PAULA TUTMAN

There’s a new top dog in town, and we mean that quite literally. For three decades straight, the Labrador Retriever was named the favorite dog breed by the American Kennel Club; This year, that has changed.

Winter is coming, and that means winter driving is also on the way.

Rude, inconsiderate, hungry deer are turning landscaping into salad bars.

I take you inside my cottage as I finally install my hand-crafted ceramic fireplace surround -- and make some mistakes along the way.

The Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade on Friday, ending a woman’s constitutional right to abortion.

The COVID pandemic has pushed many of us to find new ways to relieve stress. Local 4′s Paula Tutman shared her journey with art and how that helped her stay mentally fit and emotionally healthy. She used clay.

As I packed up the ceramic tiles I made for my cottage fireplace surround, I had a serious A-HA moment. I have no idea what I’m doing!

I take you inside my kiln for the firings of the ceramic tiles and navigate a few ooops! How will it turn out? I’ll take you with me as I see my finished tiles for the first time and prepare myself for the big installation.

Once my ceramic tiles have been built they need to be finessed. It is deliciously time-consuming as I figure out ways to bring my art to life with techniques I’m teaching myself.

Are you stressed? Get clayed. That’s how I chose to deal with the isolation and strain of covering a pandemic for TV news. I call it my COVID Clay-cation stress management program. What I discovered as a whim was a sense of deep peace and even joy every time I touched clay.

As a broadcast journalist for nearly 40 years (yes, I started when I was 6 months old), eight of those years as a police reporter whose daily diet was heavily dosed with crime and mayhem, I have learned to roll with the punches. My skin is pretty darned thick. But Covid-19 turned out to be my most formidable foe.

As a broadcast journalist for nearly 40 years (yes, I started when I was 6 months old), eight of those years as a police reporter whose daily diet was heavily dosed with crime and mayhem, I have learned to roll with the punches. My skin is pretty darned thick. But Covid-19 turned out to be my most formidable foe.

Here’s what’s coming up on Local 4 News at 4.

Worker shortages are creating a threat to in-person learning as school districts across the nation struggle to get students to school because of a bus driver shortage.

School educators and administrators are becoming more troubled by students attempting TikTok challenges.

On Tuesday, a school district sent an entire grade level home because of exposure to one teacher.

There is another exciting first for the Michigan Opera Theatre.

The vision of a safe in-person learning environment for schools in Michigan varies depending on the school district.

If a reporter is lucky, in a long career, there will be a handful of stories that change her. On Tuesday, I reported on one that did.

While it is a broadcast only event the organizers of the annual Ford Fireworks promise this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever.

See the simple way YOU can make a huge difference, Wednesday 5 p.m. on Local 4 News.

Juneteenth is being recognized all over the nation, but there are still plenty of questions about how to observe the events surround June 19, 1865.

U.S. regulators on Monday expanded the use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine to children as young as 12, offering a way to protect the nation's adolescents before they head back to school in the fall and paving the way for them to return to more normal activities.

Two twin sisters are bringing a surprising perspective to the battle against COVID-19.

With cases surging school districts all across the region including Detroit Public Schools Community District have decided to go virtual this week.

Almost a year after the pandemic shut down the world, I walked into my bedroom and announced to my husband that I had fallen in love. AdThose weeks I had something to do before and after work, every single day—my stepdaughter and I would call Hell-Weeks. (Photo from Paula Tutman)I started with bronze precious metal clay and then moved to gray grog and then to Amaco white #25. I was lucky enough to find something good to learn during this horrendous pandemic year of learning so many bad things. When this pandemic stuff is over, and if we all do our part, this will be over soon, will I go back to my crazy busy life?

