West Michigan Weekend (A Public Affairs Program from iHeartradio)

In this extended episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Storm Team 8 Chief Meteorologist, Ellen Bacca. She joined us for a look back at some of the biggest weather stories from 2025 and for an in-depth look at the Storm Team 8 Winter Weather Outlook for 2025-2026. Some Key 2025 Michigan Weather Events: • A Historic Northern Michigan Ice Storm (March 28–30): An "unprecedented" ice storm struck northern Michigan, coating surfaces with up to 1.5 inches of ice. The event caused extensive damage, and Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency. • Record-Active Tornado Season: In fact, Michigan had one of its most active tornado years on record, with a total of 33 confirmed tornadoes by September, more than double the annual average of around 13. The majority of the 33 tornadoes in 2025 were weak, classified as EF-0 or EF-1, which typically cause tree and minor property damage rather than significant structural devastation. • We also experienced a uniquely hot summer, as the summer of 2025 was noted as one of the hottest on record, not necessarily due to extreme daytime highs, but because of consistently high overnight temperatures. For the remainder of the conversation, we asked Storm Team 8 Chief Meteorologist Ellen Bacca to highlight some of the key points of their recently released winter weather outlook for 2025-2026. Storm Team 8 identified some key forecast drivers and a big wildcard that will impact our winter ahead, namely, a weak La Niña to start the winter--Teleconnection signals in the Gulf of Alaska and the impact of the Siberian snowpack and polar vortex activity on our weather locally. Ellen said the official Storm Team 8 forecast indicates a good chance that La Niña will fade by January, with neutral conditions favored from January through March. TAKEAWAYS: Storm Team 8 Chief Meteorologist Ellen Bacca added that no two winters are ever the same, especially in West Michigan. Winter outlooks can help shed light on trends by examining past years and established scientific linkages. Winter outlooks are based on more than a dozen variables worldwide. Changes in just one variable can have an impact on our winter here in West Michigan. This upcoming winter is expected to start cold and snowy, with active lake-effect conditions in December and a good chance of heavy snow systems in January and February. This winter is expected to wrap up on time with near-average snow for the season and above-average snow in the month of December. Seasonally, Grand Rapids typically averages 76-78 inches of snow on average. The Complete Storm Team 8 Winter Weather Outlook: Weather “Teleconnections” Explained

In this episode of West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower speaks with Salina Bishop, President and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan (RMHCWM), who discusses her strategic vision for the organization, emphasizing its critical role in the region's evolving healthcare sector. In our conversation, Salina discusses three key areas: securing a "seat at the table" in local healthcare, reshaping the narrative that RMHCWM is "more than just a place to stay," and providing "radical hospitality" to remove family barriers. Bishop also highlights the impact of the recent $2.5 million expansion, which increased capacity to 25 family suites, allowing the 35-year-old nonprofit to better meet the increasing demand for specialized pediatric care in Grand Rapids. Learn More: Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan

In this segment, host Phil Tower welcomes Chris Palusky, CEO of Mel Trotter Ministries, and Thelma Ensink, Executive Director of Degagé Ministries, to discuss a groundbreaking new collaboration transforming support for unhoused neighbors in Grand Rapids. On November 20, a coalition of 11 nonprofit organizations and churches, together with the City of Grand Rapids, celebrated the ribbon-cutting of a brand-new Community Center and Service Center in the Heartside neighborhood. Led by Mel Trotter and Degagé, this unified effort—known as Partners in Ministry—marks a major milestone in creating a more coordinated, compassionate, and accessible network of care for individuals experiencing homelessness. Located within Westminster Presbyterian Church at 47 Jefferson SE, the center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, offering a welcoming space for both unhoused community members and residents seeking connection. The center provides a wide range of essential services, including:Partners in Ministry organizations include: Catholic Charities West Michigan, City of Grand Rapids, Cornerstone Church, Crossroads Bible Church, Degagé Ministries, First United Methodist Church, LaGrave Christian Reformed Church, Mel Trotter Ministries, Park Church, St. Mark's Episcopal Church, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. This episode dives into how the partnership came to life, what it means for the Heartside community, and the importance of cross-organizational collaboration in addressing homelessness with dignity and care. Matthew 25: 31-46 More about the new Community Center & Service Center

