Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan’s Fifth Congressional District joins the show to break down his vote in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. Serving on both the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Education and the Workforce Committee, Walberg explains why supporting the NDAA is essential for national security and for improving the lives of America’s servicemembers. He highlights the bill’s 3.8% pay raise for troops, expanded benefits for military families, key investments in Made-in-America defense equipment, and critical funding, including for the Golden Dome, to ensure the U.S. maintains strength and readiness in a dangerous world. For more on his work in Congress, visit walberg.house.gov

For the most powerful voice in Michigan business, it’s the Michigan Chamber Business Brief with President and CEO Jim Holcomb. Jim delivers a high-level wrap-up of the year and a clear-eyed look ahead to 2026, highlighting major concerns for employers as Michigan considers more than doubling the state income tax, a move that could hit small businesses especially hard. He also tackles the state’s ongoing education crisis, the competitiveness challenges facing Michigan’s economy, and why the upcoming elections will determine whether these issues get solved or get worse. The segment closes with a call for business leaders and citizens alike to get involved and make their voices heard:

Make your voice heard! Join today at MIChamber.com/membership

Steve Gruber discusses news and headlines

MSNBC political analyst and former senior aide to two House Speakers, Brendan Buck, joins Steve to break down the looming vote on Affordable Care Act tax credits and what it means for the 22 million Americans who rely on them. With Congress facing pressure from both sides, those pushing to extend the credits to keep health care affordable and those looking to rein in federal spending, Buck explains the political stakes, the likely outcomes, and how this decision could reshape coverage costs, insurance markets, and the broader health-care debate heading into an election year.

Steve Gruber discusses news and headlines

Rep. Rachelle Smit of Michigan’s 43rd District joins Steve to discuss a new slate of election-security bills aimed at keeping foreign influence out of Michigan’s democratic process. HB 4720 would prohibit the use of electronic voting systems that contain parts or equipment from certain foreign countries, while HB 5197 bans campaign contributions from foreign entities altogether. HB 5198 adds another layer of protection by requiring certification that any funds used for election administration are not coming from foreign nationals. Rep. Smit lays out why these safeguards matter, how they bolster election integrity, and what comes next in Lansing’s push to secure Michigan’s elections.

Ivey Gruber, President of the Michigan Talk Network, joins Steve to talk about the holiday shopping season and why Americans are shifting toward valuing experiences and quality time over piling up more possessions. They also dive into some of the most absurd political moments of the week, including Democrat Rep. Benny Thompson brushing off the National Guard tragedy in D.C. as merely an “unfortunate accident,” and a Kentucky state representative lecturing white people, especially white men, that they should feel “white guilt” simply for being who they are. It’s a mix of cultural sanity, season-of-life reflection, and political madness all in one conversation.

Lots of work to do—let’s get to it—Here are 3 big things for this hour—

Number One— A democrat—and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel has offered a new idea—and that is banning those 16 and under from getting on social media at all—I actually like the idea—

Number Two— Jerome Powell and the Fed made the 3rd rate cut in a row—which will drive mortgage rates lower—and get them squarely below 6% on 30 year fixed mortgages—and it means lower prices in other areas as well—

Number Three— The United States Senate is set to vote on the future of healthcare for Americans today – and per usual, Democrats are lying through their teeth about what’s at stake – and whose to blame for the state of American healthcare.

Steve Gruber discusses news and headlines 

Steve Gruber discusses news and headlines