A look at the hidden cost of being cheap, why the American mall is staging a comeback, and how popular AI toys for kids could carry hidden dangers this holiday season.

Many malls and shopping venues made a comeback this year as consumers - especially younger shoppers - rediscovered the fun and social connection of in-person shopping. Bob Phibbs, CEO of The Retail Doctor, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

Warner Bros. Discovery is rejecting Paramount’s hostile takeover bid, calling it inadequate and risky, and saying its Netflix strategy offers stronger long-term value for the company and shareholders. Meanwhile, 2025 is already being called the year of the robo-taxi - and we’re taking a look at how social media influencers are playing a growing role in how young people make money decisions.

Social media investing advice is booming - but not all so-called finfluencers are qualified, raising questions about credentials, hidden motives, and whether their wealth is even real. Shane Gornik, a financial advisor with Forefront Financial Planning in Lisle, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Holiday travel with kids can be stressful — especially for first-time parents. Cindy Richards, editor-in-chief of SheBuysTravel.com here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with key advice.

An investigation by Consumer Reports finds Instacart shoppers are unknowingly part of a widespread AI-enabled experiment that prices identical products differently - sometimes by as much as 23 percent - plus ideas on making service a family tradition and getting more out of your next trip by acting like a local.

Making charity part of your annual plan can be as simple as showing up, getting involved, and turning service into a shared family tradition. Ed Gjertsen, certified financial planner and founder of Engage Wealth Group in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

An investigation by Consumer Reports finds shoppers ordering groceries through Instacart are unknowingly part of a widespread AI-enabled experiment that prices identical products differently from one customer to the next - sometimes by as much as 23 percent. Phil Lempert, founder of SupermarketGuru.com in Los Angeles, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.

A preview of the busy week ahead on Wall Street, buzz surrounding the Chicago Bears is a big win for bars, media, and the local economy - and whether a promotion without extra pay is worth the effort.

So-called dry, or quiet, promotions are rising as companies add responsibility without extra pay - leaving workers to decide whether the tradeoff is worth it. Jason Wachtel, managing partner at JW Michaels & Co. in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

Buzz surrounding the Chicago Bears is surging across the area, as a playoff push and Saturday night’s marquee Packers matchup prove to be a big win for bars, media, and the local economy. Marc Ganis, president and co-founder of Sports Corp Limited here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour with the details.