INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Prosecution testimony got underway Wednesday in the trial of a felon accused of killing his year-old daughter and stabbing his pregnant wife after turning irate during a child custody exchange in Indian Wells. Adam Slater, 53, of Palm Desert allegedly killed baby Madalyn in 2020 during an act of rage that
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On Wednesday the Coachella Valley Association of Governments’ Homeless Committee received the latest annual report in its CV Housing First program. Staff reported that of the 175 Coachella Valley clients targeted for assistance in 2024, 50 people were housed through the program, while 59 individuals returned to the streets. The number of permanently housed individuals
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“The Department determined that you have failed to demonstrate fitness or qualifications for continued employment.” This, a line from a U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) termination letter, was delivered to some Joshua Tree National Park employees on February 14 — just as the park’s busiest season approaches. The letter, obtained by Z107.7 FM in
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Some food banks in the Coachella Valley, like Food Now in Desert Hot Springs, are starting to worry about cuts to federal agencies that help supply them with food for distribution. Officials at the food bank say some clients cite recent cuts to federal programs, like USAID, and are worried further cuts could affect the
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News Channel 3 and the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation presented another Impact Grant to a local nonprofit working to improve lives and help those in need. A $50,000 charitable gift was awarded to Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, which provides food and shelter to thousands of men, women and children. Pearl Graves said she
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Repaving work begins on Gene Autry Trail on February 19, with construction starting at the intersection of Ramon Road and Gene Autry Trail, extending north to Vista Chino. Once the northbound work is complete at Vista Chino, construction crews will close the southbound inside lane on Gene Autry Trail and repave to Ramon Road. SR
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Healthcare workers in Riverside County are joining together tonight in Corona for an emergency town hall meeting, calling on House Representatives to oppose cuts to Medicare funding. They are urging Congressman Ken Calvert to oppose these cuts. The possible cuts could severely impact local hospitals like Eisenhower Health, where 20-25% of ER patients rely on
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RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A June 11 trial date was confirmed today for a 23-year-old woman accused of joining two young men in robbing and killing a Riverside man in his apartment. Merlin Perales Ortiz of Yucca Valley was arrested in December 2020 following a Riverside Police Department investigation into the slaying of 20-year-old Wesley
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INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — $213,000 worth of drugs were found hidden in a semi-truck at the Highway 86 checkpoint near the Salton Sea. The discovery was made last Wednesday. At approximately 10:46 a.m., a yellow semi-truck approached the U.S. Border Patrol State Route 86 immigration checkpoint and was referred for secondary inspection. During the secondary
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BEAUMONT, Calif. (KESQ) – Costa Mesa police reached out to the public today to identify possible additional victims of a man arrested in Beaumont who is suspected of committing lewd acts with a pair of teenage girls. Peter Michael Mejia, 27, of Redlands, was arrested Monday, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department. He has
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DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, Desert Hot Springs City Council members honored Police Chief Jim Henson for his 20 years of service to the city. Chief Henson officially announced his retirement, effective February 28, 2025. The Chief was recognized for his dedication of over 30 years to law enforcement, with
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Missing hiker searches continue to go high tech in Palm Springs with the help of drone technology. Last Saturday crews were called out to search for a lost hiker off of Araby Trail. Officials say the Palm Springs Police Search and Rescue Team used its drone to help in the
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RAMONA, Calif. (KESQ) – Detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of a Cal Fire captain in her Ramona home “are treating this case as a potential domestic-violence incident,” a Sheriff’s lieutenant said today. Deputies responding to a report of an assault about 9 p.m. Monday found Rebecca “Becky” Marodi, 49, mortally wounded at her residence in
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City leaders met Tuesday night to address growing concerns over La Quinta’s electrical capacity, as substations serving the area are at or near their limits. The discussion comes amid rising energy demand and stalled efforts to expand infrastructure. The Imperial Irrigation District (IID), which provides electricity to La Quinta and other parts of the Coachella
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The Palm Springs Unified School District hosted a teacher recruitment fair last Saturday, and the turnout was high. According to PSUSD, around 240 people registered in advance for the event. Interviews were given in all subject areas with emphasis on hard-to-fill positions in the areas including math, science, and foreign language. Special emphasis was also
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Veterans in the Coachella Valley are concerned after the Department of Veterans Affairs cut 1,000 of its employees late last week. According to the VA, these layoffs will save the department more than $98 million. These funds will be redirected towards veteran care, services, and benefits. The VA also says more than 43,000 employees currently
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Palm Springs peak tourism season is from January to April, known for its warm weather conditions and consistent tourist attractions, including the Date Festival and more. Typically, March is the most popular time for visitors, especially during the Indian Wells Open. However, locals say they’ve noticed more people visiting this month. Tourism in the Coachella
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The price to fuel up is creeping up again. The state’s average price per gallon inching closer to $5, according to new data from AAA. AAA reports that as of Feb. 17 the average price for a gallon of gas in California is $4.84, while the national average is $3.16. Average price of a regular gallon
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SAN JACINTO, Calif. (KESQ) – A man confronted by California Highway Patrol officers for allegedly throwing rocks at passing vehicles just north of San Jacinto was fatally shot when he threw rocks at them, authorities said today. The shooting occurred shortly before 5 p.m. Monday on Gilman Springs Road, just east of Highway 79, according
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The under-renovation Plaza Theatre has received a $1 million donation from local real estate entrepreneur Brad Prescott, the theater announced today. In addition to the initial seven-figure sum, Prescott, through his Brad Prescott Foundation, promised to match up to $1 million in additional donations, according to a statement from the
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