Noon Business Hour on WBBM Newsradio

A potential government shutdown looms, plans advance for a quantum campus on Chicago's Far South Side, and we take a look at pumpkin patches and apple orchards in the area.

Apple orchards and pumpkin patches around the area make for the perfect fall day trip. Cindy Richards, Editor-in-Chief of SheBuysTravel.com here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with a host of ideas.

Wall Street braces for a packed week as fears of a looming government shutdown grow, McDonald's revives Monopoly with a digital twist, and financial experts urge couples to seek guidance before major expenses like weddings.

If you're facing a major expense - like a wedding - it may be wise to call your financial advisor first. Without guidance, many couples overspend and start married life already playing financial catch-up. Ed Gjertsen, Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Engage Wealth Group in Chicago, joins Andy Dahn on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

McDonald's is rebooting Monopoly after nearly a decade - this time with a digital twist - as the fast-food giant looks to boost sales and drive customers to its app. R-J Hottovy, Head of Analytical Research at the Palo Alto-based foot traffic analysis firm Placer.ai, joins Andy Dahn on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

The City Council has approved a $750 million Chicago Fire soccer stadium at The 78 in the South Loop, identity theft is a growing problem for everyone - even children - and we're celebrating two decades of wood-fired pizza success.

Spirit Halloween is getting in on the Christmas game as it expands into the holiday space across the Chicago area. Bob Phibbs, CEO of the Retail Doctor in New York, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details... New York, NY

Chicago-area–based, family-owned restaurant group Billy Bricks marks 20 years — now with seven locations, pizza trucks, and Moo Joe's Ice Cream. Ric Gruber, CEO of Billy Bricks Restaurant Group in Lombard, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss their secret to success...

The City Council has approved a $750 million Chicago Fire soccer stadium at The 78 in the South Loop... Danny Ecker, reporter for Crain's Chicago Business, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the latest...

The CurderBurger - a fan favorite at Culver's - is coming back next week for a limited time, Starbucks is making "significant moves" in its turnaround effort, and Artificial Intelligence is bringing real-world tech solutions to life.

The CurderBurger - a fan favorite at Culver's - is coming back next week for a limited time. Izzy Kharasch, President of Hospitality Works - AKA “The Restaurant Coach” here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to talk about how these fast-food specialty offerings help drive foot traffic and boost sales...

New home sales surged last month on lower mortgage rates, while pet ownership can involve significant expenses and a look at the financial challenges of adult children moving back home.

Pets can bring joy, but they also come with a host of lifetime costs - including food, grooming, and vet bills. Shane Gornik, Financial Advisor at Forefront Financial Planning in Lisle, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain.

U.S. News & World Report has released its latest college rankings, with four Illinois universities making the grade - plus tips for handling a financial emergency and making your next vacation a “one-parent trip.”

U.S. News & World Report has released its latest college rankings, with four Illinois universities making the grade. LaMont Jones, Managing Editor for Education at U.S. News & World Report in New York, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

A movie success reflects the mainstreaming of anime, nostalgia powers Build-A-Bear's growth as the retailer defies tariffs and mall struggles, and a pair of picks from our Monday afternoon Stock Picker.

The movie, Demon Slayer is a record-breaking success - showing anime has gone mainstream - reshaping Hollywood's view of Japanese animation and attracting a new generation of fans. Paul Dergarabedian, Senior Media Analyst for box office tracking company Comscore in Los Angeles, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

Knowing when to call it quits isn't always easy, car color can impact resale value in surprising ways, and a Chicago startup expands self-sanitizing diaper changing tables nationwide.

ABC pulls Jimmy Kimmel Live! off the air indefinitely after controversial comments on the Charlie Kirk killing spark FCC scrutiny. Spending on Halloween this year is set to hit a record $13.1 billion, making it one of the fastest-growing holidays for retailers. And important advice for everyone: think carefully before posting your thoughts online — and for parents, monitor your kids' activity too.

Important advice for everyone - think carefully before posting your thoughts online - and for parents - monitor your kids' activity too... Chris Stegh, Chief Technology Officer for the E-Group here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss...

