Friday, January 9th, 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!
A photo showing white foam poaring out of the Ann Arbor sewer system in December prompted city officials to explain the rare natural phenomenon. Check out a photo of the foam here, and read more in Around the Mitten!
Hanks Belts are made in the USA from full-grain leather and built to handle everyday wear without cracking or peeling. Read more on today’s featured brand below!
Detroit 33/57° 🌦️ | Grand Rapids 35/55° 🌦️ | Warren 33/57° 🌦️ | Sterling Heights 33/57° 🌦️ | Ann Arbor 33/57° 🌦️ | Lansing 34/55° 🌦️ | Dearborn 33/57° 🌦️ | Livonia 33/57° 🌦️ | Troy 33/57° 🌦️ | Flint 34/55° 🌦️ | Saginaw 33/54° 🌦️ | Marquette 30/34° 🌨️ | Traverse City 36/45° 🌦️ | Cadillac 35/44° 🌦️ | Mackinac Island 35/44° 🌧️
Trump Signs Great Lakes Bill Into Law
President Trump signed the Great Lakes Fishery Research Reauthorization Act into law on Thursday, which designates funding to control the population of sea lamprey in the lakes.
Since Covid, the sea lamprey population has increased 300% in the Lakes, which poses a significant threat to fish populations.
The average sea lamprey consumes 40 pounds of fish per lifetime, which at scale, could threaten commercial and recreational fishing in the Great Lakes.
You can read the full bill here.
Weekend Storm to Bring Snowfall to Michigan Through Sunday
A weather system bringing a wintry mix of precipitation to much of Michigan is likely to bring multiple inches of snow to Northern Michigan on by Sunday morning.
The front will bring rain at first, with mild temperatures in the 50s and 60s expected across Michigan through this afternoon.
By Saturday evening, temperatures are projected to drop to to low to mid 20s, with much of the state north of Midland expected to see snowfall totals between 4-8 inches by Sunday morning.
You can see the latest snowfall projection map here.
GM Reports $6 Billion EV Loss in 2025
A new report filed yesterday with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) showed automaker General Motors taking a $6 billion loss due to production changes regarding electric vehicles.
The loss follows a 43% decline in EV sales for GM this year, and comes after the Trump Administration’s termination of the $7,500 EV tax credit that incentivized electric sales.
Including prior reports from this year, the new report brings GM’s total EV loss to $7.6 billion for 2025.
You can see the full report here.
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Around the Mitten
Detroit: The Motown Museum is offering a week of special activities before the museum plans to shut down for a 15-month renovation. (More)
Statewide: The state Department of Natural Resources opened applications for spring turkey hunting season through February 1st. (More)
Ann Arbor: The city explained the cause behind a photo showing white foam pouring from the sewer system in December. (More)
Orion: A Kroger store closed temporarily after state officials found mouse droppings on a shelf during an investigation. (More)
Menominee County: A man is facing potential criminal charges after killing a mother bear who had cubs. (More)
Statewide: Multiple protests against Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) were seen across the state Thursday in light of a Minnesota shooting involving an ICE officer. (More)
Sports
“Showtime” Patrick Kane earned his 500th career goal in the Red Wings’ 5-1 victory over Vancouver. (See Goal)
Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and the Tigers are reportedly $13 million apart in salary arbitration negotiations. (More)
No. 12 Michigan State basketbell held on for a 76-66 victory over Northwestern after a sluggish start. (See Box Score)
All-American Utah defensive end John Henry Daley announced his commitment to transfer to Michigan. (More)
Weekend Events!
Free snowmobiling weekend starts on Saturday, with the state waiving typical permitting requirements through Sunday on over 6,000 miles of trails. (More)
The Winter Wheat Music Festival kicks off tomorrow in Grand Rapids from 2 to 11 p.m. (See Lineup)
The Ultimate Fishing Show continues through Sunday at the Detroit Suburban Collection Showplace. (See Tickets)
The 35th annual KeyboardFest featuring over 200 students kicks off tomorrow at 7 p.m. in Midland. (See Tickets)
Previous Results
Which banned license plate most closely describes you?
0HCR4P - 85%
B4DAZZ - 15%
ILEGAL - 0%
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