1985 in Michigan
1985 in Michigan (short, easy-to-understand version)
Top news stories (AP selection)
- Seat belt law: A new state law required all drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seat belts starting July 1, 1985. Opponents said it was excessive government intrusion.
- GM Saturn plant: A national contest to build a $3.5 billion high-tech plant for GM’s Saturn division ended with the plant planned for Spring Hill, Tennessee.
- State solvency: Michigan’s government returned to solvency. Governor James Blanchard declared “Solvency Day” on November 8 after paying off the state’s $1.8 billion debt.
- Insurance costs: Premiums for liability insurance rose for doctors, truckers, lawyers, tavern owners, and others.
- Auto sales surge: Late-summer auto sales boomed due to a Teamsters strike that reduced supply and a price war with rebates and low-interest loans.
- Ice storm: An ice storm on New Year’s Day cut power to about 370,000 customers.
- Abduction/murder case: Ronald Bailey of Livonia was arrested for abducting and murdering two boys (ages 13 and 14) and for kidnapping and assaulting another youth.
- Flint flooding: A late-summer storm caused record flooding in Flint, with about $10 million in damages.
- Unemployment drop: The unemployment rate fell to 9.3% in March, the first drop below 10% in five years.
- Child welfare case: The Michigan State Police removed three children from a dilapidated bus near Niles. The parents were tried and acquitted of cruelty and later sued the state over the removal.
Top sports stories
- Michigan football: After a 6–6 season in 1984, the 1985 Wolverines, led by Jim Harbaugh, went 10–1–1, beat Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl, and were ranked No. 2.
- Detroit Lions coach: Darryl Rogers was hired as head coach after firing Monte Clark.
- Lorenzo White: Spartans’ running back led the NCAA with 1,908 rushing yards and finished third in Heisman voting.
- Michigan basketball: The 1984–85 Wolverines, led by Roy Tarpley and Antoine Joubert, went 26–4, won the Big Ten, and finished ranked No. 2.
- Detroit Tigers: The 1984–85 season ended with a third-place finish in the AL East.
- Kirk Gibson: Became a free agent after the 1985 season; negotiations with the Tigers took place.
- U.S. Open: Andy North won at Oakland Hills after a final-round collapse by T.C. Chen.
- Darrell Evans: Hit 40 home runs to lead the American League.
- Detroit Red Wings: Signed Czechoslovak star Petr Klima.
- Hagler vs. Hearns: The famous boxing match in Las Vegas ended with Hagler defeating Hearns by knockout in the third round.
Population and places (census context)
- 1980 census: Michigan had about 9.259 million people, ranking eighth in the United States.
- 1990 update: Population changed little, remaining around 9.259 million.
- Large communities: The article includes lists of Michigan cities with populations of 50,000 or more and counties with populations of 100,000 or more (with Detroit-area counties highlighted).
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 20:15 (CET).