1980 in Michigan

none 1980 1980 Events from the year 1980 in Michigan. The Associated Press (AP) selected the top Michigan news stories in Michigan as follows:Auto woes voted top Michigan news story Lansing State Journal December 26, 1980 B1, B2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13809502/auto_woes_voted_top_michigan_news_story/ Newspapers.com Record losses by the Big Three automakers and layoffs of 190,000 workers by year's end and production falling below the Japanese auto makers for the first time in history; Economic downturn in Michigan resulting in layoffs of state employees, increases in welfare rolls, and reductions in state services; A radical tax-cutting proposal from Shiawassee County Drain Commissioner Robert Tisch, known as the Tisch Amendment, was defeated in the November general election; Chrysler Corporation's struggle to avoid bankruptcy, including $1.47 billion in losses in the first nine months, the introduction of the K car, and its pursuit of additional federal loan guarantees; The 1980 Republican National Convention in Detroit nominating Ronald Reagan as its presidential nominee; The 1980 Kalamazoo tornado of May 13 that killed five persons and injured 80; A compromise over oil drilling in the Pigeon River Country State Forest with new drilling to be permitted in the forest, but under heightened environmental safeguards; The City of Detroit's challenge to the 1980 United States census, including a federal court ruling that the count was deficient by five million, mostly African American and Hispanic, persons; Charles Diggs' resignation from Congress and the start of his prison sentence after his 1978 conviction in a payroll kickback scheme; and The continuing debate over Indian fishing rights and the United States Department of the Interior's restriction on the use of gill nets in the upper Great Lakes. right|thumb|200px|Ronald Reagan at Republican National Convention in Detroit Also receiving extensive press coverage in Detroit was a controversy over General Motors' plan, supported by local government, to use eminent domain to remove 1,500 homes and 150 businesses to build a new assembly plant in Hamtramck and Poletown. The AP also selected the state's top sports stories as follows:Sims, Kaline lead 1980 newsmakers Detroit Free Press December 27, 1980 2C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13809557/sims_kaline_lead_1980_newsmakers/ Newspapers.com The Detroit Lions' selection of Oklahoma Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims as the first overall pick in the 1980 NFL draft and signing him to a three-year, $1.7 million contract; Al Kaline's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the 10th player in history selected on the first ballot; The 1980 Michigan Wolverines football team's compiling a 10–2 record and winning the Big Ten Conference championship; Thomas Hearns of Kronk Gym winning WBA welterweight boxing championship; Joe Kearny and Darryl Rogers quitting Michigan State; The 1980 Detroit Lions' starting the season with four wins but then losing seven of the last 12 games; Michigan State's hiring of Muddy Waters as its head football coach; The Detroit Pistons' trading Bob Lanier on February 4 to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Kent Benson and a 1980 first round draft pick; The hiring Bill Frieder as head coach of the Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team after Johnny Orr left for Iowa State; and The Detroit Red Wings' firing of Ted Lindsay as general manager and Bobby Kromm as head coach. The year's highlights in Michigan music included Bob Seger's Against the Wind reaching #1 on the album charts, the debut of The Romantics with the song "What I Like About You", and hit singles by Stevie Wonder ("Master Blaster (Jammin')"), Diana Ross ("Upside Down"), and The Spinners ("Working My Way Back to You"). 3 Office holders State office holders right|thumb|125px|Frank J. Kelley right|thumb|125px|Donald Riegle right|thumb|125px|Carl Levin right|thumb|125px|Guy Vander Jagt Governor of Michigan: William Milliken (Republican) Lieutenant Governor of Michigan: James H. Brickley (Republican) Michigan Attorney General: Frank J. Kelley (Democrat) Michigan Secretary of State: Richard H. Austin (Democrat) Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives: Bobby Crim (Democrat) Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate: William Faust (Democrat) Chief Justice, Michigan Supreme Court: Mary S. Coleman Mayors of major cities Mayor of Detroit: Coleman Young Mayor of Grand Rapids: Abe L. Drasin Mayor of Warren, Michigan: Ted Bates Mayor of Sterling Heights, Michigan: Anthony Dobry Mayor of Flint: James W. Rutherford Mayor of Dearborn: John O'Reilly, Sr. Mayor of Lansing: Gerald W. Graves Mayor of Ann Arbor: Louis Belcher (Republican) Mayor of Saginaw: Paul P. Prudhomme Federal office holders U.S. Senator from Michigan: Donald W. Riegle Jr. (Democrat) U.S. Senator from Michigan: Carl Levin (Democrat) House District 1: John Conyers (Democrat) House District 2: Carl Pursell (Republican) House District 3: Howard Wolpe (Republican) House District 4: David Stockman (Republican) House District 5: Harold S. Sawyer (Republican) House District 6: Bob Carr (Democrat) House District 7: Dale Kildee (Democrat) House District 8: J. Bob Traxler (Democrat) House District 9: Guy Vander Jagt (Republican) House District 10: Donald J. Albosta (Democrat) House District 11: Robert William Davis (Republican) House District 12: David Bonior (Democrat) House District 13: Charles Diggs (Democrat)/George Crockett Jr. (Democrat) House District 14: Lucien N. Nedzi (Democrat) House District 15: William D. Ford (Democrat) House District 16: John Dingell (Democrat) House District 17: William M. Brodhead (Democrat) House District 18: James Blanchard (Democrat) House District 19: William Broomfield (Republican) Population Companies The following is a list of major companies based in, or having a substantial manufacturing presence in, Michigan in 1980. Fortune 500 Rank (1981)Fortune 500: Full List Fortune.com September 16, 2017 https://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500_archive/full/1981/ https://web.archive.org/web/20070510170531/http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune500_archive/full/1981/ dead May 10, 2007(sales and net earnings figures come from the 1981 Fortune 500 list based on 1955 sales and earnings, unless another source is provided.) Company1980 sales (millions)1980 net earnings (millions) Headquarters Nature of business3General Motors57,728.5-762.5DetroitOne of the "Big Three" automobile manufacturers6Ford Motor Company37,085.5-1,543.3DearbornOne of the "Big Three" automobile manufacturersnaKmart14,200.0K mart earnings are down Detroit Free Press March 17, 1981 10 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13818961/k_mart_earnings_are_down/ Newspapers.com260.5TroyRetail stores25Dow Chemical Co.10,626.0805.0MidlandChemicals32Chrysler9,225.3-1,709.7DetroitOne of the "Big Three" automobile manufacturers87Bendix Corporation4,270.4191.6SouthfieldAuto parts, aerospace and electronic equipment and machine tools115Eaton Corporation3,176.5115.8Cleveland, OHAutomobile parts137Burroughs2,857.282.0DetroitComputers and data processing machines (later became Unisys)155American Motors2,552.6-197.5SouthfieldAutomobilesnaConsumers Power2,300.0Consumers Power Detroit Free Press February 5, 1981 6d https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13830219/consumers_power/ Newspapers.com224.0JacksonElectric and natural gas utility170Whirlpool Corporation2,243.2101.7Benton HarborWashers, dryers, appliances176Kellogg's2,150.9184.8Battle CreekCereal180Fruehauf Trailer Co.2,081.732.2DetroitTruck trailersnaUpjohn1,800.0Sales, profits for year, quarter are highest in Upjohn's history Battle Creek Enquirer February 17, 1981 C3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13831703/sales_profits_for_year_quarter_are/ Newspapers.com170.1KalamazooPharmaceuticalsnaDetroit Edison1,800.0Detroit Edison Detroit Free Press February 5, 1981 6d https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13830064/detroit_edison/ Newspapers.com137.5DetroitElectric utility226Clark Equipment Co.1,533.753.5BuchananIndustrial and construction machinery297Ex-Cell-O1,020.750.4TroyIndustrial equipment377Federal-Mogul721.236.7DetroitBearings and replacement parts for autos, trucks, and aircraft427McLouth Steel614.0-56.6DetroitSteel producer for auto industry434Gerber Products602.029.7FremontBaby food Sports Baseball right|thumb|130px|Al Kaline 1980 Detroit Tigers season – The Tigers compiled an 84–78 record and finished in a tie for fourth place in the American League East under manager Sparky Anderson. The team's statistical leaders included Lance Parrish (24 home runs), Steve Kemp (101 RBIs), Alan Trammell (.300 batting average), and Jack Morris (16 wins).1980 Detroit Tigers Statistics Sports Reference LLC Baseball-Reference.com June 2, 2017 https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1980.shtml Al Kaline – On January 9, Al Kaline was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, the tenth player in history to be elected on the first ballot after becoming eligible.It's official – Al's a legend Detroit Free Press Jim Hawkins January 10, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11460597/its_official_als_a_legend/ Newspapers.com The induction ceremony took place in Cooperstown on August 3.Al's biggest day: Kaline joins the lineup of Baseball's Hall of Fame Detroit Free Press August 4, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11519192/als_biggest_day_kaline_joins_the/ Newspapers.com On August 17, the Tigers retired Kaline's jersey (No. 6) before 42,117 fans at Tiger Stadium. Kaline was the first player to have his number retired by the Tigers.Tigers retire Kaline's big No. 6 Detroit Free Press August 18, 1980 1A, 5A https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11521756/tigers_retire_kalines_big_no_6/ Newspapers.com 1980 Michigan Wolverines baseball team - Under head coach Bud Middaugh, the Wolverines compiled a 36–18–1 record, won the Big Ten Conference championship, and finished fifth at the 1980 College World Series.2012 University of Michigan Baseball Record Book University of Michigan 2012 August 9, 2017 22, 71 http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/bsb-recordbook-2012.pdf March 4, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304120456/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/bsb-recordbook-2012.pdf dead George Foussianes was the team captain.2012 Record Book, p. 13. American football right|thumb|110px|Bo Schembechler 1980 Detroit Lions season – The Lions compiled a 9–7 record under head coach Monte Clark and finished in second place in the NFC Central. The team's statistical leaders included Billy Sims with 1,303 rushing yards, Gary Danielson with 3,223 passing yards, Freddie Scott with 834 receiving yards, and Eddie Murray with 116 points scored.1980 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com June 3, 2017 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/1980.htm?redir 1980 Michigan Wolverines football team – The Wolverines compiled a 10–2 record under head coach Bo Schembechler, won the Big Ten championship and defeated Washington in the 1981 Rose Bowl. The team's statistical leaders included John Wangler with 1,522 passing yards, Butch Woolfolk with 1,042 rushing yards, and Anthony Carter with 818 receiving yards and 84 points scored.1980 Michigan Wolverines Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football June 12, 2017 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/1980.html Carter and center George Lilja were selected as first-team All-Americans.1980 Football Team https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1980fbt.htm Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan June 3, 2017 1980 Michigan State Spartans football team – The Spartans compiled a 3–8 record under head coach Muddy Waters.2015 Michigan State Football Media Guide Michigan State University 145 July 4, 2016 http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/msu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/misc_non_event/msu-media-guide-135-186-histor.pdf March 17, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160317023433/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/msu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/misc_non_event/msu-media-guide-135-186-histor.pdf dead Morten Anderson, who went on to a Hall of Fame career in the NFL, was the team's place-kicker. 