expand its Chicago footprint with a second store in Lincoln Park. The company opened its first Midwest store in Chicago two years ago, which drew hundreds of shoppers on its opening day.
Hellloooo I’m reporting from Jesse Jackson Jr.’s election night party for @chicago.suntimes.com, where he hopes to return to the 2nd Congressional District after a stint in prison.
Notably, it’s been exactly 1 month since his civil rights activist dad Rev. Jesse Jackson died.
follow along⬇️
Notably, it’s been exactly 1 month since his civil rights activist dad Rev. Jesse Jackson died.
follow along⬇️
March 18, 2026 at 1:05 AM
Hellloooo I’m reporting from Jesse Jackson Jr.’s election night party for @chicago.suntimes.com, where he hopes to return to the 2nd Congressional District after a stint in prison.
Notably, it’s been exactly 1 month since his civil rights activist dad Rev. Jesse Jackson died.
follow along⬇️
Notably, it’s been exactly 1 month since his civil rights activist dad Rev. Jesse Jackson died.
follow along⬇️
Reposted by Mariah Rush
Eleven photo booths — six vintage-inspired digital and five vintage analog — are in the 2,000 square-foot space, the former home of Bellows Film Lab. Starting Feb. 6, people and pets alike are welcomed into the The Strip Club Photobooth Studio to pay $7 for a turn in a photobooth.
Vintage photobooth studio opens in Wicker Park for 'analog' fans
chicago.suntimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:16 AM
Eleven photo booths — six vintage-inspired digital and five vintage analog — are in the 2,000 square-foot space, the former home of Bellows Film Lab. Starting Feb. 6, people and pets alike are welcomed into the The Strip Club Photobooth Studio to pay $7 for a turn in a photobooth.
Reposted by Mariah Rush
When I go to Wicker Park, I feel a bit "vintage," too. Here's another return-to-analog story from @mariahrush.bsky.social.
Eleven photo booths — six vintage-inspired digital and five vintage analog — are in the 2,000 square-foot space, the former home of Bellows Film Lab. Starting Feb. 6, people and pets alike are welcomed into the The Strip Club Photobooth Studio to pay $7 for a turn in a photobooth.
Vintage photobooth studio opens in Wicker Park for 'analog' fans
chicago.suntimes.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:22 PM
When I go to Wicker Park, I feel a bit "vintage," too. Here's another return-to-analog story from @mariahrush.bsky.social.
never thought i’d be able to publish the phrase “celebratory cheese” but here we are !! chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2026/0...
Bears fans come together with the help of cheese graters, both real and fake
Bears fans could be seen shredding some cheese and wearing foam grater hats to celebrate the team's victory over the Packers.
chicago.suntimes.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:02 AM
never thought i’d be able to publish the phrase “celebratory cheese” but here we are !! chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2026/0...
Reposted by Mariah Rush
The nonprofit owner of the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ paid its outgoing CEO more than $900,000 in 2024, new tax filings show, as it engaged in staff cuts and other measures to deal with declining revenue.
Ex-CEO of Chicago Public Media saw $900,000 payout in 2024, IRS filings show
chicago.suntimes.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:46 AM
The nonprofit owner of the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ paid its outgoing CEO more than $900,000 in 2024, new tax filings show, as it engaged in staff cuts and other measures to deal with declining revenue.
This isn't theoretical: several Chicago stores told me they can't get pennies from banks anymore, even if they want them.
That's why you're seeing "exact change only" signs and new rounding rules pop up.
Business owners have yet to receive clear guidance from the gov on how to handle this.
That's why you're seeing "exact change only" signs and new rounding rules pop up.
Business owners have yet to receive clear guidance from the gov on how to handle this.
December 17, 2025 at 5:18 PM
This isn't theoretical: several Chicago stores told me they can't get pennies from banks anymore, even if they want them.
That's why you're seeing "exact change only" signs and new rounding rules pop up.
Business owners have yet to receive clear guidance from the gov on how to handle this.
That's why you're seeing "exact change only" signs and new rounding rules pop up.
Business owners have yet to receive clear guidance from the gov on how to handle this.
Reposted by Mariah Rush
Here's where to read the whole story by @dmihalopoulos.bsky.social and me, gorgeous photos by Anthony Vazquez and Candace Dane Chambers: chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
December 13, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Here's where to read the whole story by @dmihalopoulos.bsky.social and me, gorgeous photos by Anthony Vazquez and Candace Dane Chambers: chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
The U.S. has stopped making pennies — and Chicago businesses are already dealing with coin shortages, exact-change signs and rounding rules.
I reported on how stopping production of the "cultural icon" is playing out across the city👇
chicago.suntimes.com/money/2025/1...
