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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MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) – An 18-year-old man was shot and killed Tuesday night near the Mecca Sports Complex, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies from the Thermal Sheriff’s Station responded at about 7:58 p.m. to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon at the intersection of Coahuilla Street and 6th Street
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COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Local leaders are speaking out as questions grow about accountability and what comes next for the city of Coachella. It comes after Mayor Steven Hernandez pleaded guilty to one felony count of conflict of interest Tuesday morning at the Larson Justice Center in Indio. Megan Beaman-Jacinto, a former Coachella city council
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COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Shipping disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz have led to an increase in fertilizer costs, as one third of all nitrogen-rich fertilizer shipped globally goes through the Strait of Hormuz. “Locally, the farmers seen about a 10% to 15% increase on their fertilizers, where the global markets increase 50% to 60%,”
Continue Reading Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez is facing a nine-count grand jury indictment alleging conflict-of-interest violations and perjury tied to city actions and financial disclosure forms, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
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Original Report 3/24/26 – 5:30 p.m. California’s Fourth District Court of Appeal has denied AG Rob Bonta’s request to try to halt Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco’s investigation into the November 2025 special election Original Report 3/24/26 – 10:30 a.m. INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – California Attorney General Rob Bonta has gone to court to try
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Editor’s Note: In an earlier version of this article, the headline incorrectly stated the woman was convicted of murder. She was convicted of voluntary manslaughter. MURRIETA, Calif. (KESQ) – A 35-year-old Arizona woman who fatally shot another woman without provocation at an Indio motel was convicted today of voluntary manslaughter. A Murrieta jury deliberated one
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CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) – An RV fire in the Cabazon area burned roughly 21 acres of vegetation, prompting evacuation orders and warnings before it was stopped, with no injuries reported. The fire was first reported just after 1:50 p.m. near the area of Almond Street and Bonita Avenue. At one point, the fire’s size was
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – An assault with a deadly weapon suspect fled from authorities in Palm Springs, prompting a vehicle pursuit that ended in the suspect’s arrest today, authorities said. Deputies responded to the 100 block of Pioneer Trail at 10:43 a.m. Tuesday, according to Sgt. Robert Martinez of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
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BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – An autopsy was pending today on a 25-year-old motorist killed in a rollover crash on Interstate 10 in Banning. Matthew Faafoi of Long Beach was fatally injured at 7:30 a.m. Sunday on eastbound I-10, near Sunset Avenue, on the west end of the city, according to the California Highway Patrol.
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will be closed for scheduled maintenance on Tuesday, officials announced. It will be a short closure, with the tram set to reopen the next day. Officials said during the closure, the Tramway’s maintenance team will shorten the counter haul rope. According to Vice President of
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COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – California drivers could soon face record-breaking pain at the pump as fuel prices continue their steady climb, analysts warn. Ongoing conflict involving Iran has disrupted global oil supplies, sending crude prices higher and rapidly increasing costs at the pump. According to AAA, the state average is $5.82, an increase of
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Long lines are causing major headaches at some of the busiest airports in the country. At Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), it’s a different story. PSP officials said operations are moving smoothly. PSP Spokesperson Jake Ingrassia said in a full statement: “Travel is running smoothly at Palm Springs International Airport, with
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NORTH SHORE, Calif. (KESQ) – In the last two months, two people gliding near the Salton Sea have been seriously injured after crashing in gliding accidents. On Sunday morning, CAL FIRE Riverside County Fire Department reported a hang glider crashed into power lines in North Shore. According to officials, the glider pilot was transported to
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PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Through the One Big Beautiful Bill, the 30% solar tax credit for residents expired on December 31, 2025. However, businesses and leasing companies still qualify for the tax credit until July 4th. Several leasing companies are offering solar systems at a discounted price for customers because they benefit from the
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Farmers in Coachella Valley are facing an unexpected and record-shattering heat wave in March, which is creating a real danger for their crops and potentially changing the season before it has fully begun.
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UPDATE 2/23 Renova Energy has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, according to documents submitted in the Central District of California on March 22. The filing comes after News Channel 3 first reported the local solar company would be acquired by investor-backed Mycrogrid. CEO Vincent Battaglia has said the acquisition is expected to restructure company departments.
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INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The City of Indio is preparing for its busy festival season with the temporary closure of Avenue 50 between Monroe Street and Madison Street from March 23 through May 4, 2026. The closure comes as the city gets ready to host the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in mid-April and
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RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – Firefighters carried out two separate rescues Sunday after hikers were injured. Suicide Rock rescue The first incident was reported around 2:51 p.m. in the Suicide Rock hiking area, north of Idyllwild. Crews responded to a report of a hiker with a lower extremity injury. Due to the remote and rugged
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NORTH SHORE, Calif. (KESQ) – A hang glider suffered serious injuries after crashing into power lines Sunday morning in North Shore, according to first responders. CAL FIRE/ Riverside County Fire Department reported the crash at 8:25 a.m. near Highway 111 and Desert Beach Drive. Officials said a CAL FIRE employee initially spotted the hang glider.
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