Owen Bondono’s language arts classes were supposed to focus on text structures Thursday, but there was no way the Oak Park teacher was going to ignore the insurrection that took place in the nation’s capital the day before.

For years, Michigan’s political maps have favored Republicans. A consultant who drew them says that has allowed candidates to focus more on primaries, giving rise to extreme candidates and hyperpartisanship.

Noted author Alice Randall will join Bridge Book Club’s next discussion. Grab your book, cocktail and join us.

Some officials say they wonder if the heated political rhetoric and violent insurgent actions will deter qualified candidates from wanting to work as public servants.

U-M Regent Ron Weiser, the presumptive co-chair of Michigan Republicans, is sticking with running mate Meshawn Maddock after she organized bus trips to the Capitol and addressed Trump supporters before this week’s chaos.

‘When it’s over, it’s over.’ President Donald Trump’s allies abandon him in Congress and acknowledge his loss in Michigan and other states. Early Thursday, Joe Biden was certified as 46th president.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state health officials note a rise in cases and positivity rates, and worry about a new variant of the coronavirus as well as a possible post-holiday spike.

A year of violence, much of which was rooted in Michigan, erupts in mayhem in Washington. While all sides condemn the violence, Democrats say Republicans fueled flames for months and Black activists were treated far differently for civil rights protests.

Officials decry ‘assault on democracy’ as extremists supporting President Trump storm the U.S. Capitol in an effort to upend the peaceful transition of power to Democrat Joe Biden.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer defended the state’s uneven vaccine distribution program. The expanded list of people who can get vaccines starting next week includes police, teachers and others more at risk.

Voters asked about photo identification, same-day registration, and if previously incarcerated people are eligible to vote.

High drama is expected in Washington on Wednesday, as 140 Republicans, including three from Michigan, try to deny Joe Biden the presidency and keep Donald Trump in office. Spoiler alert: They will fail.