On this edition of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower talks with Chad Livengood, politics editor and columnist at The Detroit News, about the escalating battle over Michigan’s state budget after House Republicans moved to claw back $645 million in previously approved funding.
Democrats have called the move unconstitutional, Attorney General Dana Nessell has weighed in, and a lawsuit is before the Michigan Court of Claims.

The conversation also turns to the high-stakes 2026 election cycle: every major statewide office is open due to term limits, all legislative seats are on the ballot, a U.S. Senate seat is up for grabs, and potential constitutional questions could reshape state government. Chad shares insight on the crowded governor’s race, the impact of President Trump on Michigan politics, and the growing controversy surrounding federal oversight of the 2026 elections.
 
Online- Chad Livengood, politics editor and columnist at The Detroit News

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Andy Balaskovitz, Managing Editor of Crain’s Grand Rapids Business, for a look at the biggest business stories shaping West Michigan in 2025—and what should local leaders, entrepreneurs, and residents be watching in 2026 and beyond?

We dig into major development projects like the Fulton & Market “three towers” proposal and the uncertain future of Michigan’s Transformational Brownfield program, along with record cannabis sales as the industry prepares for its next phase.

Andy also breaks down Grand Rapids’ $4.3 million placemaking grant to reimagine the Monroe North corridor, major corporate sales involving SpartanNash, Steelcase, and WK Kellogg, and the growing debate around data centers in West Michigan.

The discussion rounds out with a look at agriculture challenges tied to labor and input costs, plus downtown office-to-housing conversions—including the 111 Lyon project and redevelopment plans for the historic Ledyard building.

Online: Crain’s Grand Rapids Business

In this segment, host Phil Tower welcomes Ben Anema, Attorney with Mika Meyers Law Firm. 
Data centers are the backbone of our digital lives, but as they rapidly proliferate across Michigan, they are becoming flashpoints for local communities. Driven by the explosive growth of AI, developers are eyeing the Great Lakes State for its cooling climate and tax incentives. However, projects in places like Lowell Township and Sparta are facing intense scrutiny over environmental impacts and energy costs.  

Ben shares some helpful information on the complex legal and regulatory landscape of Michigan’s data center boom.

Some things we learned in the conversation with Ben:

• Michigan currently hosts nearly 60 data centers, including nine in Grand Rapids. What specific geographic or infrastructure advantages make our state a primary target for these massive AI-driven developments?
• We’ve seen significant resident opposition in Lowell Township recently. Ben discusses the challenges municipalities face when a developer proposes a large-scale data center.
• The environmental impact of data centers. Beyond energy, data centers require immense cooling, often involving significant water usage. What legal frameworks or local zoning ordinances are currently in place to protect Michigan’s natural resources from this high demand?
• Resources: Consumers Energy must discuss voluntary green pricing options with prospective large load customers.
• Resource: Why Michigan is a hotspot for data centers.
• City of Lowell suspends participation in potential project for new data center (12-12-25)

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Dr. Braden Engstrom, MD, a board-certified pediatrician at UM Health-West Hudsonville Pediatrics. 

In early January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced an unprecedented overhaul of the childhood vaccine schedule that recommends fewer shots to all children. Under the change — effective immediately — the vaccine schedule will more closely resemble Denmark’s, recommending all children get vaccines for 11 diseases, compared with the 18 previously on the schedule. 
Health and Human Services Department officials said these changes to the vaccination schedule were meant to restore trust in public health that spilled over from the Covid pandemic.
 
Notable: The childhood vaccine schedule is a set of recommendations on the timing of vaccinations. It’s not a mandate; instead, it’s used to guide what vaccines are covered by insurance and are needed to attend day care centers and public schools. States determine which vaccines are required for school attendance and have historically relied on the CDC schedule. It is usually reviewed annually by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and updated based on the latest scientific evidence.
 
In December of 2025,  the CDC rolled back a decades-long recommendation that all newborns get their first doses of the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours — a move experts said could lead to a resurgence of infections.

Online resource: RFK Jr. Overhaul Vaccines
Online resource: Medical Groups Sue to Block Childhood Vaccine Recommendations

In this segment, host Phil Tower welcomes Ben Anema, Attorney with Mika Meyers Law Firm. 
Data centers are the backbone of our digital lives, but as they rapidly proliferate across Michigan, they are becoming flashpoints for local communities. Driven by the explosive growth of AI, developers are eyeing the Great Lakes State for its cooling climate and tax incentives. However, projects in places like Lowell Township and Sparta are facing intense scrutiny over environmental impacts and energy costs.  

Ben shares some helpful information on the complex legal and regulatory landscape of Michigan’s data center boom.