I reported on how stopping production of the "cultural icon" is playing out across the city👇
chicago.suntimes.com/money/2025/1...
End of penny production has Chicago businesses facing coin shortage
Some experts say the death of the copper coin isn’t that big of a deal, but the recent end of penny production has led businesses to change their payment policy.
chicago.suntimes.com
December 17, 2025 at 4:38 PM
The U.S. has stopped making pennies — and Chicago businesses are already dealing with coin shortages, exact-change signs and rounding rules.
I reported on how stopping production of the "cultural icon" is playing out across the city👇
chicago.suntimes.com/money/2025/1...
I reported on how stopping production of the "cultural icon" is playing out across the city👇
chicago.suntimes.com/money/2025/1...
Curtis Berry didn't want to give up his dog, Seven. But Seven had a severe ear infection that would cost $1K to treat, and Berry couldn't afford the bill.
chicago.suntimes.com/money/2025/0...
chicago.suntimes.com/money/2025/0...
Pet owner surrender rates are up, overwhelming Chicago shelters
More people have been giving up their dogs and cats, citing a tough economy and housing restrictions. The surge is putting a strain on pet shelters and rescue centers.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 29, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Curtis Berry didn't want to give up his dog, Seven. But Seven had a severe ear infection that would cost $1K to treat, and Berry couldn't afford the bill.
chicago.suntimes.com/money/2025/0...
chicago.suntimes.com/money/2025/0...
Reposted by Mariah Rush
Sad sign of the times: More pet owners are giving up their dogs and cats because they can’t afford their care or high pet fees from their landlord.
Great reporting by @mariahrush.bsky.social
Reminder: Still no paywall at the nonprofit Chicago Sun-Times!
chicago.suntimes.com/money/2025/0...
Great reporting by @mariahrush.bsky.social
Reminder: Still no paywall at the nonprofit Chicago Sun-Times!
chicago.suntimes.com/money/2025/0...
Pet owner surrender rates are up, overwhelming Chicago shelters
More people have been giving up their dogs and cats, citing a tough economy and housing restrictions. The surge is putting a strain on pet shelters and rescue centers.
chicago.suntimes.com
July 28, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Sad sign of the times: More pet owners are giving up their dogs and cats because they can’t afford their care or high pet fees from their landlord.
Great reporting by @mariahrush.bsky.social
Reminder: Still no paywall at the nonprofit Chicago Sun-Times!
chicago.suntimes.com/money/2025/0...
Great reporting by @mariahrush.bsky.social
Reminder: Still no paywall at the nonprofit Chicago Sun-Times!
chicago.suntimes.com/money/2025/0...
Reposted by Mariah Rush
Tom Liravongsa — or as social media knows him, Tom the Skyscraper Guy — has millions of views on videos about the 38-story tower that he purchased in 2023. He's determined to create apartments while maintaining the Gothic and art deco architecture.
Chicago landmark Pittsfield Building went viral on TikTok. Meet the guy who made it happen.
Tom Liravongsa — or as social media knows him, Tom the Skyscraper Guy — has racked up millions of views on videos about the 38-story tower that he purchased in 2023.
buff.ly
May 30, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Tom Liravongsa — or as social media knows him, Tom the Skyscraper Guy — has millions of views on videos about the 38-story tower that he purchased in 2023. He's determined to create apartments while maintaining the Gothic and art deco architecture.
Once the tallest skyscraper in Chicago, the Pittsfield Building has drawn in millions of views on social media. “Tom the Skyscraper Guy” tells us how and why he’s turned the building into viral content: chicago.suntimes.com/real-estate/...
Chicago landmark Pittsfield Building went viral on TikTok. Meet the guy who made it happen.
Tom Liravongsa — or as social media knows him, Tom the Skyscraper Guy — has racked up millions of views on videos about the 38-story tower that he purchased in 2023.
chicago.suntimes.com
May 30, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Once the tallest skyscraper in Chicago, the Pittsfield Building has drawn in millions of views on social media. “Tom the Skyscraper Guy” tells us how and why he’s turned the building into viral content: chicago.suntimes.com/real-estate/...
Bucktown's newest exclusive social club includes a co-working lounge with craft brews on tap, a hair and nail salon + outdoor patios with a firepit. But its main focus is on dogs.
More about Pup Social, for @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/small-busine...
More about Pup Social, for @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/small-busine...
Members-only club for dog owners opening in Bucktown
Founder Aly Udartseva created Pup Social because she wanted a place offering amenities to dogs and their owners from an off-leash supervised dog park to a nail and hair salon for their owners.
chicago.suntimes.com
May 28, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Bucktown's newest exclusive social club includes a co-working lounge with craft brews on tap, a hair and nail salon + outdoor patios with a firepit. But its main focus is on dogs.
