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Heat eases into the weekend
Highs will slowly cool through the weekend, gradually falling below seasonal averages. The heatwave is easing, but temps today will still be well above normal. Air quality has improved overnight as winds shifted just a bit. Most of the Valley is in the “Good” or “Moderate” range this morning. The Smoke Forecast has some increase
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Palm Springs International Airport launches art program, art installation
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The first installation of Palm Springs International Airport’s new public art program was unveiled today. “Desert in Motion,” created by artist Patrick Barwinski, was unveiled Tuesday in the baggage claim area. The large-scale installation transformed 14 baggage claim columns into painted desert landscapes using geometric forms and vivid colors,
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Desert Care Network hospitals ‘Healthy Over Hungry’ Cereal Drive runs through Thursday
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Desert Care Network hospitals are wrapping up their annual Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive on Thursday. Officials are asking the public for monetary or cereal donations to feed children and their families a healthy breakfast during the summer. The “Healthy Over Hungry Cereal Drive” will run through June 18. People can
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Palm Springs Fire reveals new engines ahead of wildfire season
Palm Springs, Calif. (KESQ)- Following a story we first reported on in 2025, the Palm Springs Fire Department is finally putting new fire engines into service. Fire season in the desert is always a concern, and with this new equipment, this will improve response times and overall service. Palm Springs Fire Chief Paul Alvarado explains that
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Shore Fire prompts evacuations and road closures in Riverside County
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) — Thousands of acres have burned in Riverside County as the Shore Fire continues to threaten communities, forcing evacuations and prompting significant road closures. The wildfire sparked around 3:23 p.m. Monday near Lake Shore Drive and San Timoteo Canyon Road in the Badlands, southwest of Calimesa. Firefighters from Riverside County, Cal Fire,
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Hot and smoky today, but heat starts to break
THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s been another hot Tuesday in the Coachella Valley. We’re tracking heat and smoke as the Shore Fire continues to burn to our west, as well. This afternoon, it hasn’t been nearly as smoky as yesterday. Still, air quality has taken a big hit – and will continue to do
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Wildfire smoke impacting air quality in Coachella Valley
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a wildfire smoke advisory as smoke from the Shore Fire in Riverside County and the Mateo Fire in San Diego County impacts air quality across the region. AQMD says smoke from the fires could lead to unhealthy air quality levels in
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Riverside County Grand Jury calls for oversight of jail system, Bianco says report full of ‘false statements’
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. — A new Riverside County Civil Grand Jury report is urging county leaders to establish independent civilian oversight of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, citing ongoing concerns over jail deaths, transparency, and accountability. The report found that Riverside County remains one of California’s largest counties without a formal civilian oversight body for
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Steve Sanchez concedes Riverside County Fourth Districts Supervisor race
LA QUINTA, Calif (KESQ)- La Quinta City Councilmember Steve Sanchez has conceded the Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor race to V. Manuel Perez. Sanchez shared in a video on Facebook his disappointment with the outcome. He shared what election night was like for him, “I took a breath and I said a prayer not a
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CHP: Fatal gunfight on Highway 74 began with hit-and-run incident
PINYON PINES, Calif. (KESQ) – A gunfight on Highway 74 near Pinyon Pines that ended with a 52-year-old man’s death began with a hit-and-run incident, before a dispute in a road construction zone broke out, the California Highway Patrol said today. The deadly shooting occurred just after 2 p.m. Tuesday on the two-lane corridor between
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Dealing with heat and smoke today
Smoke from the Shore wildfire burning near Calimesa is wreaking havoc on air quality in the Valley this morning. AQI is in the “Unhealthy” or “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” range throughout much of the Valley. The smoke will likely increase into the afternoon as onshore winds pick up, pushing smoke into the Pass and Valley
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Heat continues through midweek ahead of gradual cooling trend
THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – The heat has stayed consistent from the weekend until now, with more heat on the way before a reprieve into next weekend. Of note, the Shore Fire burning to our west near Calimesa is decreasing our air quality tonight. While we’re still seeing clouds over our mountains and added humidity
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Indio veteran raises money while breaking walking records
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — An Indio veteran is celebrating a major milestone after reaching 10 million steps, the equivalent of more than 4,000 miles walked. Rob Hartley reached the mark on Monday after spending the past eight months walking to raise money for veterans, children with disabilities and community projects. What began as a personal
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Fireworks warning ahead of Fourth of July
Palm Springs, Calif. (KESQ)- With the Fourth of July just weeks away, Palm Springs fire officials are reminding residents to leave the fireworks to the professionals. During a demonstration, Palm Springs Fire Capt. Ronald Skyberg showed how dry, brittle brush can catch on fire almost instantly if struck by a spark from a firework. “There
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Mecca brush fire burns 80 acres, now contained
MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) — An 80-acre brush fire that sent a large plume of smoke into the sky over Mecca on Sunday is now contained, according to CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department. The fire was reported around 2:43 p.m. on Sunday near Avenue 72 and Highway 86. Battalion Chief Corey Clauson said the first engine
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Coachella Valley residents react to Middle East conflict and hopes for peace
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A newly announced framework peace agreement between the United States and Iran is offering hope for an end to months of conflict, but local leaders say many questions remain as negotiations move forward. The agreement, announced Monday, calls for an immediate halt to military attacks and the reopening of the Strait
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Riverside County gas prices drop for 25th time in 26 Days
RIVERSIDE (CNS) – The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County dropped Monday for the 25th time in 26 days, falling 1.3 cents to $5.583, its lowest amount since March 18. Check Out Our Gas Gauge Section For Lowest Local Prices The average price has dropped 48.2 cents over the
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