1. On January 16, 1920, Michigan became the first state in the United States to ratify the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibited the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages. This amendment led to the rise of organized crime and the "bootlegging" of alcohol during the Prohibition era.

2. In 1967, on January 16, the American Motors Corporation (AMC) introduced its new Ambassador model at the Detroit Auto Show. The Ambassador was designed to appeal to luxury car buyers and was equipped with features such as air conditioning, power windows, and a push-button radio.

3. On January 16, 1991, the Persian Gulf War began with the U.S. and coalition forces launching a massive air campaign against Iraq. Michigan was among the states that provided troops and resources for the war effort.

4. The Detroit Red Wings played their first-ever game on January 16, 1927. They lost to the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 in front of a crowd of 15,000 fans at the Detroit Olympia.

5. On January 16, 1933, a group of unemployed workers known as the "Unemployed Councils" staged a protest at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing. They demanded that the state provide relief and jobs for the tens of thousands of unemployed workers in Michigan during the Great Depression. The protest led to a confrontation with police, resulting in dozens of injuries and arrests.