INSIDER
21 years ago: Massive blackout hits Metro Detroit, Northeast leaving 50 million without power
Read full article: 21 years ago: Massive blackout hits Metro Detroit, Northeast leaving 50 million without powerIt has been 21 years since a massive blackout put 50 million people from Detroit to New York in the dark.
How Michigan kind of, sort of, illegitimately became a state on Jan. 26, 1837
Read full article: How Michigan kind of, sort of, illegitimately became a state on Jan. 26, 1837Happy 187th birthday, Michigan! You look great. Honestly, you don’t look a day over 125. What’s your secret? Pilates? Whatever it is, keep it up. It’s working.
IN PHOTOS: 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have A Dream’ speech
Read full article: IN PHOTOS: 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have A Dream’ speechThe speech was a part of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, an event organized to advocate civil and economic rights for African-Americans.
Recognition event held after crews uncover ruins of third Bethel A.M.E. Church in Detroit
Read full article: Recognition event held after crews uncover ruins of third Bethel A.M.E. Church in DetroitAn affordable housing developer uncovered the ruins of the third Bethel A.M.E. Church while working on a project in Midtown.
20 years ago: Massive blackout hits Metro Detroit, Northeast leaving 50 million without power
Read full article: 20 years ago: Massive blackout hits Metro Detroit, Northeast leaving 50 million without powerIt has been 20 years since a massive blackout put 50 million people from Detroit to New York in the dark.
17 awards given for preservation, rehabilitation efforts of historic Ann Arbor buildings
Read full article: 17 awards given for preservation, rehabilitation efforts of historic Ann Arbor buildingsAwards are given to community members who maintain properties that preserve the building’s historical, cultural or architectural value for a decade or more.
Discovery of Titanic was like finding treasure for historians, collectors
Read full article: Discovery of Titanic was like finding treasure for historians, collectorsTuesday marks the anniversary of a significant discovery made in an ocean: Sept. 1 is the 35th anniversary of the remains of the Titanic being discovered in the Atlantic, an occasion that brought headlines around the world in 1985.
These old Titanic photos show just how much has changed since April 1912
Read full article: These old Titanic photos show just how much has changed since April 1912Each year on April 15 marks another Titanic Remembrance Day, a time to reflect on the lives lost when the famed ship sank into the North Atlantic’s icy waters back in 1912.
Do you know the sweet history behind maple syrup?
Read full article: Do you know the sweet history behind maple syrup?While the weather this time of year may be annoying, it is perfect for one thing - making maple syrup! The sweet treat that pairs perfectly with pancakes actually has a long history in Michigan, and you can learn all about it at the Oakwoods Metropark in New Boston.
How Vonetta Flowers made history for Black Olympians worldwide
Read full article: How Vonetta Flowers made history for Black Olympians worldwideWith the first weekend of the Winter Olympics coinciding with the first weekend of Black History Month, it’s a good time to look back at how both Olympic and Black history was made 20 years ago this month at the Winter Games.
Brush up on your Black history: 10 good-to-know facts, stories
Read full article: Brush up on your Black history: 10 good-to-know facts, storiesWhether you feel like you have a strong understanding of black history, or you're working to learn more, we've assembled 10 facts, or anecdotes, from history.com, to help you grow your knowledge base.
45 years later: Remembering the Great Blizzard of 1978 in Southeast Michigan
Read full article: 45 years later: Remembering the Great Blizzard of 1978 in Southeast MichiganIt’s been 45 years since a powerful blizzard dropped more than a foot of snow in Southeast Michigan, establishing itself as one of the more memorable weather events in recent history.
Pearl Harbor Day: Photos of damage still resonate, more than eight decades later
Read full article: Pearl Harbor Day: Photos of damage still resonate, more than eight decades laterThursday marks the anniversary of one of the most significant days in U.S. and world history, a day that still lives in infamy, 82 years later.
60 years ago: Ford Rotunda, a top US tourist attraction in Dearborn, burns down
Read full article: 60 years ago: Ford Rotunda, a top US tourist attraction in Dearborn, burns down60 years ago, the Ford Rotunda in Dearborn, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the U.S., burned down in less than an hour.
🔒 ‘Going 4 It’: Dig through the WDIV archive featured in our documentary
Read full article: 🔒 ‘Going 4 It’: Dig through the WDIV archive featured in our documentaryWe’re celebrating WDIV’s 75th anniversary in Detroit television with a treasure trove of classic station stories, specials, promos and interviews.
Paul Gross: Looking back at WDIV career ahead of station’s 75th anniversary special
Read full article: Paul Gross: Looking back at WDIV career ahead of station’s 75th anniversary specialLocal 4 meteorologist Paul Gross is sharing a photo and a story from when he got his start at the station as we prepare to showcase a special 75th anniversary special for WDIV.
Here’s what Downtown Detroit looked like before the Renaissance Center was built
Read full article: Here’s what Downtown Detroit looked like before the Renaissance Center was builtAs the tallest building in Downtown Detroit, the Renaissance Center has dominated the city’s skyline for more than four decades ... but what did the city look like before the enormous building was erected?
