Wayne State University has a new president.  The school’s Board of Governors elected Richard Bierschbach as the 14^th president of the university at a special meeting Tuesday.  

Bierschbach has served as Wayne State’s interim president since the departure of Kimberly Andrews Espy last September.  Before becoming interim president, he was the dean of Wayne State’s law school.  While there, Bierschbach helped the law school rise from a national ranking of 100^th in 2017 to 55^th best in the U.S. now. 

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026

Tlaib heckles Trump during State of the Union 

Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib heckled President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address Tuesday night.  The Detroit Democrat called the president a liar during his remarks.  She wore an anti-ICE button, as well.

Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar also jeered at Trump during the event.  Trump responded by saying the Democrats should be ashamed of themselves. 

Whitmer to deliver State of the State tonight 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivers her final State of the State address Wednesday.  She’s expected to tout her accomplishments over the past year and lay out her vision for the future of Michigan.  

Whitmer is expected to spend a portion of her speech talking about the importance of creating more affordable housing options for Michiganders. That includes plans for a new affordable housing tax credit.

You can hear the State of the State tonight at 7 p.m. on 101.9 WDET FM or at WDET.org. 

Flags lowered to half-staff to honor Rev. Jesse Jackson 

U.S. and Michigan flags across the state will fly at half-staff Thursday and Friday.  Governor Gretchen Whitmer has ordered the action in honor of the Rev. Jesse Jackson.  

Jackson died last week at age 84.  In a statement, Whitmer says, “Rev. Jackson had a special connection to Michigan and especially the city of Detroit.”  

BET reports Jackson will lie in state at the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition in Chicago tomorrow and Friday.  A private homegoing service will take place on March 7.  That event will be livestreamed. 

Ford recalls more than 400,000 SUVs 

Ford is recalling almost 414,000 Explorer SUVs because of possible steering problems.  

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says certain vehicles from the 2013 through 2017 model years could have faulty rear suspension toe links that could break.  The problem could make it hard to steer the vehicle.  

Affected owners will be notified by mail.  Repairs will be made at no cost to consumers. 

First place Pistons face Oklahoma City 

The Detroit Pistons play the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight in a battle of NBA first place teams.  The Pistons are first in the Eastern Conference with a record of 42 wins and 14 losses.  The Thunder hold the top spot in the Western Conference with 45 wins and 14 losses. 

Game time at Little Caesars Arena is 7:30 p.m. tonight. 

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

Detroiters are bracing for another round of dangerously cold weather.  Temperatures late this week are forecast to drop below zero with extreme wind chills.  A cold front will pass through the state, dropping high temperatures into the single digits on Friday and Saturday.  Friday night’s low will be 10 degrees below zero.  Wind chills could reach nearly minus 30. 

Severe cold weather can lead to frostbite—skin damage caused by freezing temperatures—or hypothermia, where the body’s temperature falls below 95 degrees.  If that happens, get medical attention immediately.  

Throughout the cold spell, Detroit’s recreation centers and libraries will serve as places you can go to get warm.   

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026

City helps residents with tax credits 

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield has helped to launch a program aimed at getting city residents to claim the tax credits they’re entitled to.  The city is working with the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, the Accounting Aid Society, and the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency.  The coalition will advise Detroiters on how to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credits when doing their taxes this year.  

Residents making less than $69,000 per year can get free tax preparation through the program.  Officials say the city helped Detroiters get $450 million in Earned Income Tax Credits last year.  Residents can call 2-1-1 or visit www.getthetaxfacts.org for more information. 

Heart attack numbers drop 

The American Heart Association says the number of fatalities from heart attacks and strokes is down in the United States. The organization says there were 915,000 deaths related to cardiovascular disease in 2023.  That’s down from 941,000 in the previous year.  

Despite the reduction in fatalities, heart attack remains the largest cause of death in the U.S., followed by cancer, accidents, and stroke.  

The Heart Association says African-American communities continue to have a disproportionately higher risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. 

Lincoln moves HQ to Detroit 

Automotive News and the Detroit Free Press are reporting that Lincoln will move its headquarters into the Michigan Central Depot in Corktown.  

The division of Ford Motor Company is currently housed in the company’s Glass House on Michigan Avenue in Dearborn, but that building is closing and will be torn down.  Ford’s world headquarters has moved to a new building in Dearborn near the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. 

Gas prices rise 

Gas prices in metro Detroit have jumped in the past month.  A gallon of self-serve unleaded now averages $2.89.  That’s up from $2.79 in late December.  

Analysts say prices remain relatively inexpensive because of low demand and production of winter formulations of gasoline.  Even so, AAA says Michigan is still one of the 10 most expensive states in the country for gas. 

Winter car care

With the extreme cold weather we’re expecting this week, keep your gas tank at least half full.  Make sure your tires are properly inflated and you have windshield wiper fluid.  Get your battery checked.  Driving with an emergency kit, including first aid materials, a flashlight, snacks, a shovel and a blanket is a good idea in case you get stuck in the snow. 

AAA Michigan says if you get stranded, stay in the car for shelter unless it’s not safe to do so.  Call for help and put your hazard lights on.  

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.