Some things we learned in the conversation with Ben:

• Michigan currently hosts nearly 60 data centers, including nine in Grand Rapids. What specific geographic or infrastructure advantages make our state a primary target for these massive AI-driven developments?
• We’ve seen significant resident opposition in Lowell Township recently. Ben discusses the challenges municipalities face when a developer proposes a large-scale data center.
• The environmental impact of data centers. Beyond energy, data centers require immense cooling, often involving significant water usage. What legal frameworks or local zoning ordinances are currently in place to protect Michigan’s natural resources from this high demand?
• Resources: Consumers Energy must discuss voluntary green pricing options with prospective large load customers.
• Resource: Why Michigan is a hotspot for data centers.
• City of Lowell suspends participation in potential project for new data center (12-12-25)

Guest Segment 1: On this episode of iHeartradio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower welcomes Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, New York Times bestselling author of the landmark relationship book Love & Respect, to discuss his just-released new book, Lightbulb Moments in Marriage: 12 Biblical Perspectives for Successful and Satisfied Couples (Thomas Nelson).

Dr. Eggerichs introduces the idea that lasting change in marriage rarely comes from dramatic breakthroughs, but from small, biblically grounded “lightbulb moments”—powerful realizations that quietly reshape how couples think, respond, and love. Many of these insights come directly from real-life stories shared with him by couples who experienced sudden clarity in the middle of everyday conflict, disappointment, or misunderstanding.
In our conversation, we explore how couples can learn to recognize these lightbulb moments, why rooting your identity in Christ—rather than a spouse’s approval or mood—is foundational to a healthy marriage, and how cultural myths like “happy wife, happy life” often undermine true intimacy.
We also dive into communication—not just talking more, but truly hearing one another—along with the importance of self-awareness, emotional responsibility.
In his terrific new book, he also helps us understand the powerful principle of “My response is my responsibility.” Whether you’re newly married, decades in, or simply seeking a more biblical and realistic vision for marriage, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and practical hope.

Get the new book: Love & Respect | Lightbulb Moments in Marriage: 12 Biblical Perspectives for Successful and Satisfied Couples

Available now for pre-order through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and major booksellers.

More Resources:
•  Book website
•  Emerson Eggerichs
•  Follow Emerson Eggerichs on Instagram

Guest Segment 2: Dan McMinn, Executive Director, Great Lakes Learning Academy (GLLA) Dan joined host Phil Tower for a conversation about Great Lakes Learning Academy(GLLA), a tuition-free, online public school serving students statewide in Michigan. Great Lakes Learning Academy offers digital access for all Michigan students.

Geographically, Great Lakes Learning Academy serves students in the Detroit Metro area, as well as the Kalamazoo–Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, and Tri-County areas. 
Dan said that Great Lakes Learning Academy is popular among families seeking a flexible, accredited public-school option, and for parents of students who may not thrive in a traditional classroom setting.

Learn more: Great Lakes Learning Academy

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes back guest Dawn Baker, the Show Manager for the Michigan International Auto Show.  Dawn joined the program for a preview of one of the largest displays of new and exotic cars in the Midwest. The 28th Annual Michigan International Auto Show, which rolls into DeVos Place January 29-February 1, 2026, offers the best opportunity to view hundreds of vehicles from over 30 global manufacturers, including a variety of trucks, SUVs, electrics, and performance vehicles. 

Gentex Corporation returns as the presenting sponsor of the 28th Annual Michigan International Auto Show, and they’re once again bringing the world-renowned Ringbrothers along for the ride. This year, Ringbrothers presents its custom 1971 Aston Martin DBS OCTAVIA. 

Other show features include:
Electric Avenue: Electric Avenue display returns to Hall C with a line-up of fully EV vehicles.
Million Dollar Motorway: A collection of performance and exotic vehicles with an emphasis on Aston Martin.
After Market Features: Gas Pedal Customs and Auto Image.
 
More info at: GRAutoShow.com
 

In this episode of West Michigan weekend, host Phil Tower speaks with  Don Saldia, Division Manager, Area Agency on Aging 3A, Health & Community Services.

Don joined us to discuss a powerful new resource for identifying caregiving help in Michigan.

Mi Caregiver Connection is designed as a starting point for finding real, local caregiving support. The site is specifically designed for persons who are helping a parent, partner, or friend. Mi Caregiver Connection is comprised of the 16 Area Agencies on Aging in Michigan.
 
There are an estimated 63 million caregivers in the U.S., paid or unpaid, who provide care for people who rely on them for basic needs. The caregiving workforce is under increasing strain. Americans are living longer, and the growing number of people needing care is at odds with the limited resources available to provide it.
 
Online: Mi Caregiver Connection

See the study on caregiving from Johns Hopkins University:

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes back Michael Wildschut, director of the January Series at Calvin University.

Michael joins the program for a preview of the 2026 January Series, presented by and hosted at Calvin University. 
For nearly 40 years, people have been showing up from all walks of life, ready to be challenged, enlightened, and connected to something far beyond themselves.

This year’s lineup of speakers will no doubt challenge and enlighten, and inspire attendees both in person and online.
By promoting education, civic engagement, and open inquiry, The January Series at Calvin University has been growing a community of lifelong learners who don’t want to be passive observers but active participants in creating a better, more inspired, more inclusive world. 

This year's January Series begins on Monday, January 19, and runs through Friday, January 30th.
The January Series lectures are available to watch live in person or on-demand the day of the event. 

Online:  The January Series at Calvin University