Go inside these University of Michigan libraries that hold historic American treasures, documents
Read full article: Go inside these University of Michigan libraries that hold historic American treasures, documentsI recently had the privilege of working on what I consider to be one of the coolest stories I’ve done in my entire 40-year career here at Local 4.
Detroit’s Birwood Wall, built in 1941 to racially segregate neighborhoods, gets historical marker
Read full article: Detroit’s Birwood Wall, built in 1941 to racially segregate neighborhoods, gets historical markerA wall built in Detroit in 1941 to racially segregate Black and white neighborhoods has received historic designation from the state of Michigan.
Motown Museum expanding: See renderings of the massive space being built in Detroit
Read full article: Motown Museum expanding: See renderings of the massive space being built in DetroitThe museum on Wednesday released renderings of the final project that will sit behind the Hitsville U.S.A. building in Detroit’s New Center neighborhood
The history behind the rule of not wearing white after Labor Day
Read full article: The history behind the rule of not wearing white after Labor DayDo you have grandparents or parents who swear not to wear white from after Labor Day Weekend to Memorial Day Weekend? Well, the fashion rule that seems to be fading holds some history.
New Pontiac mural honors first Black property owner in Michigan
Read full article: New Pontiac mural honors first Black property owner in MichiganThe city of Pontiac is honoring a woman who started life enslaved in Macomb County and then did something no Black person had ever done before, purchase her own property.
A look at the history behind those iconic ‘I Voted’ stickers
Read full article: A look at the history behind those iconic ‘I Voted’ stickersThose little stickers actually have roots that go all the way back to the 1800s, when voting wasn’t a secret and cities and towns threw huge parties to get people to turn out to vote.
Washtenaw Community College to host dig site exploring historical activity
Read full article: Washtenaw Community College to host dig site exploring historical activityFrom July 21-23 and July 28-30, participants will work with professional archaeologists to dig up a survey site and excavate artifacts to learn about historical activity.
Michigan’s last execution 84 years ago: That man’s story and a look at the death penalty today
Read full article: Michigan’s last execution 84 years ago: That man’s story and a look at the death penalty todayThe last person to face the death penalty in Michigan was executed 84 years ago by the federal government.
This week in history: Nelson Mandela visits Detroit, speaks at Tiger Stadium in 1990
Read full article: This week in history: Nelson Mandela visits Detroit, speaks at Tiger Stadium in 1990On June 28, 1990, Nelson Mandela visited Detroit and spoke to a massive crowd at Tiger Stadium, just months after being freed from prison in South Africa.
Take a step back in time at this spot across the Detroit River
Read full article: Take a step back in time at this spot across the Detroit RiverOntario Canada is just across the Detroit River and is home to many wineries, restaurants, and a historical village you need to check out. We spoke to the experts at Destination Ontario to learn more about Fort Maldon.
Remembering D-Day’s untold story: How weather impacted military operation
Read full article: Remembering D-Day’s untold story: How weather impacted military operationThe Allied invasion of the Nazi-held French coast at Normandy is widely regarded as one of the most important military operations in history.
Cinco de Mayo history: Why the US celebrates Mexico’s 1862 Battle of Puebla victory
Read full article: Cinco de Mayo history: Why the US celebrates Mexico’s 1862 Battle of Puebla victoryAmericans celebrate Cinco de Mayo each year, but the holiday isn't as popular in Mexico as it is in the U.S. Here's why.
‘Couldn’t feel my legs’: Miguel Cabrera says 3,000 hit milestone was ‘emotional’ moment
Read full article: ‘Couldn’t feel my legs’: Miguel Cabrera says 3,000 hit milestone was ‘emotional’ momentIt’s safe to say the entirety of the Detroit Tigers fanbase is proud of Miguel Cabrera for becoming one of only dozens in the league to reach 3,000 hits during a home game Saturday.
Sunday Read: When Metro Detroit has Cold War nuclear missile defense system
Read full article: Sunday Read: When Metro Detroit has Cold War nuclear missile defense systemNestled into what are now parks, picnic spots and soccer fields are the scattered remnants of an era gone by. The left behind ruins of when Detroit was on the literal front lines of the Cold War.
Congratulations pour in for Detroit Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera after 3,000th hit
Read full article: Congratulations pour in for Detroit Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera after 3,000th hitThe Detroit Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera has made baseball history Saturday, becoming the 33rd player to ever reach 3,000 hits and the first-ever Venezuelan player to do it -- and his fans couldn’t be more excited for him.
The story of Metro Detroit’s Cold War nuclear missile defense system: ‘The original homeland security’
Read full article: The story of Metro Detroit’s Cold War nuclear missile defense system: ‘The original homeland security’Nestled into what are now parks, picnic spots and soccer fields are the scattered remnants of an era gone by. The left behind ruins of when Detroit was on the literal front lines of the Cold War.
