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Richard Oliphant, influential Indian Wells civic leader and developer, dead at 92

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Richard “Dick” Oliphant, the longtime Indian Wells developer, former mayor, philanthropist and education advocate whose influence helped shape the Coachella Valley for decades, has died at age 92, according to Indian Wells Mayor Toper Taylor. Few individuals have shaped the growth and development of Indian Wells and the Coachella Valley as

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Why are cicadas so loud right now?

PALM DESERT, CALIF. (KESQ)- After recent humidity and monsoon moisture, many Coachella Valley residents say they’re hearing more cicadas than usual. The Coachella Valley is experiencing higher humidity as monsoonal moisture moves into the desert. While many people associate cicadas with extreme heat, experts say humidity also plays a role in their emergence and activity.

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Palm Springs Police release critical incident debrief on fatal officer-involved shooting

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — The Palm Springs Police Department has released a critical incident debrief video detailing the events surrounding an officer-involved shooting that occurred on May 28, 2026, that left one person dead. The incident began at approximately 3:41 p.m. in the 1200 block of East Palm Canyon Drive, after officers responded to multiple

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Eisenhower Health study links air pollution to increased health care visits

Rancho Mirage, Calif. (KESQ) — Research from Eisenhower Health has found that short-term increases in airborne particulate matter are associated with higher emergency department and urgent care visits across the Coachella Valley. Conducted in collaboration with the City of Indian Wells, the study examined the relationship between fine particulate matter, coarse particulate matter and patient

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Palm Springs Animal Shelter outbreak

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)- The Palm Springs Animal Shelter has temporarily stopped accepting cats and kittens after an illness outbreak at the facility. The pause will remain in effect through July 27 while staff treat sick kittens and thoroughly clean and sanitize the shelter. Officials say the closure is a precaution to help contain the

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Newsom signs new law to streamline prosecution of sexual offense cases

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a measure into law that strengthens prosecutors’ ability to prosecute certain multi-county sexual offense cases, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office announced today.    “As prosecutors, our goal is to seek justice while minimizing the impact the legal process has on victims whenever possible,” Chief Deputy District

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Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco endorses Michael Gates for California attorney general

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco endorsed Republican Michael Gates for California attorney general Tuesday during a campaign event in Riverside. It was Bianco’s first public appearance since his campaign for governor ended after the June primary. Bianco said Gates would bring a stronger focus on public safety and accountability to the California

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Board OKs formation of committee to assess Sheriff’s Office operations

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A year after a similar proposal died for lack of support, the Board of Supervisors today approved formation of a committee to assess possible measures to improve oversight of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and enhance the agency’s overall operations going forward. “Watching sausage being made is messy,” Supervisor Jose Medina

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