Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Trump Names AI Czar As Michigan Battles Over Data Center Costs, Jobs And AI Regulation
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has named national intelligence chief Jay Clayton to lead a new federal artificial-intelligence task force, even
Driverless Waymos Hit Detroit Streets — But Michigan Laws Face A New Test
Fully driverless Waymos are now navigating Detroit streets with nobody behind the wheel. Michigan law says the automated system itself is
AI Is Threatening Some Michigan Jobs — But Workers With AI Skills Can Command Higher Pay
Michigan workers are already feeling the AI jobs shift. About 10% of the state's workforce is employed in occupations considered highly
Google Power Deal Could Set Michigan Data Center Rules As Saline Project Moves Forward
Google and OpenAI's massive Michigan data centers could demand roughly 2.4 gigawatts of electricity—enough to power about 2.8 million average Michigan
Cannabis News
Michigan Cannabis Businesses Face New Federal Tax Uncertainty As DEA Rescheduling Fight Intensifies
Metro Detroit cannabis attorney warns of possible tax clawbacks as new federal filings complicate marijuana
Michigan Hemp Leader Calls Federal Ban Delay A Band-Aid As CBD, THC Products Face December Deadline
Congress has given hemp businesses another month before sweeping federal restrictions take effect. iHemp Michigan
Ohio Cannabis Retailers Forced To Pull Products Under New THC Rules As Michigan Prices Remain Far Lower
Ohio's October 5 cannabis regulations are forcing dispensaries to change products and remove noncompliant inventory.
IRS Targets Marijuana Tax Rules As Michigan, Ohio Cannabis Businesses Await Potential 280E Relief
ANN ARBOR - Michigan and Ohio adult-use cannabis businesses could potentially keep hundreds of thousands
Michigan Cannabis Businesses Face New Federal Tax Uncertainty As DEA Rescheduling Fight Intensifies
Metro Detroit cannabis attorney warns of possible tax clawbacks as new federal filings complicate marijuana
Michigan Hemp Leader Calls Federal Ban Delay A Band-Aid As CBD, THC Products Face December Deadline
Congress has given hemp businesses another month before sweeping federal restrictions take effect. iHemp Michigan
Ohio Cannabis Retailers Forced To Pull Products Under New THC Rules As Michigan Prices Remain Far Lower
Ohio's October 5 cannabis regulations are forcing dispensaries to change products and remove noncompliant inventory.
IRS Targets Marijuana Tax Rules As Michigan, Ohio Cannabis Businesses Await Potential 280E Relief
ANN ARBOR - Michigan and Ohio adult-use cannabis businesses could potentially keep hundreds of thousands
White House Pushes To Delay Hemp Crackdown
LANSING – The Trump administration is urging Congress to reconsider a sweeping federal crackdown on
Ohio Hemp Lawsuits Could Signal What’s Next For Michigan CBD Products, THC Drinks
COLUMBUS - The fight over hemp-derived THC products is moving from statehouses to courtrooms, and
Michigan Built A $3 Billion Cannabis Market. Why Are Cannabis Companies Leaving The State?
TerrAscend's exit, cultivation facility closures and hundreds of lost jobs are raising questions about whether
iHemp Michigan Visits Lansing to Support Clearer Industrial Hemp Policy
ANN ARBOR = Dave Crabill from iHemp Michigan recaps on MITech TV to testify before
Breaking News
Are Rural Michigan Residents Better Off Than Two Years Ago? Farm Profits, Household Income and Living Costs Tell Different Storie
PART 2 | MICHIGAN ECONOMIC REALITY CHECK: 2024–2026 New agricultural data show improving profits for
Are You Better Off in Michigan Than Two Years Ago? Jobs, Inflation and Stock Market Tell Different Stories
PART 1 | MICHIGAN ECONOMIC REALITY CHECK: 2024–2026 With early in-person voting underway, Michigan residents
U.S.-Made Auto Sales Plunge In Canada: Are Michigan Jobs And Detroit Automakers At Risk?
American-built vehicles lose Canadian market share to Mexico and Japan as Trump threatens 50% tariffs
DEA Judge Rejects Marijuana Rescheduling Delay As Michigan, Ohio Cannabis Businesses Await Tax Relief
Federal ruling advances proceedings that could eventually allow recreational marijuana businesses to deduct ordinary operating
Michigan Early Voting Tops 861,000, But 17% Jump in Absentee Requests Raises Turnout Questions
Michigan voters are requesting far more absentee ballots than in 2022, but completed ballot returns
Federal Hemp Restrictions Threaten Michigan CBD Industry As Bills To Help Farmers Remain Stalled
ANN ARBOR - Michigan's industrial hemp industry faces a potentially serious economic setback as federal
Young Michigan Voters Disapprove of Trump, Favor El-Sayed as New Poll Shows Tight Senate Race
An October 21 Marist poll adds fresh evidence of a generational divide in Michigan's Senate
Sen. Warner Warns Trump Could Challenge Midterm Results as Democrats Lead in Congressional Polls
New polling shows Democrats with a 12-point congressional preference advantage as Michigan Sen. Gary Peters
Oracle Data Center Wins Full Tax Break After Township Attorney Warns: ‘You’re Going To Lose’
SALINE TOWNSHIP – Three days after attempting to limit tax incentives for Oracle's proposed AI
MPSC Orders Statewide Investigation After July 3 Storms Expose Michigan Grid Weaknesses
A MITechNews series examining the technology, infrastructure and policies shaping Michigan's energy future. LANSING —
Michigan Approves Key Line 5 Tunnel Permit; Supporters Cheer
LANSING – The Whitmer administration has approved key environmental permits for Enbridge's proposed Great Lakes
Could AI Become Michigan’s Newest Major Water User?
As Oracle moves ahead with a $4.3 billion AI data center near Ann Arbor, Great
Michigan Communities Move To Rein In Data Centers Before Big Tech Comes Calling
Michigan wants billions of dollars in AI data center investment, but local communities increasingly want
Michigan Economy Checkup: Jobs Slip Statewide While West Michigan Manufacturing Holds Strong
ANN ARBOR - Michigan lost 25,000 employed workers in August, its unemployment rate climbed to
Fed Raises Rates: Michigan Jobs, Auto Sales And Economy Face New Pressure
ANN ARBOR - Michigan jobs, auto sales, home purchases and business investment face new pressure
Michigan Hit With America’s Highest Tariff Cost Per Household — $5,619 And Counting
DETROIT — Michigan has absorbed the highest estimated tariff burden per household in America —
Featured News
Sen. Warner Warns Trump Could Challenge Midterm Results as Democrats Lead in Congressional Polls
New polling shows Democrats with a 12-point congressional preference advantage as Michigan Sen. Gary Peters joins demands for answers about federal
AI Political Ads Top $137 Million As Michigan Senate Candidate Targeted By Fabricated Videos
Republican candidates and affiliated groups account for 88% of national spending on identified AI political advertisements, while federal records document more
NRC Approves Palisades Nuclear Fuel Recovery As Michigan Safety Advocates Raise Concerns
Federal regulators authorize a special procedure to recover a tilted nuclear fuel assembly at the Southwest Michigan plant. A separate inspection
MI Tech TV
How to Increase Online Visibility: Content Is King, but Consistency Is King Too
For more than two decades, businesses looking to increase online visibility have heard the same digital marketing mantra: “Content is King.” The principle remains valid. Companies need useful content to demonstrate expertise, answer customer questions,
The Channel Crew Helps Technology Companies Build Partnerships That Drive Sales
LAKE ORION - Rick Beckers, CEO of The Channel Crew, joins MITech TV to discuss how his company helps technology vendors build and expand the partner networks they need to reach business customers. The Channel
NeuroAIgent Builds A ‘Central Brain’ To Give Businesses Control Of Their AI Knowledge
DETROIT - As businesses increasingly use artificial intelligence, two questions are becoming critical: Can AI systems find the company online, and who controls the information those systems use? Robert Skinner of Michigan-based NeuroAIgent joined MITech
Michigan
Ford CEO Farley Says AI Could Eliminate Some White-Collar Jobs — While Skilled Trades Gain Value
DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley is drawing a stark dividing line over
Ford, JPMorganChase Launch Michigan Manufacturing Push With Billions At Stake
DETROIT — Michigan manufacturers and technology startups could gain access to as much as $1
Michigan Bets $2 Million On Drones, Defense And Advanced Manufacturing — Will The Investment Produce Michigan Jobs?