Chicago's Buona Beef takes its iconic sandwich nationwide, a look at how the "Tooth Fairy" feels inflation's bite as kids cash in on record payouts, and divorce after decades of marriage brings emotional challenges and financial surprises.

Forget quarters - today's Tooth Fairy is battling inflation, with kids scoring an average of $6 a tooth and some lucky smiles fetching a whopping $20. Shane Gornik - Financial Advisor at Forefront Financial Planning in Lisle joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details..

Credit scores are plunging—an expert joins us with tips to boost them quickly. United Airlines outpaces rivals in expanding its footprint. Traveling with little ones is challenging, but preparation helps parents and kids enjoy a smoother flight.

Traveling with babies and toddlers can be tough - but with proper planning - the experience can be smoother for everyone... Cindy Richards, Editor-in-Chief of - SheBuysTravel.com here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

The U.S. and China reportedly reached an agreement paving the way for TikTok's shift to American control. Fast-food outlets face increased morning pressure from convenience stores, plus a visit from our Monday afternoon Stock Picker.

Food-forward convenience stores are stealing fast-food's breakfast customers in a big way. RJ. Hottovy, Head of Analytical Research at Palo Alto–based foot traffic analysis firm Placer.ai, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain...

The weight-loss drug boom is reshaping fashion, AI-powered nursing robots could help tackle the global health care crisis, and we uncover the secret ingredient behind a suburban Jewish-style deli beloved in the western suburbs...

Caregiving may pull people out of the workforce - but the skills gained - empathy, crisis management, adaptability - can strengthen resumes and spark new careers rather than hurt them. Michelle Reisdorf, Chicago Jobs Expert at Robert Half, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

Take a mini-retirement now - pause, recharge, and refresh your career. Deepfakes spread fast, blurring truth after big news events. Test-drive tips: what to check before buying.

Why wait decades? A “mini-retirement” lets you pause work now to focus on travel, projects, or family. Taking extended time off or a sabbatical can refresh your career without quitting. Ed Gjertsen, Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Engage Wealth Group here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

We break down the latest reading on inflation. Potbelly Sandwich Shop is now joining the RaceTrac convenience store empire. And with a new school year underway, it's the perfect time to teach kids smart money habits.

Born in a Lincoln Park antique shop with a potbelly stove - then eventually becoming a publicly traded company - Chicago's Potbelly Sandwich Shop is now being sold to convenience store operator RaceTrac... RJ Hottovy, Head of Analytical Research at Palo Alto–based foot traffic analysis firm Placer.ai, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss...

Earlier announced job growth was revised significantly lower - raising fresh concerns about the economy. Traveling to Europe can affect your body in surprising ways. Europe cracks down on over-tourism.

From jet lag to sore feet - weight loss to culture shock - Americans in Europe face surprising body and mind changes while traveling. 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 to explain...

More moms are choosing family over career, the coming months could bring opportunities for homebuyers, plus a visit with our Monday afternoon stock picker.

In a shaky job market, “job hugging” may feel safe, but clinging too tightly could cost workers opportunities, growth, and long-term financial security. Michelle Reisdorf, Chicago Jobs Expert at Robert Half, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

Latest on the big government jobs report, The Vatican taps Chicago talent to launch a restaurant at Rome's papal retreat and a visit with the man behind Chicago-based Farmer's Fridge

A Chicago company that makes fresh, nutrient-dense meals available around the clock with its smart fridges continues to expand, using technology to ensure freshness and cut waste... Luke Saunders, Founder and CEO of Farmer's Fridge here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

Chicago Bears post a big jump in valuation, local homebuyers increasingly cancel contracts amid housing uncertainty, and AI trading tools fall short of investor expectations.

Chicago homebuyers are increasingly backing out of deals - and our guest today is seeing it firsthand. Mario Greco, Founder of The MG Group at Compass in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss...

New data shows three in four workers plan to earn income in retirement - though far fewer actually do. The BBB warns of rising pet scams, and your workplace actions may be under greater scrutiny than you think.

Always assume your employer is watching - from websites you visit to office behavior to snack stash grabs - missteps rarely go unnoticed. Jason Wachtel, Managing Partner at J-W Michaels & Company here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss...