Noon Business Hour on WBBM Newsradio

Stocks are surging as Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz completely open, Record Store Day returns this weekend as vinyl's resurgence grows - and we check in with a woman who's turned her private chef business into a lifestyle mentorship brand.

We're looking at when kids should get their first phone. There are also reports that Spirit Airlines may be in serious trouble - even facing liquidation - raising questions about how passengers can protect their tickets and avoid being stranded. And older adults now spend more time on screens than any other age group, which is why it may be a good idea to phone-proof your life before retiring.

A big conversation among parents these days is when kids should get their first phone—how to ease them into it, and why many say to wait until at least age 12. Chris Stegh, Chief Technology Officer for the E-Group in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

It's Tax Day - and with filings largely behind us, it's the perfect time to reset for next year. A look at why Americans are suddenly going out to eat again - and how the so-called sandwich generation is feeling financially stretched thin, supporting both adult children and aging parents.

The so-called sandwich generation is feeling financially stretched thin - supporting both adult children and aging parents - making clear boundaries, honest financial conversations, and protecting retirement more critical than ever. Michael Bogardus, Certified Financial Planner with the Harbor Oak Team at Barnum Financial Group in Shelton, Connecticut, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

It's Tax Day - and with most filings now behind us, it's the perfect time to reset for next year. Getting organized now can help minimize stress the next time around. Elizabeth Buffardi, founder of Crescendo Financial Planners in Oak Brook, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with key advice.

A look at speculation surrounding a potential merger between United Airlines and American Airlines, drinking while you shop is catching on as grocery stores add bars to boost spending, and the rising cost of airfares.

Drinking while you shop is catching on, as grocery stores add bars to boost spending, keep customers longer, and turn routine errands into social experiences. Phil Lempert, founder of SupermarketGuru.com in Los Angeles, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Airfares are rising, with summer flights up over 20 percent - and in some cases much higher… Joe Brancatelli, editor and publisher of JoeSentMe.com in New York, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Financial markets brace for a US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after Iran talks failed over the weekend, Chicago favorite Geoffrey Baer joins us with his latest project, and a TikTok trend turns a fidget toy into a tough find.

Working to keep kid-related expenses under control, a major candy experience is coming to Chicago's Mag Mile, and we check back in with the owner of a popular Chicago comic book store that opened in 1988 - he's seen booms and busts, and right now the industry is on the rise.

A Chicago comic book store owner who's seen decades of ups and downs says the industry is back on the rise. John Stageland, owner of Atlas Comics at 5251 North Harlem Avenue in Chicago, joins Judson Richards on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

The Masters Tournament tees off today - launching golf season and inspiring players with its made-for-TV beauty and iconic shots. Weight-loss drugs are sparking new growth across the fashion industry, and Anthropic warns its newest model may be too powerful to release after reportedly operating beyond its designed safeguards.

AI firm Anthropic warns its newest model may be too powerful to release after reportedly operating beyond its designed safeguards. Paul Hochman, president of Humongous Media, joins Andy Dahn on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Wall Street rallies as oil prices drop sharply following a two-week ceasefire with Iran, adjusting your retirement strategy for a longer life - and a travel expert on relocating overseas.

A lot of people dream of living life abroad - moving and retiring to places like Portugal, Mexico, or Greece. Today, we bring on a regular Noon Business Hour guest who is moving from Charleston, South Carolina, to the Netherlands. Juliet Huddy - Travel Vlogger and Curator Jet Set Juliet joins Andy Dahn on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

Often as income rises, so do expenses and spending - a phenomenon known as lifestyle creep - turning raises into higher costs instead of real financial progress… Ed Gjertsen, Certified Financial Planner and founder of Engage Wealth Group in Chicago, joins Rachel Pierson on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss how to combat it all.

Often as income rises, so do expenses and spending - a phenomenon known as lifestyle creep - turning raises into higher costs instead of real financial progress. Ed Gjertsen, Certified Financial Planner and founder of Engage Wealth Group in Chicago, joins Rachel Pierson on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss how to combat it all.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie delivers a monster opening, boosting momentum for a strong summer box office. The Chicago Sky trades its most recognizable player, and the spring home-buying season is here, with activity starting to thaw and pick up.

The spring home-buying season is here - and we're seeing a thaw with activity picking up. Dru Wischhover, founder and owner of Inspired Title Group, joins Rachel Pierson on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Latest on today's key government jobs report, the Illini in the Final Four - huge for the university, local bars, and alumni everywhere - and a Chicago magician carrying on a family tradition.

We check back in on the Artemis II mission as it takes four astronauts on a historic 10-day mission around the moon. The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is already a huge hit in theaters - and we take a look at how the space economy is shifting from science fiction to real investment.