1980 Central Michigan Chippewas football team – The Chippewas compiled a 9–2 record and won the Mid-American Conference championship under head coach Herb Deromedi.Central Michigan 2015 Football Media Guide Central Michigan University July 20, 2016 100, 110 2015 http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/cmu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/misc_non_event/2015-Football-Media-Guide.pdf October 26, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161026171041/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/cmu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/misc_non_event/2015-Football-Media-Guide.pdf dead 1980 Eastern Michigan Hurons football team – The Hurons compiled a 1–9 record under head coach Mike Stock.2015 Eastern Michigan Football Digital Media Guide Eastern Michigan University Football July 4, 2016 163, 170 http://www.emueagles.com/custompages/football/2015/2015EMUFBGuide_072215small.pdf 1980 Western Michigan Broncos football team – The Broncos compiled a 7–4 record under head coach Elliot Uzelac.1980 Western Michigan Broncos Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football July 5, 2016 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/western-michigan/1980.html Class A Michigan high school football championship – Birmingham Brother Rice defeated Dearborn Fordson, 6–0, in the state championship game, played at the Pontiac Silverdome on November 29.Defense does it for Rice, 6–0 Detroit Free Press November 30, 1980 1H Basketball 1979–80 Detroit Pistons season – The Pistons compiled a 16–66 record under head coaches Dick Vitale and Richie Adubato. The team's statistical leaders included John Long with 1,337 points scored, Bob Lanier with 21.7 points per game before being traded, Eric Money led with 238 assists, and Terry Tyler with 627 rebounds.1979–80 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com June 3, 2017 https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/1980.html 1979–80 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team – The Wolverines compiled a 17–13 record under head coach Johnny Orr.University of Michigan Basketball Record Book University of Michigan 33 http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/bkm-through-the-years.pdf 2017-06-03 2018-10-26 https://web.archive.org/web/20181026080859/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/bkm-through-the-years.pdf dead Mike McGee was selected as the team's most valuable player.http://www.mgoblue.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/mich/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/bkm-all-time-accolades All-Time Accolades CBS Interactive MGoBlue.com 9–10 2017-06-09 https://web.archive.org/web/20100901151320/http://www.mgoblue.com/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/mich/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/bkm-all-time-accolades 2010-09-01 dead 1979–80 Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team – After winning the national championship with Magic Johnson in the lineup the previous year, the 1979–80 Spartans compiled a 12–15 record under head coach Jud Heathcote.1979–80 Michigan State Spartans Roster and Stats Sports Reference LLC SR CBB June 3, 2017 https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/michigan-state/1962.html Jay Vincent was the team's leading scorer. 1979–80 Detroit Titans men's basketball team – The Titans compiled a 14–13 record under head coach Willie McCarter.1979–80 Detroit Titans Roster and Stats Sports Reference LLC SR CBB June 3, 2017 https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/detroit-mercy/1980.html Ice hockey 1979–80 Detroit Red Wings season – The Red Wings compiled a 26–43–11 record under head coaches Bobby Kromm and Ted Lindsay in the team's first season playing in Joe Louis Arena. The team's statistical leaders included Mike Foligno with 36 goals and Dale McCourt with 51 assists and 81 points. Goaltender Rogie Vachon led the NHL in losses (30) and goals allowed (209).Sports Reference LLC June 3, 2017 1979–80 Detroit Red Wings Roster and Statistics Hockey-Reference.com https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/DET/1980.html right|thumb|135px|Gordie Howe 32nd National Hockey League All-Star Game – The game was played on February 5 at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The game drew a crowd of 21,002 persons, the largest crowd to watch a professional hockey game to that date. The crowd gave Gordie Howe a two-and-a-half minute standing ovation before the game and another ovation when he assisted on a goal.Howe sweet it all is! Detroit Free Press February 6, 1980 1D 1979–80 Northern Michigan Wildcats men's ice hockey team – Michigan Tech advanced to the 1980 NCAA Division I Men's Ice Hockey Tournament. The team lost to North Dakota in the national championship game by a 5–2 score. Northern Michigan finished its season with a 34–6–1 record under head coach Rick Comley.North Dakota tops Wildcats Green Bay Press-Gazette March 9, 1980 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11481886/north_dakota_tops_wildcats/ Newspapers.com 1979–80 Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey team – The Wolverines compiled a 23–13–2 record under head coach Dan Farrell.College Hockey News June 4, 2017 Michigan Team History http://www.collegehockeynews.com/reports/teamHistory/Michigan/31 1979–80 Michigan State Spartans men's ice hockey team – The Spartans compiled a 14–24 record in their first season under head coach Ron Mason.College Hockey News June 4, 2017 Michigan State Team History http://www.collegehockeynews.com/reports/teamHistory/Michigan-State/32 1979–80 Michigan Tech Huskies men's ice hockey team – The Huskies compiled an 18–18–2 record under head coach John MacInnes.College Hockey News June 4, 2017 Michigan Tech Team History http://www.collegehockeynews.com/reports/teamHistory/Michigan-Tech/33 Boxing right|thumb|150px|Thomas Hearns March 2 – Hilmer Kenty defeated Ernesto España at Joe Louis Arena to win the World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight championship. He became Detroit's first world champion boxer since Joe Louis.Kenty stuns Espana with a TKO in 9th Detroit Free Press March 3, 1980 1A On the same card, Thomas Hearns knocked out Angel Espada, and Mickey Goodwin knocked out Leo Saenz. Kenty, Hearns, and Goodwin were all trained by Emanuel Steward of the Kronk Gym.3 up, 3 down: Hearns' KO leads Kronk Detroit Free Press March 3, 1980 1D https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11480913/3_up_3_down_hearns_ko_leads_kronk/ Newspapers.com August 2 – Thomas Hearns defeated Pipino Cuevas by a technical knockout in the second round before a crowd of 14,000 at Joe Louis Arena to win the WBA welterweight championship.Hearns Stops Cuevas for Title Detroit Free Press August 3, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11518999/hearns_stops_cuevas_for_title/ Newspapers.com Other 1980 Detroit Express soccer season – The Detroit Express of the North American Soccer League compiled a 14–18 in 1980 under manager Ken Furphy and attracted an average attendance of 11,198 at the Pontiac Silverdome. The team's leading players included Pato Margetic, Ivan Belfiore, and Dave McGill.Express untracked: Team must help itself in off-season Detroit Free Press August 24, 1980 8H Keith Furphy was traded to the Atlanta Chiefs on May 2.Express split dad-son duo Detroit Free Press May 3, 1980 1D Trevor Francis was out of action with a ruptured Achilles tendon. 1980 NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships – The meet was held at Cobo Arena in Detroit. UTEP won the team championship. Michigan placed ninth. 1980 Avon Championships of Detroit – Billie Jean King defeated Evonne Goolagong to win the singles title at Cobo Arena.King takes easy Avon win Detroit Free Press February 25, 1980 1D Buick Open – Peter Jacobsen won the tournament, his first PGA title, at 12 under par.Jacobsen's birdie wins Buick Open The Times Herald (Port Huron) August 25, 1980 7 Port Huron to Mackinac Boat Race – Sundance, captained by Dan and Greg McQueen, won the race on July 22 with a corrected time of 44 hours, 9 minutes.Sundance wins Mackinac race The Times Herald (Port Huron) July 22, 1980 1 Spirit of Detroit Regatta – Dean Chenoweth in the Miss Budweiser won the annual hydroplane race on the Detroit River on June 30.Roaring Miss Bud leaves hydro field in foam Detroit Free Press July 1, 1980 1D Detroit Free Press International Marathon – Greg Meyer, a native of Grand Rapids who had previously been a middle-distance runner, won the event on October 29 in his first time competing in a marathon. His time of 2:13:08 broke the American record for a first-time marathon participant.Marathon Man: He's a Record-Setter Detroit Free Press October 20, 1980 1 Music and culture right|thumb|140px|Bob Seger right|thumb|125px|Ted Nugent right|thumb|250px|Grand Hotel, location for Somewhere in Time January 4 – The Romantics from Detroit released their debut album The Romantics, including the hit "What I Like About You".Will Romantics find success in pop music? Detroit Free Press February 29, 1980 1C, 7C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11451376/will_romantics_find_success_in_pop/ Newspapers.com February 15 – The Knack led by Oak Park native Doug Fieger released its ...But the Little Girls Understand album. The RIAA certified the album as Gold on April 14, 1980. February 25 – Bob Seger released his album, Against the Wind, his only #1 album; it replaced Pink Floyd's The Wall at the #1 spot. Hit singles from the album included "Against the Wind", "You'll Accomp'ny Me", and "Fire Lake". February 25 – Smokey Robinson released his Warm Thoughts album. The single "Let Me Be the Clock" reached the Top 40. The album reached #4 at the R&B album chart. February – Iggy Pop released his Soldier album. March – The Spinners' remake of "Working My Way Back to You", released in December 1979, reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.A disc jockey spins, and the Spinners win Detroit Free Press June 6, 1980 1B, 5B https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11453224/a_disc_jockey_spins_and_the_spinners/ Newspapers.com March 24 – "The Gospel Show of the Decade", a benefit for C. L. Franklin, who had been in a coma since he was shot in July 1979, took place at Cobo Arena. Aretha Franklin, who had not played a show in Detroit in years, headlined the event. The Staples Singers, Jesse Jackson, Jackson Southernaires, Donald Vails, James Cleveland, and Cleophus Robinson