Noon Business Hour on WBBM Newsradio

A look at jobs, housing, and Fed policy with economist Diane Swonk - new data shows alcohol's demise among young adults is greatly exaggerated, and a Naperville magician brings classic magic to life, complete with the iconic rabbit-from-the-hat trick.

Latest on Nvidia's key quarterly earnings, smart ways to protect your personal information during the hectic holiday season, and a look at the energy impact of artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence's explosive growth is driving a surge in data-center power demand — straining the electric grid and quietly pushing consumer energy bills higher. Paul Hochman, President of Humongous Media, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss…

All eyes on Wall Street are on Nvidia's after-the-bell earnings - a critical gauge of the health of the AI trade. Giving the gift of investing for the holidays can be a long-term game-changer, and as economic concerns grow, shoppers flock to secondhand stores for Christmas gifts.

As economic concerns rise, more shoppers are turning to secondhand stores for Christmas gifts - and even thrift shops are rolling out Black Friday sales. Chicago-based business reporter Jennifer Waters joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details…

Downtown is kicking off the season as the Chicago Loop Alliance launches its Holidays in the Loop campaign - why some people are prioritizing a big trip before the end of January - and putting a new car in the driveway for Christmas.

With another potential government shutdown looming at the end of January, now might be the perfect time to squeeze in a trip before airport chaos returns - making a New Year's getaway ideal. Joe Brancatelli - Editor and Publisher of JoeSentMe.com in New York - joins Andy Dahn on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

A look at the busy week ahead on Wall Street - plus holiday tipping tips to thank the people who support you all year - and a visit with our Monday afternoon stock picker.

Holiday tipping is a chance to thank the people who support you with their work and service all year long. Chicago-based business reporter Jennifer Waters joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with what you need to know.

Sometimes it's a good idea to get a second opinion - not only for your health, but also for your finances. We're also checking in with a Chicago-based BBQ company whose 160-year-old family recipes - born from an enslaved pit master's craft -now anchor a growing family business. And we meet the man carrying the legacy of a family salon business while expanding into a company that provides industry professionals with the tools of the trade.

A Chicago-based BBQ company whose 160-year-old family recipes - born from an enslaved pit master's craft -now anchor a growing family business. They're also offering a new class on smoking your Thanksgiving turkey, complete with plenty of eating while learning the craft. Eudell Watts IV, co-founder of Old Arthur's Barbecue Sauces & Dry Rubs here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Regular exercise pays off financially - cutting medical costs, reducing daily spending - and boosting your energy, health, and overall quality of life. Craig Bolanos, Co-Founder and Wealth Advisor at VestGen Wealth Partners, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain…

The IRS is raising 401k limits next year, boosting both contribution and catch-up amounts. Regular exercise pays off financially - lowering medical costs and everyday spending. And one bad chip can now total today's appliances - while simpler models often last much longer.

Ski season is here - time to gear up, hit the slopes, and get some early runs in before that big mountain trip, plus holiday celebrations that won't break the bank and why saving too much for retirement isn't always wise.

Celebrating the holidays with a group can include festive activities that are fun, meaningful, and easy on the wallet. Chicago-based business reporter Jennifer Waters joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

The hospitality industry gets a welcome infusion of military veterans, concern mounts for air travelers as Thanksgiving approaches, and we explore the old-world charm of Europe's Christmas markets.

European Christmas markets - with their twinkling lights, mulled wine, and historic squares - offer a timeless, old-world holiday experience. Patrick DeHaan, Head of Petroleum Analysis for GasBuddy.com here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

An end to the government shutdown is now in sight - as the Senate advances a bipartisan deal toward final approval. But shutdown-related flight cuts could persist even after the impasse ends, and today's snowfall is creating opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

We're seeing the first significant snow of the season - giving enterprising kids the perfect chance to grab their shovels and make some money. Matt Matigian, CEO of Blue World Asset Managers here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Flight cancellations soar as the FAA cuts air traffic amid the government shutdown - setting up a brutal travel weekend nationwide. Plus, a luxury British chocolatier lands on Chicago's Mag Mile, and 50 years of submarine sandwiches in Chicago.

Chicago-based Mr. Submarine is celebrating its 50th anniversary by leaning into commercials from the past. Dan Tzoumas, Director of Operations and son of the founder, oversees locations across the Chicago area joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

Major airports across the country are reducing flights due to the government shutdown, Starbucks' new holiday cup is creating huge buzz, and experts warn the rise of AI may be contributing to “brain rot.”

