News

PALM SPRINGS – It’s the largest federal investment in the history of United States schools. President Obama wants to spend more than $4 billion on a new program called Race to the Top, but California schools may be out of the running. Teachers would get paid based on how their students score on tests. California

INDIO – Nurse Debbie Wells picks through the rubble of Indio’s JFK Arthritis Institute.Sixty patients come here each day. After a Saturday morning fire, the halls are empty and dark, filled with the charred remains of more than 10 years of hard work. Dr. Jonathan Braslow says, “It really hasn’t even hit home. It’s like

By: Elyse Miller News Channel 3 Reporter emiller@kesq.com The tough times are eliminating activities and sports for many kids here in the valley, but one organization is fighting back to keep the games going. The tough times are taking from the Indio Junior All-American Football League, sponsored by the Boys And Girls Club. “People only

La Quinta — The Homewood Suites will close August 26th. The hotel’s property owner, Richard Oliphant says the FDIC closed the banks they borrowed from. Now Oliphant is hoping someone will come forward and buy the property. General Manager Brad Poncher says the toughest part of the closure was informing his 40 employees, some who

PALM DESERT – The tough economic times are hitting college students from all angles. The cost of tuition is on the rise, books cost more, and classes have been cut because of budget cuts. Now, students are swamped with debt and many have no way to pay it off. “I owe about $5,000,” saysCal State-San

RIVERSIDE – As part of its belt-tightening strategy, Riverside County will be shutting down some offices every Friday, beginning this week. In addition to closing the County Administrative Center in Riverside and other government facilities countywide on Fridays, the county will be furloughing some employees to pare down labor and utility costs as it adjusts

DESERT HOT SPRINGS – A decision in July fell just two votes shy of passing the Senate. Now, people with concealed weapon permits in one state must get another in the state they are travelling to, or traveling through. Utah or Florida concealed weapons permits are valid in 30 other states. The Coachella Valley Security

THOUSAND PALMS – She turned her own life around. Now, she’s encouraging other to do the same. Marla Carias, 13, is taking a stand against drugs, violence, and teen sex by launching an after school program called Club Verdad, or Club Truth. “It’s sad to see kids on the streets doing bad things,” Carias remarked.

INDIO – A Good Samaritan was fired from his job after being treated for smoke inhalation that stemmed from him helping put out a fire. It all started at the Circle K on Clinton Avenue and Fred Waring Street.Ralph Franco was pumping gas and saw a mobile home catch on fire.He rushed to the scene

NORTH PALM SPRINGS – There are new developments in the murder of a 75-year-old man. Ed Keeley may have been murdered as part of a robbery. Ed Keeley often left the gates at his ranch near Desert Hot Springs unlocked. His family and local church group say he helped out the poor and homeless who

Some parents of students with disabilities may be faced with a tough decision thanks to budget cuts. After-school programs are being cut and that may force some to put their kids in an institution. However, the community can help the students overcome the economy and their personal challenges. “It’s dreadful, absolutely dreadful,” says Greg Wetmore,

LA QUINTA – A former La Quinta American Youth Soccer Organization commissioner suspected of embezzling more than $100,000 from the organization surrendered to authorities Wednesday and immediately posted bail, prosecutors said. Sharon Schumaier, 41, was charged Tuesday with 39 counts of felony embezzlement by an official agent of an organization. Schumaier surrendered, posted $113,000 bail

MEXICO CITY – Miguel Sabah scored in the 82nd minute, lifting Mexico to a 2-1 victory over the United States in a World Cup qualifier Wednesday. The win strengthened Mexico’s chances of reaching next year’s World Cup in South Africa. The Mexicans entered the game fourth in CONCACAF qualifying, with only the top three teams

LA QUINTA- Traffic is down to one lane in each direction along Highway 111 west of Washington Street as crews widen the roadway.It’ll be that way for the next several months, and businesses say it’s affecting their sales.The construction is adding on an extra 10 to 15 minutes to some commutes. The La Quinta Cliff

PALM DESERT- A local politician is sounding the alarm on a new scam targeting small business owners. Ray Rodriguez co-owns Palm Desert’s Casuelas café. He’s seen his share of scams. But, one new letter making the rounds is is very sneaky. It demands $150 must be paid to register a company’s name with the California

PALM SPRINGS – Nearly 100 residents took to the streets in Palm Springs Tuesday to vocalize how they felt about healthcare reform. It took place outside Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack’s office along Tahquitz Way. Heated words were exchanged as demonstrators crossed paths. “They’re going to take away your Medicare!” said one anti-reform bill protestor. A

RANCHO MIRAGE – A controversial new medical study gaining supporters claims living close to windmills can give you migraines and panic attacks. These windmills are at the center of a medical debate brought on by this controversial new study. Dr. Nina Pierpont in New York lists a dozen possible health problems ranging from migraines to

FRESNO – Records show a California beef processor that recalled tons of hamburger meat due to salmonella fears was slapped with humane handling violations in a government review of meatpacking plants last year. At least 28 people in three Western states have reported salmonella-related illnesses since Fresno-based Beef Packers Inc. recalled nearly 826,000 pounds of

NEAR DESERT HOT SPRINGS – Dr. Nina Pierpont in New York lists a dozen possible health problems ranging from migraines to panic attacks. She calls it “wind turbine syndrome.” It works like this: a dog can hear sounds people can’t. It’s beyond our frequency. So, spinning windmill blades allegedly cause a vibration we can’t hear.