also appeared at the show. April 28 – Alice Cooper released his Flush the Fashion album. The single "Clones (We're All)" reached #40 on the U.S. singles chart. May 21 – The Empire Strikes Back, with a screenplay by Detroit native Lawrence Kasdan, opened in the United States.Detroiter strikes gold with a winning screenplay Detroit Free Press May 26, 1980 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11511450/detroiter_strikes_gold_with_a_winning/ Kasdan also wrote the screenplay for Raiders of the Lost Ark, released in 1981. May 22 – Diana Ross released her album Diana. The single "Upside Down" reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September. June – Ted Nugent released his Scream Dream album which included the song "Wango Tango". June – Bob Seger played six shows at Cobo Arena in Detroit.Seger revs up Motown Detroit Free Press June 16, 1980 6C August 28–September 1 – The first Montreaux-Detroit Jazz Festival was held in downtown Detroit. September * Magnum, P.I. starring Detroit native Tom Selleck debuted on CBS. * Mork & Mindy starring Robin Williams, the son of a Ford Motor executive who grew up in suburban Detroit, entered its third season. Williams also appeared in the film Popeye which debuted in December. September 29 – Stevie Wonder released his Hotter than July album. The single "Master Blaster (Jammin')" reached #1 in December. October 3 – Somewhere in Time, filmed on location at the Grand Hotel and the Mission Point Fine Arts building, both located on Mackinac Island, debuted. October 25 – Aretha Franklin released her Aretha album. The single "United Together" reached #3 on the Soul chart. October – Suzi Quatro released her Rock Hard album. November 12 - After a dispute with the board in September over funding for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO),Odds on Dorati? '50-50, maybe less' Detroit Free Press September 10, 1980 1A, 15A Antal Doráti announced that he would leave the DSO as its musical director at the end of the season and become the conductor laureate.Dorati giving up DSO job Detroit Free Press November 13, 1980 1 Chronology of events January right|thumb|140px|Lee Iacocca right|thumb|140px|Rosa Parks thumb|right|150px|Ford Pinto January 3 – Sonny Eliot announced that he was leaving NBC affiliate WDIV-TV (channel 4) in Detroit. With 32 years as the station's TV weatherman, he was the longest-running TV weatherman on a single station.Sonny Eliot leaving Ch. 4 Detroit Free Press January 4, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11459068/sonny_eliot_leaving_ch_4/ Newspapers.com The following day, he was hired as the weatherman at then-CBS affiliate WJBK-TV (channel 2) in Detroit.Sonny Eliot gets No. 1 weather spot at Channel 2 Detroit Free Press January 5, 1980 1 January 4 – Chrysler's Hamtramck Assembly Plant, also known as Dodge Main produced its last Chrysler product. The plant opened in 1914, once employed 36,000 workers, and had its own foundry and machine shop.An era ends at Dodge Main Detroit Free Press January 4, 1980 1 The final car to roll off the line was a 1980 Dodge Aspen, the 13,943,221st to be assembled at the plant.Dodge Main's last car Detroit Free Press January 5, 1980 1'A Haunted House': Dodge Main dies after 13,943,221st vehicle rolls off line Detroit Free Press January 5, 1980 3 January 7 – President Jimmy Carter signed a $3.5 billion rescue package for Chrysler Corporation, including up to $1.5 billion in loan guarantees. Chrysler President Lee Iacocca and UAW President Douglas Fraser participated in the signing ceremony at the White House.Carter signs Chrysler aid bill Detroit Free Press January 8, 1980 1 As part of the deal, Chrysler workers agreed to contract modifications saving Chrysler $446 million by eliminating 17 paid holidays, postponing annual wage increases, and eliminating a 1980 bonus payment. In exchange, the workers received the right to 15 million shares of Chrysler stock in 1983.Chrysler Pact to Cut 17 Holidays Detroit Free Press January 6, 1980 1, 4 January 11 – Honda announced that it would open an assembly plant outside Marysville, Ohio, becoming the first Japanese automaker to build cars in the United States.Honda to open auto plant in Ohio Detroit Free Press January 12, 1980 1 January 12 – Gordie Howe, at age 51, returned to Detroit as a player for the Hartford Whalers. The game between the Red Wings and Whalers drew a record crowd of 19,905 to Joe Louis Arena. Fans chanted "Gordie, Gordie, Gordie" during the game, and one fan threw an octopus onto the ice near Howe, an old tradition when Howe played for the Red Wings at Olympia Stadium.Gordie thrills old fans Detroit Free Press January 13, 1980 1, 4 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11460786/gordie_thrills_old_fans/ Newspapers.com January 14 – Detroit resident Rosa Parks was presented with the Martin Luther King Nonviolent Peace Prize at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Detroit. Coretta Scott King presented the award to Parks.Rosa Parks Gets Prize Detroit Free Press January 15, 1980 1 January 15 – Opening statements were given in the reckless homicide case against Ford Motor Company in Elkhart County, Indiana, arising out of the death of three teenage girls who were riding in a 1973 Ford Pinto when the vehicle was rear-ended by a van.Ford chiefs 'invited fire,' Indiana Pinto jury told Detroit Free Press January 16, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11463376/ford_chiefs_invited_fire_indiana/ Newspapers.com The case was the first time a corporation faced criminal charges for a defective product. Ford was represented by former Watergate prosecutor James F. Neal. On March 13, after a 10-week trial and four days of deliberations, the jury found Ford not guilty of all charges.Victory in the Pinto case; Firm acquitted in girls' deaths Detroit Free Press March 14, 1980 1 January 15 – UAW President Douglas Fraser endorsed Ted Kennedy for President. January 15 – Michigan State athletic director Joseph Kearney announced he was leaving the school to accept a similar position at Arizona State.Arizona St. hires Spartan AD – Rogers next? Detroit Free Press 1D January 16, 1980 Two days later, football coach Darryl Rogers followed Kearney to Arizona State. January 19 – The Detroit Free Press published on its front page a letter purportedly written by Staff Sergeant Joseph Subic, Jr., of Redford Township, one of 52 Americans held at the American embassy in Tehran since November 4, as part of the Iran hostage crisis.20 hostage letters to U.S. – all similar Detroit Free Press January 19, 1980 1 On April 10, Subic appeared on Iranian television confessing that he was a spy.Redford hostage on TV as a 'spy' Detroit Free Press April 11, 1980 1 January 21 – George and Annemarie Roeper, who founded the Roeper School in 1941, announced their plans to leave the Bloomfield Hills school for gifted children.Brainchild of '40s, the Roeper school will lose founders Detroit Free Press January 22, 1980 3 January 26 – Velsicol Chemical Corporation submitted its plan to clean up the site surrounding its manufacturing plant in St. Louis, Michigan. January 29 – Muddy Waters was hired as the new head football coach at Michigan State. February right|thumb|150px|Joe Louis Arena February 1 – Canadians were offered free admission to the Detroit Zoo on February 1 and Henry Ford Museum on February 3 as tokens of appreciation for the Canadian Caper in which Canada rescued six American diplomats from Tehran.Free for Canadians Detroit Free Press February 1, 1980 3 February 4 – The Detroit Pistons traded Bob Lanier to the Milwaukee Bucks for Kent Benson. Lanier had asked to be traded. He spent 10 years with the Pistons and was selected for the All-Star team seven times.Lanier traded to Bucks Detroit Free Press February 5, 1980 1D https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11477926/lanier_traded_to_bucks/ Newspapers.com February 5 – The NHL All-Star Game was played at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. The game drew a crowd of 21,002 persons, the largest crowd to watch a professional hockey game to that date. The crowd gave Gordie Howe a two-and-a-half minute standing ovation before the game and another ovation when he assisted on a goal. February 7 – Chrysler released its 1979 fourth quarter results, showing a loss of $375 million in the final three months. Losses for the year were in excess of $1 billion, the largest corporate loss in history.Chrysler's Loss Tops $1 Billion Detroit Free Press February 8, 1980 1 February 19 – The divorce trial of Henry Ford II and Cristina Ford began in Detroit.Ford vs. Ford – Round 1 Detroit Free Press February 20, 1980 1 Shortly after the case was called for trial, the parties reached a confidential property settlement.Ford divorce 'amicably' Detroit Free Press February 21, 1980 1 February 22 – The United States Olympic Hockey Team defeated the Soviet Union in the semifinals of the Winter Olympics, in the Miracle on Ice. Michigan natives Ken Morrow of Davison and Mark Wells of St. Clair Shores were members of the USA team.Icers' parting is 'saddest thing' Detroit Free Press February 25, 1980 1D, 6D February 28 – Chrysler Corporation delivered the first two XM1 tanks to the Army.Chrysler delivers first Army tanks Detroit Free Press February 29, 1980 1 March March 7 – The U.S. Justice Department sued the city of Birmingham, Michigan, for violation of fair housing laws in blocking the development of racially integrated low-income housing.U.S. Suing Birmingham on Bias Detroit Free Press March 8, 1980 1 On April 7, voters in Birmingham rejected for the fourth time to oppose subsidized housing for the elderly and low-income families.B'ham: No again to subsidized housing Detroit Free Press April 8, 1980 3 March 10 – Herman Tarnower, developer of the Scarsdale diet, was shot and killed by ex-lover Jean Harris, a Wayne State alumnus who worked as a teacher in Grosse Pointe from 1946 to 1966, including 16 years at University Liggett School.Diet author slain; WSU grad held Detroit Free Press March 12, 1980 1Killing suspect taught in Pointes Detroit Free Press March 12, 1980 1 Harris was later convicted of the murder. March 12 – Five Michigan Wolverines football players, including linebacker Ben Needham and quarterback B. J. Dickey, were kicked off the team for training violations arising out of an incident allegedly involving the use of drugs.U-M Axes 5 Football Players: Drugs cited in dismissals of top gridders Detroit Free Press March 13, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11494207/um_axes_5_football_players/ Newspapers.com Four of the five players vehemently denied any involvement with drugs.U-M Footballers Deny Drug Use Detroit Free Press March 14, 1980 1 On March 14, head coach Bo Schembechler clarified that the players were only temporarily suspended.Bo says players are only suspended Detroit Free Press March 15, 1980 1 March 13 – On the same day that the company was acquitted in the Pinto trial, Henry Ford II stepped down as president and CEO of Ford Motor Co. Philip Caldwell replaced Ford as the company's president and CEO.Henry Ford steps down; Caldwell gets the No. 1 job Detroit Free Press March 14, 1980 1 March 14 – The UAW announced plans to begin pickets at foreign car dealerships as part of a campaign to discourage the purchase of foreign cars.Imported cars face picketing by UAW locals Detroit Free Press March 15, 1980 1 The union picketed at Dearborn Toyota on March 27.UAW pickets import dealer Detroit Free Press March 27, 1980 3 March 15 – After his name was placed on the Michigan primary ballot, Gerald Ford announced that he would not run for the Republican presidential nomination. Ford called it the "toughest decision of my life."Ford Won't Seek Presidency Detroit Free Press March 16, 1980 1 right|thumb|130px|Jimmy Carter March 18 – President Jimmy Carter announced his opposition to limits on Japanese car imports, arguing that the Japanese imports helped control inflation and reduce gasoline consumption.Carter Fights Curb On Japanese Autos Detroit Free Press March 19, 1980 1 Carter's position drew criticism from the UAW.Brickbats for Carter Detroit Free Press March 20, 1980 1 March 20 – Detroit Police Chief William L. Hart fired five police officers for using cattle prods on prisoners.Hart Fires Five in Prod Case Detroit Free Press March 21, 1980 1 Mayor Coleman Young supported the firings, noting that the city would not tolerate police brutality.Young Says City Won't Tolerate Police Brutality Detroit Free Press March 22, 1980 1 Three of the fired officers were reinstated by the Board of Police Commissioners on April 17.Reinstated in Cattle Prod Case Detroit Free Press April 18, 1980 3 March 21 – Bobby Kromm was fired as head coach of the Detroit Red Wings. General manager Ted Lindsay and assistant coach Marcel Pronovost took over coaching duties for the rest of the season.Kromm is out as coach of Red Wings Detroit Free Press March 22, 1980 1 Lindsay took over as full-time head coach on April 11.Ted out as Wing GM, in as coach Detroit Free Press April 12, 1980 1D March 25 – Michigan Wolverines men's basketball head coach Johnny Orr resigned his post at Michigan to become the head basketball coach at Iowa State. Orr, who was the winningest basketball coach in Michigan history, was lured by a compensation package that roughly tripled his compensation at Michigan.Coach Orr quits U-M for Iowa's big money Detroit Free Press March 26, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11495645/coach_orr_quits_um_for_iowas_big_money/ Newspapers.com March 26 – Ferris State accounting professor Robert Brauer was shot to death while teaching a class. The assailant was one of his students who was also the son of the dean.Prof Is Slain As Students Watch Detroit Free Press March 27, 1980 1Motive for prof's slaying eludes police, Ferris students Detroit Free Press March 28, 1980 3 April right|thumb|140px|George W. Crockett Jr. April 14 – The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order requiring the busing program in Detroit be expanded.Court Orders Wider Busing Detroit Free Press April 15, 1980 1 April 14 – Harold Shapiro was invested as the 10th president of the University of Michigan.Detroit Free Press April 15, 1980 3 He remained president until 1988. April 15 – Faced with large losses, Ford Motor announced that it was closing three plants and eliminating 15,000 jobs.Ford Is Cutting 15,000 Jobs Detroit Free Press April 16, 1980 1 The next day, General Motors announced layoffs of 12,000 workers at seven plants.GM Orders 12,000 Layoffs Detroit Free Press April 17, 1980 1 April 18 – Sen. Ted Kennedy attacked President Carter for failing to take sufficient actions, including threatening to freeze or impose a quota on Japanese imports, to protect the jobs of American auto workers. On the same day, the Carter administration announced that it would provide special benefits to 48,000 laid off Ford workers.48,000 Ford Workers Win Layoff Benefits Detroit Free Press April 19, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11506000/48000_ford_workers_win_layoff_benefits/ Newspapers.com By April 26, the Department of Labor had expanded to 131,000 those eligible for the special unemployment benefits to workers who lost their jobs to foreign car imports.131,000 eligible for import aid Detroit Free Press April 27, 1980 3 April 18 – Michigan Gov. William Milliken endorsed George H. W. Bush in the race for the Republican Party presidential nomination.Milliken gets off the fence, endorses Bush Detroit Free Press April 19, 1980 3 April 18 – George W. Crockett Jr. announced that he would oppose Charles Diggs for the congressional seat held by Diggs since 1955.Crockett to run for Diggs' seat Detroit Free Press April 19, 1980 3 Diggs, who was convicted of mail fraud in October 1978 and was censured by the House in 1979, announced on May 14 that he would retire from Congress at the end of his term and not seek re-election.Diggs to Leave Congress Job, Cleared or Not Detroit Free Press May 15, 1980 1 April 21 – Lucien N. Nedzi of Hamtramck announced that he would not seek reelection for another term as Congressman from Michigan's 14th district.Rep. Nedzi to retire Detroit Free Press April 22, 1980 1 April 22 – Chrysler announced that it was eliminating 6,900 non-production jobs, a 20% reduction.White Collar Layoffs: 6,900 Out at Chrysler Detroit Free Press April 23, 1980 1 Three days later, General Motors announced that it would layoff 10%, or 18,000, of its salaried jobs.GM cutting 18,000 salaried jobs Detroit Free Press April 26, 1980 1 April 26 – Ted Kennedy won a narrow victory over Jimmy Carter in Michigan's Democratic caucus, winning 71 delegates to 70 for Carter.Detroit Free Press April 27, 1980 1 April 28 – Ford Motor Co. announced a $164 million loss for the first quarter of 1980, the worst quarterly loss in the company's 77-year history.Ford Loses $164 Million; Worse Ahead Detroit Free Press April 29, 1980 1 April 29 – The Detroit Lions selected Heisman Trophy winner Billy Sims of Oklahoma with the first pick in the 1980 NFL draft.It's official! Lions make Sims first pick Detroit Free Press April 30, 1980 1D On June 10, Sims signed a $2 million three-year contract with the Lions, making him the highest paid player in the NFL.Lions' $2 Million Gets Sims Detroit Free Press June 11, 1980 1 April 30 – A Soviet freighter, the Vasha Shishkovsky, with a crew of 37, was stranded in Ludington, Michigan, after members of the International Longshoremen's Association, in a protest over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, refused to pilot the ship through the Great Lakes.Protest maroons Soviet ship in Ludington Detroit Free Press May 1, 1980 3 The ship departed on May 3 after a Canadian pilot was brought to Ludington to guide the ship.Russian Ship May Go Today Detroit Free Press May 3, 1980 3Russian freighter sails off Detroit Free Press May 4, 1980 3 April 30 – The City of Flint reached settlement with the U.S. Justice Department in a suit seeking to desegregate Flint's public schools.Flint, U.S. agree on integration Detroit Free Press May 1, 1989 3 May right|thumb|140px|Big Rock Point Nuclear Power Plant May 2 – April unemployment figures showed Michigan with a 12.4% unemployment rate and 523,000 workers unemployed. The unemployment rate was the highest in the state since 1975 and more than five points above the national rate of 7.0%.Car Layoffs Push Jobless Rate Up In State, Nation Detroit Free Press May 3, 1980 1 May 4 – A sit-down protest against safety conditions at the Big Rock Point Nuclear Power Plant on Lake Michigan near Charlevoix resulted in 16 arrests. The plant, opened in 1962, was the fifth oldest nuclear plant in the country and lacked the three-foot safety wall on more modern plants, having only a three-quarter inch steel barrier around the reactor's containment dome.16 Seized at A-Plant Protest Detroit Free Press May 5, 1980 3 May 7 – Chrysler reported a $449 million loss in the first quarter of 1980.Loss Grows, But Chrysler Nears Loans Detroit Free Press May 8, 1980 1 Three days later, the company's chairman Lee Iacocca negotiated the final points needed to secure the federal government's $1.5 billion in loan guarantees needed to bail out the struggling auto maker.Chrysler Swings U.S. Aid Deal Detroit Free Press May 11, 1980 1 Chrysler's employees as of May 1980 totaled 47,200, down from 81,700 two years earlier.When Chrysler hurts, Detroit hurts Detroit Free Press May 13, 1980 1 May 13 – The 1980 Kalamazoo tornado rated F3 on the Fujita scale struck downtown Kalamazoo, killing five people and injuring more than 80. Damage was estimated at $50 million.Kalamazoo Tornado Kills 7 Detroit Free Press May 14, 1980 1Cleanup Begins in Twister Aftermath: Final toll is 5 dead; curfew on Detroit Free Press May 15, 1980 3 May 13 – Ten paintings owned by Henry Ford II were sold for $18.3 million at an auction at Christie's in New York. Van Gogh's "Le Jardin du Poete" sold for $5.2 million, the second highest price paid for a painting. Cézanne's "Paysan en Blouse Bleue" sold for $3.9 million, the fourth highest price paid for a painting. Gauguin's "La Plage au Pouldu" sold for $2.9 million.Ford art auction a record-breaker Detroit Free Press May 14, 1980 1 May 15 – In a speech to the Detroit Economic Club, Ronald Reagan promised if elected president to reduce taxes and eliminate regulations that had crippled the automobile industry.Reagan says autos 'regulated to death' Detroit Free Press May 16, 1980 3 right|thumb|130px|Michael Moore May 15 – Flint police executed a search warrant at the offices of The Flint Voice, an alternative weekly newspaper founded and operated by Michael Moore. The paper had published a confidential city report concerning alleged coercion of city employees by Flint's mayor. The search sought to determine the source of the leak. In June, the ACLU filed suit to prevent further searches of the newspaper's office.Flint police search of paper's printers draws ire, attention Detroit Free Press June 5, 1980 3A, 19A https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11595463/flint_police_search_of_newspaper_office/ Newspapers.com The search drew national media attention, including The New York Times, Associated Press, and CBS News.A small voice makes a large noise Detroit Free Press (Sunday magazine) Alex Kotlowitz October 25, 1981 18–20 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11595748/a_small_voice_makes_a_large_noise/ Newspapers.com May 16 – Chrysler announced plans to close its Lynch Road assembly plant at the end of the 1980 model year.Chrysler Will Close Lynch Rd. Assembly Detroit Free Press May 17, 1980 1 May 16 – A law permitting medical marijuana was signed into law in Michigan.State will get marijuana for medical use Detroit Free Press May 17, 1980 3 May 16 – NBA rookie Magic Johnson, who had led Michigan State to an NCAA championship in 1979, led the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA championship. Johnson scored 42 points in the decisive sixth game and was named the Most Valuable Player of the playoffs.Magic indeed! It's L.A., 123–107 Detroit Free Press May 17, 1980 1D May 17 – Former Michigan Gov. John Swainson was arrested for drunk driving in Lenawee County. It was Swainson's second drunk driving charge in two-and-a-half years.Swainson faces new drinking charge Detroit Free Press May 20, 1980 3 May 19 – The Ferndale Board of Education dropped its appeal of a federal order desegregating its schools. Justice Department litigation to desegregate the Ferndale schools began in 1968 as the first federal prosecution of a school system outside the South.Ferndale won't fight bias ruling Detroit Free Press May 20, 1980 3Ferndale Speeds Its School Plan Detroit Free Press May 21, 1980 3 The Ferndale busing plan was publicly revealed on October 8,Ferndale Busing Will Begin Jan. 5 For 350 Students Detroit Free Press October 9, 1980 3 and went into effect on January 5, 1981.Ferndale's integration plan takes effect Detroit Free Press October 9, 1980 3 May 20 – In the Republican Party presidential primary in Michigan, George H. W. Bush, with backing from Gov. William Milliken, defeated Ronald Reagan by a margin of 57% to 32%.It's Bush by 2 to 1 in Michigan Detroit Free Press May 21, 1980 1 May 21 – Three Detroit police officers were demoted for their roles in the January 17 arrest and strip search of Mayor Coleman Young's two sisters and niece. The three women were detained after a dispute over a parking space at a building owned by one of the police officers who was demoted. Commander Anthony Fierimonti was demoted two ranks to lieutenant.Precinct Chief, 2 Others Busted for Strip-Search Detroit Free Press May 22, 1980 3A, 7A On May 29, three of the officers involved denied conducting strip searches, claiming the women were merely patted down, in television interviews. One of the officers, an African-American woman, charged that the mayor's niece had blocked another car, refused to move her car, tried to attack the tow truck driver called to remove her vehicle, and screamed at her: "You black bitch. I'm the mayor's niece and you can't do this to me; I'll have your job."Cops Deny Mistreating Mayor's Relatives Detroit Free Press May 30, 1980 3 May 23 – General Motors announced plans to increase capital spending to $40 billion through 1984. GM Chairman Thomas Murphy called it "the most ambitious" capital spending plan "ever undertaken by any corporation anywhere in the world at any time in history."GM Boosts Its Capital Outlay to $40 Billion Detroit Free Press May 24, 1980 1 May 27 – The Detroit Tigers traded Jason Thompson, the team's first baseman for the past four-and-a-half years, to the California Angels for Al Cowens.Tigers Trade Thompson Detroit Free Press May 28, 1980 1 June June 2 – Charles Diggs lost the final appeal of his 1978 conviction in a payroll kickback scheme.Rep. Diggs Loses His Last Appeal Detroit Free Press June 3, 1980 1 He resigned from Congress the following day. Diggs had served in Congress for 25 years.Diggs resigns in terse letter, ending 25 years in Congress Detroit Free Press June 4, 1980 1 Diggs began serving his prison sentence on July 24 at a prison camp in Alabama.Diggs starts sentence in state where he's a hero Detroit Free Press July 25, 1980 1 June 4 – Sales by American automakers for May fell to 496,120 cars, the lowest monthly total since September 1963.Car Sales Plummet To Lowest Since '63 Detroit Free Press June 5, 1980 1 June 6 – Unemployment figures for Michigan during the month of May showed a 14.0% unemployment rate, the highest since 1975, and 607,000 persons out of work in Michigan.Jobless Rate in Michigan Rises to 14% Detroit Free Press June 7, 1980 3 The unemployment rate in Detroit rose to 18.4% in May.Jobless Rate Soars to 18.4% In Detroit Detroit Free Press June 28, 1980 1 June 11 – The federal government launched the largest recall in automotive history, charging that 26 million Ford cars had defective transmissions linked to 98 deaths.Ford Faces Largest Recall Detroit Free Press June 12, 1980 1 The recall was later rescinded pursuant to an agreement with the Department of Transportation allowing Ford to send warning notices in lieu of repairs.Deal with U.S. Spares Ford a Giant Recall Detroit Free Press December 31, 1980 1 June 17 – Detroit Tigers general manager Jim Campbell closed the 10,500 bleacher seats at Tiger Stadium due to rowdyism. Campbell said: "I'm just goddamn fed up with them. I'm sick and tired. It's dangerous. It gives the city a bad name."Rowdyism Shuts Tiger Bleachers Detroit Free Press June 18, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11513834/rowdyism_shuts_tiger_bleachers/ Newspapers.com The team re-opened of the bleachers on June 30 with new restrictions on beer sales and additional security.Tigers to reopen bleachers – carefully Detroit Free Press June 29, 1980 1Bleachers back, but beer is small Detroit Free Press July 1, 1980 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11515119/bleachers_back_but_beer_is_small/ Newspapers.com June 20 – Two holdout banks agreed to terms for the Chrysler bailout, allowing the $1.5 billion rescue package to proceed and averting a bankruptcy filing by the company.All Banks OK Chrysler Rescue Detroit Free Press June 21, 1980 1 Chrysler received its first $500 million loan on June 24.Chrysler Gets $500 Million – At Last Detroit Free Press June 25, 1980 1 June 24 – Frank "Nitti" Usher, a reputed drug dealer from Detroit, was convicted of shooting and beheading three victims on July 18, 1979.Usher Is Convicted Of Murder Detroit Free Press June 25, 1980 3 June 25 – A 150-pound Michigan brown bear was deported from Canada after escaping from Detroit's Belle Isle Zoo and swimming to Windsor, Ontario, Canada.Belle Isle bear on the town – in Windsor Detroit Free Press June 26, 1980 1 The bear was returned to the wilds of northern Michigan in July.Zoo rover going back up north Detroit Free Press July 3, 1980 3 June 25 – Democrats in the Michigan Legislature sought a federal declaration of Michigan as a disaster area, and resulting disaster aid, based on the dire economic condition of the state.Dems ask disaster aid for state Detroit Free Press June 26, 1980 3 June 27 – Ford Motor gave its final public tours of its River Rouge plant. The public tours came to an end after 52 years.Ford closes out Rouge tours Detroit Free Press June 28, 1980 3 June 28 – 20 residents of an all-white Sanger Street in a west Detroit neighborhood protested and vandalized a home owned by a black family and harassed a black television reporter sent to cover the scene. The black family required police assistance to pack and depart as white residents taunted them.Angry Neighbors Vandalize House, Force Blacks Out Detroit Free Press June 29, 1980 3 The incident triggered an FBI investigation.FBI Probes Stoning of House Detroit Free Press July 2, 1980 3 June 29 – Detroit Receiving Hospital, the state's first level one trauma center, opened after the closure of Detroit General Hospital.Receiving Hospital treats its 1st patient Detroit Free Press June 30, 1980 3 June 30 – General Motors announced that its new assembly plant (Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly) would be located on 575 acres straddling Hamtramck and the Poletown area on the near-east side of Detroit, requiring the removal of 1,500 homes, 150 businesses, several churches and a hospital.GM Plans Huge New Plant Detroit Free Press July 1, 1980 1 The use of eminent domain, with backing from Detroit Mayor Coleman Young, to acquire the property was the subject of protests and court battles. The Michigan Supreme Court ultimately ruled that economic development was a legitimate use of eminent domain. July right|thumb|140px|Ronald Reagan July 1 – A strike by 5,000 of Detroit's municipal workers, including garbage collectors, commenced.Strike's Day 1: Garbage Pileup Detroit Free Press July 2, 1980 1 By July 2, garbage had begun to pile up, and the city's bus system was also shut down by the strike.Buses Still Idle, But Detroiters Are Coping Detroit Free Press July 3, 1980 1 By July 3, the strike had expanded to 9,000 city workers.Young Warns Of Court Action If Strike Lasts Detroit Free Press July 4, 1980 1 By July 8, 39 water main breaks remained unrepaired as water and sewer employees joined the strike.39 Water Breaks Still Unrepaired After Week Detroit Free Press July 9, 1980 3 On July 11, the strike was settled with a six percent wage increase.Strike Settlement Reached Detroit Free Press July 12, 1980 1 Two weeks later, Mayor Young ordered all departments to cut back operations by 10% to pay for the pay increase.City Orders Cuts in All Agencies Detroit Free Press July 25, 1980 3 July 3 – An eight-foot-high cross was burned on the lawn of a black family in Farmington Hills. The FBI launched an investigation.Fiery cross on blacks' lawn; FBI investigates Detroit Free Press July 4, 1980 3 July 8 – President Carter and Vice President Mondale met in Detroit with automobile company executives and UAW leaders to propose a $1 billion aid package and a government-industry-labor cooperation committee.Carter tries his clout in Detroit Detroit Free Press July 9, 1980 1 July 14 – Cardinal John Francis Dearden, citing poor health, retired as archbishop of Detroit.Cardinal Dearden resigns Detroit Free Press July 15, 1980 1Cardinal's retirement marks end of an era Detroit Free Press July 27, 1980 3 July 14–17 – The 1980 Republican National Convention was held at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush were nominated as the party's presidential and vice-presidential nominees, respectively. The convention was estimated to have generated $44 million into the local economy, mostly for hotels and restaurants.GOP convention lifted economy by $44 million Detroit Free Press August 19, 1980 1 July – A Teamster strike shut down the Detroit Free Press during the Republican National Convention. Limited portions of the Free Press were published in conjunction with The Detroit News during the strike. July 24 – General Motors announced a second quarter loss of $412 million, the company's first quarterly loss since the Great Depression.GM Losses Set Record; '80 Deficit Predicted Detroit Free Press July 25, 1980 1 July 24 – Detroit's Merrill Palmer Institute, an educational psychology school founded in 1920 with a bequeath from Lizzie Pitts Merrill Palmer, announced that it would cease operations in August with some of its programs being taken over by Wayne State University.Merrill Palmer will close by fall Detroit Free Press 3 July 28 – Detroit's Renaissance Center reported a $9.1 million loss in the first three months of 1980. The yearly loss totaled $30 million.RenCen: $9 Million Loss in 1st Quarter Detroit Free Press July 29, 1980 1 July 29 – Ford Motor reported a second quarter loss of $468 million, the worst quarterly loss in the company's history.Ford Loses $468 Million In Record Sales Slide Detroit Free Press July 30, 1980 1 July 31 – Chrysler posted a $536 million loss for the second quarter, the worst quarterly loss ever reported by an automobile company to that time.Chrysler Sustains Record Loss Detroit Free Press August 1, 1980 1 August August 1 – Moody's adjusted its rating on Detroit general obligation bonds to below investment grade.Troubled City Loses Clout for Bond Sales Detroit Free Press August 2, 1980 1 A week later, Standard & Poor's also downgraded Detroit's credit rating.City's Bond Rating Dealt a 2d Blow Detroit Free Press August 8, 1980 3 thumb|right|145px|Chrysler K-car right|thumb|160px|Graystone Ballroom August 5 – * George W. Crockett Jr. won the primary to be the Democratic nominee to replace Charles Diggs in Michigan's 13th congressional district.Crockett easily wins Dem nomination to fill Diggs' House seat Detroit Free Press August 7, 1980 13A * Dennis Hertel won the primary to be the Democratic nominee to replace Lucien N. Nedzi in Michigan's 14th congressional district.Hertel gets nod in 14th Detroit Free Press August 6, 1980 1 * Gerald R. Carlson won the Republican nomination in Michigan's 15th congressional district. He was a former Nazi who gained notoriety for forming a white supremacist group that sought to keep minorities out of Dearborn.Nazi dropout stuns GOP in 15th District Detroit Free Press August 7, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11519760/nazi_dropout_stuns_gop_in_15th_district/ Newspapers.com Republican leaders urged voters to write in James Caygill who Carlson defeated in the primary.State GOP is red-faced – three times over Detroit Free Press August 19, 1980 3 * Alfred Lawrence Patterson, a 25-year-old mental patient, won the Republican nomination