The Associated Press (AP) selected the top Michigan news stories in Michigan as follows:[1] 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:[2] 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").

Historic census data from 1970 and 1990 is included to reflect trends in population increases or decreases.

Historic census data from 1970 and 1990 are included to reflect trends in population increases or decreases.

The following is a list of major companies based in, or having a substantial manufacturing presence in, Michigan in 1980.