Good morning, Battle Creek.

Michigan power rates are higher than the national average because residents use less electricity; most households heat with natural gas so bills stay lower.

DTE Energy and Consumers Energy plan further rate hikes to fund service improvements while critics, including Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, warn these requests could cost consumers more+ and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters challenges lawmakers to curb utility donations.

AT&T reached a $177 million settlement for data breaches that exposed call and text records and personal information of current and former customers in Michigan.

Eligible customers will be notified for claims starting Aug. 4 with forms due by Nov. 18, and payments are expected early next year.

A state House committee approved a bill yesterday to allow longer consecutive sentences for 19- and 20-year-olds convicted of first-degree or felony murder after a Michigan Supreme Court ruling ended automatic life without parole sentences.

The bill now moves to the House floor — lawmakers expect it will give prosecutors more time to review cases.

Recent tests from May show that quarterly TTHM levels in Battle Creek’s water system dropped below the federal limit, but the running annual average remains high due to earlier results—officials said impacted customers have been notified and will see continued corrective actions with EGLE to lower TTHM levels.

Michigan State Armwrestling Championships 2025

11 a.m. - 8 p.m. — Kellogg Arena — Weigh-ins on Friday and Saturday — Watch the best arm wrestlers in Michigan face off in an exciting competition.

City Kids Day

12-5 p.m. — Kellogg Arena — Free admission — A fun-filled event for families featuring games, music, and activities for kids in Battle Creek.

Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival

8 p.m. – 1:29 a.m. — Battle Creek Executive Airport — Tickets available now — Experience aerial thrills with spectacular pyrotechnics and stunning night shows at North America’s largest air and balloon festival.

Vibe @ 5 Concert Series

5-7:30 p.m. — Friendship Park — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of live music in Downtown Battle Creek's vibrant social scene.

Vibe@5 – Toppermost Concert Series

5-7:30 p.m. — Friendship Park — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of live music in Downtown Battle Creek's lively social district.

Taco and Tequila Festival

3-8 p.m. — Festival Market Square — Cost varies — Michigan's Original Taco & Tequila Festival returns with larger festivities and flavors.

Vibe @ 5 Concert Series

5-7:30 p.m. — Friendship Park — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of live music in Downtown Battle Creek's Social District.

PAWS Classic Golf Outing

8 AM – 4 PM — Binder Park Golf Course — Fundraiser — Come Par-Tee to support Paws With A Cause and enjoy meeting wonderful dogs raised by volunteers.