Noon Business Hour on WBBM Newsradio

A breakdown of today's big government jobs report, how an enslaved pitmaster's recipes became a celebrated American barbecue legacy, and a local business leader expanding access to affordable solar power.

Retirement balances are hitting record highs - and although it might be tempting to tap into that money, experts warn financially squeezed savers to think twice before raiding their accounts. Professional beach volleyball takes over Chicago's Oak Street Beach this weekend for the 2026 AVP League Championships, and Tesla prepares to reveal its latest vision for fully driverless transportation.

The cost of buying a new car has become prohibitive for many people—making used vehicles an attractive alternative, Chicago's craft beer boom is losing its fizz, and some experts say the job market is dead—and it's not coming back.

Some experts say the job market is dead - and it's not coming back. Rick Cobb, founder of the Chicago workplace consulting firm 2-Discern, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Starting early when saving for a kid's education is key, a look at how some travel influencers stretch the truth, and what's behind the explosion of sports tourism as fans turn away games, fantasy drafts and major events into full-scale destination weekends.

Sports tourism is exploding - as fans turn "Away-Games" - fantasy drafts - and major events into full-scale destination weekends. Angie Rice, Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors based in Scottsdale, Arizona joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

From kindergarten drop-off to college move-in day - it happens much faster than most parents expect - and having a plan to pay for it all is key. Sandi Bragar - Chief Client Officer and Partner at Aspiriant in San Francisco joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

A preview of the busy week ahead on Wall Street, how some friendships can put pressure on your finances, and planning your own farewell could spare your family stress when it matters most.

Chicago home prices have risen faster over the past year than in any other major U.S. city, hundreds of classic cars roll into Berwyn for a Route 66 centennial celebration, and Michigan Avenue's newest attraction turns quick thinking into a full-body sport.

Shares of Nvidia rally after another blockbuster quarter reassured investors that the artificial-intelligence boom remains intact; new moms face a difficult choice between career momentum and precious time with their babies; and everyday accessories are becoming powerful tools for tracking health and wellness.

Facebook parent Meta settles a landmark social media addiction case; why every household should conduct a financial fire drill; and 'tis the season for apple, cinnamon and pumpkin flavors - but waiting for sweater weather could mean you're already too late.

'Tis the season for apple, cinnamon and pumpkin flavors in beer and spirits - but if you wait for sweater weather, you may already be too late. Carly Katz, owner of Bottles and Cans in Chicago's Edgebrook neighborhood, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain.

As relationships develop, couples must decide whether to combine their finances - but for older couples, that decision can be more complicated. Shane Gornik, financial advisor at Forefront Financial Planning in Lisle, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

If an emergency left you unable to manage your finances, would someone else know what to do? Why every household should conduct a financial fire drill - and how to make sure yours is prepared. Craig Bolanos, co-founder and wealth advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners in Inverness and Downers Grove, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

A proposed O'Hare Flyer could transform Chicago travel, more travelers are looking beyond the usual vacation hot spots for new places to explore, and no cross-country commitment is required for a four-day Illinois Route 66 adventure.

After last year's magical run - there's a ton of buzz surrounding the Bears as they prepare to take the next step this season, Hawthorne Race Course could become the next battleground over data center development, and a pair of investment ideas from a money pro.

A look at how personalized pricing takes dynamic pricing to a new level - using your personal data to determine the price you pay, why consumers are rediscovering the experience of owning physical media, and how a century-old family business keeps a Greektown tradition burning through four generations - and its iconic hand-dipped candles.

Opposition to massive A-I data centers is spreading across communities nationwide, a look at the new rules of job hopping - and whether switching still pays - and after years of predictions that e-commerce would kill brick-and-mortar retail, physical stores remain strategically important.

Opposition to massive A-I data centers is spreading across communities nationwide - and with the midterm elections approaching, it's becoming a bipartisan political issue. Andrew Busch, economic futurist at AndrewBusch.com in Charlotte, North Carolina, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

There are a host of common grocery shopping habits that are quietly draining budgets, Amazon's delivery drones are preparing for their biggest takeoff yet, and what first-time buyers need to know before starting their home search.