In this episode, West Michigan Weekend host Phil Tower welcomes Rosie Grant, author, digital archivist, and the passionate & tireless creator behind @GhostlyArchive. Rosie’s new book is: To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes. Rosie's book is an inspiring collection of recipes preserved on gravestones, with fascinating interviews from the families, celebrating the beloved food legacies of their dearly departed. As the founder and creator behind @GhostlyArchive, Rosie has been searching out and documenting this interesting phenomenon. Rosie credits her parents with helping to stir her fascination with ghosts and graveyards. In To Die For, Rosie collects 40 recipes she’s found across the globe, carved into headstones or associated with a grave that has a story to share. An interview with the remaining family members accompanies each recipe, plus photography of the food, the gravestone, and any memorabilia the family wanted to share. Her book is available wherever books are sold. If you can, shop local! Rosie’s amazing website: Ghostly Archive Follow Rosie on Instagram Rosie Grant on TikTok Helen Rose Sweers Gravestone in Cutlerville, MI

In this episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Dan Gowdy, President & CEO, Wedgwood Christian Services Dan joined us on the program to discuss Wedgwood's all-new Audere Transitional Living Program, a specialized residential treatment program designed for teens ages 15-18 who are transitioning from residential treatment to independent living. The 10-bedroom, 7,933 SF three-story facility sits adjacent to the Wedgwood campus in Kentwood. Dan also discussed how the Audere Transitional Living Program enhances Wedgwood’s strong commitment to fostering independent living skills within a community-integrated environment. The transitional living space is designed to help teens continue to grow as they prepare for the next step toward independence. Wedgwood Christian Services Wedgwood's Audere Program

In this episode, we welcome back Dawn Baker, Associate Festival Manager with The Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, and Barbara Anderson, Associate Vice President, Philanthropy, Hospice of Michigan. Dawn & Barbara joined us for an insider's look at the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, which returns to DeVos Place, November 21-22, just in time for the holiday season. General Admission and Pairing tickets are on sale now at GRWineFestival.com and will also be sold at DeVos Place during the show. Thursday, November 20, is the Cheers for Charity VIP night, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the DeVos Place Grand Gallery, benefiting Hospice of Michigan. Barbara Anderson from Hospice of Michigan talked about their involvement in the VIP night and how proceeds will be supporting Veterans Hospice Services. Cheers for Charity features an intimate and upscale experience, with a dozen restaurants and specialty food producers serving mouth-watering small plates. Additionally, enjoy food and beverage tastings on the Meijer Food Stage, as well as a curated list of wine, beer, cider, and spirits. “Cheers for Charity” tickets are still available at $150 per person and on sale at GRWineFestival.com. Online resources: GRWineFestival.com Hospice of Michigan

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Dr. Kristina Gaunt, MD, co-director of the Trinity Health Breast Center – Lakes Village, in Norton Shores. In Michigan, it is estimated that approximately 9,900 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year, according to 2025 data from the State of Michigan. Dr. Gaunt joined us on the program to remind us about the importance of early detection for breast cancer, and to also dispel some common misconceptions about the second most likely type of cancer for women after skin cancer. We also learned that breast cancer is the most common cancer among Michigan women and the second-leading cause of cancer death in the state. In fact, 2025 data from the State of Michigan shows that 9,900 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in the state. It’s also Worth noting that between 70% and 75% of breast cancer diagnoses in Michigan since 2011 have been at an early stage. And as Dr. Gaunt reminded us, it is critically important to catch breast cancer at its earliest stages, and mammograms are making a huge difference with early detection. What We Know About Breast Cancer: Symptoms to Watch For:

In this episode, we welcome Jamie Evans —Director —and Miss Honey (Played by Rosie Tomlinson), the principals of the new presentation from Lionheart Productions…Matilda. LionHeart Productions, based in Grant, Michigan, is a community theater organization that’s been producing family-friendly productions for Newaygo County for over 20 years. Matilda the Musical is based on the 1988 novel Matilda by British Author Roald Dahl. Today, it's a popular, award-winning musical and play about a brilliant young girl with psychokinetic powers who is mistreated by her cruel parents and the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull. Tickets for Matilda are on sale now. Performance Dates are Friday, November 7, Saturday, November 8, PM, and Sunday, November 9, as well as Friday, November 14, and Saturday, November 15. Tickets & more information: LionheartProductions.org and always on Lionheart Productions on Facebook.

