This week in 1913, a devastating storm struck the Great Lakes, sinking 19 ships and claiming over 230 lives. On this day in 1950, Lansing welcomed Alexa Irene Canady, the first African American neurosurgeon, who later became chief of neurosurgery at Children’s Hospital. In 1991, Magic Johnson announced his HIV-positive status, becoming a prominent activist and changing perceptions of the disease.

On this day in 1962, an imposter named Daniel West was elected to Michigan's House of Representatives, claiming a background in local offices. He was reelected in 1964, but a fingerprint match revealed him as a three-time convicted felon. The real Daniel West, a New York attorney, had died in 1961. A warrant was issued in 1965, but the fraudster vanished, with his true identity remaining a mystery to this day.

On this day in 1918, Michigan became the 7th state to grant women the right to vote. In 2002, Jennifer Granholm was elected as the first woman governor. Additionally, in 2004, "The Polar Express" premiered in Grand Rapids, featuring a locomotive modeled after a Pere Marquette.

On this day, we honor Cora Mae Brown, who became the first Black woman elected to the Michigan Senate in 1952, advocating for civil rights and fair housing. Additionally, in 1907, Faygo Pop was founded by Russian immigrant brothers Ben and Perry Feigensen, introducing flavors like grape and fruit punch, which later became known as red pop.

On this date, we highlight key events: in 1927, Detroit Tiger Ty Cobb retired after 22 seasons, setting 90 MLB records. In 1972, Mackinac Island voters approved snowmobiles, the first motorized vehicles allowed since 1949. Additionally, in 1911, William C. Durant founded a new company after his ousting from General Motors, partnering with Louis Chevrolet.

On this date, we recognize key milestones: in 1920, Eva M. Hamilton became the first woman elected to the Michigan Legislature, and in 1954, Charles Diggs was elected as Michigan’s first African-American U.S. Congressman. In 2017, a legislative update officially designated "Michigander" over "Michiganian."

Today, we commemorate pivotal moments in Michigan's history: the establishment of the first European outpost by Robert Cavalier de la Salle in 1679, the opening of the current Belle Isle Bridge in Detroit in 1923, and the debut of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957—the largest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere, maintained through tolls and fees.

On this day in 1926, legendary magician Harry Houdini passed away at Detroit’s Grace Hospital. After being punched unexpectedly in the stomach while unbraced during a Montreal stop on his tour, Houdini performed in Detroit with a high fever. The blows led to or worsened appendicitis, and Houdini died at age 52 on Halloween. His last words were reportedly, "I'm tired of fighting..."

On this day in 1943, University of Michigan football star Tom Harmon survived a dogfight over Japanese-occupied China during WWII, earning the Purple Heart and Silver Star. In 1956, 52 boys at Romeo Community High School were told to trim their Elvis-style sideburns or leave school. All complied after barbers offered free haircuts.

On this day in 1901, Roy D. Chapin embarked on a challenging journey from Detroit to New York in a Curved Dash Oldsmobile, overcoming multiple mechanical issues to make it to the Auto Show on time. Also today in 1975, Michael Schur, creator of Parks and Recreation and The Good Place, was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan.