Good morning, Battle Creek.

Battle Creek Field of Flight was named among the top 10 air shows in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards—making it the only Michigan event on the list.

The festival is scheduled for July 2-6 and will feature military and civilian aircraft, balloon launches, concerts, and fireworks.

May data showed that Kalamazoo County’s unemployment rate increased from 4.5 percent to 5.3 percent while Calhoun County’s rate rose from 5.7 percent to 6.2 percent+regional figures ranged from 4.6 to 7.4 percent with Michigan’s overall rate edging down to 5.4 percent.

Senators Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin reintroduced a bill in Washington today to federally recognize the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians as a sovereign nation; the proposal, supported by several U.S. Representatives, will give the tribe access to federal programs and protections promised in treaties since 1795—after decades of waiting.

The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Michigan does not have to destroy data from infant blood samples taken at birth, finding that storing the anonymous data does not violate constitutional rights.

Michigan health officials noted that the ruling supports the newborn screening program + parents who filed the case plan to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the challenge.

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.

Battle Creek Scavenger Hunt Adventure

12-9 p.m. — Downtown Battle Creek — Ticket required — Embark on a quirky scavenger hunt uncovering the hidden gems of Cereal City.