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes back to the program one of our favorite guests, Patrick DeHaan, the Head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy.com Patrick joined us in this segment to discuss a major change in how gasoline is taxed in Michigan. Michigan's new gas tax system will take effect on January 1, 2026. The new system will eliminate the 6% sales tax on fuel and replace it with a higher per-gallon state tax, which will rise from the current 31 cents to 51 cents. Lawmakers in Lansing described it as a "revenue-neutral change" as far as the price impact at the pump; however, Patrick noted that in the long run, most drivers will pay more under the new gas tax system.. Patrick also discussed the dropping price per barrel of oil and what might happen in the new year, especially with the uncertainty looming with tariffs. Find Patrick Online GasBuddy.com

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Chef Omar Anani...a James Beard nominee and Chopped alum. We spoke with him during his visit to Traverse City this August for the inaugural Traverse City Food and Wine Event. Anani is a Palestinian-Egyptian American chef and restaurateur who comes across as confident and highly compassionate. He is known for proudly and passionately infusing his heritage into his culinary identity and his restaurants. Amani grew up in Maryland and spent time in Grand Rapids. He spoke with us about the powerful impact of being raised by parents who were supportive and encouraged him. We also spoke about his move to Grand Rapids at the age of 11, and some of his favorite neighborhood hangouts in GR. Chef Omar began his culinary path early and honed his skills in numerous fine dining kitchens, including at Michael Symon’s Roast. In 2018, he founded Saffron De Twah, a modern Moroccan bistro on Detroit’s east side. It wasn't long before Saffron De Twah was winning wave reviews from diners and critics alike, for its unique dishes and community-first focus. Accolades & Recognition for Chef Omar Amani—— ***James Beard Award: Two-time finalist for Best Chef – Great Lakes (2022, 2023) ***Chopped: All-American Showdown: Emerged as champion in 2023, representing the North ***Saffron De Twah was named Eater Detroit’s Restaurant of the Year in 2019; recognized among Detroit Free Press’s top restaurants and included in Hour Detroit’s top 10 new restaurants. Profile of Chef Omar Amani

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes New York Times best-selling author, radio host, frequent national commentator, and public speaker, John U. Bacon. Tower spoke with John U. Bacon about his new book, “THE GALES OF NOVEMBER: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” In The Gales of November, John U. Bacon delivers the definitive account of the disaster. Drawing on more than 100 interviews with families, friends, and former crewmates. In the book, Bacon also explores Great Lakes shipping’s critical economic role, the sailors’ uncommon lives, the sinking’s likely causes, and the heartbreak left behind—“the wives, the sons, and the daughters,” as Gordon Lightfoot sang. Bacon spent 3 ½ years researching the story, talking with Family members of those lost in the wreck, and hearing firsthand stories that have never been told before. We unpack that in our conversation with him in this segment. Get John U. Bacon’s New Book: “THE GALES OF NOVEMBER: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” John U. Bacon Online See John U. Bacon speaking at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids on November 4th at 6:30 pm. On November 6th, John U. Bacon will be the featured speaker & author at The National Writers Series in Traverse City, Michigan, at The City Opera House at 7:00 pm. Get tickets here.

In this episode, host Phil Tower talks with Dave Bulkowski, JD, Executive Director of Disability Advocates of Kent County. Dave spoke with us about the annual “Invest In Ability” Event & Dinner on Thursday, November 6, at the Beautiful new Silva, in downtown Grand Rapids. Invest in Ability celebrates the accomplishments of community members, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and staff who are the key holders to unlocking opportunities, opening doors, and removing barriers. Each year, Disability Advocates highlights major milestones and achievements that define our work to accomplish independence and empower people with disabilities. This year’s event will honor Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design. This year’s theme, “The Art & Design of Inclusion: Creating a Barrier-Free Community,” highlights the powerful role that thoughtful design and creativity play in making our world more accessible and welcoming to everyone. Online: Disability Advocates of Kent County Get tickets for the Invest In Ability event.