LANSING — Michigan is putting another $2 million behind 26 companies developing drones, autonomous vehicles,
Michigan Wants To Be A Technology Powerhouse. Where Will It Find The Workers
LANSING - Michigan wants to compete for the industries expected to drive the middle of
Ford CEO Farley Says AI Could Eliminate Some White-Collar Jobs — While Skilled Trades Gain Value
DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. CEO Jim Farley is drawing a stark dividing line over
Ford, JPMorganChase Launch Michigan Manufacturing Push With Billions At Stake
DETROIT — Michigan manufacturers and technology startups could gain access to as much as $1
Michigan Bets $2 Million On Drones, Defense And Advanced Manufacturing — Will The Investment Produce Michigan Jobs?
LANSING — Michigan is putting another $2 million behind 26 companies developing drones, autonomous vehicles,
Michigan Wants To Be A Technology Powerhouse. Where Will It Find The Workers
LANSING - Michigan wants to compete for the industries expected to drive the middle of
Michigan Lawmaker Seeks One-Year Suspension Of 24% Marijuana Tax As Revenue Trails Projections
State collected $73.4 million through July; proposal comes as cannabis businesses face falling prices and
Your Caregivers Take Care of Everyone Else. Who Takes Care of Them
WOW Offers Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Retirement Communities, and Home Care Agencies a New
Michigan Absentee Requests Jump 17% as Early Voting Begins — What County Results Reveal
Michigan's first midterm election with statewide early in-person voting is underway. A look at the
Are Rural Michigan Residents Better Off Than Two Years Ago? Farm Profits, Household Income and Living Costs Tell Different Storie
PART 2 | MICHIGAN ECONOMIC REALITY CHECK: 2024–2026 New agricultural data show improving profits for
Advanced Technologies
Flock Safety Reportedly Cutting 270 Jobs As Michigan Cities Turn Off Surveillance Cameras
Michigan communities are canceling or reconsidering contracts for AI-powered license-plate cameras amid privacy concerns, customer-service complaints and questions about taxpayer costs.
Trump Names AI Czar As Michigan Battles Over Data Center Costs, Jobs And AI Regulation
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has named national intelligence chief Jay Clayton to lead a new federal artificial-intelligence task force, even
Driverless Waymos Hit Detroit Streets — But Michigan Laws Face A New Test
Fully driverless Waymos are now navigating Detroit streets with nobody behind the wheel. Michigan law says the automated system itself is
AI Is Threatening Some Michigan Jobs — But Workers With AI Skills Can Command Higher Pay
Michigan workers are already feeling the AI jobs shift. About 10% of the state's workforce is employed in occupations considered highly
Science Tech
Choosing The Wrong Medicare Drug Plan Could Cost Michigan Seniors Hundreds More In 2027
ANN ARBOR - Michigan seniors are about to hear a lot about rising Medicare Part D premiums next year. But healthcare experts say they're looking at the wrong number. The biggest financial risk for many
Michigan Auto Industry Faces Growing AI Skills Gap As Employers Warn Workforce Isn’t Ready
ANN ARBOR – Michigan's automotive industry has weathered supply chain disruptions, labor shortages and the transition to electric vehicles. But a new report suggests its next challenge may be finding workers with the digital and
The Pentagon’s Silver Sphere Mystery Just Got Stranger
An artist's rendering of a metallic silver sphere based on descriptions from military reports and declassified Pentagon UAP investigations. U.S. officials have not identified the objects and continue to classify several incidents as unresolved. WASHINGTON
Michigan Defense Industry Group STEM Scholarship Program Deadline May 29.
