Controversial Investor Revealed, Banned License Plate Phrases, and Historic Crime Drop

Thursday, January 8th, 2026

Good morning! Welcome to The Mitten, where we provide you a 5-minute rundown of all things Michigan every morning at 5 a.m., directly in your inbox!

The legendary KISS co-founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are establishing the first Michigan location of their rock-themed restaurant Rock and Brews this spring. Find more details on the announcement here, and read more in Michigan Enterprise!

Branded Bills’ all new collegiate collection featuring both Michigan and Michigan State is now on sale! Shop the collection now to sport your favorite university with one of Branded Bills’ hallmark quality, breathable hats.

New License Plate Phrases Banned for 2026

A few new “bad” phrases made their way to Michigan’s license plate blacklist for 2026, bringing the total number of banned phrases to 30,000.

Among the banned phrases were allusions to vulgar words, including, “0HCR4P,” “B4DAZZ,” and “ILEGAL.”

The list reached 30,000 banned phrases last year, with 2,000 additional phrases making the list over the last year.

You can see the full list of banned phrases here.

❝

Thanks to your feedback, we’re excited to announce the addition of Michigan Enterprise, a new section at the bottom of The Mitten featuring statewide economic news on Tuesdays and Thursdays! Check it out below 😎

Detroit Sees Historic Drop in Crime

New crime data released by the city showed the total number of homicides in 2025 to be 165, a decrease from 203 in 2024, and a 62-year low.

The drop in homicides also came with a drop in nonfatal shootings, dropping from 603 in 2024 to 445 last year. Other crimes like carjackings, robberies, and sexual assault also dropped.

The historic decrease in crime also follows a nationwide trend, where violent crime dropped 4.5% nationally in 2025, according to the FBI.

You can see the city’s full press release here.

Microsoft Revealed as Developer Behind Controversial Lowell Data Center Project

A letter penned to the Lowell Charter Township board received attention Wednesday after Microsoft was revealed to be the investor behind the controversial proposed data center project in the township.

The project, which would require the township to re-zone a 237-acre lot beside Interstate 96, has garnered backlash from the community due to the unknown energy requirements the project would pose.

The project is expected to bring between $500 million and $1 billion of investment into the township. The planning commission is set to meet again on Jan. 12 to discuss the project.

You can read Microsoft’s full letter here.

Branded Bills’ Collegiate Collection is Here

The company notorious for its flexible, silky-smooth hats that feel incredible just added the University of Michigan to its Collegiate Collection.

The University of Michigan Curved 5 Panel Rope Hat

And for a limited time, Branded Bills is offering free shipping on orders of over $75, with easy returns on orders up to 60 days after purchase.

Shop today to sport your favorite team in style!

Around the Mitten

Marine City: A viral video showing a dispute involving the owner of a meat shop being pepper sprayed led to the owner closing the business. (See Video)
Traverse City: City officials voted to begin hearing lease offers on the historic Carnegie Building and the Con Foster Buildings. (More)
Saginaw: Republican State Rep. Matthew Bierlen announced his candidacy for the Michigan State Senate in the 26 district. (More)
Cadillac: UPS announced plans to close its Edward Potthoff Street location on February 27th as part of company restructuring. (More)
Statewide: DTE Energy announced a new credit card fee on consumers that will result in a $2.99 charge on card-based transactions starting March 2nd of this year. (More)
Statewide: Attorney General Dana Nessel released a 29-page opinion arguing the Republican-led House Appropriations Committee’s action to claw back $645 million in money was unconstitutional. (More)

Sports

Former Michigan State cornerback Charles Brantley, who spent four years with the Spartans prior to transfering to Miami, is coming back to Michigan State for his sixth year. (More)
Michigan star running back Jordan Marshall and starting lineman Andrew Sprague announced their decisions to return to the team in 2026. (More)
Isaiah Stewart’s 31 points led The Pistons past the Bulls 108-93 in their fourth consecutive game without Cade Cunningham.
Hall of Fame and former Red Wing goalie Glenn Hall, who pioneered butterfly style goaltending, passed away Wednesday at age 94. (More)

Michigan Enterprise

Shareholders of Fifth Third Bancorp and stockholders of Comerica Inc. voted separately to approve Fifth Third’s purchase of Comerica Bank. (More)
Quest Diagnostics and Corewell Health announced a new joint venture, Diagnostic Lab of Michigan, which will bring a state-of-the-art lab facility to Southfield. (More)
Legendary KISS members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are bringing the first of their rock-themed restaurants, Rock and Brews, to the state in March. (More)

Which banned license plate most closely descibes you?

Previous Results

Have you caught the flu yet?

Yes 🤒 - 15%
No 👍 - 85%

❝

Thank you for reading Thursday’s edition of The Mitten! We hope you enjoyed today’s stories. We always welcome any reader feedback by simply responding to this email.

Founder of The Mitten — Joe S.