WDIV-Local 4, in keeping with the station’s initiative of “Celebrating Black History” throughout February, aired a primetime special called “History 4 All” on Wednesday, Feb. 24. You can watch the full special in the video above. From what should be taught in our schools’ history classes to why we still need Black History Month, Local 4′s anchors and reporters highlight topics impacting on our local communities and beyond. “Our hope is that these in-depth stories will spark conversations about how we all benefit from a diverse community like we have here in Metro Detroit,” said Vice President and General Manager Marla Drutz. This hour-long special was hosted by Devin Scillian and Kimberly Gill, and featured stories from them, as well as Rhonda Walker, Evrod Cassimy, Paula Tutman, Steve Garagiola, Larry Spruill, Victor Williams and Jamie Edmonds.

DETROIT – Our future -- the next generation of Americans -- got together with Local 4′s Paula Tutman on Inauguration Day. It was a roundtable of more than 30 local students. As we celebrate Black History Month, these students share how they see change and progress happening in our country when it comes to race relations. Experts in our History 4 All special airing during Black History Month say our young people -- our next generation -- are our hope for real change in the future. More: Black History Month stories

WDIV-Local 4, in keeping with the station’s initiative of “Celebrating Black History” throughout February, will air a primetime special called “History 4 All” on Wednesday, February 24 at 8 p.m.Watch it on Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit -- it will stream here:From what should be taught in our schools’ history classes to why we still need Black History Month, Local 4′s anchors and reporters highlight topics impacting on our local communities and beyond. “Our hope is that these in-depth stories will spark conversations about how we all benefit from a diverse community like we have here in Metro Detroit,” said Vice President and General Manager Marla Drutz. This hour-long special is hosted by Devin Scillian and Kimberly Gill, and features stories from them, as well as Rhonda Walker, Evrod Cassimy, Paula Tutman, Steve Garagiola, Larry Spruill, Victor Williams and Jamie Edmonds. Stories include:AdChanges in the corporate world in response to 2020′s civil unrestLesser known Underground Railroad sites in Metro DetroitDiversity in the front office of sport teams and why the Lions and Pistons are leading the wayMotown’s programs for young musicians and singersWDIV’s “History 4 All” special airs Wednesday, February 24 at 8 p.m. on Local 4.

The Roots mini-series in 1977 was based on a book by American author and writer Alex Haley. While the show captivated the nation, there are still those who struggle to keep the name of the Pulitzer Prize winning author alive. The Roots mini-series by Haley was viral back then. “We have to keep the story alive because when a person dies a whole library burns down,” said attorney Gregory Reed of the Alex Haley 100 Year Anniversary Committee. Painters, sculptors, photographers, visual artists are invited to submit the way they see America’s story to help keep the way Haley saw the nation’s story alive.

“I was in the second row. I was literally in the second row. I was literally in the second row,” she said. The NFL thanked us for doing our job, it’s what we do...So we’re being thanked for doing what we love. That was super special, and you know the flyover to hear that.

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – It has been 11 long months of isolation for the people living at the Bellbrook Retirement Community in Rochester Hills. But now after residents got that second dose the light at the end of the tunnel is brighter than ever. She excitedly waited Monday for her second dose of the Moderna COVID vaccine at Bellbrook Retirement Community. It has been a difficult period for the Bellbrook Retirement Community. On Monday, there was a watershed moment as staff and community members alike rolled up their sleeves for the final dose.

DETROIT – On Inauguration Day, Local 4′s Paula Tutman put together a round table of more than 30 local students. They watched the inauguration and discussed their thoughts and feelings on the historic event. READ: Metro Detroit students share thoughts on historic presidential inaugurationStudents joined Paula Tutman again on Friday to reflect on the history of the week and share their pride and their pain. This time, 31 students from schools across Metro Detroit discussed the inauguration, the history and what’s next. Metro Detroit students share thoughts on historic presidential inaugurationEvery presidential inauguration makes history in some way.

DETROIT – Many are leaning on their faith to cope with the stresses of 2020. Local 4′s Paula Tutman met with a group of religious leaders for a spiritual roundtable Thursday. The Religious Leaders Forum of Metropolitan Detroit meets regularly and takes on the issue of healing each person and each community. You can watch Paula Tutman’s full story in the video above.

Families of college students across the country are struggling to figure out how to welcome college students back home safely for Thanksgiving. Local 4′s Paula Tutman, along with her twin sister, Lisa Tutman-Oglesby, have been gnashing over COVID-19 and Thanksgiving. Cameron, a senior at Duke University, has been remote learning for eight months, but his sister Jordan got back from Christopher Newport University Monday night. Whether your inbound college student has been tested or quarantined at school, the clock restarts the moment you come face-to-face. When your college student comes home from school, it’s not just about your family, but being smart and cautious because when that college student returns to school, they could impact other families as well.

DETROIT – As the COVID numbers rise in Michigan and hospital beds start filling up, today the ray of hope is that Pfizer believes it will start distributing a vaccine by December. Gretchen Whitmer is proud of the role Michigan is playing. “Nearly eight months after the first cases of COVID-19 were discovered in Michigan, Pfizer announced that an early analysis showed that its vaccine is 90 percent effective,” said Whitmer. “We are thrilled to see Pfizer, a Michigan business and one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world will manufacture that vaccine right here in our great state.”Read: Early results suggest Pfizer vaccine is 90 percent effective at preventing COVID-19Meanwhile, Whitmer urged people not to put their guard down. By order of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services there is still a mask mandate in place.

DETROIT – Today marks the 45th anniversary of one of the most famous Great Lakes shipwrecks: the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald. S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald was an American Great Lakes freighter that sank in a Lake Superior storm on November 10, 1975 with the loss of the entire crew of 29. When launched on June 7, 1958, it was the largest ship on North America’s Great Lakes, and remains the largest to have sunk there. One local man decided he wanted to pay his respects to the victims lost on the vessel. According to a Los Angeles Times obituary, Edmund Fitzgerald, who died in 1986, was a civic leader in his hometown of Milwaukee.

DETROIT – There is a new and emerging trend at local gun shops and ranges. More women seem to be arming themselves and learning how to use those weapons for protection. What’s the story behind the trend? Local 4 reporter Paula Tutman has been doing some digging. You can watch her full report in the video player above.

DETROIT – Sam and Faith Strong will celebrate 70 years of marriage next month and while COVID-19 prevented them from holding a party, they still found ways to celebrate. Faith was 17 when they married in 1940 and Sam was 24. They said they’ve had their ups and downs, but they’re still partners. You can watch Paula Tutman’s full story in the video above. To help the Strongs celebrate, you can send cards toSam and Faith:70 Years StrongC/o Denise Harris5119 Highland Road PMB 207Waterford , MI 48327

CENTER LINE, Mich. – A group of special needs adults at Rising Stars Academy in Center Line have managed to outsmart the coronavirus. When the pandemic shuttered their classes and work schedules they figured out a way to get back in business by helping others impacted by various shutdowns. Local 4′s Paula Tutman has more on the group’s story. You can watch her report in the video player above. READ MORE: Community News

Here’s what’s coming up on Local 4 News at 4:A 12-year-old boy was fatally shot on Monday at around 12:30 p.m. in the 10000 block of Saratoga in Oak Park. According to investigators there was gunplay involving juveniles at the home which led up to the shooting. Crowded high school halls as coronavirus cases in Michigan climbLocal 4 reporter Paula Tutman has a look at concerning crowded high school halls that are garnering attention as coronavirus cases continue climbing in Michigan.

DETROIT School is back in session for nearly 20 districts in the Metro Detroit area including Dearborn Public Schools, Southfield Public Schools and Birmingham Public Schools. School also started Monday morning for students in Farmington Hills but virtually. Local 4s Paula Tutman met with a family that tried its best to make the most of the remote start. Related: Parents concerned about student safety after photo of Metro Detroit school surfaces onlineEducation

Friday marks the 17th anniversary of the 2003 Northeast Blackout, which knocked out power to more than 50 million, including here in Metro Detroit. Local 4s Paula Tutman recalls the event:Oh my Gosh, it HAS been 17 years, hasnt it? When I stepped out of the livetruck and onto Woodward, I could see it wasn't a single street light, but the whole darned avenue. That's when we started hearing from the studio that there was a major blackout and NOBODY had power. I called the studio, and asked that question and was told that there might be people, "out there in pockets with power and we were talking to them."

DETROIT Local 4 is hosting a virtual town hall on education and the return-to-school amid the coronavirus pandemic. The town hall event will be held on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. on ClickOnDetroit. You can submit a question for the town hall by filling out the form below: Become an Insider Introducing WDIV Insider: A new way for loyal Local 4 fans to gain access and customize your ClickOnDetroit news experience. This new and free membership is our way of saying thank you and your way of getting in on the news action. Learn more about WDIV Insider - and sign up here!

DETROIT During Michigans coronavirus lockdown a lot of people tried picking up new hobbies and developing skills. But can you imagine writing an entire book during that period? Nicole Barksdale calls the book she penned her first all American novel. Im very proud of her, very strong point for her, said Nicholas Barksdale, the girls father. By the way she is not done and has plans on writing a whole series of novels.

DETROIT When my photographer partner, Justin and I were invited to do an exclusive summer school tour with Dr. Nikolai Vitti on Friday, there was one caveat. We had to produce evidence of a recent coronavirus (COVID-19) test that shows a negative result. Its one of those times in life you want to be negative. READ: Inside Detroit summer school classrooms during pandemicThe City of Detroit offers rapid testing. Justin and I walk you through our experience with the City of Detroit Health Department and our nurse, April who did our nasal swabs.

Local 4′s Paula Tutman shared a story of a couple who was there that day and has continued to risk their lives to pave the way for civil rights and social justice. When King debuted his original “I Have A Dream” speech in Detroit in 1963, somewhere in the crowd was a 22-year-old warrior for civil rights named Dorothy Dewberry Aldridge. “It was a very exciting day to be a part of the march,” Dorothy Dewberry Aldridge said. Dorothy Dewberry Aldridge and her husband Dan Aldridge have spent more than six decades fighting for civil rights, equality and social justice. Now, the fight for civil rights seems different.

Quarantine learning - Karen Drew (WDIV)IT ALL STARTED WHEN:It all started when my hubby asked me to cut his hair during this quarantine. Several years ago, a huge water stain appeared on our hardwood floors beneath the Christmas tree skirt. A horrible water stain. Quarantine learning - Paula Tutman, pt.2 (WDIV)Quarantine learning - Paula Tutman, pt.3 (WDIV)SO THE LESSON HERE IS:Why not? Quarantine learning - Jamie Edmonds (WDIV)IT ALL STARTED WHEN:I had three very ripe bananas and I remembered Abby had recently posted on social media the banana bread she made.

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – In preparing our story on three local sheriffs who have gone on the record as not enforcing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Orders, Local 4 reporter Paula Tutman asked for all three sheriffs to join her for an interview to clarify their positions. READ: Several Michigan sheriffs say they won’t enforce Governor Whitmer’s Executive OrdersOakland County Sheriff Michael “Mike” Bouchard clarified his position in a later interview. READ: Shiawassee County Sheriff releases statement regarding Gov. Whitmer’s Executive OrdersWatch a portion of the interview above.

DETROIT – It’s seems the word “normal” is changing by the day -- even by the hour -- as the coronavirus pandemic continues. Tuesday is day one of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-at-home order, so Local 4 asked its reporters in the field to describe what it’s like out in the world. Paula Tutman, Larry Spruill, Rod Meloni and Jamie Edmonds weighed in. You can hear what they had to say in the video posted above.