News Headlines

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) –UPDATED: The murder charge against Silvercrest CEO William “Billy” Rodriguez has been dismissed following a preliminary hearing in the case stemming from a deadly 2024 crash in Cathedral City. Judge John Ryan ruled there was not enough evidence for the murder count to move forward. However, Ryan found sufficient evidence for Rodriguez

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is giving visitors another reason to stop by this Labor Day weekend. The zoo has continued updating and upgrading its exhibits and animal habitats, giving guests new ways to experience the animals and learn about conservation. And for the holiday weekend, visitors can save

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)- People across the Coachella Valley say their money is not going as far as it used to, as higher prices for groceries, gas and other everyday needs continue to put pressure on household budgets. Now, new tariffs on some Canadian imports are adding another concern for consumers. New 50% U.S. tariffs

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — A pet adoption event in partnership with numerous shelters and organizations across Riverside County at BG Plaza aims to combat overcrowded shelters. From cats to puppies and big dogs, families are able to meet potentially furry friends before they take them home. Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Two adults and two children are displaced after a fire damaged an apartment complex in Desert Hot Springs Sunday morning. The fire happened at the Country Hills Apartments on Ironwood Drive, just off Palm and Hacienda avenues. Authorities responded just before 10 a.m. after receiving reports of heavy smoke

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – With extreme heat, rugged terrain and limited cell service in parts of the desert, a trip outdoors can quickly become dangerous if hikers aren’t prepared. The Joshua Tree National Park Association hosted a “Don’t Die Today” class Saturday at REI in Rancho Mirage, aimed at giving hikers and visitors practical

MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) – A pilot walked away without injury after their aircraft went down in Mecca Saturday evening. According to a post from CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department on X, firefighters responded to reports of a plane down near Ave. 68 and Lincoln St. in Mecca. Personnel contacted the sole occupant of the plane

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is holding a job fair today, August 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chase Administration Building to fill open positions across multiple departments. The hiring event coincides with newly released state data showing an uptick in regional unemployment. Figures from the

NORTH PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Three people were recovering in the hospital after a crash Saturday afternoon. Emergency crews responded to reports of a two-vehicle crash just after noon at the intersection of N Indian Canyon Dr. and Dillon Rd. According to CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, both vehicles sustained major damage, and one

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — The Palm Springs Police Department has created a citizen oversight board to provide more accountability and transparency around the department’s use of surveillance technology, including Flock cameras. The five-member board includes technology experts and people who have raised concerns about police surveillance. Lieutenant Mike Villegas say they intentionally included people

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – It attacks every kind of citrus, has no cure, and for the first time ever, it’s been found not too far from us in Imperial County. So the question tonight is: what does it mean for lemons and grapefruit growing right here in the valley? News Channel 3’s Garrett Hottle

THOUSAND PALMS, CALIF. (KESQ)- A new study led by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University⁠ is raising hope that scientists could be getting closer to a new way of eliminating HIV. The study, published Aug. 10, 2026, in Nature Microbiology, was led by Dr. Jonah Sacha and Dr. Nancy Haigwood of Oregon Health &