Despite early pessimism, shoppers came out in force, driving stronger-than-expected sales and a resilient retail season. The holiday travel rush is on as people head out to be with loved ones - and a Christmas Eve typo turned radar tracking into a Santa legend.

A look at the concept of a sleepcation - a low-effort getaway focused on rest, room service, late mornings, and coming home completely refreshed; why Travel Roulette could cure vacation overthinking; and how a self-imposed hotel tax could help boost Chicago tourism.

A sleepcation is a low-effort getaway focused on rest - room service - late mornings - and coming home completely refreshed. Cindy Richards, editor in chief of SheBuysTravel.com here in Chicago, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to explain...

Christmas is just days away, and last-minute shoppers are flooding stores, hoping retailers still have gifts, deals, and enough selection to finish their holiday lists. After a huge win over Green Bay, the Bears’ surge is fueling renewed excitement and delivering a real economic boost across the area. And giving the gift of clarity to your adult children this holiday season—honest conversations that matter most.

You’re probably familiar with Cameo, the service that lets you send a personalized message from a celebrity to friends, family, coworkers, or anyone else. Steven Galanis, co-founder and CEO of Chicago-based Cameo, joins Rob Hart on the WBBM Noon Business Hour to discuss.

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.