In this episode host Phil Tower welcomes Nick Nerbonne, the Media & Digital Director for Travel Michigan. Autumn in the mitten state, means Michigan’s 19 million acres of forests begin their transition from the greens of summer to a diverse palette of multiple shades of reds, oranges and yellows of fall, Nick noted that Michigan is a global destination for tourism year-round and that multiple Michigan destinations, from SE Michigan to the Upper Peninsula, continue to receive national accolades for fall color viewing and fall travel experiences Mackinac Island and the U.P. both recently ranked No. 1 in a national readers poll for fall travel destinations Michigan residents can receive updates on where the fall colors are peaking and learn about fall events and activities in destinations across the state by signing up for the weekly Pure Michigan Fall Color Report Newsletter at michigan.org/enews **Follow the Fall Foliage Track the progress of the fall foliage with an interactive Fall Color Map https://www.michigan.org/fallcolormap Get updates on where the fall colors are peaking and learn about fall events and activities iacross the state by signing up for the weekly Pure Michigan Fall Color Report eNewsletter. Fall travel adventures/roadtrip ideas: S Agritourism - cider mills, corn mazes, pumpkin patches. Culinary – farm to table dining, wine tasting, and seasonal menus. Outdoor adventures – hiking, biking, and unique fall attractions. **Five Michigan fall color tour drives- 1. M-22: This iconic route runs from Manistee to Glen Arbor, offering views of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, vineyards, and breweries. 2. M-119 Tunnel of Trees: From Harbor Springs to Cross Village, this winding road creates a beautiful tunnel effect with its surrounding trees, providing an immersive fall experience. 3. River Road National Scenic Byway: Follow this byway along the Au Sable River from Oscoda into the Huron-Manistee National Forest for a tranquil drive through vibrant fall foliage. 4. Brockway Mountain Drive: Located in Keweenaw County on the Keweenaw Peninsula, this drive offers stunning panoramic views from the top of Brockway Mountain. 5. Blue Star Memorial Highway: This stretch of highway along Lake Michigan, from Van Buren to M-63, provides beautiful lakeside colors with a charming West Michigan backdrop. Bonus Trip: Thumb Lake Road . Where? Charlevoix County, just east of BOYNE Falls, Michigan. Nick raved about Jacob’s Farm Corn Maze just outside Traverse City. This year’s 10-acre maze takes its inspiration from the iconic Grateful Dead and the region’s world renowned cherry heritage, creating an unforgettable autumn adventure. Topics Discussed: autumn tourism, Michigan color tours, culinary tourism, agritourism, economic impact of tourism for Michigan, Michigan trails and bike paths, and accessible travel in Michigan.

In this episode we welcomed Angela Hollinshead, Director of the Kent County Animal Shelter. Angela spoke with us about a big celebration for the Kent County Animal Shelter happening on October 16. The shelter will be celebrating their 85th Anniversary that afternoon with a Fall Celebration event open to the public. Guests will enjoy seasonal treats like cider and donuts, plus kids’ activities. There are also special anniversary rates for adopting pets for a limited time. The Kent County Animal Shelter was established in 1940, when the City of Grand Rapids officially handed over shelter operations to Kent County, officially establishing The Animal Shelter as a county department. 10 years later, the first dedicated facility was constructed which continued to expand through building additions until 2009, when it was replaced with the modern 26,000-square-foot shelter in use today. Online Info: Facebook. Kent County Animal Shelter Donate To the Shelter

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Ashlee Mishler, Director of the Grand Rapids Promise Zone. Ashlee joined us to discuss this important local scholarship program and how it is now expanding to make it easier for Grand Rapids students to move from community college to a four-year college degree. Ashlee informed us that in January of 2026, graduates of Grand Rapids Community College with an associate's degree will be eligible for up to $7,000 per year to attend Ferris State University or Grand Valley State University through the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority. Each university may provide up to an additional $7,000 if tuition and fees exceed that amount. The Promise Zone program, created in 2020, has supported nearly 2,000 GRCC students. It is open to city residents who graduate from eligible high schools and maintain continuous residency beginning in 11th grade Online: The Grand Rapids Promise Zone

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Micah Herrboldt, Waste Reduction Educator at the Kent County Department of Public Works. Micah joined us to remind Kent County residents to refresh their recycling habits with the newly released annual Fall Recycling Guide from the Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW). The 2025 Fall Recycling Guide offers recommendations to help residents properly recycle or dispose of common household and seasonal items, as part of the DPW’s efforts to reduce landfill waste in the community. The guide also includes tips for recycling and disposing of materials that can’t go in a recycling bin but can still be kept out of a landfill. The DPW’s full 2025 Fall Recycling Guide can be found online here: Get the 2025 Fall Recycling Guide. For additional info, visit reimaginetrash.org

