In this episode

• Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivers her final State of the State of her tenure. 
• Why did Gov Whitmer thank President Trump?
• What is the “GSD Tour”

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered her final State of the State address, reflecting on her tenure and outlining priorities for the remainder of her term. This week on MichMash, WDET’s Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Alethia Kasben discuss what stood out.

Roth said one of the most notable aspects of the speech was that there were few surprises. She described it as a reflection of Whitmer’s time as governor. One moment that did stand out was Whitmer thanking President Trump for his support of a new fighter mission slated for Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township. Kasben said she believes the acknowledgment was intentional.

“I think she is trying to keep the pressure on about it,” Kasben said. “The more that she publicly talks about it and notes President Trump promised this, the more it’s out there that this commitment was made and hopefully makes sure it does happen.”

Less than 24 hours after the address, Whitmer joined MichMash to discuss key elements of her speech, her experience as governor and her plans for the remainder of her term. That includes launching her GSD Tour, which stands for “Get Stuff Done.” She said the effort is focused on making sure residents understand what has been accomplished during her administration.

“Michigan is full of hardworking, good people who have a lot going on in their lives and maybe have not heard about all the things that we’ve accomplished or what is available,” Whitmer said. “I think telling the story of what’s out there, what we’ve accomplished and listening to Michiganders is what the GSD is all about.”

During the interview, Whitmer also reiterated her goal of having state leaders pass the budget by June 30.

In her final State of the State address, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will discuss the next phase of her administration’s agenda, reflecting on progress made over the past seven years and describing what comes next. Her focus will include strengthening employment opportunities, easing financial pressures for residents, maintaining strong support for education and literacy, expanding housing development, and pursuing additional priorities moving forward.

Watch live at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 25

About a thousand protesters showed up to city hall in Romulus to protest a planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in the city. 

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, who is hoping to win the Democratic nomination for Secretary of State was also there. “I make sure that people have the power to vote against those who would want to sign off on a budget that would approve these kind of expenditures… that would approve this kind of ICE personnel deployment,” said Gilchrist. “That is unacceptable, and we need ICE out of Michigan.” 

Romulus City Council voted unanimously to condemn the proposed detention center, but admitted they still have not received formal confirmation of the building’s sale to the federal government.

-Reporting by Russ McNamara 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026

Whitmer will use State of the State to talk affordable housing

Governor Gretchen Whitmer will use her State of the State address Wednesday to call for more programs to address a shortage of affordable housing in Michigan.

Her plans include an affordable housing tax credit to spur development, cuts to regulations and faster approval of building permits. The governor has expressed concerns that President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs will add thousands of dollars to the costs of home-building materials. The governor delivers her State of the State address the evening following the president’s State of the Union address tonight. (MPRN) 

New office of Community Safety

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield has established a new office of Neighborhood and Community Safety. Its goal is to help prevent domestic violence and promote conflict resolution.

Teferi Brent will lead the office. He says domestic abuse is a major source of violence that the city needs to address. Brent says that effort would further lower the number of homicides, which hit a 60-year low in 2025. 

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller

Detroit Historical Society celebrates Women’s History Month

The Detroit Historical Society is kicking off Women’s History Month with ‘Love and Flowers: A tribute to Detroit’s Black Matriarchs’ Sunday. 

 The event is a celebration of caregivers past and present and an opportunity to reflect on the question of what it looks like to honor the Black women who “built… nurtured and fought for a better Detroit.”

Registration is through the Black Bottom Archives as a part of its Bottom Up series of community programs exploring memory, storytelling and Black Detroit’s living history.

A museum membership is required for admission, but the Detroit Historical Museum offers a free membership to Detroiters and individual memberships starting at $60 on its website.

Literacy fundraiser

The Flint Unity Farming Project is having a popcorn fundraiser to support is literacy and learning programs.

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