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The world’s oldest, largest auto testing facility is in Michigan (and it just turned 100)

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The world’s oldest, largest auto testing facility is in Michigan (and it just turned 100)


DETROIT – General Motors has spent a lot of time in Metro Detroit. While its time at the RenCen may be coming to an end, it spent roughly a tapir’s lifespan at the iconic building.

Zebras also have a lifespan of about 30 years, so you can use that as a length of time if a tapir is too strange of a metric and you want something more normal.

It’s not the first time an automaker has left its Detroit headquarters. Famously, the Renaissance Center was built for Ford Motor Company, who sold the building to GM in 1996. While it would be hilarious if Stellantis moved in next, that’s incredibly unlikely. I don’t think its North American headquarters is going to leave Auburn Hills anytime soon.

General Motors was founded in 1908 and its first permanent HQ in Detroit started construction in 1919. The General Motors Building was an Albert Kahn-designed high-rise office located on West Grand Boulevard. It served as GM’s world headquarters until 2001 when the automaker moved the last of its employees into the Renaissance Center.

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The General Motors Building has since been sold to the State of Michigan and houses multiple state agencies. It was renamed Cadillac Place in 2002 and currently serves as the Detroit office for both the Governor and Michigan Attorney General.

The oldest, still operating GM structure in Metro Detroit is also one of its largest. You might know the Milford Proving Ground as a place one of us tried to sneak into through questionably legal means as an unruly teenager 20-something years ago. (Allegedly. Sources say.) It opened in 1924, turning 100 this year.

What’s so cool about the General Motors Milford Proving Ground? I initially was indifferent to the Proving Grounds, not knowing much about it. It could just be that growing up in Metro Detroit, the auto industry has been normalized to me to the extent that I’ve become desensitized and it’s not that interesting anymore to regularly see prototype vehicles with dazzle camouflage even though that is actually really cool. (Objectively.)

In addition to its intense secrecy and security, the more than 6 square mile facility in Milford is not only GM’s lead proving grounds, it is the very first automotive testing facility in the world. It has 132 miles of unique roads to help simulate the conditions vehicles would see in the wild.

It’s not just used to test GM vehicles. The automaker regularly allows access to other organizations, including allowing the grounds to be used for special EV training for first responders.

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Even 100 years in, it remains the largest automotive testing facility in the world.

Copyright 2024 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.



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117th annual Race to Mackinac takes off from Chicago’s Monroe Harbor

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117th annual Race to Mackinac takes off from Chicago’s Monroe Harbor


ByLissette Nuñez

Saturday, July 11, 2026 2:48PM

Race to Mackinac takes off from Chicago's Monroe Harbor

CHICAGO (WLS) — Sailors are making their way from Chicago to Mackinac Island on Saturday morning.

The racing division of the Race to Mackinac took off from Monroe Harbor. The first sailors began their journey at 9 a.m.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The race, spanning over 300 miles into Michigan, brings sailors from all over the world to compete. The event is considered the longest annual freshwater sailing race in the world.

The Race to Mackinac is now on its 117th year and is the Chicago Yacht Club’s signature sailing event. This year, there are 2,000 sailors competing on 252 boats total.

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The race’s unpredictable weather and shifting winds on Lake Michigan serve as a challenge for sailors. The event goes on, rain or shine.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.



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Michigan State Police rule out suspect in Electric Forest baby death investigation

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Michigan State Police rule out suspect in Electric Forest baby death investigation


Michigan State Police (MSP) detectives shared some more information Friday about their investigation of the infant death at this year’s Electric Forest music festival in Rothbury.

Troopers recently received a tip about a Muskegon woman who was said to have information about the incident, but after interviewing her and completing other necessary investigative steps, MSP said they ruled her out as a suspect.

A restroom vending company employee at the festival found the body of a neonate, a newborn infant who is four weeks old or younger, in a portable restroom in the festival camping area on June 28, according to troopers.

The festival is hosted at the Double JJ Resort, which was locked down to anyone entering the following day as police surrounded the scene.

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Troopers are asking for tips from the public at michigan.gov/michtip.



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Harmful algal blooms reported on 2 large West Michigan lakes

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Harmful algal blooms reported on 2 large West Michigan lakes


GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Harmful algal blooms have been reported on two notable lakes in West Michigan: Gun Lake and Muskegon Lake.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy says cyanobacteria was reported on Muskegon Lake July 3, but no tests have confirmed it.

The Barry-Eaton District Health Department says a harmful algal bloom was confirmed Thursday on Gun Lake. The lake remains open, but the BEDHD is encouraging visitors to use caution and avoid water that has “visible algae.”

Visitors are encouraged to avoid any contact with water that appears bright green, blue-green, brown or red or has “floating mats of scum.”

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Pets should also avoid the water. If they come into contact with the algae, pets should be rinsed off as soon as possible with clean, fresh water.

Exposure to algae can cause a rash or irritation to the skin, eyes, nose and throat. It can also cause stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever and trouble breathing.

“If you become sick, contact your healthcare provider. Seek medical care right away if you have trouble breathing, severe vomiting, or other serious symptoms,” the BEDHD said in a statement. “If your pet was exposed, rinse them well with clean water and do not let them lick their fur until they have been washed. Contact your veterinarian right away if your pet has vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, trouble walking, excessive drooling, shaking, or seizures.”

Harmful algal blooms are powered by the sudden growth of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. Cyanobacteria occur naturally in lakes, rivers and ponds but is often boosted by a sudden excess of nutrients, often caused by fertilizer runoff from farms or failed septic systems.

They can last for several days and sometimes even months. The water will look “scummy” or like “spilled paint or pea soup.” They are typically found in the summer and fall — usually peaking in August or September and dying off by the end of October.

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You can report a suspected harmful algal bloom to EGLE at AlgaeBloom@Michigan.gov or 1.800.662.9278.



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