Noon Business Hour on WBBM Newsradio

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...

Monday's internet outage may be a warning sign of just how interconnected everything has become - where one glitch could freeze hospitals, banks, and transportation, effectively shutting down society as we know it. Paul Hochman, president of Humongous Media and former tech editor for The Today Show, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Monday's internet outage may be a warning sign of just how interconnected everything has become - where one glitch could freeze hospitals, banks, and transportation, effectively shutting down society as we know it. Paul Hochman, president of Humongous Media and former tech editor for The Today Show, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

New data shows parents are now bankrolling their adult kids in a big way, raising concerns about long-term financial stability. Giordano's, known for its iconic deep dish, is adding a new pizza style to its menu, and we're exploring U.S. getaways that deliver the feel of an international vacation.

Giordano's - one of Chicago's legendary deep-dish pizza chains - is now expanding its menu to include another beloved local style for the first time in its history. Nick Scarpino, CEO of Giordano's here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss...

A major Amazon Web Services outage disrupted numerous websites - including major airlines, retailers, and social media platforms. The fast-food tech revolution keeps heating up, and we'll look at what's behind the revival of Toys R Us.

Formula-1 racing has surged in popularity in the US over the past decade - and Apple is getting in on the action, why women are leaving the workforce at high rates and restaurants have made a comeback - but still face plenty of headwinds...

Women are leaving the workforce at what some analysts call alarming rates. Michelle Reisdorf, Chicago Jobs Expert at Robert Half, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to shed light on this growing trend.

The end of the year will be here before we know it - and now's the time to make some smart tax moves before December 31st. A growing trend among young people shows them unplugging from screens and rediscovering real-world experiences. And a growing number of Americans are seeking comfort and connection through A-I companions — but the trend comes with serious risks.

A growing number of Americans are seeking comfort and connection through AI companions - but the trend comes with serious risks. Matt Wren, Tech Expert and Founder of V-R-A-R Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain.

If you're unhappy with your money manager, make a change. Cancel a few subscriptions now and start putting that money toward your financial future. And with an already tough job market made harder by the uncertainty of the government shutdown, job seekers are facing even more challenges ahead.

It's already been a tough job market - and now, with uncertainty surrounding the government shutdown, job seekers face even more challenges. 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...

Halloween spending hits record highs as chocolate and candy prices surge, passport processing continues despite the government shutdown - though experts warn delays could grow if it drags on - and a 10-minute EV charge could finally spark mainstream electric adoption.

Halloween spending is hitting record highs - with consumers expected to shell out more than $13 billion this year, as chocolate and candy prices surge and pressure mounts to hand out full-size bars. Phil Lempert, Founder of SuperMarketGuru.com in Los Angeles, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

College costs can be shocking - but experts say few families pay full price, airlines are warning passengers about potential interruptions due to the federal government shutdown, and a visit with our Monday afternoon stock picker.

As college tuition soars - the price tag may seem daunting - but it's important to know most families don't pay the full amount. Experts say discounts and negotiations are common - and can drastically lower costs. Ed Gjertsen, Certified Financial Planner and Founder of Engage Wealth Group in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

A Cubs win to advance to the National League Championship Series wouldn't just be a big victory on the field - it would be big business for Chicago. From taboo to trendy, Gen Z embraces “dupes” over designer prices. And we meet the woman behind a catering company bringing Native American flavors to Chicago.

A Chicago woman has launched the city's first Native American pop-up kitchen and catering company. Jessica Walks-First, chef and owner of Ketapanen Kitchen in Chicago, joins Rachel Pierson on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain.

A Cubs win to advance to the National League Championship Series wouldn't just be a big victory on the field - it would be big business for Chicago, boosting bars, hotels, and merchandise sales while fueling city pride and economic momentum. Marc Ganis, president and co-founder of Sports Corp Ltd. here in Chicago, joins Rachel Pierson on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

United Airlines is expanding its summer 2026 schedule with new nonstop routes to several European hidden gems, Sober October is the new Dry January as more Americans embrace another month without drinking alcohol, and drones continue to insert themselves into everyday life.

Sober October is the new Dry January, as more Americans embrace another month without drinking alcohol. Carly Katz, owner of Bottles and Cans in Chicago's Edgebrook neighborhood, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss how the industry is adjusting.

A new survey shows one-third of Americans have lost friends over money, tips to prevent lifestyle creep as your paycheck grows, and how the government shutdown is starting to strain airports across the U.S. - including here in Chicago.

The government shutdown is starting to strain airports across the US - including O'Hare and Midway in Chicago. Joe Brancatelli, Editor and Publisher of JoeSentMe.com in New York joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

Downtown Chicago could more than double its population over the next 20 years under a sweeping new city development plan, while a local taco pop-up catering company celebrates nine years in business - and taking in the Midwest fall colors this season...

'Tis the season for fall color — right here in Illinois and across the Midwest. Mark Wolters, of the Wolters World Travel and Culture YouTube channel and Teaching 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 a host of travel tips.

It's National Taco Day - We're checking back in with a local taco pop-up catering company now celebrating nine years in business. Taylor Mason, Founder and Co-Owner of Taylor's Tacos here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Taylor Swift rules the weekend box office, restaurants are testing smaller - cheaper portions to attract value-conscious customers, and we visit with our Monday afternoon stock picker.

Restaurants - including Olive Garden - are testing smaller, cheaper portions to attract value-conscious customers and respond to the rise of weight-loss drugs curbing appetites. Izzy Kharasch, President of Hospitality Works - also known as The Restaurant Coach here in Chicago - joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

Gene & Georgetti marks 85 years of tradition, grocers test digital price tags, and a Cubs win boosts businesses near Wrigley Field - including Mima's Taste of Cuba.

A Cubs win is a big win for many businesses near Wrigley Field - including Mima's Taste of Cuba. Billy Alvarez, co-owner of Mima's Taste of Cuba, located at 2925 West Irving Park Road in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss...

A look at the power of mentorship and its positive impact on both sides of the relationship, how a prolonged government shutdown could disrupt travel, and the U.S. and China are leading the race for artificial intelligence domination.

A prolonged government shutdown could impact travel in a big way—fewer TSA agents, slower passport processing, and reduced oversight could lead to widespread delays, cancellations, and traveler frustration. Joe Brancatelli, Editor and Publisher of JoeSentMe.com in New York, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details…

The government shuts down after failing to reach a deal, Chicago debates letting dogs join customers inside restaurants, and smart money moves help young families build a bright financial future.

Chicago may soon let diners bring dogs indoors. A proposed ordinance would allow restaurants and cafes to welcome four-legged friends inside - overturning current restrictions. Doug Roth, Founder and President of Playground Hospitality here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss...

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.