Local News Archives

Riverside County reports first pediatric flu death of the 2025-2026 flu season

March 26, 2026 1:49 PM Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A teenager died from a flu-related illness, the first confirmed pediatric flu death of the 2025-2026 flu season in Riverside County, health officials announced Thursday. According to the Riverside University Health System – Public Health (RUHS – PH), the western Riverside County teen died in early March and was identified through death records. The teen was not believed to have

Indio announces road closures, travel access ahead of music festivals

March 26, 2026 1:21 PM City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The city of Indio announced today information of road closures, alternate routes and transportation options ahead of next month’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and the Stagecoach Country Music Festival. Check Out Our Festival Season Section For More Coverage Avenue 50 between Monroe Street and Madison Avenue has remained closed

Mother charged in death of baby Emmanuel Haro faces preliminary hearing May 29

March 26, 2026 12:29 PM Garrett Hottle

Rebecca Haro’s preliminary hearing has been set for May 29 to determine if there is enough evidence to move the case forward against her in connection with the death of her son, Emmanuel Haro.

Hikers warned as rattlesnake season returns to the Coachella Valley

March 26, 2026 9:59 AM Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – As temperatures rise across Coachella Valley, local officials are warning residents and hikers that rattlesnake season is underway. Increased snake activity is common during the warmer months, bringing a higher chance of encounters along popular trails and desert paths. Wildlife experts emphasize that rattlesnake are not aggressive by nature and

Coachella Mayor resigns; City Council to decide next steps at future meeting

March 25, 2026 10:23 PM Shay Lawson

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – The city of Coachella is beginning its search for a new mayor. It comes one night after former Mayor Steven Hernandez resigned after pleading guilty to one felony count of conflict of interest. Dr. Frank Figueroa, Coachella Mayor Pro Tem, said council members now have 60 days to appoint someone to

11-year-old boy airlifted to hospital after six people were injured in Indio Crash

March 25, 2026 9:51 PM Bruno Lopez-Vega

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Six people were being treated for various injuries following a major crash at the city limits of Indio and Coachella. CAL FIRE said the collision happened around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night at Avenue 48 and Dillon Road near Grapefruit Boulevard at the edge of those two cities. Two cars were involved, and 6 people were

Three people displaced after fire in Indio

March 25, 2026 7:09 PM Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Three people were displaced after a palm tree fire spread into a residential structure Wednesday afternoon in Indio. The fire was first reported at around 5:15 p.m. on the 79000 Block of Bethpage Avenue. “Firefighters responded to reports of a residential structure fire, and the first arriving chief officer reported a

Cathedral City’s LGBT+ Days Pride celebration had record-breaking attendance

March 25, 2026 7:06 PM City News Service

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Planning was underway today for next year’s Cathedral City LGBT+ Days after this year’s Pride celebration drew record-breaking attendance and had a significant increase in vendor sales. “This 10th anniversary wasn’t just a celebration of how far we’ve come, but a blueprint for where we are going,” Montage Events Marketing

The Grappler: a new tool designed to help police stop and prevent vehicle pursuits

March 25, 2026 11:15 AM Gavin Nguyen

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A thump, screeching tires, and a stop. That’s the future of bringing pursuits to an end – or preventing them altogether – and it’s all thanks to a new tool being rolled out by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. The department said it began testing the Grappler system last March. It

Program teaches Rancho Mirage High students about aviation

March 25, 2026 6:46 PM Dakota Makinen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Some high school students are sending their talents to new heights. The Rancho Mirage Aviation Club is lifting up the next generation of aerospace engineers, pilots, and drone operators when they’re needed the most. The six-week Aviation Pathway Pilot Program is the first of its kind for the Palm Springs

Palm Springs sees spike in tourism, creates new tourism committee

March 25, 2026 9:52 AM Daniella Lake

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs has reported a spike in tourism, with hotel bookings increasing 2.7% since last year, according to Visit Greater Palm Springs. “We were pleasantly surprised. This quarter one for us has been the best we’ve seen since we’ve been open, which is almost nine years,” says Christine Delgado, director

Cabazon fire highlights firefighter preparedness ahead of fire season

March 25, 2026 11:34 AM Luis Avila

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) – Firefighters rapidly contained the Almond Fire, a 21-acre vegetation fire sparked by an RV in Cabazon, preventing damage and injuries. Crews used engines and hand teams to stop the spread, allowing evacuation orders to be lifted soon after. Officials say the fast response kept the fire from growing larger, but warn

Are Valley residents finding alternate transportation routes as gas prices soar?

March 25, 2026 10:15 AM Athena Jreij

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Experts estimate gas prices have raised more than $1.20 a gallon since the start of the war in Iran. Now it’s raising the question on if some are considering taking public transportation, carpooling, or even cycling to beat the costs. It’s a story News Channel 3 has followed for weeks, documenting how

Coachella announces search for new mayor following conviction of former one

March 25, 2026 12:56 PM City News Service

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Members of the Coachella City Council were in the process today of identifying suitable candidates to fill the mayor’s seat following the resignation of ex-Mayor Steven Andrew Hernandez, who admitted perpetrating a felony. “While an unfortunate situation for the people involved, the council and city staff remain committed to providing the

Hearing in murder trial against Silvercrest CEO delayed, as CCPD obtain DNA profile via search warrant outside courtroom

March 25, 2026 11:27 AM Garrett Hottle

William Frank Rodriguez, the founder of Silvercrest Advertising, had his hearing delayed until April 6 due to defense attorneys still waiting on key discovery in the criminal case against him for an alleged deadly hit-and-run DUI crash.

Forest Service warns outdoor enthusiasts to watch for rattlesnakes

March 25, 2026 1:34 PM City News Service

IDYLLWILD, Calif. (KESQ) – The arrival of spring will bring rattlesnakes out of the lairs throughout the San Bernardino National Forest, prompting rangers today to remind hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts to be extra careful while navigating trails in the preserve. “As temperatures rise, rattlesnakes become more active in the forest,” according to a U.S.

Semi truck rollover in Chiriaco Summit results in diesel spill, lane closure

March 25, 2026 1:22 PM City News Service

CHIRIACO SUMMIT, Calif. (KESQ) – A semi truck rolled over today after colliding with a guard rail and spilled diesel, prompting a lane closure on westbound Interstate 10 in Chiriaco Summit. The crash was reported shortly before 10:30 a.m. Wednesday west of Box Canyon Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. Paramedics arrived a

Jurors deadlock in trial of Cathedral City man accused of contributing to fentanyl death

March 25, 2026 1:03 PM City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Prosecutors intend to retry a man for voluntary manslaughter after a jury deadlocked on whether to convict him for allegedly helping a 22-year-old Rancho Mirage resident obtain the fentanyl that killed him. The Indio jury weighing the fate of Riley Jacob Hagar, 28, of Cathedral City acquitted him Tuesday of murder

Coachella community reacts to allegations against Cesar Chavez

March 25, 2026 10:46 AM Timothy Foster

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – New allegations against civil rights leader Cesar Chavez are sparking strong reactions across the Coachella Valley, particularly in the city of Coachella where his legacy has long been honored. A recent multi-year investigation details claims of sexual abuse and misconduct involving Chavez, including allegations from multiple women, some of whom say

Valley residents brace for higher utility bills

March 25, 2026 10:36 AM Timothy Foster

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – As temperatures in the Coachella Valley begin their steady climb toward triple digits, many residents are preparing for another kind of spike their utility bills. With air conditioners already working overtime in March, the strain on electricity use is only expected to grow heading into the peak summer months. But

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