DETROIT - The National Defense Industrial Association Michigan Chapter is using a new STEM scholarship program to encourage more Michigan students to pursue careers in some of the fastest-growing — and increasingly strategic — sectors
Epidemiologist Fred Brown: If You Can’t Get Vaccinated By Thanksgiving, Wear A Mask Indoors
ANN ARBOR - Thanksgiving and year-end holidays are upon us. Whether you have had a Moderna, Pfizer or JnJ vaccine to date, please get a full three course dose before you go visiting or you
Survey: Nearly 60 Percent Of Americans Unlikely To Travel For Thanksgiving Or Christmas
WASHINGTON DC - While rising vaccination rates against COVID-19 have increased travelers’ comfort levels, most Americans are still opting to stay home this holiday season, according to a new national survey commissioned by the American
HR Should Be On Alert For Fake Vaccination Cards
LANSING - With air travel opening and requirements for vaccines required, the fake vaccine card market is taking off. There are a number of cases reported in the news. For example, a spelling-challenged Illinois woman who
79 Percent Of Enterprises Increased Adoption Of Advanced Security Technologies
DETROIT - A new survey shows 79 percent of companies have increased their adoption of advanced security technologies to combat the increase in cyber attacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. An analysis of the cyberthreat
Michigan Democrats Warn Federal Health Cuts Could Deepen Coverage Crisis
LANSING — Nearly half a million Michigan residents who rely on Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage are now paying significantly higher health insurance costs in 2026, with early enrollment data showing tens of thousands may
Michigan Rural Hospitals Face Mounting Financial Pressure as War Costs Rise and Care Gaps Widen
ANN ARBOR - Michigan’s rural hospitals are entering a more dangerous phase of financial stress—driven by rising healthcare costs, growing numbers of uninsured patients, and mounting federal budget pressure tied to global conflict. What was,
Rising War Costs Put Rural Michigan Healthcare in the Crosshairs
As federal lawmakers weigh how to fund escalating military operations, healthcare programs that support Michigan’s most vulnerable communities—including rural hospitals—are emerging as potential targets. ANN ARBOR — Rising U.S. war costs tied to Iran are
Preventive Care Benefits Help Retail Employers Cut Turnover, Lower Payroll Taxes, Boost Worker Pay
Program gaining traction among cannabis dispensaries, restaurants and small retailers facing high employee turnover. PINCKNEY - Discover how the new wellness benefit program can help small and mid-sized businesses retain workers, cut payroll taxes, and
Michigan Democrats Warn Federal Health Cuts Could Deepen Coverage Crisis
LANSING — Nearly half a million Michigan residents who rely on Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage are now paying significantly higher health insurance costs in 2026, with early enrollment data showing tens of thousands may
Michigan Rural Hospitals Face Mounting Financial Pressure as War Costs Rise and Care Gaps Widen
ANN ARBOR - Michigan’s rural hospitals are entering a more dangerous phase of financial stress—driven by rising healthcare costs, growing numbers of uninsured patients, and mounting federal budget pressure tied to global conflict. What was,
Rising War Costs Put Rural Michigan Healthcare in the Crosshairs
As federal lawmakers weigh how to fund escalating military operations, healthcare programs that support Michigan’s most vulnerable communities—including rural hospitals—are emerging as potential targets. ANN ARBOR — Rising U.S. war costs tied to Iran are
Preventive Care Benefits Help Retail Employers Cut Turnover, Lower Payroll Taxes, Boost Worker Pay
Program gaining traction among cannabis dispensaries, restaurants and small retailers facing high employee turnover. PINCKNEY - Discover how the new wellness benefit program can help small and mid-sized businesses retain workers, cut payroll taxes, and
Industry 4.0 Featured News
Mobility
Detroit’s Big Three EV Sales Plunge — Michigan Jobs, Billions In Investments Face Uncertainty
DETROIT — Thousands of Michigan manufacturing jobs and billions of dollars in automotive investments face
Driverless Waymos Hit Detroit Streets — But Michigan Laws Face A New Test
Fully driverless Waymos are now navigating Detroit streets with nobody behind the wheel. Michigan law
Detroit’s Big Three EV Sales Plunge — Michigan Jobs, Billions In Investments Face Uncertainty
DETROIT — Thousands of Michigan manufacturing jobs and billions of dollars in automotive investments face
Driverless Waymos Hit Detroit Streets — But Michigan Laws Face A New Test
Fully driverless Waymos are now navigating Detroit streets with nobody behind the wheel. Michigan law
ASME Sponsors May 7 Electric, Autonomous Vehicle Event At ACM
YPSILANTI—The American Society of Mechanical Engineers will sponsor “Electric/Self-Drive Vehicle Technology In Action” Tuesday, May
MIT Report: Who Decides The Moral Dilemma Of Self-Driving Cars?
