MI Tech TV
AI Conversion Intelligence: Why 2026 Will Reward Speed, Structure, and Marketing Momentum
The December 2025 edition of MITechTV explored AI Conversion Intelligence as digital strategist Melih Oztalay, CEO of SmartFinds Marketing, joined host Mike Brennan. In an earlier segment, Oztalay explained how AI is reshaping visibility and
AI Marketing in 2026: Why Visibility Will Belong to AI-Ready Companies
The December 3, 2025, edition of MITechTV featured Michigan business leader and digital strategist Melih Oztalay, CEO of SmartFinds Marketing, in conversation with longtime host Mike Brennan. The segment, now posted at MITechTV YouTube Channel
Richard Stiennon’s New Book Explores How AI Security Is Reshaping Digital Defense
Artificial intelligence is not just changing business workflows or creative tools - it is reinventing cybersecurity itself. In the latest MITechTV segment, cybersecurity analyst and author Richard Stiennon joined Mike Brennan to unveil his newest
Breaking News
OpenAI-Linked Saline Data Center Controversy Deepens After Township Admits Documentation Error
SALINE TOWNSHIP — A proposed hyperscale data center tied to OpenAI has reignited controversy in
Economic Outlook Shows Slower Growth for West Michigan, Mixed Signals Across Michigan Regions
GRAND RAPIDS — A year-long analysis of the West Michigan economy points to a clear
Ohio Cities Get First Cannabis Tax Checks — How Columbus, Cleveland Compare to Michigan’s Payouts
COLUMBUS - Ohio cities are finally seeing their first marijuana tax dollars — and the
U-M–Los Alamos Supercomputer Pushback Reflects Michigan’s Growing Revolt Against Data Centers
ANN ARBOR - A proposed $1.2 billion high-performance computing facility backed by the University of
Ohio Legalized Cannabis Sales Came Quickly – The City Money Didn’t
COLUMBUS - Most people assumed Ohio’s marijuana revenue would work the same way legalization did.
Wealth, Taxes, and the Cost of Debt: Why Billionaires Are Calling For Higher Taxes — and What Trump’s Tax Cuts Have to Do With It
ANN ARBOR - A growing number of millionaires and billionaires are publicly urging governments to
Ohio Cannabis Referendum Push Targets Legislature’s Rewrite Of Voter-Approved Law
COLUMBUS - Ohio cannabis advocates are renewing their push to put the state’s marijuana laws
Social Security Nears Funding Cliff as Washington Delays Fixes
WASHINGTON DC — The clock is ticking on the nation’s most important retirement program, and
Ford–SK End $11.4B Battery Venture As EV Sales Slow And Policy Shifts Reshape The Market
DEARBORN — Ford Motor Co. and South Korean battery manufacturer SK On are unwinding one
Another Hyperscale Data Center Proposed in Van Buren Township, Raising Local Concerns Over Power and Land Use
VAN BUREN TWP. — A new proposal for a massive hyperscale data center has emerged
Aircela Unveils Machine That Turns Air Into Carbon-Neutral Gasoline, Challenging EV-Only Future
NEW YORK - A new startup just revealed a compact machine that turns air into
$1.5 Trillion In White Gold Found In Ancient Volcano On Nevada-Oregon Border
NEVADA - Buried beneath an ancient volcanic crater on the Nevada Oregon border sits an
Former Benzinga Founders Launch IgniteIT Platform
DETROIT - Former Benzinga Founders Launch IgniteIT Platform as a new, independent initiative serving the
ITC Michigan Provides $290,000 To Support Area Food Banks During The Holiday Season
NOVI – ITC Michigan announced a donation of $290,000 across seven Michigan food banks, as
Amazon Drones Now Delivering Packages In Metro Detroit
DETROIT - Amazon is expanding its drone delivery service in metro Detroit, with plans to
Channel Sales Pro Offers Free Onboarding Until Jan 1
DETROIT – Long-time tech entrepreneur Rick Beckers joins MITechTV to talk about his latest project,
C3 Industries to Close Webberville Grow, Lay Off 62 as Michigan Cannabis Prices and Taxes Squeeze Operators
ANN ARBOR — C3 Industries has filed a state Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN
Trump Order Advances Marijuana Rescheduling, Offering Potential Relief For Michigan Cannabis Industry
