Amy Yee

1 week ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Amy Yee

We break down complex business news to help you understand how money moves in Chicago and how it affects you. More than 100 people in need are expected to attend Passover dinners this weekend, offered by Friends of Refugees of Eastern Europe Chicago at itssynagogue in Rogers Park in collaboration with Bubby Firas Food Bank.

2 weeks ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Amy Yee

Jewelry company Catbird will open a store in Lincoln Park on Thursday as part of a nationwide expansion from its Brooklyn, New York base. Catbird, founded in 2004, is known for minimalist jewelry such as knuckle rings, thin stacking rings for $54 and up and customizable chains and charms . The company has a following in Chicago through its pop-up events held over the years, said Sriya Karumanchi, vice president of marketing at Catbird.

3 weeks ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Amy Yee

When the COVID-19 pandemic set in five years ago, businesses faced unprecedented circumstances. Under government stay-at-home orders, some unexpectedly shifted to virtual services. For others, revenues plummeted and they scrambled to help employees. Businesses pivoted constantly. Companies rode relentless waves of rapid change, as illustrated in these snapshots of three Chicago area companies: a pet sitting company, psychotherapy practice and a health information startup.

3 weeks ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Amy Yee

A large majority of workers at Tony’s Fresh Market voted against unionizing last week, dealing a major blow to organizers andLocal 881 United Food and Commercial Workers, the union that sought to represent them. Nearly 2,000 workers at 21 Tony’s stores in Chicago and the suburbs were eligible to vote Mar. 25-27. Out of 1,720 ballots counted, 605 voted for unionizing while 1,115 voted against, according to results filed with the National Labor Relations Board.

3 weeks ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Amy Yee

As a journalist, I’ve been fortunate enough to write about many projects supported by the U.S. Agency for International Development, from Bangladesh, India, Senegal and other countries. A recent opinion piece by a former USAID employee makes an excellent case for why international aid helps those in need — and also creates a more stable, safer world, including for U.S. citizens. But in less than two months, an agency established by President John F.