Today in 1944, Yooper Sergeant Oscar Johnson of Foster City earned the Medal of Honor for his valor in WWII. Johnson later farmed and attended Michigan State University, with the Iron Mountain VA Medical Center named in his honor. On the same date in 1972, Dennis Franklin became the University of Michigan's first Black quarterback, leading the Wolverines to victory against Northwestern.

Today in 1886, Michigan Mining School held its first classes in Houghton Fire Hall, evolving into Michigan Tech. Meanwhile, in 1878, Michigan's first phone book, "List of Subscribers," was published in Detroit with 124 listings, predating the US's earliest phone book by months.

On this day in 1935, the first issue of the Detroit Tribune, a historic Black newspaper, was published. It continued until 1966 and is now available online. In 1964, Kellogg’s of Battle Creek beat Post Cereal to market with the Pop-Tart, a creation led by baker Bill Post from Grand Rapids.

On this day in 1966, the Michigan Court of Appeals desegregated cemeteries, ending racial segregation in final resting places. This decision followed the disinterment of an indigenous WWI veteran due to segregation policies. Also, in 1948, Don Brewer, drummer and songwriter for Grand Funk Railroad, was born in Flint. He co-wrote and sang their 1973 hit "We're An American Band."

On this day in 1911, J. Clifford Turpin made the first flight over Grand Rapids at the West Michigan State Fair. His Model B plane, with wheels for takeoff and landing, soared above Comstock Park. Also today, in 1942, Michigan opened its first expressway along US 12 to support wartime production at the Willow Run Bomber plant.

In 2015, Michigan Representatives Todd Courser and Cindy Gamrat were embroiled in a scandal involving fake stories and misuse of taxpayer funds. Courser resigned, and Gamrat was expelled by a 91-12 vote, becoming the fourth lawmaker removed by the Michigan Legislature.

Today in 1913, Ana Clemenc, known as “Big Annie,” was jailed during a protest at Calumet mine while supporting striking miners. She was convicted of assault but continued advocating for workers’ rights. On the same date in 1960, Mickey Mantle hit what is believed to be the longest home run at Detroit's Tiger Stadium, traveling 643 feet into a nearby lumberyard.

Today in 1925, Dr. Ossian Sweet and his family were attacked by a white mob in Detroit after moving to a neighborhood considered beyond the color line. In self-defense, shots were fired, resulting in the death of a mob member. The Sweet family was arrested and tried, with Clarence Darrow ultimately securing their acquittal. It took over three years before Dr. Sweet reclaimed his home, which still stands today.

Today in 1885, Eleanore Hutzel was born in Ann Arbor. She became a pioneering advocate for women's and children's rights, leading the Women's Division of the Detroit Police Department. On this day in 1974, President Gerald Ford issued a controversial pardon to Richard Nixon.

Today in 1956, Michigan's Iven Kincheloe set a record altitude of 126,200 feet in his X-2 plane, becoming known as America's first spaceman. Kincheloe’s career was cut short by a tragic accident, but he was honored with full military rites at Arlington National Cemetery.