Michigan Minute
byWKAR Public Media
History
WKAR’s Jamie Paisley presents intriguing stories for each day in Michigan history. From name changes and iconic cities to arcane laws, Michigan Minute covers a wide variety of fascinatingly true tales from the Great Lake State. Interested in supporting the Michigan Minute?
Episodes(40 episodes)
Episode 1607
Morality Laws & Michigan’s First Quake Shakes | July 27
On this day in 1818, Detroit passed a morality law allowing public whippings. In 1934, Michigan issued its first old-age pension checks. And in 1980, an earthquake shook the state.
Published: Jul 27, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1606
Lorna Gray’s Debut & Grand Rapids Log Jam | July 26
On this day in 1917, actress Lorna Gray was born in Grand Rapids. And in 1883, a massive log jam on the Grand River damaged train bridges in the heart of the city.
Published: Jul 26, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1605
Busing Ruling & Michigan’s First Ombudsman | July 25
On this day in 1974, the Supreme Court sided with Gov. Milliken on Detroit’s busing case, fueling white flight. And in 1966, Michigan named its first state ombudsman.
Published: Jul 25, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1604
Hydropower Launch & Krone’s Racing Firsts | July 24
On this day in 1880, the world’s first hydroelectric plant began in Grand Rapids. And in 1963, trailblazing jockey Julie Krone was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Published: Jul 24, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1603
Detroit Rebellion Erupts & National Guard Called In | July 23
On this day in 1967, a police raid sparked the Detroit rebellion—one of the deadliest in U.S. history. Lasting 8 days, it led to 43 deaths, 7,000 arrests, and a national investigation.
Published: Jul 23, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1602
Detroit’s Recall & Scouts at Crystal Lake | July 22
On this day in 1930, Detroit Mayor Charles Bowles was recalled over corruption and KKK ties. And in 1911, the first Boy Scouts arrived at Camp Owasippe near Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Published: Jul 22, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1601
Robin Williams’ Roots & Bloomfield Hills | July 21
On this day in 1951, Robin Williams was born. Before becoming an Oscar-winning actor, he spent his teen years in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, excelling in school and sports.
Published: Jul 21, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1600
Hunter Orange Law & Helen Thomas’ Legacy | July 20
On this day in 1977, Michigan required hunters to wear fluorescent orange. And in 2013, trailblazing journalist Helen Thomas, a Wayne State alum, passed away at age 92.
Published: Jul 20, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1599
Triple Play History & Michigan’s Lost Canal | July 19
On this day in 1909, Michigander Neal Ball made MLB’s first unassisted triple play. And in 1838, a massive canal project began—only to be abandoned years later.
Published: Jul 19, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1598
Detroit’s Bankruptcy & Harbor Beach Light | July 18
On this day in 1885, Harbor Beach Lighthouse began service. In 2013, Detroit filed for bankruptcy. And in 1980, actress Kristen Bell was born in Huntington Woods.
Published: Jul 18, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1597
Fred Trost’s Legacy & Michigan Outdoors | July 17
On this day in 2007, Michigan lost beloved outdoorsman Fred Trost, host of “Michigan Outdoors” and later “Practical Sportsman,” staples of public TV for hunting and fishing fans.
Published: Jul 17, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1596
Mackinac’s Fall & War of 1812 Begins | July 16
On this day in 1812, British forces captured Fort Mackinac in the first War of 1812 battle on U.S. soil—triggering a swift British takeover of Michigan’s forts.
Published: Jul 16, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1595
Women’s Rights & World’s Tallest Man | July 15
On this day in 1929 and 1975, Michigan AG rulings advanced women’s rights. And in 1940, the world’s tallest man, Robert Wadlow, died in Manistee at age 22.
Published: Jul 15, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1594
Ford’s Birthday & Michigan’s President | July 14
On this day in 1913, Gerald R. Ford was born. The only U.S. president never elected to the presidency or vice presidency, he represented Michigan in Congress for 25 years
Published: Jul 14, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1593
Northwest Ordinance & Michigan’s Path | July 13
On this day in 1787, the Northwest Ordinance was enacted, setting the stage for Michigan and other Midwest states to move from territory to statehood with guaranteed rights.
Published: Jul 13, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1592
Olympic Gold & Women in the Guard | July 12
On this day in 1995, Olympian Jordyn Wieber was born in DeWitt, Michigan. And in 1974, women were officially allowed to join the Michigan National Guard.
Published: Jul 12, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1591
Endangered Species & Fort Detroit's Handoff | July 11
On this day in 1974, Michigan enacted its Endangered Species Act. And in 1796, U.S. forces officially took control of Fort Detroit from the British after years of delay.
Published: Jul 11, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1590
Toledo War Vet & Author of Freedom Amendments | July 10
On this day in 1805, Jacob Merritt Howard was born. A Michigan lawmaker and U.S. senator, he helped draft the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments alongside President Lincoln.
Published: Jul 10, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1589
Jack White’s Roots & Seven Nation Sound | July 9
On this day in 1975, Jack White was born in Detroit. A key figure in the 2000s garage rock revival, he rose to fame with the White Stripes and later wrote a Bond theme in 2008.
Published: Jul 9, 2026Duration: 1m 0s
Episode 1588
Olympic Gold & Lansing’s First Firefighter | July 8
On this day in 1924, U-M alum DeHart Hubbard became the first Black American to win Olympic gold. In 1962, Roger Roberts became Lansing’s first Black firefighter.
Published: Jul 8, 2026Duration: 1m 0s