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
Arctic Climate Feedback Loop Raises Business Risks for Michigan’s Tourism, Manufacturing and Great Lakes Economy
Arctic “Greening” May Accelerate Warming — With Economic Impacts Far Beyond the Tundra DETROIT -
Middle East Tensions Raise New Affordability Fears: What a Strait of Hormuz Disruption Could Mean for Michigan Gas Prices
DETROIT - As U.S.–Iran tensions escalate following weekend military strikes, energy markets are zeroing in
Whitmer’s State of the State: What It Means for Michigan Business, Industry and Jobs
LANSING - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s final State of the State address was framed around literacy,
Ohio Cannabis Law Fight: What Senate Bill 56 Means For Retailers, Consumers And The Voter Mandate
COLUMBUS - Ohio’s cannabis market is facing another political test. A coalition of hemp shop
Ohio Cannabis Law Fight: What Senate Bill 56 Means For Retailers, Consumers And The Voter Mandate
COLUMBUS - Ohio’s cannabis market is facing another political test. A coalition of hemp shop
Michigan Lawmakers Move To Ban Kratom As $2 Billion Market Faces Shutdown
LANSING - Michigan lawmakers are weighing a proposal that would outlaw kratom statewide — a
Michigan Cannabis Prices 2026: Are Structural Pressures Testing the Low-Price Model?
Updated: February 2026 LANSING - Michigan cannabis prices in 2026 remain among the lowest in
Supreme Court Weighs Line 5 Dispute, Putting Michigan’s Pipeline Battle at a Crossroads
LANSING - The fate of Michigan’s long-running battle over the Line 5 oil pipeline moved
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
Study: Internal Combustion Engines Officially Minority In EU
NEW YORK - A new analysis from TechGaged Research reveals that combustion engines have officially
Annual TEDx Returns To Detroit And Takes Attendees Inside The Talk
DETROIT - TEDxDetroit is gathering the region’s leading thinkers, designers, entrepreneurs, educators, scientists and artists
City of Ann Arbor Launches Open Data Portal
ANN ARBOR —City of Ann Arbor data is now available to the public like never
MSU Federal Credit Union Unveils 2025-2026 Women of Sparta Cohort
EAST LANSING — Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) is proud to announce the
Bedrock Detroit Drone Delivery Program Takes Flight
DETROIT - Imagine a drone flying important papers or packages from roof top to roof
Ohio Cannabis Tops $1B as Regulation Tightens and Michigan’s New 24% Wholesale Tax Reshapes Midwest Competition
COLUMBUS - Ohio’s legal cannabis market reached a major benchmark in 2025, surpassing $1 billion
Michigan Cannabis Sales Slip in 2025 as Market Matures, New Wholesale Tax Reshapes 2026 Outlook
Michigan’s legal cannabis market closed 2025 with a modest decline, marking a clear shift from
Michigan Marijuana Industry’s Court Challenge To 24% Wholesale Tax Advances As Job Losses Mount
LANSING — Michigan’s cannabis industry is pressing forward with a constitutional lawsuit against the state’s
Michigan’s 24 Percent Wholesale Cannabis Tax Starts Jan. 1 As Dispensaries Brace For Margin Pressure In 2026
LANSING — Michigan’s cannabis industry is heading into 2026 facing a new cost layer that
Featured News
Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Tariffs: What It Means for Prices, Businesses and Consumers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a landmark 6–3 decision Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that former President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff
“Automating Jobs That Suck”: How AI Is Changing Michigan Hiring
GRAND RAPIDS — Grand Rapids–based Acrisure plans to eliminate approximately 400 positions, including about 200 in Michigan, as the global insurance
Crypto Industry Builds Massive Political War Chest Ahead of November — What It Could Mean for Michigan
WASHINGTON DC - The cryptocurrency industry has moved from market disruptor to political heavyweight. Heading into the November 2026 midterm elections,
Michigan
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
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
Auto Loan And Lease Burdens By Generation: How Rising Vehicle Costs Are Pressuring Household Budgets In 2025
ANN ARBOR — As U.S. auto prices and monthly payments hit historic highs, new data
Attorney General Lawsuit Targets Oil Cartel As EV Manufacturing In Michigan Faces Headwinds And Opportunity
LANSING -Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a high-stakes federal antitrust lawsuit this week targeting
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
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
Auto Loan And Lease Burdens By Generation: How Rising Vehicle Costs Are Pressuring Household Budgets In 2025
ANN ARBOR — As U.S. auto prices and monthly payments hit historic highs, new data
Attorney General Lawsuit Targets Oil Cartel As EV Manufacturing In Michigan Faces Headwinds And Opportunity
LANSING -Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a high-stakes federal antitrust lawsuit this week targeting
Ohio Cannabis Tops $1B as Regulation Tightens and Michigan’s New 24% Wholesale Tax Reshapes Midwest Competition
COLUMBUS - Ohio’s legal cannabis market reached a major benchmark in 2025, surpassing $1 billion
Michigan Cannabis Sales Slip in 2025 as Market Matures, New Wholesale Tax Reshapes 2026 Outlook
Michigan’s legal cannabis market closed 2025 with a modest decline, marking a clear shift from
Michigan Marijuana Industry’s Court Challenge To 24% Wholesale Tax Advances As Job Losses Mount
LANSING — Michigan’s cannabis industry is pressing forward with a constitutional lawsuit against the state’s
Michigan’s 24 Percent Wholesale Cannabis Tax Starts Jan. 1 As Dispensaries Brace For Margin Pressure In 2026
LANSING — Michigan’s cannabis industry is heading into 2026 facing a new cost layer that
Gas Could Surge to $5 a Gallon if Iran War Expands, Threatening Global Oil Supply
DETROIT - Oil prices are climbing and analysts warn a wider Iran war could trigger
Why Story-Driven Jewelry Collections Create Stronger Retail Interest
Introduction In the modern jewelry market, customers are no longer buying only a decorative accessory.
Ohio AG Accuses Cannabis Giants of Cartel Behavior — Could It Impact Michigan’s $3B Market?
COLUMBUS - Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed a sweeping antitrust lawsuit accusing nine
The Sales Tax Rate on Your Invoice Isn’t Always the One You Think It Is
Most business owners know their state's sales tax rate. Fewer know the combined rate that
iHemp Hour July 9: Retailing CBD Products
ANN ARBOR - Growing hemp is one challenge. Setting up product development and distribution is
iHemp Hour: Barn Owl Drone Services Helps Farmers Find Male Hemp Plants
ANN ARBOR - Yup, that's right. Barn Owl Drone Services uses drones to find male
iHemp Hour – Barn Owl Drone Helps Hemp Farmers Find Male Plants
Join iHemp Michigan Thursday, July 2 Noon – 1pm Barn Owl Drone Meet Sarah &
iHemp Hour June 25: Recycled Plastic, Hemp-Infused Building Blocks
LANSING - Louis Hard and Adam Dietrich join iHemp Hour June 25 at noon to
Advanced Technologies
What It Takes to Bring Semiconductor Manufacturing To Michigan
ANN ARBOR—The United States invented the semiconductor industry, built the first transistors, and powered the digital age—then gradually outsourced large-scale chip
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
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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
Artificial Intelligence Will Be On The Ballot In 2026 As Tech Moguls See The Midterms As Path To Power
WASHINGTON DC - As politicians in both parties raise concerns about the impacts of AI, political groups backed by tech investors
Paul Eisenstein Joins Journalists For Operation Frodo – Dog Rescue Program
DETROIT - Auto writer Paul Eisenstein from Headlight.News is on a mission this week to save dogs from testing lab experiments
Science Tech
$25 Million In Grants Awarded To Going PRO Talent Fund To Support Worker Training In Michigan
LANSING — Gov. Whitmer joined Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) to award $25 million in the latest round of Going PRO Talent Fund grants to 449 businesses across the state. Businesses will
25,000 Bronze And Copper Coins From 2000 Years Ago Discovered
FRANCE - Archaeologists in northeastern France have uncovered an ancient neighborhood beneath the town of Senon, where they found three ceramic jars filled with Roman coins. The hoard is huge, numbering at least 25,000 bronze
NASA Scientist Claims Star Of Bethlehem Not A Star At All
WASHINGTON DC - The Star of Bethlehem has long been viewed as a miraculous celestial sign tied to the nativity story. However, new scientific analysis offers a different explanation. Instead of a traditional star, the
MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grants Support Innovative STEM Learning
LANSING — MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grants are designed to support hands-on, community-connected STEM learning across Michigan. Through this initiative, educators can create Project, Problem-, and Place-Based learning experiences that help students build transferable skills. As
Canada To Open Border For Vaccinated Americans Aug. 9
OTTAWA, Canada - Fully vaccinated Americans and permanent residents will be allowed to enter Canada for non-essential travel beginning Aug. 9, Canadian government ministers announced Monday. The announcement marked the first step toward opening the
MMS Holdings Selected To Support COVID-19 Data Alliance Initiative
CANTON - Health Data Research UK has selected Canton-based MMS Holdings – a data-focused clinical research organization – to support the International COVID-19 Data Alliance initiative, providing data engineering services to support a globally coordinated,
Survey: 43 Percent Of US Workers Question Need To Return To Workplace
NEW YORK -More and more offices plan to reopen their doors in the coming months, but will their workers show up? Amid higher productivity, 43 percent question the wisdom of returning to the workplace at
J.D. Power: Business Happy With Broadband
TROY–Business broadband customer satisfaction remains high even as most businesses are returning to normal in the wake of the pandemic, according to the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Business Wireline Study. The study also reveals that,
Why Patient-Centered Care is the Best Marketing Strategy for NPs
Healthcare has long been structured around efficiency, standardization, and institutional priorities, but in recent years, patient-centered care has emerged as the gold standard. This approach prioritizes individual patient needs, values, and preferences, leading to a
Scientists Unlock the Secret to Supercharged Cancer-Fighting T Cells
PITTSBURGH - Researchers have revolutionized cancer immunotherapy by developing a way to grow T cells in the lab that live longer and fight cancer more effectively. They identified flaws in traditional methods, where sugar-rich growth
New Research Links Common Medications To Reduced Dementia Risk
UNITED KINGDOM - New research analyzing health data from over 130 million people suggests that antibiotics, antivirals, vaccines, and anti-inflammatory medications may be linked to a reduced risk of dementia. The study, led by scientists from
Common Virus Could Be Root Of Alzheimer’s Disease
DETROIT - Researchers have discovered a link between a chronic gut infection caused by a common virus and the development of Alzheimer's disease in some people. Most people encounter cytomegalovirus (CMV) during childhood, and after the initial infection the virus remains
Why Patient-Centered Care is the Best Marketing Strategy for NPs
Healthcare has long been structured around efficiency, standardization, and institutional priorities, but in recent years, patient-centered care has emerged as the gold standard. This approach prioritizes individual patient needs, values, and preferences, leading to a
Scientists Unlock the Secret to Supercharged Cancer-Fighting T Cells
PITTSBURGH - Researchers have revolutionized cancer immunotherapy by developing a way to grow T cells in the lab that live longer and fight cancer more effectively. They identified flaws in traditional methods, where sugar-rich growth
New Research Links Common Medications To Reduced Dementia Risk
UNITED KINGDOM - New research analyzing health data from over 130 million people suggests that antibiotics, antivirals, vaccines, and anti-inflammatory medications may be linked to a reduced risk of dementia. The study, led by scientists from
Common Virus Could Be Root Of Alzheimer’s Disease
DETROIT - Researchers have discovered a link between a chronic gut infection caused by a common virus and the development of Alzheimer's disease in some people. Most people encounter cytomegalovirus (CMV) during childhood, and after the initial infection the virus remains
Industry 4.0 Featured News
Mobility
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 Future Mobility Economy Is Regional — And The Geography Is The Strategy
LANSING — Michigan’s future mobility economy is no longer defined by a single corridor, company,
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 Future Mobility Economy Is Regional — And The Geography Is The Strategy
LANSING — Michigan’s future mobility economy is no longer defined by a single corridor, company,
IoT TechConnect April 29 Michigan Science Center – Why Your Company Needs To Get Involved
DETROIT - On April 29, MITechNews.Com will co-host IoT TechConnect 2 at the Michigan Science
Report: Self-Driving Cars Make Mistakes Because Of Limited AI Training Situations
DETROIT - Self-driving cars are still prone to making mistakes, in part because the AI training
Digital and Mobile
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
Stefanini Group Acquires Latin America Cloud Computing Provider
SOUTHFIELD — Stefanini group has acquired a 60% stake in Escala 24x7, a premier Amazon
First Quarter Cybersecurity Funding Surges to $7.7 Billion, Marking A Three-Year High
NEW YORK - After a two-year slowdown, cybersecurity funding is making a strong comeback. The
Smart Mobility Today: Renewables, Drones, Robots, AV And EV Adoption
DETROIT - This week’s Smart Mobility Today includes more news about renewable energy, advances in
May Mobility In Partnership With Mobility App Developer
ANN ARBOR–The autonomous vehicle developer May Mobility announced a new partnership with Moovit, an Israel-based
Michigan Groups Urge State To Boost Clean Mobility Investments
LANSING – A cross-section of Michigan organizations applauded a U.S. plan to curb transportation pollution
Smart Mobility Today: Renewable Energy, AI, Robots and Drones
DETROIT - This week’s Smart Mobility Today includes news about renewable energy, some caution being
Signalgate – Cybersecurity Pros Dan Lohrmann And Richard Stiennon Debate Whether Heads Should Role
ANN ARBOR - Signal is a messaging app that claims to be secure from hackers.
Senscy Provides Fractional Cybersecurity Protection For Small To Medium Businesses
ANN ARBOR - The greatest external threat to organizations today is cybersecurity attacks and Small
Spyware On Thousands Of Android And iPhones Harvesting Personal Information
NEW YORK - Hundreds of thousands of Android users, as well as several thousand iPhone
CyberPatriot Teaches Students How To Become Cybersecurity Pros
DEARBORN - CyberPatriot is a program aimed at grade school students that teaches them the
123NET Brings Ultra High Speed 10Gbps Fiber To Ann Arbor
ANN ARBOR -123NET continues to expand its residential internet service rollout by partnering with Veridian
Army Approves Order For 5000 Microsoft Combat Goggles
WASHINGTON DC - The US Army is taking delivery of a first batch of high-tech
How eSports Teams Keep Sharp For Competition
DETROIT - The eSports world continues to grow at an alarming rate, despite not being
Eastern Upper Peninsula Asks Residents, Businesses To Participate In Broadband Survey
Eastern Upper Peninsula - Eastern Upper Peninsula Connect Collaborative is asking residents and businesses to
Apple, Amazon Ban Parler For Lack Of Content Moderation
WASHINGTON DC - Apple and Amazon both cracked down on Parler late Saturday, pulling the app from their Apple store and Amazon Web Services hosting until the conservative social media platform ramps up content moderation.
LinkedIn Live Analysis Presented by Melih Oztalay
ANN ARBOR, MI December 7, 2020 - LinkedIn is adding live video capabilities to its platform. It's not open to every business, says Melih Oztalay, CEO of SmartFinds Marketing, a digital marketing agency in Birmingham,
Facebook Sued By FTC , 46 States For Monopolistic Practices
WASHINGTON DC - The US Federal Trade Commission and a coalition of more than 40 states and territories sued Facebook on Wednesday, alleging the social media giant had illegally stifled competition by snapping up rivals to
COVID-19 Accelerates Social Media Trends – Brands Must Find Their Places
NEW YORK - International social media analytics company Talkwalker and Hubspot asked 50 social media gurus, industry experts and PR professionals from around the world to define the trends that will shape the social media
Kathleen Norton-Schock, Brian Wassom, Tech Legal Issues Update
ANN ARBOR - Diva Tech Talks' Kathleen Norton-Schock, and Warner Norcross + Judd's Brian Wassom discuss focusing on Social Media Channels, the law and the First Amendment. Brian also delves into hot issues that could
GVSU Studies 3 Possible Learning Options For Fall Courses, Including Fully Online
ALLENDALE - Grand Valley State University is studying three learning options for fall courses: fully online, a hybrid model, and face-to-face instruction. The news came from GVSU President Philmena Mantella during a Laker town hall
Business and Finance
Is it Time for Your Business to Consolidate Tools?
Image credit Maybe when you started out alone, just as an entrepreneur, you probably used
Why Michigan Families Still Feel Priced Out — Even as Inflation Slows
ANN ARBOR - Inflation has cooled, but Michigan grocery prices haven’t come down. A January
5 Ways to Advance as an Entrepreneur
Source When it comes to your career, it will always be important for you to
Classic Board Games That Shines in the Digital Sphere
Board games have been an entertaining way to pass the time for many years, inviting
$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
Hatch Detroit Down To Top 4 Startups Trying To Win $100,000
DETROIT - The Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest by TechTown is back for its 13th consecutive
Former Grand Rapids Pickle Factory To Transform Into Entrepreneur’s Hub
GRAND RAPIDS — A vacant factory in southeast Grand Rapids could soon become a center
MCWT Events Update With Kathleen Norton Schock
SOUTHFIELD - The Michigan Council of Women In Technology is hosting a variety of events
Michigan Innovation Fund Gives $60 Million To Help State’s Startups
LANSING - The Michigan Strategic Fund Board officially established the Michigan Innovation Fund on Tuesday,
iHemp Hour July 9: Retailing CBD Products
ANN ARBOR - Growing hemp is one challenge. Setting up product development and distribution is
iHemp Hour: Barn Owl Drone Services Helps Farmers Find Male Hemp Plants
ANN ARBOR - Yup, that's right. Barn Owl Drone Services uses drones to find male
iHemp Hour – Barn Owl Drone Helps Hemp Farmers Find Male Plants
Join iHemp Michigan Thursday, July 2 Noon – 1pm Barn Owl Drone Meet Sarah &
iHemp Hour June 25: Recycled Plastic, Hemp-Infused Building Blocks
LANSING - Louis Hard and Adam Dietrich join iHemp Hour June 25 at noon to
Ohio Cannabis Tops $1B as Regulation Tightens and Michigan’s New 24% Wholesale Tax Reshapes Midwest Competition
COLUMBUS - Ohio’s legal cannabis market reached a major benchmark in 2025, surpassing $1 billion
Michigan Cannabis Sales Slip in 2025 as Market Matures, New Wholesale Tax Reshapes 2026 Outlook
Michigan’s legal cannabis market closed 2025 with a modest decline, marking a clear shift from
Michigan Marijuana Industry’s Court Challenge To 24% Wholesale Tax Advances As Job Losses Mount
LANSING — Michigan’s cannabis industry is pressing forward with a constitutional lawsuit against the state’s
Michigan’s 24 Percent Wholesale Cannabis Tax Starts Jan. 1 As Dispensaries Brace For Margin Pressure In 2026
LANSING — Michigan’s cannabis industry is heading into 2026 facing a new cost layer that