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to move
Michigan Cannabis Sales Hit $260 Million In November As Prices Plunge To Historic Lows
LANSING — Michigan’s legal cannabis market generated nearly $260 million in sales in November, but
What Reclassifying Marijuana To Schedule III Would Mean For Cannabis Companies — and Why Trump May Do It
WASHINGTON DC - President Trump is likely to loosen long-standing federal restrictions on marijuana early
Featured News
$50,000 Cars, $750 Payments: Why Affordability Is Becoming A Sales Problem For Michigan’s Auto Industry
ANN ARBOR - In Michigan, the auto industry doesn’t just build vehicles — it builds livelihoods. Assembly plants, suppliers, dealers, logistics
Michigan Unemployment Data Reveals Job Market Trends
Michigan is gradually navigating the thriving economic landscape of 2025, where the current unemployment data by the Michigan officials depicts a
Michigan’s Long Road to Driverless Cars — And Why Musk’s Latest Claim Doesn’t Change The Timeline
DETROIT -If self driving cars were judged by promises alone, Michigan highways would have been filled with autonomous vehicles years ago.
Michigan
Michigan Auto Makers Hit The Brakes On EVs As Incentives Fade — Just As Canada Opens The Door To Chinese Imports
DETROIT - Michigan’s auto industry is navigating one of its most complex transitions in decades
Massive AI Data Center Power Deal Advances Amid Local Debate
DETROIT - In a decision that could reshape Michigan’s energy and economic landscape, DTE Energy
Meta’s Nuclear Power Deal Is a Sign Of The Times — But Michigan’s Data Center Boom Has Broader Controversies
ANN ARBOR - Meta Platforms’ newly announced 6-gigawatt nuclear power agreements highlight an unmistakable reality:
Aircraft Batteries Emerge As A Strategic Niche—And Michigan Knows How To Play It
ANN ARBOR - As transportation electrification accelerates, batteries have become the central technology reshaping everything
Michigan Auto Makers Hit The Brakes On EVs As Incentives Fade — Just As Canada Opens The Door To Chinese Imports
DETROIT - Michigan’s auto industry is navigating one of its most complex transitions in decades
Massive AI Data Center Power Deal Advances Amid Local Debate
DETROIT - In a decision that could reshape Michigan’s energy and economic landscape, DTE Energy
Meta’s Nuclear Power Deal Is a Sign Of The Times — But Michigan’s Data Center Boom Has Broader Controversies
ANN ARBOR - Meta Platforms’ newly announced 6-gigawatt nuclear power agreements highlight an unmistakable reality:
Aircraft Batteries Emerge As A Strategic Niche—And Michigan Knows How To Play It
ANN ARBOR - As transportation electrification accelerates, batteries have become the central technology reshaping everything
C3 Industries to Close Webberville Grow, Lay Off 62 as Michigan Cannabis Prices and Taxes Squeeze Operators
ANN ARBOR — C3 Industries has filed a state Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN
Trump Order Advances Marijuana Rescheduling, Offering Potential Relief For Michigan Cannabis Industry
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to move
Michigan Cannabis Sales Hit $260 Million In November As Prices Plunge To Historic Lows
LANSING — Michigan’s legal cannabis market generated nearly $260 million in sales in November, but
What Reclassifying Marijuana To Schedule III Would Mean For Cannabis Companies — and Why Trump May Do It
WASHINGTON DC - President Trump is likely to loosen long-standing federal restrictions on marijuana early
The Impact of Corporate Training on Organizational Growth and Performance
Introduction Organizations nowadays are functioning in a highly dynamic environment. The advent of new technologies,
What Games Are on the GameZone Platform
The GameZone platform serves as a centralized digital hub where casino-style games, slot experiences, and
7 Technology-Driven Strategies for Sustainable Business Growth
Business growth these days feels different. It's not just about a big marketing push anymore.
Security At Speed: Protecting Instant Transactions From Algorithmic Fraud
Instant financial settlement has become the defining operational requirement of digital finance in 2026. From
iHemp Hour: CBD and Pets
ANN ARBOR - Join the iHemp Hour at noon Thursday to watch an interview on
Grant Funds Still Available For Farms, Agricultural and Food Processors
LANSING - Funding is still available for farms and agricultural processors with employees of 10
iHemp Hour Aug. 13 – Delta-8 THC, Types Of CBD Oil Products
ANN ARBOR - iHemp Hour July 16 featured what's happening with the US Hemp Authority
AndCan Index: U.S. Demand For Legal Cannabis Surges 4 Percent In May
EAST LANSING - According to Anderson Economic Group’s monthly AndCan Index, demand for legal cannabis
Advanced Technologies
Humanoid Robots: Sports vs. Factory Capabilities — Same Skills, Different Stakes
DETROIT - In arenas from Beijing to Tokyo, humanoid robots are no longer just lab curiosities—they’re competing in soccer matches, running
Science Fiction Warned AI Could End Humanity – Is It Possible?
NEW YORK - More than 50 years before ChatGPT could tell you what to cook for dinner, a 1968 science fiction
AI Wasn’t Just Biggest Tech Story Of Year – It Reshaped Every Major Trend
ANN ARBOR - Artificial intelligence wasn’t just the biggest tech story of the year — it reshaped infrastructure, energy demand, labor
AI Demand vs. Grid Capacity: Why Michigan’s Power System Is Reaching a Breaking Point
ANN ARBOR - Michigan’s electric grid was not built for artificial intelligence. It was designed to serve households, factories, and offices
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Michigan Joins the AI Data Center Boom — Even as the Power Grid Strains to Keep Up
ANN ARBOR - Michigan is stepping into the fast-moving world of hyperscale data centers just as the industry’s biggest constraint becomes
Data Center Nuclear Option: Retired Navy Reactors Enter The Conversation As Michigan’s AI Data Centers Hunt For Always-On Power
ANN ARBOR - Michigan’s fast-growing data-center market is colliding with a hard physical limit: electricity that never blinks. Developers chasing hyperscale
Entry-Level Jobs Are Disappearing as Companies Let AI Replace the Learning Curve
ANN ARBOR — Entry-level jobs — long the gateway from college to career — are rapidly disappearing as companies use artificial
AI Is Flooding the Internet — But High-Quality Human Stories Can Still Win, Especially in Michigan
ANN ARBOR - Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how content is created and distributed online. From blog posts and marketing copy
Science Tech
Japan Launches Human Trials To Grow New Teeth — A Regeneration Revolution In Dentistry
ANN ARBOR - Scientists in Japan have begun the world’s first human clinical trials of an experimental drug designed not just to repair missing teeth — but to actually grow new ones using the body’s own
UFO Disclosure And The Vatican: Why Alien Speculation Keeps Circling The Holy See
ANN ARBOR - As governments, scientists, and defense agencies revisit unexplained aerial phenomena, one institution keeps getting pulled into the conversation: the Vatican. Recent tabloid coverage tying remarks by Vatican scientists to Pope Leo XIV
How The Expiration Of ACA Subsidies Impacts Michigan Business Owners
LANSING — Michigan business owners are entering 2026 facing a new and largely unavoidable cost increase: sharply higher health insurance premiums tied to the expiration of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies. The federal premium tax
Senate Health Care Talks Collapse, Putting Hundreds of Thousands of Michigan Residents at Risk of Higher Costs
WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans and Democrats failed to reach a health care deal this week, leaving the fate of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits in limbo. Without a compromise, those subsidies are
COVID Holiday Updates With Epidemiologist Fred Brown – Spoiler Alert No Big Parties
ANN ARBOR - Epidemiologist Fred Brown returns to update what's happening nationally with the COVID virus, also updates on vaccines, plus his take on whether it is safe to host house parties for Halloween, Thanksgiving
NORML Responds to Studies Identifying Link Between COVID and Cannabis Use Disorder Diagnosis
CLEVELAND - Fully vaccinated persons with a clinical diagnosis of cannabis use disorder (CUD) possess a greater risk of COVID breakthrough infections than do to similar controls, according to data published in the journal World Psychiatry. Researchers with
Two-Thirds Of Business Travelers Plan To Reduce Trips Amid Rising COVID Cases
WASHINGTON – U.S. business travelers are scaling back travel plans amid rising COVID-19 cases, with 67% planning to take fewer trips, 52% likely to cancel existing travel plans without rescheduling, and 60% planning to postpone
MIOSHA Encourages Employers To Follow Updated CDC Guidance To Contain Spread of COVID-19
LANSING - MIOSHA is strongly encouraging Michigan employers to follow recently updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines due to the Delta variant of COVID-19. According to the CDC, the Delta variant is much more contagious,
Prescription Drug Could Prevent Up To 1 Million Cases Of Dementia Each Year
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - The University of Virgina Health System (UVA Health) has revealed new research which indicates a prescription drug already being used to help suppress a virus affecting millions could now also be used to prevent Alzheimer's disease. What
AI Discovers Suspected Trigger of Alzheimer’s, And Maybe a Treatment
NEW YORK - Artificial intelligence is a broad term encompassing many different subtypes, from apps that can write poetry to algorithms that are able to spot patterns that would otherwise get missed – and now AI modeling has just played a
New Cannabinoid Discovered In Cannabis That Could Treat Forms Of Cancer
SOUTH KOREA - Researchers have announced that they’ve successfully identified a new cannabinoid—cannabielsoxa—produced by the marijuana plant as well as a number of other compounds “reported for the first time from the flowers of C.
Study: Common Sleeping Pill Could Help Lesson Impact Of Alzheimer’s Disease
ST. LOUIS - There's still so much we don't know about Alzheimer's disease, but the link between poor sleep and worsening disease is one that researchers are exploring aggressively. In a study, scientists found that
Prescription Drug Could Prevent Up To 1 Million Cases Of Dementia Each Year
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - The University of Virgina Health System (UVA Health) has revealed new research which indicates a prescription drug already being used to help suppress a virus affecting millions could now also be used to prevent Alzheimer's disease. What
AI Discovers Suspected Trigger of Alzheimer’s, And Maybe a Treatment
NEW YORK - Artificial intelligence is a broad term encompassing many different subtypes, from apps that can write poetry to algorithms that are able to spot patterns that would otherwise get missed – and now AI modeling has just played a
New Cannabinoid Discovered In Cannabis That Could Treat Forms Of Cancer
SOUTH KOREA - Researchers have announced that they’ve successfully identified a new cannabinoid—cannabielsoxa—produced by the marijuana plant as well as a number of other compounds “reported for the first time from the flowers of C.
Study: Common Sleeping Pill Could Help Lesson Impact Of Alzheimer’s Disease
ST. LOUIS - There's still so much we don't know about Alzheimer's disease, but the link between poor sleep and worsening disease is one that researchers are exploring aggressively. In a study, scientists found that
Industry 4.0 Featured News
Mobility
Michigan’s Auto Industry Pivots to Energy Storage As Data Centers Strain The Electric Grid
ANN ARBOR - Michigan’s auto industry is quietly becoming part of the energy business. As
NVIDIA Targets Autonomous Vehicle Bottlenecks As Michigan Pushes Toward Reasoning-Based AI
LAS VEGAS — Autonomous vehicles have been “five years away” for more than a decade.
Michigan’s Auto Industry Pivots to Energy Storage As Data Centers Strain The Electric Grid
ANN ARBOR - Michigan’s auto industry is quietly becoming part of the energy business. As
NVIDIA Targets Autonomous Vehicle Bottlenecks As Michigan Pushes Toward Reasoning-Based AI
LAS VEGAS — Autonomous vehicles have been “five years away” for more than a decade.
Teaching Self-Driving Cars To Predict Pedestrian Movement
ANN ARBOR – By zeroing in on humans’ gait, body symmetry and foot placement, University
123Net Partners With Telia Carrier To Meet Bandwidth Demand From Self-Driving Vehicles
SOUTHFIELD - With Michigan leading the nation with the most permissive self-driving vehicle laws in
Digital and Mobile
Michigan Cyber Summit And Michigan High School Cyber Summit Oct. 22-23
LANSING — The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget announced that registration is now
Cybersecurity Update: More Hacks, Crypto Threats, Fake Cyber Workers
ANN ARBOR - Cybersecurity pros Richard Stiennon of IT-Harvest and Dan Lohrmann of Presidio return
SensCy CTO Explains How Third Party Cyber Risk Can Bring Your Network Down
ANN ARBOR - Every 38 seconds, a supplier, vendor, or consultant experiences a cyberattack. According
Change Your Browser Settings Now Due To Massive Security Risk
NEW YORK - A new warning has just been issued for Chrome and Edge users,
Auto Industry Pricing Report With Michelle Krebs From Cox Automotive
TROY - Michelle Krebs, a senior analyst with Cox Automotive, joins MITech TV to update
May Mobility Sale To Improve Autonomous Transit For Healthcare
ANN ARBOR–Autonomous vehicle builder May Mobility announced it is working with the Contra Costa Transportation Authority
Detroit Auto Show Announces Mobility Global Forum Speaker Lineup
DETROIT – The Detroit Auto Show today announced the roster of speakers for the inaugural
U-M’s MTRAC Awards $1 Million To Support Mobility, Transportation Research Projects
ANN ARBOR—The Michigan Translational Research and Commercialization Advanced Transportation Innovation Hub at the University of
SensCy CTO Explains How Third Party Cyber Risk Can Bring Your Network Down
ANN ARBOR - Every 38 seconds, a supplier, vendor, or consultant experiences a cyberattack. According
Change Your Browser Settings Now Due To Massive Security Risk
NEW YORK - A new warning has just been issued for Chrome and Edge users,
Teen Cybersecurity Camp In July At Air National Guard Base In Battle Creek
DEARBORN - The Michigan CyberPatriot program will be hosting a Cybersecurity Summer Camp at Battle
Cybersecurity Isn’t Just for Big Business Anymore—SensCy Steps In to Support the Rest
ANN ARBOR - In a recent MITech TV interview, David Behen, Chief Strategy Officer and
Metronet Connects Grand Rapids Residents To Fast Fiber-Optic Network
GRAND RAPIDS–Officials at the Evansville, Ind.-based data service provider Metronet announced that residents and businesses
Ottawa County Partners With 123NET To Install 380 Miles Of Internet Fiber
HOLLAND - Ottawa County has hired 123NET to construct 380 miles of additional fiber to
Peninsula Fiber Network Activates Statewide Next Generation 9-1-1 Updates
MARQUETTE - Peninsula Fiber Network in collaboration with its core system service provider, INdigital, is
123NET Partners With Pistons As Network Service Provider
DETROIT - 123NET announced a partnership with the Detroit Pistons, naming 123NET as the Pistons
Tech 248 Update: Apprenti Program, Augmented Reality Manufacturing At the Speed Of Light
ROYAL OAK - Oakland County’s Greg Doyle talks about some technology initiatives available including the
123Net’s Kandler Explains New Voice Over Fiber Service
ROYAL OAK - James Kandler, 123Net’s Chief Operations Officer, explains Voice services growth through integration
Saitz Named Chief Marketing Officer For Plex Systems
TROY – Robin Saitz has been named Chief Marketing Officer for Plex Systems, which develops
MSP Red Level Acquires MSP C/D/H To Provide Statewide IT Services
NOVI - Two Michigan Managed Services Providers have combined to offer custom application development, business
4 Critical Conversion Tactics for Capturing More Leads
It's a true saying that "without marketing, you'll have no market." No customers, no market share, and no profits. Marketing activities alone won't do the trick, though. Your efforts must be effective, otherwise you
4 CRO Tactics that Increase Website Leads
The whole point of having a website is to get leads you can turn into sales, but it’s a fact of life that what we want and what we get are often two different
Q&A – Why You Need a Budget for Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)
For business owners, increasing their website traffic used to be like the gold medal win in the Tokyo Olympics was for Sydney McLaughlin—incredible and ultra-rewarding for all her hard work. That’s not the case
How Can I Avoid The Most Common SEO Marketing Mistakes?
DETROIT - There are over 1.5 billion websites on the internet, and if you own a site, you’re up against some very tough competition. Hitting the right audience requires skilled search engine optimization (SEO). If
Sales Slump? How to Get Better Results from Your Website Visitors
Most manufacturers have experienced sales slumps at one time or another. When it happens, it’s vital to get your sales team’s heads back in the game and find a solution to the problem. The
Top 3 Trends Boosting 2021 Website Conversion Rates
Whoever said change is bad wasn’t a marketer. Honestly, change is the only thing you can be sure of these days, and it applies to digital marketing 100%. Since the beginning of 2021, for
Business and Finance
$50,000 Cars, $750 Payments: Why Affordability Is Becoming A Sales Problem For Michigan’s Auto Industry
ANN ARBOR - In Michigan, the auto industry doesn’t just build vehicles — it builds
Own Best iPhone Fax App Scene Now
Mobile Faxing Hits Peak Convenience Best iPhone fax apps command attention now with powerful pocket
How Smart Tracking Changes Day-to-Day Fleet Operations
Image credit Running a fleet without visibility creates a multitude of problems. If you're in
Why Electricity Plans Now Matter as Much as Internet Speed in Modern Living
Image Source Rapid internet has previously topped the list of requirements that modern households do
Own Best iPhone Fax App Scene Now
Mobile Faxing Hits Peak Convenience Best iPhone fax apps command attention now with powerful pocket
How Smart Tracking Changes Day-to-Day Fleet Operations
Image credit Running a fleet without visibility creates a multitude of problems. If you're in
Why Electricity Plans Now Matter as Much as Internet Speed in Modern Living
Image Source Rapid internet has previously topped the list of requirements that modern households do
How To Keep Your Business Team Healthy
Do you feel as though you aren’t taking good care of your business team? If
Invest Detroit Moves Into Jefferson Hub As Anchor Tenant, Now Leasing
DETROIT - The redevelopment of the historic Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Midtown Detroit has
Study: Working Remotely From Home Makes Us Happier
PERTH, Australia - Scientists have spent four years diving deep into the world of remote
Deadline To Apply For Tech Town Retail Boot Camp Fall 2025 Cohort Extended To July 11
DETROIT - TechTown Detroit’s Retail Boot Camp: E-commerce & Home-based Edition is a new, intensive,
Walter Pat’s Baker Cafe Wins $100,000 Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest
DETROIT - Walter Pat's Bakery Cafe was crowned the winner of the 2025 Comerica Hatch
iHemp Hour: CBD and Pets
ANN ARBOR - Join the iHemp Hour at noon Thursday to watch an interview on
Grant Funds Still Available For Farms, Agricultural and Food Processors
LANSING - Funding is still available for farms and agricultural processors with employees of 10
iHemp Hour Aug. 13 – Delta-8 THC, Types Of CBD Oil Products
ANN ARBOR - iHemp Hour July 16 featured what's happening with the US Hemp Authority
AndCan Index: U.S. Demand For Legal Cannabis Surges 4 Percent In May
EAST LANSING - According to Anderson Economic Group’s monthly AndCan Index, demand for legal cannabis
C3 Industries to Close Webberville Grow, Lay Off 62 as Michigan Cannabis Prices and Taxes Squeeze Operators
ANN ARBOR — C3 Industries has filed a state Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN
Trump Order Advances Marijuana Rescheduling, Offering Potential Relief For Michigan Cannabis Industry
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to move
Michigan Cannabis Sales Hit $260 Million In November As Prices Plunge To Historic Lows
LANSING — Michigan’s legal cannabis market generated nearly $260 million in sales in November, but
What Reclassifying Marijuana To Schedule III Would Mean For Cannabis Companies — and Why Trump May Do It
WASHINGTON DC - President Trump is likely to loosen long-standing federal restrictions on marijuana early
