Noon Business Hour on WBBM Newsradio

Stocks are trading sharply lower after Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, a look at how Chicago's Timeless Toys competes with big box retailers and a conversation with the president of Chicago's Half Acre Brewery.

Timeless Toys, located in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood, is an independent toy store thriving in a world of big-box giants - offering expert child development guidance to help families find the perfect toy for every child. Scott Friedland - Head Shopkeeper at Timeless Toys joins Andy Dahn on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain....

Boeing is dealing with another deadly plane crash, luxury experiences are being enjoyed without the cost and commitment of ownership, and the impact of robots is moving well beyond just household help.

Robots are rapidly reshaping home life, factory floors, and farms. Chris Stegh, Chief Technology Officer at E-Group here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

General Motors will invest 4-billion in US plants, shifting some production from Mexico. The old adage “you don't know what you've got until it's gone” rang true for many ChatGPT users during this week's outage - and we'll explore the value of paying off your mortgage before retirement.

General Motors will invest 4-billion in US plants, shifting some production from Mexico. The old adage “you don't know what you've got until it's gone” rang true for many ChatGPT users during this week's outage - and we'll explore the value of paying off your mortgage before retirement.

The old adage - you don't know what you've got until it's gone - rang true for many ChatGPT users during this week's outage... Matt Wren, Tech Expert and Founder of V-R-A-R Chicago here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss the increasing reliance of artificial intelligence in the workplace...

More customers are questioning the growing number of restaurant surcharges — from 5% fees for takeout containers to 3% charges for kitchen service — sparking a broader debate over fairness, transparency, and the true cost of dining out.

The job market is tough - and many Americans aren't just switching jobs, they're making full-on career changes. Plus, how to enjoy a “European experience” without leaving the U.S., and why more diners are frustrated by extra fees showing up on their restaurant bills.

A look at state money for sports stadiums - through the eyes of a former Illinois governor. Father's Day is fast approaching - we'll share ways to make it special. Plus, a visit with our Monday afternoon stock picker.

Father's Day is less than a week away - don't wait! There's still time to plan, shop, and get ready to celebrate the dads, grandpas, step-dads, and father figures in your life. Jennifer Waters, Chicago-based Business Reporter joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with a host of great ideas...

Many are joining the chorus praising Joe Mansueto's bold 650 million dollar soccer stadium plan - urging George McCaskey and Jerry Reinsdorf to follow suit - and fund their own projects. Pat Quinn - Former Illinois Governor joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss...

A look at today's key government jobs report, how dressing for success in the workplace can be a game changer and a Chicago magician who's built a career wowing audiences - from magic to balloon art.

From magic to balloon art - a Chicago magician has built a career wowing audiences. Tim Adamz - Magician and Founder of Adamz Entertainment - Amazing Tim Adamz in Naperville joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

Jerry Reinsdorf may be selling control of the Chicago White Sox — just not yet. The first restaurant with direct access to The 606 trail is set to open and artificial intelligence is beginning to significantly impact the job market, resulting in job losses and slower hiring.

Artificial intelligence is beginning to significantly impact the jobs market - resulting in losses and slower hiring. Shelly Palmer, CEO of the Palmer Group and Professor of Advanced Media in Residence at the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss...

A 101 on 529 college savings plans, why ‘90s restaurant chains are trending again - and how a mid-year check-in can keep your financial goals on track.

Fueled by nostalgia and TikTok trends - ‘90s-era restaurant chains like Chili's and Rainforest Cafe are staging a surprising comeback with younger diners. Izzy Kharasch (KAIR-ish) - President of Hospitality Works - aka - The Restaurant Coach here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details..

The owner of the Chicago Fire unveils plans for a $650 million stadium, aiming to transform the South Loop into a premier sports and entertainment destination. Meanwhile, women's sports bars are changing the game across America, and travelers are discovering budget-friendly European destinations that perfectly mirror popular hotspots.

Sports bars catering to women are booming... Travis Meier, Reporter for Axios joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

Make saving money a fun family mission this summer. Don't let fear hold you back from making smart investing decisions. And if you're looking to consolidate debt, a credit card balance transfer can be a smart move - just make sure you understand the terms and weigh all your options.

