Trump Flips Off Worker, Ford Partners with Carhartt, and 72-Hour Robot Built

Wednesday, January 14th, 2025

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!

Students at Michigan Tech successfully built a robot in 3 days that will compete in a “cross between basketball and Hungry, Hungry Hippos” in a national competition. Check out a video of the impressive feat here and read more in The Goodie Bag!

John U. Bacon’s The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald is a New York Times Bestseller, and was named to the Smithsonian’s 10 Best History Books of 2025. Shop the bestseller now, and read more below!

Trump Visits Ford, Flips Off Worker

President Trump was seen flipping off and mouthing an expletive at a Ford worker who exclaimed, “Pedophile protector!” during the president’s tour of the facility on Tuesday.

Trump visited Ford during his trip to Detroit, after he gave a speech touting economic his economic policies at the Detroit Economic Club.

The video recorded of Trump shows the president on a walkway, flipping off the worker twice, and mouthing what appeared to be, “F**k you.”

You can see the full video here.

Ford Partners With Carhartt to Address Mechanic Shortage

In an effort to hopefully address the shortage in the automotive workforce, Ford and Carhartt announced a three-pronged partnership that will last for multiple years.

During the partnership, the two companies plan to open a ToolBank USA location in Detroit that will lend 25,000 tools per year to workers, outfit Ford's auto tech scholars with free Carhartt workwear, and launch collaboration products for the public.

Ford also unveiled a limited edition, 2027 Super Duty Carhartt edition truck that will be unveiled this spring.

You can get a sneak peek of the truck’s wheel here.

Michigan Universities Drove $45 Billion in Economic Output

A new study found that Michigan’s 15 public universities drove nearly $45 billion in economic output in the state in 2024.

The study was performed by measuring the total output, wages, and employment generated by university operations—and the additional effects that arise through indirect output, earnings, jobs, and human capital across the state’s economy.

The study includes multiple figures for each university’s contribution to state economic output. You can view the full study here.

John U. Bacon’s The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald is a New York Times Bestseller, and was named to the Smithsonian’s 10 Best History Books of 2025.

Releasing in the 50th year of the tragedy, Bacon’s detailed account walks you through the history and backstory behind the legendary freighter that still lies in Superior’s ice water mansion.

For a limited time, Bacon’s account is available in hardcover for less than the retail price. Shop the book on Amazon now.

Around the Mitten

Bay City: The CEO of Harmony Investment Group resigned after a viral video showed him shouting expletives at anti-ICE protestors. (See Video)
Hillsdale County: Dozens of residents showed up to the Fayette Township Board meeting to voice opposition to a 1,350-acre solar farm proposed in the county. (See Photos)
Huron & Sanilac County: The National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for the Mitten’s thumb beginning Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning, with up to seven inches of snow expected. (More)
Traverse City: Photos showing tampons in the men’s restroom at the city’s library sparked debate on social media. (See Photos)
Statewide: Michigan was named the fourth-best state for workforce development in the country in a new list. (See Rankings)
Cadillac: The city will receive nearly $10 million in state and federal funding to provide PFAS-free water to residents. (More)
Statewide: A new poll showed Republican candidate John James leading the field for the upcoming gubernatorial election. (See Poll)

Sports

The Red Wings lost to the Bruins 3-0 after surrendering two third period goals. (See Box Score)
Michigan Football secured a commitment from the No. 3 cornerback in the transfer portal and Utah player, Smith Snowden. (More)
Kenny Soares Jr., a former linebacker of Pat Fitzgerald’s at Northwestern and now standout player at N.C. State, committed to transfer to the Spartans. (More)
No. 12 Michigan State basketball put down the clamps on Indiana, beating the Hoosiers 81-60, and holding the Hoosiers scoreless for seven minutes straight in the second half. (See Box Score)

The Goodie Bag

Meijer is helping launch a Grand Rapids beverage company that uses elemental magnesium to produce free hydrogen gas in water. (More)
Chippewa County: The M/V Herbert C. Jackson freighter made its final trip through the Soo Locks before the passageway closes Thursday for the season. (See Photos)
Students at Michigan Tech successfully built a robot in 3 days that will compete in a cross between “basketball and Hungry, Hungry Hippos,” in a national competition. (See Video)

Do you think the Red Wings will finally make the playoffs?

Previous Results

Would you have an issue with developers building a data center in your community?

Yes - 67%
No - 33%

❝

Thank you for reading Monday’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 & Editor of The Mitten — Joe S.