BOSTON - You’re driving along the highway when, suddenly, a person darts out across the
Digital and Mobile
Can Your Business Defend Itself Against AI-Powered Cyberattacks?
DETROIT - Artificial intelligence is transforming business—but it's also giving cybercriminals powerful new tools. From
Michigan Wants To Build The World’s Mobility Capital. Here’s Why It Matters
LANSING - Nearly 500,000 Michiganders already work in what state officials define as the mobility
How AI Is Changing Cybercrime And Cybersecurity
ANN ARBOR - Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the cybersecurity battlefield, creating new opportunities for
Aquinas Launches AI, Cybersecurity Majors As Michigan Races To Build Tech Workforce
GRAND RAPIDS – As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, cyberattacks become more sophisticated, and the digital
Michigan Tech University New Engineering Services Provider At American Center For Mobility
YPSILANTI - The American Center for Mobility (ACM) has signed an agreement with Michigan Technological
Advanced Manuacturing Expo In Grand Rapids Focused On Industry 4.0
GRAND RAPIDS - Mark your calendars for the 2024 Advanced Manufacturing Expo, which will be
May Mobility Rolls Out Detroit Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Program
ANN ARBOR–Autonomous vehicle developers May Mobility, announced the launch of the Detroit Automated Driving Systems
LTU’s Centrepolis Accelerator Gets State Mobility Prototyping Grant
SOUTHFIELD—Lawrence Technological University’s Centrepolis Accelerator, in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Office of Future Mobility
Can Your Business Defend Itself Against AI-Powered Cyberattacks?
DETROIT - Artificial intelligence is transforming business—but it's also giving cybercriminals powerful new tools. From
How AI Is Changing Cybercrime And Cybersecurity
ANN ARBOR - Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the cybersecurity battlefield, creating new opportunities for
Aquinas Launches AI, Cybersecurity Majors As Michigan Races To Build Tech Workforce
GRAND RAPIDS – As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, cyberattacks become more sophisticated, and the digital
Cyberattacks Hit Automakers, Retailers, Developers And Open-Source Platforms As Threat Landscape Intensifies
BIRMINGHAM - Cybersecurity threats are accelerating across nearly every sector of the global economy, from
NextGenesee To Bring High-Speed Internet Access To Genesee County
GENESSEE COUNTY – NextGenesee, a partnership between Genesee County and Merit Network, is set to
MSU, Merit Network Complete Statewide Broadband Infrastructure Project
EAST LANSING—Merit Network Inc., the Ann Arbor-based nonprofit connectivity provider, and Michigan State University have
Merit Network Gets Grant To Expand High-Speed Internet In Rural Michigan
ANN ARBOR - Merit Network received a $997,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Internet Bills Could Increase For 937,000 Michigan Households Soon
LANSING - A federal program that helps 937,000 Michigan households pay their internet bills has frozen
Ann Arbor Savings App’s Deposits Hit $400,000
ANN ARBOR—Plinqit, a brandable savings app that pays users for engaging with content, has exceeded
LLamasoft Names Chief Product Officer
ANN ARBOR–LLamasoft, a developer of supply chain design and decision-making software, announced the appointment of
Airfoil Group Report: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning To Transform Michigan Businesses
ROYAL OAK - Most trends focus on the year ahead, but truly transformative technology takes
TrialAssure Offers Software-As-A-Service Anonymize Clinical Trial Tool
CANTON – TrialAssure, which developers clinical trial software tools, has released a new product, Anonymize
6 Promising Benefits of Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)
There’s an old saying that it’s an ill wind that blows nobody at least some benefits, and the growing trend of conversion rate optimization (CRO) is an excellent example of this. The focus on
Simple Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) for CEOs and CMOs
Conversions mean different things to different people. Or rather, to different companies. While making a sale might be a conversion for a retail or e-commerce store, if what you need is prospective clients booking
4 Ways to Get Your Website Visitor to Reveal Themselves
In a perfect world, everyone who comes to your website is interested in your product or service and will happily hand over their contact information. In reality, however, it doesn’t always work that way.
