Good morning, Battle Creek.

Battle Creek officials warn motorcyclists that stunt riding and street racing may lead to vehicle forfeiture today under City Ordinance 652.04, urging riders to follow safe practices and hold legal group rides on private property or with permits + help keep roads safe.

Rx Kids will expand its financial support program to include new mothers in Battle Creek on July 1, offering $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 a month in infancy to help cover essentials for families in communities with high child poverty rates.

Gas prices have jumped 19¢ per gallon over the past week, according to Triple-A Michigan, raising the state average to $4.02.

Rates vary with Marquette on the high end & Grand Rapids, Benton Harbor, and Flint on the low end.

Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will change air quality messaging by replacing advisories with a single Air Quality Alert starting in 2026.

Residents will be warned when at least two monitors detect unsafe pollution levels for sensitive groups.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds returned to Michigan mid-April and residents can attract them by setting up feeders with homemade nectar (mix one part sugar with four parts water).

Place feeders near plants but away from windows to keep the birds safe and make cleaning easier.

Plainfield Township board approved designated areas in the township cemetery on Packer Drive for green burials this month.

Families choosing a green burial must purchase a plot and work with a funeral home, though a burial vault is no longer required + offering a natural return to the earth.

The Battle Creek Area Association of REALTORS announced award winners today, naming Aron Hodo of Real Estate One as REALTOR of the Year, Joscelyn Brady as Rookie of the Year, and Cody Barkowski as Affiliate of the Year, each recognized for their leadership and community impact in real estate.

Battle Creek Enquirer Athlete of the Week nominees for April 20-25—featuring top high school performances from Lakeview, Harper Creek and Battle Creek Central—were announced by Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.

Voters have until 5 p.m. Wednesday to select their choice, with results to appear in Sunday's paper.

Portage native Carson Hocevar won his first NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway after fending off Chris Buescher, with Alex Bowman, Chase Elliott and Zane Smith finishing in the top five.

The racing field will head to Texas Motor Speedway next Sunday for the Wurth 400.