A credit card balance transfer can be a smart move when consolidating existing debt - but there's also a lot to know and consider. Ted Rossman, Senior Industry Analyst at Bankrate.com in New York joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain...

Running a business is costlier than ever - and staying afloat means constant pivots. Egg flights, creamsicles, and Filipino bakeries lead this summer's hottest food trends. Plus, we meet the man behind a comic shop that's thrived through 37 years of industry ups and downs.

Atlas Comics on Chicago's Northwest Side has thrived for 37 years through the industry's ups and downs. Now, with new Fantastic Four and Superman films on the horizon, nostalgia and superhero hype are fueling a surge in vintage comic book sales.

Three of the hottest food trends this summer involve eggs - a frozen treat - and ethnic-inspired bakeries... Phil Lempert, Founder of SuperMarketGuru.com in Los Angeles joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

Chicago's housing market is heating up, with home prices rising three times faster than the national average. Meanwhile, Major League Baseball is entering the women's professional softball scene. The future of housing includes numerous tech upgrades—offering convenience, energy savings, and automation—but also raising privacy concerns and potentially having a mixed impact on property values.

Major League Baseball is investing in the - Athletes Unlimited Softball League - which should boost visibility and support for women's professional softball. It's set to debut next month. It continues a trend of greater interest and growth in women's pro sports... 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 the Super Bowl for stocks - Nvidia's earnings are out after the bell today, recovering from the dangerous time known as Maycember and a WNBA star's injury drives ticket prices down.

WNBA standout Caitlin Clark's injury is impacting more than just the action on the court - Indiana Fever ticket prices have dropped significantly, and she'll miss next week's rematch with Angel Reese in Chicago. Colin Salao - Reporter for Front Office Sports here in Chicago joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the latest...

Two smashes propel the holiday weekend movie box office to record heights, final boarding call for bags on Southwest Airlines and heading out of town to see your favorite music artist.

Southwest Airlines is eliminating one of its most popular and most advertised perks... Joe Brancatelli - Editor and Publisher of Joe Sent Me dot-com in New York joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

President Trump threatens steep tariffs on foreign-made iPhones and EU products. There's a growing nationwide craving for Chicago's classic eats - and we meet the family behind "Nuts on Clark."

The rest of the country has developed a taste for Chicago's iconic eats. Beloved Italian beef, hot dog, and pizza chains are expanding regionally and nationwide. R.J. Hottovy, Head of Analytical Research at the Palo Alto-based foot traffic analysis firm Placer.ai, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to talk about the growing appetite for Chicago's signature foods.

It was 45-years ago today that Pac-Man made its debut in Japan, The Castaways Beach Club on Chicago's North Avenue Beach reopens for the season tomorrow and the Chicago Blackhawks have a new head coach.

It was 45-years ago today that Pac-Man made its debut in Japan... Doc Mack, Owner of Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss...

The pros and cons of paying off your mortgage before retirement, stealth expenses that can quietly drain your budget and the skyrocketing cost of the proposed CTA Red Line extension.

Stealth expenses can quietly drain your budget... Shari Greco Reiches, Co-Founder of Rappaport Reiches Capital Management here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to talk about spotting, tracking and cutting hidden costs to regain control of your money...

When you're renting a vacation property like an Airbnb, there are a few things to consider before booking. Demand for vintage clothing is soaring as shoppers reject fast fashion in favor of affordable alternatives. And the best way to truly experience a vacation destination? Eat, drink, and hang out like the locals.

When you're renting a vacation property like an Airbnb, there are some things you should consider before booking. Mark Wolters - of the 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 some tips.

Chicago Bears say they've have paused plans for a downtown stadium to focus instead on Arlington Heights, some Chicago restaurants are seeing recession indicators and a pair of stock picks from a money pro.

Restaurant operators in Chicago are reporting a drop in customers and slumping sales. R-J Hottovy, Head of Analytical Research at foot traffic analysis firm - Placer A-I joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details...

College graduates face a tough job market, one of the nation's largest trade shows brings chefs and restaurateurs from around the world to Chicago, and Giordano's launches its Chi-Town Flavors series — celebrating iconic Chicago foods through bold brand collaborations.