in Michigan's 17th congressional district. Patterson was listed on the ballot as L. Patterson, causing some voters to believe they were voting for Oakland County Prosecutor L. Brooks Patterson. In what the Detroit Free Press called "one of the oddest events in Michigan political history," Patterson was released from the Northville Regional Mental Hospital and gave a press conference on his porch the following day saying that he would leave the race "only if he cannot find the man in the white snakeskin boots who tried to give him a glass of water swirling with 3/16-inch clear worms."Curious, curiouser in 17th District Detroit Free Press August 9, 1980 3Home from mental hospital, L. Patterson will campaign Detroit Free Press September 4, 1980 3 * A tax increase to fund schools was rejected by Detroit voters.Millage Fails; 600 Teachers to Lose Jobs Detroit Free Press August 7, 1980 1 August 6 – Chrysler chairman Lee Iacocca drove the first K-car, a Plymouth Reliant, off the assembly line at Detroit's Jefferson Avenue plant.Introducing – the K-car Detroit Free Press August 7, 1980 1 August 11 – Ford Motor Co.'s first Ford Escort rolled off the assembly line in Wayne, Michigan.Ford hopes Escort is best idea yet Detroit Free Press August 12, 1980 1 The Escort became the best-selling automobile in the United States for most of the 1980s. August 16 – Detroit's Graystone Ballroom, opened in 1922, was demolished.Graystone's faithful shed a tear Detroit Free Press August 13, 1980 19AGraystone: We'll dance in our memories, but the ballroom's time has come Detroit Free Press August 17, 1980 2C September September 1 – Pres. Jimmy Carter skipped Detroit's traditional Labor Day event. Ronald Reagan appeared at the Michigan State Fair in Detroit, blasting Carter for creating an economic depression. Responding to Carter's contention that it was only a recession, Reagan replied, "For the fellow who has lost his job, it's a depression."Reagan Appeals To Labor Detroit Free Press September 2, 1980 1 Reagan remained in Michigan the next day, campaigning at Chrysler's K-car assembly line and accusing Carter of failing in his duty to slow the flood of Japanese imports.Easing imports is America's job, Reagan declares Detroit Free Press September 3, 1980 1 Independent candidate John Anderson also campaigned in Michigan on September 2 and 3.Campus people recovering from Anderson fever Detroit Free Press September 3, 1980 1 September 3 – Eastern Orthodox cleric Valerian Trifa of Grass Lake, Michigan, was stripped of his American citizenship for concealing his leadership of an anti-Semitic group when he was a young man in Romania.Trifa officially loses citizenship Detroit Free Press September 4, 1980 3 After learning that the government intended to deport him, Trifa appealed the denaturalization order.Trifa sidetracks deportation case Detroit Free Press November 19, 1980 1 September 5 – 690 Detroit police officers were laid off due to the city's budget shortfall.690 Police Turn In Badges, Guns; Lawsuits Filed Detroit Free Press September 6, 1980 1 September 6 – Princess Grace of Monaco appeared at the Detroit Institute of Arts for a poetry reading. She read "Look What You Did, Christopher" by Ogden Nash.Princess reigns at Art Institute Detroit Free Press September 7, 1980 3 September 7 – Billy Sims rushed for 153 yards in the Detroit Lions' season opener, a victory over the Los Angeles Rams.Great day for Sims, Lions and the fans Detroit Free Press September 8, 1980 1 September 10 – Roger Smith was named the successor to Thomas Murphy as General Motors' chairman and CEO.GM Names New Team Detroit Free Press September 10, 1980 1 September 10 – 1980 census figures showed the population of Detroit had dropped by 23.5% to 1,157,131, a decline of 356,933 between 1970 and 1980. The city contended that its population was under-counted and sought an adjustment in court.City Census Falls 23.5% Detroit Free Press September 11, 1980 1 On September 25, a federal judge in Detroit ordered the Census Bureau to account for "an estimated five million, particularly minorities in big cities, who were missed" in the count.Detroit Wins Census Revision Detroit Free Press September 26, 1980 1 September 12 – The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that a proposed amendment to the state constitution authored by Shiawassee County drain commissioner Robert Tisch (known as the Tisch Amendment) to cut property taxes by 50% had qualified to appear on the November ballot.Tisch plan returned to ballot Detroit Free Press September 13, 1980 3 Gov. William Milliken warned that passage would lead to massive cuts in state services, including closure of state parks, universities, and hospitals. Detroit Mayor Coleman Young called it an "invitation to anarchy".Milliken predicts huge cuts if Tisch plan wins Detroit Free Press September 30, 1980 3 September 14 – Msgr. George Garmo, pastor for 20 years at the Mother of God Cathedral in Southfield, Michigan, was appointed as the Archbishop of the Chaldean Catholic Archeparchy of Mosul in Iraq.Chaldeans' Msgr. Garmo becomes archbishop Detroit Free Press September 15, 1980 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11529399/chaldeans_msgr_garmo_becomes_the/ Newspapers.com He remained as the Archbishop of Mosul until his death in 1999. September 24 - A federal jury in Detroit rejected a lawsuit by Johnny Carson against a company in Utica, Michigan, seeking to restrain its use of the phrase "Here's Johnny" in marketing its portable toilets.Toilet firm out of doghouse: Johnny Carson loses court fight to halt use of 'Here's Johnny' Detroit Free Press September 25, 1980 3 right|thumb|140px|Edmund Fitzgerald September 24 - The crew of Jacques Cousteau's research ship Calypso became the first individuals to see the wreckage of the Edmund Fitzgerald at the bottom of Lake Superior. The ship sunk in November 1975 with a crew of 29.Calypso crew films sunken freighter Detroit Free Press September 25, 1980 3 The crew's observations suggested that the Edmund Fitzgerald may have broken in half before sinking.Calypso, Coast Guard Differ on Fitzgerald Detroit Free Press September 26, 1980 3 On September 30, Cousteau received a key to the city from Detroit Mayor Coleman Young.Hail to the conquering hero Detroit Free Press October 1, 1980 1 September 24 - Renault announced a plan to acquire nearly half of American Motors' stock as part of a bailout plan pursuant to which Renault committed to a $300 million cash infusion. The arrangement also provided a takeover mechanism.Renault saves AMC, plans to be part owner Detroit Free Press September 25, 1980 13A October October 1 – President Jimmy Carter spent his 56th birthday campaigning in Michigan. Crowds sang "Happy Birthday" to him at a town meeting in Flint and at a speech to 2,000 auto workers at the Ford plant in Wayne. Republican vice presidential candidate George Bush had said Carter "didn't have the guts" to show up in Flint; Carter vowed to continue working with the UAW the automobile industry to put Flint back on its feet.Carter cheers Flint workers Detroit Free Press October 2, 1980 1A, 13A October 2 – An all-white jury found in favor of the family of Red Jamsion in a racial discrimination suit alleging that WJBK-TV in Detroit fired him as a sportscaster due to his white race and in order to allow the station to hire African American Charlie Neal. Jamison hung himself two years later in a Nashville motel room.Channel 2 guilty of bias in firing of Red Jamison Detroit Free Press October 3, 1980 1 Three weeks later, the jury awarded Jamison's family $235,000 in damages.TV2 must pay Jamisons Detroit Free Press October 25, 1980 3 October 3 – The U.S. government provided a $6 million grant toward the construction of the AutoWorld theme park in Flint. The theme park's total budget of $42.6 million also included $11 million from the Mott Foundation, and $19 million to be raised through bond sales.U.S. to aid theme park in Flint Detroit Free Press October 4, 1980 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11612187/us_to_aid_theme_park_in_flint/ Newspapers.com October 7 – Vice President Walter Mondale campaigned in Detroit and Warren, noting that Ronald Reagan's reversals on programs like Medicare, the minimum wage, and aid to New York City and Chrysler were like a deathbed conversion and compared Reagan's relationship with American working men and women to Col. Sanders' relationship to the American chicken.Mondale lashes out at Reagan: Detroit area crowds cheer vice-president Detroit Free Press October 8, 1980 3 On the same day, former President Gerald Ford campaigned in Michigan to attack Jimmy Carter over the recession and to talk football with Bo Schembechler.Ford, in Detroit, blasts president, boosts Caputo Detroit Free Press October 8, 1980 3 right|thumb|135px|William Agee October 9 – Mary Cunningham, 29-year-old vice president of Bendix for strategic planning, resigned her position amid controversy over her alleged affair with Bendix CEO William Agee.Mary Cunningham resigns Detroit Free Press October 10, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11580129/first_interview_on_bendix_flap_mary/ Newspapers.com The rumored relationship had been the topic of unwanted media attention and gossip.Bendix boss slaps down office gossip Detroit Free Press September 25, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11539165/bendix_boss_slaps_down_office_gossip/ Newspapers.comBendix exec asks for leave Detroit Free Press September 29, 1980 1Bendix says V-P will stay on the job Detroit Free Press September 30, 1980 1 In a December interview with the Detroit Free Press, her first substantive interview since resigning, Cunningham denied that she and Bendix had a romantic relationship.First interview on Bendix flap Detroit Free Press December 22, 1980 1 Cunningham and Agee were married in 1982.Party for Bill, Mary and 300 Detroit Free Press June 14, 1980 3 October 12 – In a hazing incident at the University of Michigan, a freshman on the Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey team was stripped, shaved, driven around in the trunk of a car, and left out in the cold.Hazing of player sparks U-M probe Detroit Free Press October 14, 1980 1 Michigan President Harold Shapiro described the hazing as reprehensible and vowed to impose sanctions against those involved.U-M president vows action in hazing case Detroit Free Press October 15, 1980 3U-M officials mum on punishing hazers Detroit Free Press October 16, 1980 3 On October 18, the university announced that three players, Tim Manning, John Blum, and Jeff Mars, had been suspended for two games for their roles in the hazing.3 at U-M suspended 2 games for hazing Detroit Free Press October 19, 1980 3 October 14 – Henry Ford II, age 63, was married to Kathleen DuRoss, a former model who had been his companion for five years, in Carson City, Nevada. The marriages was Ford's third.It's No. 3 for Ford as he weds DuRoss Detroit Free Press October 15, 1980 1A, 15AFord-DuRoss rites, third for auto czar, no shock to friends Detroit Free Press October 15, 1980 15A October 14 – U.S. Secretary of State Edmund Muskie spoke in Ann Arbor at a "Peace Corps Rededication Ceremony" on the 20th anniversary of John Kennedy's speech announcing plans for the organization. Having difficulty being heard over noise from a group of protesters opposed to military intervention in the Persian Gulf, Muskie chastised the protesters and urged them to join the Peace Corps and help people in need.Peace Corps has Ann Arbor homecoming Detroit Free Press October 15, 1980 