In this episode, host Phil Tower speaks with Michigan State Police Detective Mark Fisher, a member of the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Detective Fisher joined us on the program to talk about the recent launch of an awareness campaign by his task force and the Michigan State police to inform parents about the growing dangers of online sexual predators, as well as sextortion, grooming, and other predatory behaviors against children. The “Opening the Door” campaign, led by the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, includes a video public service announcement drawing attention to online predatory behavior like grooming and sextortion, and encouraging adults to be proactive in talking to their children about online dangers. Detective Fisher said that in today’s digital environment, sexual predators use social media, messaging apps, and gaming platforms to gain access to our children, and the use of these tools can be like opening a door right into your child’s bedroom. That’s the focus of the Michigan State Police’s new public awareness campaign aimed at teaching parents and children how to safely navigate the digital world. Report child sexual exploitation or abuse, including grooming or harm, to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.org or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST. The Michigan ICAC Task Force is part of a national network ​of 61 coordinated task forces representing over 4,500 law enforcement agencies engaged in proactive and reactive investigations and prosecutions of people involved in child abuse and exploitation involving the ​internet. Online: Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Topics Addressed: Internet crimes against children, criminal sexual conduct, online predatory behavior, grooming, sextortion, and safe online behavior.

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Dawn Baker, Associate Festival Manager with The Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, and Barbara Anderson, Associate Vice President, Philanthropy, Hospice of Michigan. Dawn joined us for a preview of Midwest’s premier culinary celebration – the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival – returns to DeVos Place, November 21-22, just in time for the holiday season. General Admission and Pairing tickets go on sale at Noon on Friday, September 12, at GRWineFestival.com. This annual event begins on Thursday, November 20, with the Cheers for Charity VIP night, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the DeVos Place Grand Gallery, benefiting Hospice of Michigan. Barbara Anderson from Hospice of Michigan talked about their involvement in the VIP night and how proceeds will be supporting Veterans Hospice Services. Cheers for Charity features an intimate and upscale experience, with a dozen restaurants and specialty food producers serving mouth-watering small plates. Additionally, enjoy food and beverage tastings on the Meijer Food Stage, as well as a curated list of wine, beer, cider, and spirits. “Cheers for Charity” tickets are $150 per person and are now on sale. Online resources: GRWineFestival.com Online: Hospice of Michigan

In this episode, host Phil Tower welcomes Cathleen Simlar, Senior Communications Manager, AARP Michigan. This year marks the 90th anniversary of Social Security, which has helped generations of Michiganders retire with dignity after a lifetime of hard work. It’s one of the most successful initiatives in American history, and a new AARP survey shows it’s still doing exactly what it was built to do. AARP is proudly honoring the legacy of Social Security—while fighting to protect and strengthen Social Security for older Americans today, and for our children and grandchildren. More than one in five U.S. residents - 69 million Americans - receives Social Security. Social Security lifts 511,000 Michiganders out of poverty every year. Without Social Security, 36.3% of people over 65 in Michigan would live in poverty. With Social Security, the poverty rate is 8.7%. For more than 834,000 Michiganders, Social Security is their primary source of income. Social Security benefits add $49.6 billion to Michigan’s economy every year. The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) trust fund, which pays retirement and survivor benefits, is projected to be depleted in 2033. The Disability Insurance (DI) trust fund is not expected to be depleted within the 75-year projection period. Online Resources: AARP Pledge to Fight for Social Security AARP Michigan AARP Retirement Basics About AARP: AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.

In this episode, host Phil Tower chats with Brian Smith, Food & Beverage Director, Treetops Resort. Brian spoke with us about Color tour getaways in the region, including Treetops' new Fall Color Tour and Progressive Dinner. Treetops Resort is offering its first Fall Color Tour and Progressive Dinner. Experience Fall with creative cuisine, paired with tastings of Michigan beer and wine, all atop the spectacular views only offered at Treetops Resort. Guests will enjoy a leisurely golf cart ride along the Jones Masterpiece Golf Course, led by an experienced Treetops staff member, and will have the opportunity to take photos of the beautiful fall foliage across miles of the course at the resort. Multiple stops along the way, and offer guests a tasting of a Michigan-made beer or wine, as well as a fall-themed hors d'oeuvre. The evening will wrap up with dinner at Hunters Grill. Online: Treetops