| February 15, 2021 
 Michigan gun sales shot to a historic high last year amid the coronavirus pandemic and a volatile election. A record-setting surge in firearm purchases continued rising in January after the deadly Capitol riot and the inauguration of a new president who pledged to end an “epidemic” of mass shootings. The FBI reported 1 million firearm-related background checks were conducted in Michigan last year. The 2020 total is an 84% increase from the previous record of 579,605 background checks in 2016. It’s nearly impossible to determine exactly how many guns are sold in the U.S. each year. Federal law prohibits a central registry of firearms. One thing is clear: Political anxieties drive up demand. MORE ►FBI arrests, impeachment trial contradicts riot 'hoax' claim promoted by Michigan's top Republican  While his father’s outspoken nature earned him praise and admiration, it’s done the opposite for Karl Dresch. Dresch, a 40-year-old man from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, was part of the crowd that stormed and breached the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 in what some have described as an attempt at domestic terrorism, according to the FBI. While his father, Stephen Dresch, provided the FBI with information that may have thwarted a terrorist attack years ago, the younger Dresch inadvertently shared information with the FBI that led to federal charges against him. READ MORE  Sure, Valentine's Day was yesterday, but there is always time for a story about love. During the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, some couples have been certain about one thing -- their desire to get married. Burton District Court Judge Jessica Hammon has remained committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for couples to tie the knot during the pandemic. Hammon said she “just loves love.” Her favorite part of her job is performing weddings. “I always joke with my court clerks at work,” she said. “I’ll do all the weddings -- all the weddings. No one else ever has to do any weddings because I will do them all.” MORE
 Michigan hadn’t played in 23 days. The Wolverines mentioned sloppy play and tired legs in recent practices. None of that mattered on Sunday, as Michigan executed expertly in the final minutes to beat Wisconsin 67-59 in Madison. Isaiah Livers led all scorers with 20 points, Franz Wagner added 14, and Michigan forced the Badgers into just 25 percent shooting in the second half. The Wolverines improved to 14-1 overall and remained on top of the Big Ten with a 9-1 conference mark. MORE  As the nearly yearlong COVID-19 pandemic rages on, everyone from parents to students of all ages are struggling with the never-ending isolation, the monotony of being stuck at home all day every day and what feels like the impossible task of online learning. The pandemic has worsened lifelong mental health struggles for college students, while children as young as first grade are losing interest in the things they used to love. We share some of their stories here, in words and videos:MORE Get your local news 24/7 Connect with MLive
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