Historic Detroit pavilion built in 1861 opens anew in Greenfield Village
Read full article: Historic Detroit pavilion built in 1861 opens anew in Greenfield VillageA piece of Detroit history that was nearly torn down has been made new again, and is ready to be seen by visitors at Greenfield Village in Dearborn.
Historic spot in the D now serves up food along with relaxation
Read full article: Historic spot in the D now serves up food along with relaxationThe Schvitz is rich with history dating back to the 1930s, and nearly a century later, you can still visit the bathhouse in Detroit to relax. However, now you can also grab a meal while you’re there.
Birmingham Museum discovers city’s connection to Underground Railroad, gets national recognition
Read full article: Birmingham Museum discovers city’s connection to Underground Railroad, gets national recognitionTwo burial sites in Birmingham’s Greenwood Cemetery have been recognized by the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
The sweet history behind maple syrup
Read full article: The sweet history behind maple syrupWhile the weather this time of year may be annoying, it is perfect for one thing - making maple syrup! The sweet treat that pairs perfectly with pancakes actually has a long history in Michigan, and you can learn all about it at the Oakwoods Metropark in New Boston.
How much do you know about some of the most famous women in history?
Read full article: How much do you know about some of the most famous women in history?March marks Women’s History Month, and the world has spent the past few weeks highlighting and remembering some of the most famous achievements by women throughout the course of history.
A closer look at the women who’ve served on the Supreme Court
Read full article: A closer look at the women who’ve served on the Supreme CourtIn the wake of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s retirement announcement in January, President Joe Biden has nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson to be his replacement.
Gas prices: How the cost-per-gallon has changed throughout US history
Read full article: Gas prices: How the cost-per-gallon has changed throughout US historyRising gasoline prices across the U.S. are setting new records, adding to financial hardships that many are already facing amid the pandemic and high inflation.
Stories, memories and good times: What Metro Detroit community is saying about Oakland Hills Country Club
Read full article: Stories, memories and good times: What Metro Detroit community is saying about Oakland Hills Country ClubWhat happened at Oakland Hills Country Club is devastating for its members, the Metro Detroit golf community and the entire golf world.
History 4 All: TV’s ‘The Scene’ showcased Detroit’s spirit and culture
Read full article: History 4 All: TV’s ‘The Scene’ showcased Detroit’s spirit and cultureIn this segment of our History 4 All special, we’re taking a look back at “The Scene”: A TV show that showcased Detroit’s spirit and culture in the 1970s.
History 4 All: ‘Super Smith bros’ make NHL history together
Read full article: History 4 All: ‘Super Smith bros’ make NHL history togetherIn this segment of our History 4 All special, we’re sitting down with brothers and teammates Gemel and Givani Smith, who have made history together in the NHL as Detroit Red Wings.
History 4 All: The story of Idlewild, the ‘Black Eden’ of Michigan
Read full article: History 4 All: The story of Idlewild, the ‘Black Eden’ of MichiganIn this segment of our History 4 All special, we’re visiting Idlewild on Michigan’s west side: A former summer vacation hotspot for Black Americans before the Civil Rights Movement.
History 4 All: How modern efforts to restrict voting rights affect minority communities
Read full article: History 4 All: How modern efforts to restrict voting rights affect minority communitiesIn this segment of our History 4 All special, we’re discussing the modern day effort to restrict voting rights following the 2020 presidential election.
History 4 All: Why the Green Book was essential for Black travelers amid segregation
Read full article: History 4 All: Why the Green Book was essential for Black travelers amid segregationIn this segment of our History 4 All special, we’re learning about the Green Book and how it was used as a guide by Black people traveling in the U.S. before the Civil Rights Movement.
This Harriet Tubman mural is so powerful – just like the moving story of how it came to be
Read full article: This Harriet Tubman mural is so powerful – just like the moving story of how it came to beMichael Rosato knew he had an incredibly important assignment on his hands when he was commissioned to paint a Harriet Tubman mural in Cambridge, Maryland.
What’s the origin of Valentine’s Day? Here’s the dark and mysterious story
Read full article: What’s the origin of Valentine’s Day? Here’s the dark and mysterious storyValentine’s Day -- the holiday made for a Hallmark movie. At least that’s what it seems like now. But it wasn’t always so closely associated with roses and teddy bears.
U of M Museum of Natural History reveals upcoming schedule for planetarium, spring break, tours
Read full article: U of M Museum of Natural History reveals upcoming schedule for planetarium, spring break, toursThe University of Michigan Museum of Natural History revealed its upcoming schedules for spring break, the planetarium and tours.
🔒44 years later: Remembering the Great Blizzard of 1978 in Southeast Michigan
Read full article: 🔒44 years later: Remembering the Great Blizzard of 1978 in Southeast MichiganIt’s been 44 years since a powerful blizzard dropped more than a foot of snow in Southeast Michigan, establishing itself as one of the more memorable weather events in recent history.