How to Boost Your Website UX to Increase Conversions
User experience (UX) is everything in the digital marketing world. Yes, I know you've heard it all before—content is king, SEO is vital, yadda, yadda, so isn't this just another instance of a popular
A Match Made in Heaven – How to Get Website Visitors to Convert
The whole purpose of most company websites is to bring in new customers, increase awareness of your products and services, and establish the company in the industry or marketplace. A successful website is one
6 Essential Web Marketing Metrics a CEO Should Know
President Harry S. Truman frequently used the phrase "the buck stops here," and over the years it has come to apply to leaders in practically every sphere of life. As a CEO, you carry
Business and Finance
Only 10 Michigan Companies Will Get Spots On Automation Alley Mexico Trade Mission
Automation Alley Executive Director Tom Kelly: Don't wait for Sept. 15 deadline — first 10
Michigan Snowbirds: Why You Should Ship Your Car to Florida Instead of Driving
Michigan Snowbirds: Ship Your Car to Florida, Skip the Drive Every fall, tens of thousands
5 Best Car Shipping Companies of 2026
5 Best Car Shipping Companies of 2026 Whether you're buying a car out of state,
Why AI Companies Should Care About Global Trade Tariffs, Chips, Data Centers And Supply Chains Will Shape The Next Generation Of Michigan AI Companies
GRAND RAPIDS - Artificial intelligence may be powered by software, but the industry depends on
How to Scale E-commerce Operations Across Global Markets
Image credit: Unsplash Taking an e-commerce business beyond your home country is a big step.
How Technology Is Shaping the Future of Clean Energy
Image credit: Unsplash The global shift to clean energy is a huge effort, and technology
Why Your Next Restaurant Meal, Home Repair And Vacation Could Cost More This Summer
LANSING — If your summer vacation seems more expensive, your favorite restaurant raises prices again,
Spirit Flew 1.7 Million Detroit Passengers. Who Keeps Airfares Low
DETROIT – Spirit Airlines carried more than 1.7 million passengers through Detroit Metropolitan Airport last
MCWT Highlights Camp Infinity, Golf Outings, Gala And Networking Events In New Video Interview
ANN ARBOR - In a video interview with Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation's
Why Michigan Isn’t Creating Enough Billion-Dollar Startups — And Why Ann Arbor Thinks It Has The Answer
ANN ARBOR — Michigan helped invent the modern auto industry, remains one of America's top
Veteran Michigan Business Journalists Launch Boutique Executive Thought Leadership & Industry Visibility Agency
ANN ARBOR — As artificial intelligence floods the internet with generic content and shrinking attention
Michigan Launches Innovation Alliance As State Struggles To Keep Startups From Leaving
LANSING - Michigan’s innovation economy faces a growing competitiveness problem: Michigan ranks 32nd nationally in
For $625,000, You Can Buy A Piece Of Hell In Michigan
The quirky Livingston County tourist destination known for novelty weddings, souvenir shops and “Hell freezes
Ohio’s THC Crackdown Throws Hemp, Cannabis Businesses Into Crisis
COLUMBUS - Ohio’s escalating crackdown on hemp-derived THC products is rapidly turning into a major
Michigan Murder Mystery Headed To BBC True-Crime Series After Decades Of Twists, DNA And Journalism Luck
DETROIT - A veteran Michigan journalist’s decades-old true crime investigation is heading to international television
From Newsroom To Boardroom: Veteran Journalists Launch AI-Enhanced Executive Ghostwriting Service
ANN ARBOR - In an age flooded with AI-generated content, authentic storytelling may be more
Business News
- Dogecoin Shares 3 Things Are Guaranteed: 'Death, Taxes And A Giant DOGE' Provided You Pay Your Dues To This Government
- Bill Ackman Warns US Exposure To Hormuz Strait Is As Strategic A Risk For America As Reliance On Taiwan Chips: 'Not Conducive' To Long-Term Peace
- Bernie Sanders Unveils Bill Targeting AI Billions, Plans To Create $7 Trillion Sovereign Wealth Fund That Sends Americans $1,000 Checks Each Year