More about Pup Social, for @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/small-busine...
More about Pup Social, for @chicago.suntimes.com: chicago.suntimes.com/small-busine...
Western apparel shops around Chicago have seen a boost in sales since the BeyHive came to town.
"God bless Beyoncé," said Alcala's co-owner:
chicago.suntimes.com/small-busine...
"God bless Beyoncé," said Alcala's co-owner:
chicago.suntimes.com/small-busine...
Beyoncé's Chicago concerts had the BeyHive swarming shops like Alcala's Western Wear
The singer was in town performing at Soldier Field as part of her Cowboy Carter tour, and it meant concertgoers were looking to don their best western gear.
chicago.suntimes.com
May 20, 2025 at 5:38 PM
Western apparel shops around Chicago have seen a boost in sales since the BeyHive came to town.
"God bless Beyoncé," said Alcala's co-owner:
chicago.suntimes.com/small-busine...
"God bless Beyoncé," said Alcala's co-owner:
chicago.suntimes.com/small-busine...
Reposted by Mariah Rush
Beyoncé's Chicago concerts at Soldier Field fueled a sales frenzy by her fans at Alcala's Western Wear, doubling their usual best weekend revenue.
Beyoncé's Chicago concerts had the BeyHive swarming shops like Alcala's Western Wear
The singer was in town performing at Soldier Field as part of her Cowboy Carter tour, and it meant concertgoers were looking to don their best western gear.
buff.ly
May 19, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Beyoncé's Chicago concerts at Soldier Field fueled a sales frenzy by her fans at Alcala's Western Wear, doubling their usual best weekend revenue.
Reposted by Mariah Rush
Save A Lot owners get extension on city-funded deal but pattern emerges of missed deadlines, lawsuits. Contractors — including a Latina-owned painting company in Chicago — have filed liens to get paid. chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
Save A Lot owners get extension on city-funded deal but pattern emerges of missed deadlines, lawsuits
While residents in neighborhoods like West Lawn waited years for the promised stores, the owners of Yellow Banana were racking up business and personal problems.
chicago.suntimes.com
April 11, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Save A Lot owners get extension on city-funded deal but pattern emerges of missed deadlines, lawsuits. Contractors — including a Latina-owned painting company in Chicago — have filed liens to get paid. chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
Reposted by Mariah Rush
Our series on several odd, shocking, unprovoked attacks in downtown Chicago has finally posted in full on this landing page:
(Note: the Chicago Sun-Times has no paywall.)
(1/9)
chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
(Note: the Chicago Sun-Times has no paywall.)
(1/9)
chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
How the failures of a mental health system can have deadly consequences
An investigation into how the failures of a mental health system can have deadly consequences.
chicago.suntimes.com
April 11, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Our series on several odd, shocking, unprovoked attacks in downtown Chicago has finally posted in full on this landing page:
(Note: the Chicago Sun-Times has no paywall.)
(1/9)
chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
(Note: the Chicago Sun-Times has no paywall.)
(1/9)
chicago.suntimes.com/the-watchdog...
Reposted by Mariah Rush
#ICYMI: Trump targets day cares, children’s programs for massive cuts//Chicago families, preschool providers fear prospect of vital services shutting down, potentially leaving thousands of kids without support. chicago.suntimes.com/education/20...
Trump targets day cares, children’s programs for massive cuts
Chicago families, preschool providers fear prospect of vital services shutting down, potentially leaving thousands of kids without support.
chicago.suntimes.com
April 7, 2025 at 2:23 PM
#ICYMI: Trump targets day cares, children’s programs for massive cuts//Chicago families, preschool providers fear prospect of vital services shutting down, potentially leaving thousands of kids without support. chicago.suntimes.com/education/20...
“People who wore the uniform shouldn’t be living in shelters and shouldn’t be living on the street,” said Doyle, founder of Veteran Roasters, which employs only homeless, at-risk veterans.
chicago.suntimes.com/work/2025/04...
chicago.suntimes.com/work/2025/04...
Coffee roastery and cafe staffed by military vets has big plans for South Side expansion
Veteran Roasters, a nonprofit with cafes in the Loop and at O'Hare, is getting ready to open a 16,000 square-foot brewpub and cafe in Pullman.
chicago.suntimes.com
April 7, 2025 at 2:43 PM
“People who wore the uniform shouldn’t be living in shelters and shouldn’t be living on the street,” said Doyle, founder of Veteran Roasters, which employs only homeless, at-risk veterans.
chicago.suntimes.com/work/2025/04...
chicago.suntimes.com/work/2025/04...