3 stories to watch as Democrats open national convention in Philadelphia

Bernie Sanders and Michelle Obama speak Monday night on the opening night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

Local 4's Devin Scillian is reporting live from DNC 2016 a week after Kimberly Gill reported live from the RNC 2016 in Cleveland, where Donald Trump was officially named the Republican Party's presidential candidate. 

Here are three story lines to watch this during DNC 2016, which will air in prime-time on NBC from 10-11 p.m. EST: 

1. Sanders supporters

Sen. Bernie Sanders ran a spirited and nearly successful campaign for the Democratic Party nomination, galvanizing the left wing of the party against nominee Hillary Clinton. The Sanders and Clinton campaigns had an open rift for months, and how they heal their significant divides will be a challenge for the party this week and heading into November.

That challenge got more difficult over the weekend when internal Democratic Party emails revealed the national party privately supporting Clinton despite claiming to remain neutral. In response to the leaked emails, and outries of protest, DNC chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz resigned as party chair over the weekend. 

Pro-Sanders protests took place in Philadelphia on Sunday and were expected to continue all week.

2. Tim Kaine

Who? He's Clinton's choice as vice presidential nominee. While not a nationally known Democratic star, Kaine is a senator from Virginia thrust into the spotlight this week as many people hear his name for the first time. He'll have to stand out in a sea of Democratic stars speaking on the main stage. Bill Clinton, Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and President Barack Obama all make for difficult company for an obscure politician to gain attention. 

3. Michigan on stage

Michigan, which voted for Sanders in the primary, will be represented during the convention. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Flint Mayor Karen Weaver and former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm were invited to speak this week. Henrietta Ivey, a home care worker from Detroit, was also invited to speak.