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.