On this day in 1934, Jean and Jeanette Piccard launched a balloon from Dearborn, Michigan, reaching 10.9 miles in altitude before landing in Ohio, accompanied by Jean’s pet turtle, Fleur de Lys. Additionally, in 2001, Margaret Chiara was unanimously confirmed as Michigan’s first female U.S. Attorney, serving the Western District until her removal in 2007, later commenting on the political nature of her dismissal.

On this day in 1912, Detroit-born photographer Harry Callahan was born. Initially working for Chrysler, he shifted to photography after hearing Ansel Adams speak, later earning the National Medal of Arts in 1996. Also, in 1955, Michigan's first official historic marker was dedicated at Michigan State University, honoring its founding as the nation’s first state-supported agricultural college, as outlined in the Morrill Act of 1862.

On this day in 1977, the stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes, inspired by a Chippewa legend of a mother bear and her cubs, officially became a National Lakeshore. Additionally, 1847 marks the birth of Will Carleton in Lenawee County, known as 'The Bard of Michigan.' His most famous poem, "Over the Hill to the Poor House," explores themes of aging and family.

In the 1950s, 26-year-old WWII veteran Milo Radulovich, a meteorology student at the University of Michigan, was dismissed from the Army Reserves as a security risk due to his family's background. Edward Murrow featured his story in a broadcast on October 20, highlighting the persecution amid McCarthy's witch hunts. The public response was overwhelmingly supportive, leading to Radulovich being cleared of all charges five weeks later.

On this day in 1903, Kalamazoo voters approved funding for the Western State Normal School, later Western Michigan University, with an impressive 8-to-1 margin. In 1907, Governor Fred Warner pushed for public voting in primaries, overcoming resistance within his party. His victory reshaped the political landscape, leading to his third term as governor.

On this day in 1978, the USPS released one of two Christmas stamps in Holly, Michigan, a treat for stamp collectors. Additionally, we celebrate the birthday of Willie Horton, born in 1942. A beloved figure in Detroit, Horton played 14 seasons with the Tigers and worked for peace during the 1967 rebellion. In 2004, Michigan established Willie Horton Day in his honor.

Happy birthday to Queen Naija, born in Ypsilanti in 1995! A singer and YouTuber, she gained fame as a contestant on the 13th season of American Idol. After self-releasing her hit "Medicine" in 2017, she signed with Capitol Records. Her debut album, Missunderstood, released in 2020, debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200, with five singles reaching certified platinum.

On this day in 1918, amid the Spanish influenza outbreak, U-of-M students in Ann Arbor received facemasks, while Dr. R. M. Olin upheld a quarantine in East Lansing, prioritizing public health. Meanwhile, in 1946, Gordie Howe, later known as "Mr. Hockey," made his NHL debut at Olympia Stadium, scoring his first goal and marking the beginning of a legendary career.

On this day in 1900, a dark chapter unfolded for the Burt Lake Band of Ottawa and Chippewa indigenous peoples in Michigan. After years of treaties with the federal government, a land developer illegally claimed their 375 acres, using fabricated back taxes as a pretext. With the help of local law enforcement, the developer forcibly relocated the community, burning their homes. The only surviving structure was St. Mary's Catholic Mission Church, which later became a pig barn, symbolizing the community's tragic loss during the Burt Lake Burnout.

Born today in 1940 in Detroit, Dave DeBusschere was a dual-sport athlete who played both Major League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox and basketball for the Detroit Pistons in 1962. He chose basketball, becoming a coach-player and later joining the New York Knicks, where he played a key role in the NBA-ABA merger in the 1970s. After his passing in 2003, the University of Detroit Mercy honored him with a scholarship for student athletes exemplifying leadership.