U.S. tech companies face threats from Iran, Hershey is returning to classic recipes after ingredient backlash, and after a volatile first quarter - April 1st is a great time to re-look at your investments and finances, including a likely portfolio re-balance.

After an extremely volatile first quarter - April 1st is a great time to re-look at your investments and finances - including a likely portfolio re-balance. Alonso Munoz, Chief Investment Officer at Hamilton Capital Partners in Atlanta joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with key advice.

The Easter Bunny is hopping into peak demand, turning a simple tradition into a seasonal business boom; solo women's travel is also on the rise, with one local company offering boutique trips that blend connection, flexibility, and curated global experiences; and as Seder dinner begins tomorrow evening, families are preparing to mark the start of Passover with tradition, food, and meaningful gatherings.

Mentorship is gaining traction as a career accelerator, with both mentors and mentees benefiting through shared insight, stronger leadership, and meaningful professional growth. Rick Cobb, founder of the workplace consulting firm 2-Discern here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain.

A look at the busy week ahead on Wall Street, a $16 million Pokemon card sale by Logan Paul highlighting a booming collectibles market, and tracking the latest toy trends ahead of Easter.

Watching your favorite pro sports team now often requires multiple subscriptions across streaming and TV platforms - creating frustration for fan, learning about money and stocks early can be a real game changer through hands-on experience, and a fast-casual Korean restaurant chain is expanding in Chicago.

Korean culture is booming - and SeoulSpice is bringing that energy straight to Chicago's food scene. Eric Shin, founder and CEO of SeoulSpice Korean Kitchen, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain.

Watching your favorite pro sports team now often requires multiple subscriptions across streaming and TV platforms - as leagues chase revenue, creating frustration for fans. We're seeing it firsthand as a new MLB season gets underway. Tim Hanlon - founder and CEO of The Vertere Group here in Chicago - joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

It's Opening Day for both Chicago ballclubs - we'll talk the business of baseball, how Gen-Z is driving a comeback for shopping malls, and take a look at how AI is being used to train police.

The so-called Gen Z generation is driving a comeback for shopping malls, seeking social, in-person experiences over online shopping - turning retail spaces into destinations again… Jennifer Waters joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details…

It's Opening Day for both Chicago ballclubs. Marc Ganis, President and Co-Founder of Sports Corp Limited here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to talk about the business of baseball…

The Midwest's largest pop culture and comic convention, C2E2, returns to McCormick Place this weekend; a look at how Pokémon Go players are shaping the delivery robot industry, and giving while living—grandparents fund education, camps, and travel, balancing generosity while protecting long-term financial security.

Giving while living - more grandparents are funding education, camps, and travel - balancing generosity now with financial security later. Chris Everett, president of Everett Wealth Solutions in Forest Park joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with a preview...

A look at how tough-love parenting can help guide better financial decisions by teaching self-discipline and long-term responsibility. Also, Easter spending is expected to hit a record $25 billion, as more consumers prioritize experiences and focus on critical safety tips when traveling overseas.

Amid rising global tensions, the U.S. is urging caution when traveling abroad, and experts say preparation, awareness, and smart habits are key to staying safe overseas. Mark Wolters of Wolters World Travel and Culture on YouTube, 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 need-to-know tips.

A look at Six Flags Great America as it celebrates 50 years, the movie “Project Hail Mary” opens past $80 million, and Friday could be key in the TSA worker shortage.

It feels like something out of Her - EVA AI is opening a first-of-its-kind cafe where users can take their AI partners on real-world dates, carving out a niche in the crowded craft beer and taproom scene. Meanwhile, spring is turning the corner in Chicago, as a sea of runners in green fills the streets for the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, kicking off the local running season this Sunday.

As spring arrives, many essential home tasks get overlooked - making now the perfect time to tackle your maintenance checklist. Chicago neighborhood restaurants are navigating tough conditions by cutting hours, trimming menus, and focusing on loyal regulars to survive. Plus, tips on cleaning up your digital life - organize emails, apps, accounts, and finances to cut clutter and regain control.

As spring arrives, many essential home tasks get overlooked - making now the perfect time to tackle your maintenance checklist. Casey Finn, founder of The DIY Playbook here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with need-to-know tips...

Inflation data comes in hotter than expected, Chicago White Sox owner-in-waiting Justin Ishbia is nearing a deal to buy a 47-acre South Loop rail yard - signaling momentum for possible new stadium development - and as March Madness tips off, it's a good reminder that tournament losses can take a psychological toll and trigger reactive stock selling.