A Michigan startup is revolutionizing alcohol monitoring with a wearable device no bigger than a smartwatch, aiming to remove the stigma associated with traditional ankle monitors.

WATCH FARAZ'S STORY IN THE VIDEO PLAYER BELOW Ann Arbor startup creates smartwatch-sized alcohol monitor to replace bulky ankle devices

ArborSense, a University of Michigan spinout based in Ann Arbor, has developed G.R.A.D.E graphene-based alcohol detection equipment after nearly eight years of refining sensor-based wearable technology.

"We are working on making noninvasive detection sensors that can be used in a wide variety of industries and fields. Primarily right now we're focusing on criminal justice and rehabilitation, so people that have substance use disorder can wear one of our products. It's very discreet and it removes stigma," CEO Jason Tizedes said.

The transdermal device detects alcohol through the skin and is significantly smaller than existing technology. While current market devices require two drinks per hour before detecting alcohol, ArborSense's technology can detect one drink per hour.

"The technology that exists in the market right now needs to see two drinks per hour before it would be able to detect alcohol. We have been able to kind of isolate the alcohol in the system and really turn down or turn up the sensitivity on our sensor to be able to detect one drink per hour," Tizedes said.

Traditional alcohol monitoring devices have remained largely unchanged for two decades, resembling bulky ankle monitors that Tizedes compared to "1970s headphones." The new device has the same footprint as most smartwatches, making it easier for users to wear and adapt to daily life.

The technology addresses several market gaps. Current devices are approximately 10 years old, don't pair with smartphones, lack autonomous cellular connectivity, and haven't seen price reductions due to limited competition.

"There's really only one player. And because of that, the price hasn't ever come down," Tizedes said.

The cost comparison shows traditional devices range from $10 to $15 per day, while ArborSense's unit costs between $7 and $9 daily.

The device doesn't alert the wearer but instead sends instant notifications to monitoring authorities through text message, email, or automated phone calls. The system detects tampering attempts, including cutting the strap, undoing the buckle, or sliding objects underneath to prevent skin contact.

G.R.A.D.E wearables are available through court-mandated programs, but concerned parents and attorneys can also access them through a volunteer program.

To learn more, head to this link.

"This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy."

Two days after the deadly shooting and fire at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, we're learning more about those who lost their lives.

One of the four was Billmeier Camera Shop owner Terry Greens father-in-law. Green wasnt available in person to talk but shared a Facebook post, which talks about his wifes family attending the church's Sundays service.

Watch Faraz Javed's video report below: Families Mourn Victims of Grand Blanc Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Shooting

While they survived, Green's fatherinlaw did not. The post also adds that they take comfort knowing hes at peace in heaven and asks for prayers for others who werent as fortunate. Family has not yet released his name.

"It shocks you to the point that you just can't believe it," said Tom Gohsman, a retired teacher.

Gohsman is one of many who came to the shop to pay their respects with flowers and donations.

"The world is small and you got to be there for each other," Gohsman said.

A GoFundMe set up for the family mentions raising money to help support the victims wife of over 50 years get through the bills and living expenses she will now be facing alone.

Related video: Grand Blanc decals and T-shirts raises money for victims Community comes together in wake of the tragedy

The victim is also survived by his four children. One of his daughters wrote a one-page emotional letter thats both heartbreaking and surprising.

In it, the victims daughter, who was also at the church, describes locking eyes with the shooter, Thomas Sanford, a 40-year-old war veteran. The letter describes the shooters eyes as blue but later, they realized they were seeing their own reflection in his.

She wrote in part: "When he came over to me I felt very calm, peaceful even as I kneeled next to my dad, my hands still on dad. It felt like a long time stared into his eyes while answering his question. The only way I can describe it it is I saw into his soul I never took my eyes off his eyes, something happened, I saw pain, he felt lost. I deeply felt it with every fiber of my being. I forgave him, I forgave him right there, not in words, but with my heart."

The letter ends with a plea to all of us: drop the anger and hate because they only fuel more harm. Even small changes in the way we talk to each other can help make the world a better place.

"It's a tragedy in the greatest sense," said Joe Bassil, a Traverse City resident.

Bassils daughter lives 2 miles away from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Watching the massacre unfold on the news, Bassil says he couldnt believe what he was seeing.

"All I can say to these people is God be with them and help them in the hour of need," Bassil said.

Another victim, John Bond, was also shot and killed on Sunday.

A GoFundMe page describes him as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. John was a Navy veteran who served for nine years.

Related video: Man killed in Grand Blanc Township church shooting was 'well known and loved' Man killed in Grand Blanc Township church shooting was 'well known and loved'

Several other people were injured during attack. The Grand Blanc Township Police Department has also established a victim compassion fund through a local credit union.

The GoFundMe for Green's father-in-law can be found here.

The GoFundme for Bond can be found here.

A new $100,000 application fee for H-1B visas has international students and employers grappling with significant changes to a program that has long served as a pathway for foreign workers to build careers in the United States.

Watch Faraz Javed's video report: New $100,000 H-1B visa fee sparks debate among students and employers

President Trump signed the proclamation last Friday, implementing the fee starting this week for new H-1B visa applications. The White House says the measure will protect American jobs, but critics worry about long-term economic consequences.

The fee represents a dramatic increase from the previous cost of approximately $10,000, raising expenses for U.S. companies by more than 11-fold when hiring foreign workers through the H-1B program.

Students react with mixed emotions

At the University of Michigan, international students expressed varying reactions to the policy change.

"It sounds really tough to be in that position," said Will Militzer, an Ann Arbor student.

However, U of M senior Daisy Monroe sees potential benefits for American workers.

"So I feel for them, but I have to put myself first to be like, this kind of helps me with more opportunities," Monroe said.

Militzer emphasized merit-based hiring regardless of nationality.

"People should hire based on who would do the best at the job. So if somebody's more qualified who lives abroad, I think they should get it," Militzer said.

Immigration attorney warns of brain drain

Immigration attorney Marcel Miclea said the new rule doesn't apply to current H-1B holders or renewals, but he predicts broader consequences.

"International students will think twice about coming to the U.S. to study. They will maybe look elsewhere, which effectively would mean a brain drain in the U.S.," Miclea said.

WEB EXTRA: Immigration attorney at Palmer Rey Marcel Miclea explains immigration changes WEB EXTRA: Immigration attorney at Palmer Rey Marcel Miclea explains immigration changes

The Economic Policy Institute reports about 600,000 H-1B workers are employed by 50,000 U.S. companies. USCIS data shows roughly 70% of H-1B workers first came to America as international students.

"A lot of innovation has been done because of these talented workers. So I see, on the long term, the U.S. will be losing," Miclea said.

Supporters cite job creation potential

Michigan Franchise Owners Association president Ali Haider supports President Trump's decision, citing potential job creation.

"There's a debate that it will actually generate 3 million local jobs," Haider said.

U-M international student Suzane Fernandes, who has time before seeking full-time work, believes the change could benefit qualified candidates.

"Because of the changes, probably there'll be less people who are trying to apply for jobs, and there'll be a better chance for people who are actually deserving," Fernandes said.

Monroe agreed that the higher fee could help exceptional candidates stand out.

"I think the $100,000 will make it to where people who actually have the skills that will be considered exceptional, they will stand out even more," Monroe said.

Addressing program abuse

Haider said the change could help curb abuse within the H-1B system. The Economic Policy Institute estimates the H-1B program has cost workers at least $95 million in underpaid wages. In 2022, big tech firms hired 34,000 H-1B workers while laying off over 85,000 Americans.

"We have a lot of American people who don't have a job or a good enough job to make a living," Haider said.

He emphasized the importance of domestic education and training.

"We should educate our own kids here in America so they can have jobs who are more into tech field and for more technical education," Haider said.

Mixed long-term outlook

Miclea acknowledged potential short-term benefits for American workers but expressed concern about long-term consequences.

"So I think, on the short term, the US worker might see an increase, a slight increase in wages because of some fraud that exists in the program. Long term, I think the consequences are vast and it will impact companies, universities," Miclea said.

The new policy includes a national interest exemption at the discretion of the Secretary of Homeland Security for certain workers or industries. The restriction is set to expire in 12 months unless extended.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.