1 October 15 – First Federal Savings of Niles was involuntarily merged with Standard Federal Savings & Loan by federal regulators. On September 2, the Niles institution became the first to be placed under federal emergency control after losing $9 million as the result of "highly risky and unauthorized financial transactions" by its former president James Yocum.Troubled Niles S&L Is Forced To Merge Detroit Free Press October 16, 1980 3U.S. Probes $45 Million In Deals at Niles S&L Detroit Free Press September 7, 1980 1James Yocum: Puzzle in Niles Detroit Free Press September 9, 1980 3 October 15–16 – Ronald Reagan held a rally at the Flint Southwestern High School gymnasium on October 15. He blamed President Carter for the dismal state of Flint's economy, described himself as an "old union man", and vowed to help the automobile industry.Reagan, in Flint, pounds on economy Detroit Free Press October 16, 1980 1 On October 16, Reagan appeared with George Bush and Gerald Ford in Detroit where he received an endorsement from civil rights leader Ralph Abernathy; Abernathy said that Carter had "failed to deliver on campaign promises and had ignored the needs of blacks."Black leader backs Reagan; Abernathy: Carter hasn't delivered Detroit Free Press October 17, 1980 1 October 24 – President Carter campaigned in Grand Rapids. Carter cautioned against expectations that he might negotiate a release of the hostage in Iran prior to the election and attacked Ronald Reagan's "voodoo economics."President Cautious on Hostages Detroit Free Press October 25, 1980 1 In Detroit, 300 black religious and political leaders rallied for Carter in Detroit; Detroit city president Erma Henderson compared Reagan to the Ku Klux Klan.Black rally for Carter pumps life into effort Detroit Free Press October 25, 1980 3 October 27 – General Motors announced a loss of $567 million from July to September, representing the largest quarterly loss for any company in American history. The company blamed the loss on the recession, a shift toward smaller cars, increased costs, price incentives, and model changeover expenses.GM Loss Sets U.S. Record Detroit Free Press October 28, 1980 1 On October 28, Ford Motor topped the record set by GM, announcing its own second-quarter loss of $595 million.Ford's Loss In Quarter Tops GM's Detroit Free Press October 29, 1980 1 On October 29, Chrysler announced a second-quarter loss of $490 million.Chrysler loses 4490 million Detroit Free Press October 30, 1980 1 October 27 – Three Detroit men, Henry Dee Jackson, Lewis Douglas Moore, and Melvin Charles Cale, were returned from Cuba to the United States after hijacking a Southern Airways flight to Cuba in 1972. Two Michigan men accused of drug smuggling were also returned to the United States.5 Mich. men on Cuba freedom jet Detroit Free Press October 28, 1980 1 October 28 - vice presidential candidate George Bush campaigned with William Clay Ford and William Milliken on the assembly line at Ford's Dearborn engine plant. Bush told auto workers, "We can do better than Carter. We can't do any worse."Bush works the assembly line Detroit Free Press October 29, 1980 3 October 31 – The Detroit City Council approved a plan to send relocation offers to Poletown residents to make room for General Motors' planned assembly plant. Poletown residents accused the council of selling out to GM.City Council Acts To Clear GM Site Detroit Free Press November 1, 1980 3 Attorneys representing businesses to be displaced threatened litigation.Big court battle looms over GM plant site Detroit Free Press November 9, 1980 3 November right|130px right|130px November 1–3 - The presidential candidates made last-minute appearances in Michigan. On November 1, Ronald Reagan campaigned in Battle Creek, Saginaw, and Pontiac with Gerald Ford and Gov. William Milliken.Reagan and Ford campaign in state Detroit Free Press November 2, 1980 3 On November 2, Sen. Ted Kennedy and Vice President Walter Mondale appeared at a rally of 12,000 persons in support of Jimmy Carter at Cobo Hall in Detroit.Cobo packed despite Carter absence Detroit Free Press November 3, 1980 3 On November 3, Carter appeared in Metro Detroit and urged John Anderson supporters to vote for him to avoid swinging the election to a "right wing Republican administration."Carter woos Anderson votes Detroit Free Press November 4, 1980 1 November 4 – * Ronald Reagan defeated incumbent President Jimmy Carter in the 1980 presidential election. Reagan carried Michigan with 48.99% of the vote to 42.5% for Carter and 7.04% for John B. Anderson. * The Tisch proposal to cut property taxes was defeated.Tisch tax-cut plan, 2 alternatives lose Detroit Free Press November 5, 1980 1 On November 21, Tisch warned that, if the state did not enact property tax reform by the following September, he would seek to put another initiative on the 1982 ballot.Tisch warns state of new tax drive Detroit Free Press November 22, 1980 3 * In the House of Representatives elections, 16 incumbents were reelected. The Sixth District was the only district to change parties, as Republican businessman James Dunn upset incumbent Democratic Congressman Bob Carr.Mich. GOP Gains One House Seat: Lansing's Carr falls in upset Detroit Free Press November 6, 1980 3Dunn's win stuns even Dunn Detroit Free Press November 16, 1980 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11575082/dunns_win_stuns_even_dunn/ Newspapers.com In the 13th District, Democrat George W. Crockett Jr. won a special election to immediately replace Charles Diggs and to serve a full two-year term starting in January.State GOP gains House seat Detroit Free Press November 6, 1980 7A In the 14th District, Democrat Dennis M. Hertel defeated television newsman Vic Caputo to claim the seat previously held by Lucien N. Nedzi. * Ballot proposals to lower Michigan's drinking age to 19 and build four new prisons were defeated by voters.It's 'no' to new prisons, drinking age Detroit Free Press November 5, 1980 3 November 7 - American Motors reported a loss of $84.9 million in the quarter ending in September, concluding the worst fiscal year in the company's history.AMC Takes a Bath In the Third Quarter Detroit Free Press November 8, 1980 3 November 10 - The U.S. International Trade Commission rejected a claim by Ford Motor and the UAW and refused to impose trade barriers on imported cars.Plea for Auto Import Barriers Loses Detroit Free Press November 11, 1980 1 November 20 - Attorney General Frank Kelley issued arrest warrants for 27 Detroit residents for welfare fraud. The state used computers to identify 225 individuals who were receiving welfare benefits while employed.State Charges 27 with Welfare Fraud Detroit Free Press November 21, 1980 3 November 22 - Michigan defeated Ohio State, 9–3, to win the Big Ten championship and secure a berth in the Rose Bowl. The Wolverines' defense held Art Schlichter and Cal Murray in check and prevented an opponent from scoring a touchdown for the fourth consecutive game.Defense takes U-M to Pasadena Detroit Free Press November 23, 1980 1H https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7304466/defense_takes_um_to_pasadena_buckeyes/ Newspapers.com November 24 - The Detroit Red Wings fired Ted Lindsay as the team's coach and replaced him with Wayne Maxner.Lindsay fired: Red Wings bring new coach from farm club Detroit Free Press November 25, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11575673/lindsay_fired_red_wings_bring_new/ Newspapers.com November 24 - Lee Iacocca reported that Chrysler made a profit in October, the first month in two years in which it recorded a profit.Chrysler in black in October Detroit Free Press November 25, 1981 1 November 25 - J. L. Hudson, Jr., stepped down as CEO of J. L. Hudson Co., the department store chain founded by his grand uncle. It was the first time that the company in its 100-year history had not been run by a member of the Hudson family. Hudson, who said the move was not initiated by him, remained with the company primarily in a community and civic relations role. The company became part of publicly traded Dayton Hudson Corp. in 1969.J. L. Hudson Will Step Down Detroit Free Press November 26, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11575822/j_l_hudson_will_step_down/ Newspapers.com November 25 - Ford Motor settled a race and sex discrimination suit brought in 1973 by the federal government. Ford agreed to pay $13 million in damages to existing employees and to spend a further $10 million on training and affirmative action programs to assist minority workers move up within the company.Ford to Start Anti-Bias Effort Detroit Free Press November 26, 1980 1 November 27 - Detroit's Thanksgiving Parade took place in a snowstorm in downtown Detroit before a crowd of 300,000.'Snow joke: 300,000 see big parade Detroit Free Press November 28, 1980 1 December right|thumb|160px|John Lennon in 1980 right|thumb|145px|Olympia Stadium December 9 - Wayne County Circuit Judge George T. Martin rejected a suit by the Poletown Neighborhood Council seeking to halt the city's seizure of property to make way for a General Motors plant.Judge Approves Site for GM Plant Detroit Free Press December 9, 1980 3 An economics professor had testified on November 25 that the estimated $199.7 million cost to the city greatly outweighed the $99.6 million in property and income taxes that it would generate over 20 years.GM plant called a loss to the city Detroit Free Press November 26, 1980 3 On December 1, Detroit Mayor Young testified, calling the plant the most important project undertaken in Detroit since he became mayor in 1974.Mayor turns up in court to back plant Detroit Free Press December 2, 1980 3 December 11 - Ronald Reagan named Michigan Congressman David Stockman as his Director of the Office of Management and Budget.Reagan Names Conservatives Detroit Free Press December 12, 1980 1 December 15 - 1,500 gathered at Kennedy Square in Detroit in a prayer for John Lennon who was killed in New York on December 8.Tears in Kennedy Square Detroit Free Press December 15, 1980 1 December 16 - A survey by the Department of Labor showed that seven of the top ten areas in the country for unemployment were located in Michigan. Flint ranked highest with a 16.4% unemployment rate. Bay City ranked second at 15%. Muskegon, Detroit, Saginaw, Jackson, and Battle Creek also ranked in the top ten.7 Mich. Cities In Top 10 on Jobless Survey Detroit Free Press December 16, 1980 3 December 17 - Mayor Coleman Young of Detroit apologized for calling Ronald Reagan "pruneface from the West" during the presidential campaign. Young stated that his comment was simply campaign rhetoric.'Pruneface': Mayor issues an apology Detroit Free Press December 18, 1980 1 December 17 - Chrysler issued a new survival plan calling for wage freezes from workers, price freezes from suppliers, debt conversion by lenders and cutbacks in new products.Chrysler Tells Its New Plan for Survival Detroit Free Press December 18, 1980 1 Chrysler on December 23 also filed for another $400 million in loan guarantees.Chrysler Files for More Loan Guarantees Detroit Free Press December 24, 1980 3 December 17 - Detroit City Council approved the purchase of Olympia Stadium for $373,513 and agreed to pay $3.6 million to Olympia Stadium Corp. for past and future improvements to Joe Louis Arena.Olympia Purchase Approved Detroit Free Press December 18, 1980 3 December 18 - Urban population figures released by the Census Bureau showed that Houston had passed Detroit as the country's fifth largest city.Detroit falls to sixth largest