Record low birth rate puts pressure on K-12 schools hat  The number of births per year in Michigan started dropping in 2001. A few years later, those falling numbers were reflected in school enrollment. The situation has only deteriorated since, as school districts across the state deal with the after effects of shrinking enrollment numbers. In fact, the state's K-12 enrollment has dropped 16% in 15 years. MORE ►Michigan's birth rate hits record low. What is going on? ►Bills would let residents donate to teachers on tax returns

  

Space contraption parachutes into Michigan couple's backyard   What would you think if you heard a loud crash on your property. Maybe a tree limb fell? Maybe there was a car crash? In something out of a 1950's sci-fi movie, when a Michigan couple went outside to investigate a loud noise they were welcomed by what is best described as some sort of space contraption in their yard. MORE ►Michigan native makes history as part of all-woman spacewalk ►NASA rockets once launched from hidden Michigan site

Here are the 2019 prep football playoff brackets hat  Friday marked the end of the high school football regular season. Sunday marked the beginning of the second season. It's playoff time, baby! The MHSAA last night released the division brackets for 256 11-player teams and 32 8-player squads. Of course, we'll have plenty of coverage this week. However, to whet your appetite, click on this link for some early reactions and kickoff times. MORE ►Real time reactions during and after bracket announcements ►Best MLive photos from Week 9 of prep season ►Highlights from Week 9

  

Northern Michigan waterfront estate is a 'masterpiece' of design     Curious where people of means live? We've got just the gallery for you. This $6.9 million estate is nestled nicely along the shoreline on East Grand Traverse Bay about a mile from the village of Elk Rapids. This beauty clocks in at 15,000 square feet and features 27 rooms and 11 bedrooms. MORE ►Check out this home for sale on quiet lake with nearly 4 acres