Gov. Whitmer heads to Israel for first trade trip  hat  Governor Gretchen Whitmer this week embarked on her first international trade trip. She will be in Israel through Nov. 23 at the invitation of the Israeli government. Former Gov. Rick Snyder also led trade missions to Israel in 2013 and 2017. MORE ►8 candidates in running for vacant state representative seat ►Democratic PAC files third lawsuit challenging voting laws

  

New breweries show Michigan still has a thirst for new brews   Muskegon recently saw a third brewery open downtown. Bridge Street on Grand Rapids' West Side is gaining another member to its booming brewery row. And just weeks ago, plans were announced for a fifth Michigan's Brewers Guild annual beer festival - this one in Traverse City in spring 2020. So, if you thought this craft beer thing was a passing fancy... MORE ►New brewery coming to Grand Rapids' West Side ►Traverse City to get new spring beer festival in 2020 ►Grand Rapids sees 'remarkable' growth in 'beer tourists'

F B1G rankings: Next two weeks to determine how good U-M, Ohio State are hat  It's Tuesday morning and we're still sorting out last weekend's football action! The high school season is down to these 32 teams with a shot at Ford Field. The Detroit Lions reminded us why their defense doesn't belong on Ford Field. (These game grades aren't pretty!) But nothing raises the ol' in-state hackles like a Michigan vs. Michigan State tussle. U-M is trending in the right direction, but will it be enough in two weeks against Ohio State?  MORE ►What is ahead for prep state semifinals ►Bowl projections: Michigan ►Bowl projections: Michigan St. ►Lions column: Nothing matters more than how bad the defense is

  

Get paid to binge-watch Hallmark Christmas movies     We think it is safe to say Hallmark Channel Christmas movies are guilty pleasures. (Heck, they call 'em that so we can, too!) For the most part, these are standard paint-by-numbers romcoms or family dramas with a satisfyingly tame ending. They are a perfect cup of holiday tea for some. Others might say, "You can't pay me enough to watch that stuff." Well, this sweepstakes might be something for all of us. MORE ►Christmas movies to stream this (or any) holiday season ►Ranking the 10 classic Christmas movies you need to watch (every. single. year.)