city Detroit Free Press December 19, 1980 3 December 18 - Wayne County Circuit Judge James Montante ordered the Michigan State Police to release files maintained by its "Red Squad" on individuals and organizations who were spied on over four decades from the early 1930s to the early 1970s.Police To Release Espionage Files Detroit Free Press December 19, 1980 3 December 23 - Projections from the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association indicated that Japan, with 11 million cars, trucks and buses manufactured in 1980, would overtake the United States as the world's leading manufacturer of automobiles.Japanese take over as No. 1 in autos Detroit Free Press December 24, 1980 1 Births right|thumb|125px|Kristen Bell right|thumb|130px|Antonio Gates right|thumb|110px|Justin Amash January 11 – Guilty Simpson, rapper, in Detroit February 6 – Konnor (born Ryan Parmeter, aka Conor O'Brian), professional wrestler, in Grand Rapids February 19 – David Kircus, American football wide receiver in NHL (2003–2004, 2006), in Mount Clemens April 18 – Justin Amash, Congressman from Michigan's 3rd district since 2011, in Grand Rapids April 18 – Rick Johnson, bass player for Mustard Plug, in Muskegon April 24 – Austin Nichols, actor (One Tree Hill and The Walking Dead), in Ann Arbor May 24 – Jason Babin, American football linebacker in NFL (2004–2015), in Kalamazoo June 5 – Ryan Devlin, actor (Brothers & Sisters Season 5), in Grand Rapids June 12 – Larry Foote, American football linebacker in NFL (2002–2014), in Detroit June 18 – Antonio Gates, American football tight end selected to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, in Detroit June 18 – Anthony Adams, American football defensive tackle in NFL (2003–2011), in Detroit July 3 – Bradlee Van Pelt, American football quarterback in NFL (2005), in Owosso July 10 – Brian Mast, former Army Ranger who lost both legs in Afghanistan, Congressman from Florida's 17th district, in Grand Rapids July 17 – Ryan Miller, ice hockey goaltender in NHL (2002–2017), in East Lansing July 18 – Kristen Bell, actress (Veronica Mars, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Frozen), in Huntington Woods August 3 – Todd Simon, head basketball coach at Southern Utah, in Fowler August 14 – Adam Hall, ice hockey right wing in NHL (2001–2014), in Kalamazoo August 17 – David Legwand, ice hockey center in NHL (1998–2016), in Detroit August 18 – Bart Scott, American football linebacker in NFL (2002–2012), in Detroit August 26 – Keith O'Neil, American football linebacker in NFL (2003–2006), in Rochester September 25 – Chris Owen, actor (The Sherminator in the American Pie film franchise), in Michigan September 30 – Toni Trucks, actress (Barbershop, Franklin & Bash), in Grand Rapids October 18 – Josh Gracin, country music singer (#1 hit in 2004 with "Nothin' to Lose"), in Westland October 28 – Calvin Pace, American football linebacker in NFL (2003–2015), in Detroit October 29 – Heidi Androl, television sports reporter and reality television performer, in Unionville November 21 – Danielle Hartsell, pair figure skater and U.S. champion with brother Steve Hartsell (1999), in Ann Arbor December 3 – Jim Sorgi, American football quarterback for Indianapolis Colts (2004–2009), in Fraser December 8 – Lisa Kelly, trucker and reality TV (Ice Road Truckers), in Grand Rapids Gallery of 1980 births Deaths right|thumb|130px|The Marvelettes right|thumb|130px|Herman Everhardus right|thumb|130px|Erich Fromm January 6 – Georgeanna Tillman, singer and original member of The Marvelettes, at age 35 in InksterGeorgeanna Gordon of the Marvelettes Detroit Free Press January 12, 1980 10A https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11460535/georgeanna_gordon_of_the_marvelettes/ Newspapers.com January 6 – Joe Mendi II, a performing chimpanzee that entertained patrons at the Detroit Zoo since 1943, at age 40 in DetroitZoo's famed chimp dies at 40 Detroit Free Press January 7, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11580614/zoos_famed_chimp_dies_at_40/ Newspapers.com January 23 – Nate Shapero, owner of the Cunningham chain of pharmacies, in Palm Beach at age 87Cunningham chain founder Shapero dies Detroit Free Press January 24, 1980 9B https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11476285/cunningham_chain_founder_shapero_dies/ Newspapers.com January 29 – Bruce Bromley, famed New York lawyer who was born in Pontiac and graduated from the University of Michigan, in New York City at age 86 February 14 – Victor Gruen, designer of the Northland Mall in Detroit and the Kalamazoo Mall, the first pedestrian street mall, in Vienna at age 76Victor Gruen dies; architect who designed Northland, Eastland Detroit Free Press February 17, 1980 6A https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11532546/victor_gruen_dies_architect_who/ Newspapers.com February 14 – Ricky Knotts, NASCAR driver from Paw Paw, in a crash at Daytona at age 28Paw Paw driver, 32, killed at Daytona Detroit Free Press February 15, 1980 3D https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11532795/paw_paw_driver_32_killed_at_daytona/ Newspapers.com February 16 – George Pierrot, television host and director of the Detroit Institute of Arts' World Adventure travelogue series for 46 years, in Detroit at age 82George Pierrot, TV legend, dies Detroit Free Press February 17, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11479399/george_pierrot_tv_legend_dies/ Newspapers.com February 25 – Robert Hayden, poet and essayist, in Ann Arbor at age 66Robert Hayden, talented poet Detroit Free Press February 27, 1980 7B https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11532576/robert_hayden_talented_poet/ Newspapers.com March 10 – James M. Hare, Michigan Secretary of State 1955 to 1970, in Venice, FloridaJames Hare dies; in office 16 years Detroit Free Press March 12, 1980 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11493966/james_hare_dies_in_office_16_years/ Newspapers.com March 16 – Tony Basso, aka "Raincoat Tony", "a Detroit legend" who directed traffic for more than 20 years while wearing an orange raincoat in front of the Book Cadillac Hotel, in Detroit at age 62Wash. Blvd. sentinel 'Raincoat Tony' dies Detroit Free Press March 20, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11495154/wash_blvd_sentinel_raincoat_tony/ Newspapers.com March 18 – Erich Fromm, psychologist and philosopher, taught at Michigan State University (1957–1961), in Switzerland at age 79German-born psychologist Erich Fromm dies Lansing State Journal March 18, 1980 1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11532872/germanborn_psychologist_erich_fromm/ Newspapers.com March 21 – Ralph Ulveling, librarian and advocate of intellectual freedom, in Boynton Beach, Florida, at age 77Librarian Ulveling dies Detroit Free Press March 25, 1980 6A https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11532599/librarian_ulveling_dies/ Newspapers.com May 5 – Homer Stryker, medical equipment inventor and founder of Stryker Corporation, in Kalamazoo at age 85Dr. Homer Stryker, inventor, dies Battle Creek Enquirer May 6, 1980 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11532611/dr_homer_stryker_inventor_dies/ Newspapers.com May 18 – Robert J. Dunne, American football player and coach and judge, in Winnetka, Illinois, at age 80 May 23 - Terry Furlow, basketball player at Michigan State, in an automobile accident at Linndale, Ohio, at age 25500 attend Terry Furlow rites Lansing State Journal May 29, 1980 C1, C7 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11532632/500_attend_terry_furlow_rites/ Newspapers.com July 16 - Herman Everhardus, American football halfback, in Okemos at age 67Herman Everhardus dies at 67 Lansing State Journal July 17, 1980 B2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11529217/herman_everhardus_dies_at_67/ Newspapers.com August 1 - Strother Martin, actor who competed as a diver at University of Michigan, in Thousand Oaks, California, at age 61Actor Strother Martin dies Detroit Free Press August 2, 1980 5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11532991/actor_strother_martin_dies/ Newspapers.com August 16 - James Dallas Egbert III, student at Michigan State, in Dayton, Ohio, at age 17Was Dallas Egbert's gunsot wound in the cards? Lansing State Journal August 13, 1980 B1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11532652/was_dallas_egberts_gunshot_wound_in/ Newspapers.comStory of Egbert's missing month is told Detroit Free Press August 26, 1980 15A https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11532663/story_of_egberts_missing_month_is_told/ Newspapers.com August 26 – Jimmy Forrest, jazz musician known for his #1 hit "Night Train", in Grand Rapids at age 60St. Louisan Jimmy Forrest Dies; Was Jazz Musician St. Louis Post-Dispatch August 28, 1980 8E https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11532838/st_louisan_jimmy_forrest_dies_was/ Newspapers.com September 10 – William Clemens, film director, in Los Angeles at age 74 September 13 – Josephine Hoffa, wife of Jimmy Hoffa, in Detroit at age 62Hoffa's wife dies at age 62 Detroit Free Press September 13, 1980 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11529155/hoffas_wife_dies_at_age_62/ Newspapers.com October 8 – Pearl Kendrick, bacteriologist and co-developer of the whooping cough vaccine, in Grand Rapids at age 90Vaccine developer dies Detroit Free Press October 9, 1980 8E https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11532687/vaccine_developer_dies/ Newspapers.com October 9 – Theophil Henry Hildebrandt, mathematician, in Ann Arbor at age 92Services for former Prof. Hildebrandt today The Michigan Daily October 11, 1980 3 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754688/493 Bentley Historical Library October 23 – Bob Westfall, American football fullback, in Adrian at age 61Former Lion great dies The Times-Herald (Port Huron) October 25, 1980 3B https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11531585/former_lion_great_dies/ Newspapers.com November 21 – A. J. M. Smith, poet and anthologist, taught at Michigan State 1936–1972, in East Lansing at age 78Renowned MSU poet A.J.M. Smith dead, 78 Lansing State Journal November 30, 1980 B2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11532715/renowned_msu_poet_ajm_smith_dead_78/ Newspapers.com December 1 - Bob Irvin, editor of Autoweek and Automotive News, in Chicago at age 47Auto writer Irvin dies at 47 Detroit Free Press December 2, 1980 3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11577149/auto_writer_irvin_dies_at_47/ Newspapers.com December 15 – Angus Campbell, pioneer in political measurement and director of Institute for Social Research, in Ann Arbor at age 70U-M's Angus Campbell Detroit Free Press December 16, 1980 8C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11532944/ums_angus_campbell/ Newspapers.com December 22 – Karl Schlademan, track and field coach at Michigan State 1940–1958, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at age 90Ex-MSU coach dies Lansing State Journal December 30, 1980 B5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/11532734/exmsu_coach_dies/ Newspapers.com December 26 – Bill Crouch, baseball pitcher and coach at Eastern Michigan University (1947–1969), in Howell at age 73Former EMU coach William Crouch dies Detroit Free Press December 27, 1980 2C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/9549682/bill_crouch_baseball_player_obituary/ Newspapers.com See also History of Michigan History of Detroit References 30em