There are a host of common grocery shopping habits that are quietly draining budgets - from impulse buying and bulk mistakes to wasted memberships. Chicago-based business reporter Jennifer Waters joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

If you want to make your next vacation more adventurous - let the kids take control, turn a few dollars a week into a well-deserved day just for you, and discover haunted houses, roller coasters and fall fun at theme parks across the country.

It's spooky season - and theme parks across the country - including Disney and Universal, and even Six Flags Great America locally - are transforming Halloween into the perfect excuse for a fall getaway. Melissa McCallister, President and Owner of Ticket-to-Ride Inc. in Park Ridge, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

A look at the busy week ahead on Wall Street, why shoppers are showing up but sometimes feel like nobody is interested in helping out, and why doing less with your investments could make you more money.

Americans pulled back on retail spending last month as consumer confidence weakened - raising new concerns about the health of the consumer-driven economy, a grassroots consumer movement is growing across the country, and an Army Golden Knight takes his skills into life after the military.

People have been saying for years that Social Security is going to run out of money - our guest explains why that's not actually the case. Plus, a look at Gen Z embracing retro technology and the growing use of AI to conduct job interviews.

Gen Z is going retro - embracing dumb phones, old game consoles and vintage gadgets as younger consumers seek simpler, less-connected technology. Paul Hochman, President of Humongous Media joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Latest reading on inflation, from empty offices to apartments - a look at the transformation underway across downtown Chicago, and before you pull the trigger on that big financial decision - take 24 hours to think it over.

Severe storms can bring down trees, quickly turning it into a busy time for local tree-cutting services. Eric Grossnickle, Arborist for Bartlett Tree Experts here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

A preview of the busy week ahead on Wall Street. The calendar says summer, but the shelves say fall. We look at why pumpkin spice season is already making its debut, plus a pair of investment ideas from a money pro.

A breakdown of today's key government jobs report, a look at a quarter century of Chicago innovation, and the disappearing fitting room - and why critics say the trend could backfire.

A look at the turnaround of Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Adults-only dining is gaining support, and you may not realize just how closely your boss is watching you.

As workplace technology evolves, more employers are using digital tools to monitor employee activity, raising new questions about privacy, trust, and productivity. And yes, your boss is likely watching you. Rick Cobb, Founder of the workplace consulting firm 2-Discern here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Smart ways to help grandchildren financially without creating entitlement, why Portillo's is looking outside the company to get back on track, and how to keep generosity from turning into financial hardship.

Helping family and friends feels generous, but without financial boundaries, good intentions can put your own long-term financial security at risk. Jonathan Shenkman, President and Chief Investment Officer of Park Bridge Wealth Management in New York, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss the cost of being nice.

Helping grandchildren financially can be rewarding, and there are smart ways to build their financial confidence without creating a sense of entitlement. Shari Greco Reiches, Regional Director at EP Wealth in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with details.

Being named an executor is an honor - but experts say know what's involved before saying yes, ways to make trips with other families fun for everyone, and the best state fair eats in the Midwest.

From giant turkey legs to deep-fried desserts, Midwest state fairs have become must-visit destinations for food lovers every summer. Mark Wolters, Wolters World Travel and Culture - YouTube channel and Associate Professor Of Business Administration at the University of Illinois - Gies College of Business in Urbana-Champaign joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

A preview of the busy week ahead on Wall Street, Spider-Man: Brand New Day delivers a record-breaking opening weekend, and why lower travel costs are tempting families to take vacations after school starts.

Chicago's job market is showing renewed strength, with hiring on the rise across several industries; a trip to the resale store can bring real value to back-to-school shopping; and the leap from gang member to successful businesswoman.

Dealing with the disruptive experience of losing your phone - Americans now bet more on sports than they spend on movies, music, books, and museums—combined; and virtual reality is letting Chicago Public Schools students test-drive careers before choosing their future.

Virtual reality is giving Chicago Public Schools students the chance to experience careers before choosing a path - and our guest helped make it happen. Matt Wren, Tech Expert and Founder of VRAR Chicago joins Andy Dahn on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.