Michigan Democrats hit John James for anti-abortion comments hat  Republican challenger John James gave Debbie Stabenow a serious challenge in 2016. He looks to do the same against U.S. Senator Gary Peters in 2020. The Michigan Democratic Party has kicked off its campaign against James with a website that highlights his stance for restricting access to abortions. MORE ►Partisan attack websites, independent groups enter Michigan Senate race ►Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg enters 2020 presidential race

  

Michigan's famous Christmas Tree Ship sank 107 years ago   "Captain Santa" went down with the ship, but his legacy lives on. A three-masted schooner leaden with Christmas trees from the U.P. and bound for Chicago, sank Nov. 23, 1912 during heavy storms on Lake Michigan. When the wreck was discovered nearly a century later, trees remained in the cargo hold, some with needles still intact. Next month marks the 20th year a Coast Guard cutter recreates the route and the purpose: Bringing Christmas trees to families in Chicago. MORE ►Mystery surrounds shipwreck, woman left tied to the mast

F First look at high school football state finals hat  On to the state finals we go! If they are anything like the semifinals, we are in for a tremendous final weekend at Ford Field. Here's a look at the matchups Friday and Saturday, including the improbable title game in Division 1 featuring a pair of first-time finalists. (Now, isn't this better than focusing on the Detroit Lions? Yeah, we thought so!) MORE ►Prep football state semifinal highlights ►Prep football brackets ►Watch volleyball state champs seal their titles ►Best photos from girls swimming, diving championships

  

Scenic Michigan picks 6 stunning winners in 2019 photo contest      We all know Michigan is a special place. However, it doesn't hurt to run a photo contest and see example after example of just how special The Great Lakes State is. Scenic Michigan launched a photo contest earlier this fall, sorted through more than 2,000 entries and then picked some gorgeous winners. They shared the winning pictures with us. And now we share them with you. MORE ►25 photos to prove how beautiful Michigan winters can be