Many experts warn that heavy use of AI and social media may be rewiring our brains - dulling focus and weakening memory. Paul Hochman, President of Humongous Media, joins Judson Richards on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Americans are living longer - and that's reshaping retirement plans. After major stock market gains, many advisors say now is the time to re-balance portfolios and reassess risk to protect long-term returns. And for grandparents, there's no greater gift than helping their grandkids achieve a college education.

More grandparents are helping pay for college - using 529 plans, tuition gifts, and smart financial strategies to ease debt burdens and build lasting family legacies. Brian Safdari, Founder and President of College Planning Experts in Los Angeles, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with key advice.

As SNAP benefits are reduced or delayed amid the ongoing government shutdown, hunger relief donations are surging. Retro travel is booming as Americans rediscover vintage motels, diners, and classic road trips - while the end of penny production is leaving some retailers feeling shortchanged.

Route 66 turns 100 next year - and nostalgia travel is booming as Boomers and Gen Xers rediscover classic road trips, retro diners, and neon-lit motels. Cindy Richards, Editor-in-Chief of SheBuysTravel.com here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the Noon Business Hour to discuss...

New data shows Americans now spend more than $100 a week on work lunches - turning everyday meals into a costly luxury amid rising prices. Ed Gjertsen, Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Engage Wealth Group in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

New data shows Americans now spend more than $100 a week on work lunches - turning everyday meals into a costly luxury amid rising prices. Ed Gjertsen, Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Engage Wealth Group in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Illinois lawmakers worked overnight in Springfield to finalize a $1.5 billion transit bailout. More people are choosing to go the restaurant route for Thanksgiving, and a holiday decorating business - born in the trunk of a car - is now lighting up the season.

You can skip the cooking chaos this Thanksgiving and dine out instead. More people are trading turkey for Italian or Chinese favorites to avoid the hassle and cleanup. Izzy Kharasch - President of Hospitality Works and “The Restaurant Coach” here in Chicago - joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Presidents Trump and Xi strike a trade truce, new airline routes are reshaping travel habits - turning once-overlooked destinations into the next big getaways - and shopping is undergoing a major, tech-driven transformation.

Shopping is transforming faster than shelves can restock. From smart carts to AI fashion advisors, the way we browse, buy, and return is being re-engineered by data. R-J 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.

The Federal Reserve is set to cut interest rates. In this season of haunted houses, we'll discuss strategies for selling one - and how to handle the double whammy of raising kids while caring for aging parents.

You don't need ghosts to scare off buyers - sometimes a home's history is spooky enough. Dru Wischhover, Founder and Owner of Inspired Title Group here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Winter's on the way - plan your ski getaway now to lock in the best reservations and deals. From table service to takeout, see how delivery has transformed dining forever. And more grandparents are hitting the road with their grandkids, embracing the growing trend of “skip-gen” vacations.

The time to plan your winter ski vacation is now - especially if you're considering an Epic or Ikon ski pass. Angie Rice, Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors in Scottsdale, Arizona, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Flight delays across the U.S. are expected to worsen as air traffic controller shortages deepen amid the ongoing government shutdown. Joe Schwieterman, Professor of Public Services and Director of the Chaddick Institute at DePaul University here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

A preview of the busy week ahead on Wall Street, major flight delays nationwide amid ongoing staffing shortages from the government shutdown, and a visit with our Monday afternoon stock picker.

A love for Halloween that grew from online fandom to a full-fledged haunted house. Americans are reaching their tipping point — literally — as frustration grows over constant tip prompts and added fees. And Evanston's Hewn Bakery has risen from a neighborhood favorite to a North Shore staple, now with locations in Libertyville and Winnetka.

The government shutdown is nearing a breaking point - stalled paychecks, frozen benefits, and missing data are leaving the Fed flying blind as economic risks escalate. The FBI announces NBA arrests tied to a Mafia-linked gambling probe, and taking charge of your online legacy — managing your digital life before it outlives you...

Your online data could outlive you. Without a plan, your digital ghost may wander forever through servers, websites, and the cloud. Jennifer Jolly, Tech Life Columnist for USA Today and Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Techish.com in Seattle, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss...