On Thursday, May 18, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) of Southeast Michigan announced the departure of board chair Paul Hillegonds, a longtime environmental ally, as he closes out his term.

Formation of the RTA had been a longtime environmental priority by the time Hillegonds assumed the role of Speaker of the Michigan House (R-Allegan) in the mid 1990s. The Legislature tried and failed more than 20 times to adopt legislation enabling the regional authority. Hillegonds’ legislative career would end without a victory, but it would stay a priority for him, and when regional and state leaders finally agreed on a structure in 2012, Hillegonds was appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder to be its chair.

Lloyd's hair stopped growing. Then it began to fall out. Dirt-like spots appeared on his feet. He was five then, learning to read and paint and make friends.

So, Lloyd's grandma, TaNiccia Henry, took Lloyd to the doctor and requested a lead test. With the prick of a finger, she found out Lloyd had lead levels seven times over what's legally safe. Although, as Henry will tell you, no amount of lead really is.

Over half a million Michigan students who depend on buses as primary school transportation could soon have cleaner, safer rides with electric school buses.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer included $150 million in her fiscal year 2024 budget for the transition to electric school buses, and last week the school aid subcommittees of the Michigan Legislature released promising budgets in support of this important funding. In the House budget, the full $150 million was appropriated, and in the Senate, $75 million.