Star-studded player field set for 2026 BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells

KESQ on February 4, 2026

Jesus Reyes

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) – The BNP Paribas Open returns to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden next month. Tournament officials released the 2026 player entry lists on Tuesday, featuring top men’s and women’s players competing for a coveted title at the first combined ATP Masters/WTA 1000 event of the season.

World No. 1s Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz headline the 2026 field as the top seeds. The full player entry lists can be viewed here on the BNP Paribas Open website.

The two-time BNP Paribas Open champion Alcaraz (2023, 2024) enters Indian Wells fresh off completing the career Grand Slam at the 2026 Australian Open, while Sabalenka will be looking to avenge her Australian Open final loss to Elena Rybakina.

Rybakina, the 2023 BNP Paribas Open champion, will have her eyes set on a second career title in Indian Wells following her run in Melbourne that saw her capture a second Grand Slam trophy.

24-time Grand Slam champion and five-time BNP Paribas Open champion Novak Djokovic (2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016) has entered the field following his runner-up finish at the 2026 Australian Open – where he became the oldest player in tournament history to reach the final. Djokovic will aim to make his 17th career appearance in Tennis Paradise as he eyes what would be a record-breaking sixth BNP Paribas Open title.

Reigning champions Jack Draper and Mirra Andreeva enter the 2026 BNP Paribas Open looking to recapture glory after last year’s dream title runs.

Draper, the 24-year-old Brit, claimed the biggest title of his young career last March, knocking off two-time defending champion Alcaraz in the semifinals and Holger Rune in the final to claim his maiden Masters 1000 title. The World No. 13 Draper is looking to get back into form after missing the 2026 Australian Open due to an arm injury.

Andreeva’s 2026 title run proved to be just as magical with the teenage phenom becoming the youngest BNP Paribas Open champion since Serena Williams in 1999. She returns to the desert as the World No. 7, where she will aim to recreate the magic of her championship run that included a pair of thrilling wins over World No. 1 Sabalenka and two-time BNP Paribas Open champion Iga Swiatek (2022, 2024)in the final and semifinal respectively.

Other former champions eyeing another title in the desert include four-time Grand Slam champion and World No. 14 Naomi Osaka (2018),as well as World No. 65 Paula Badosa (2021). Returning men’s champions include top-ranked American and World No. 7 Taylor Fritz (2022)and World No. 26 Cameron Norrie (2021).

World No. 2 Jannik Sinner is set to make his return to Indian Wells after missing the 2025 event. Sinner will eye an elusive first career title in Tennis Paradise having reached the semifinal in 2023 and 2024.

Other Top 5 talents on the ATP side include 2026 Australian Open semifinalist and World No. 4 Alexander Zverev, as well as Lorenzo Musetti – who broke into the Top 5 for the first time in his young career to start the 2026 season.

No American woman has captured the Indian Wells title since Serena Williams in 2001, and a talented group of top-ranked stars will be looking to break that drought in 2026. 

Two-time Grand Slam finalist Amanda Anisimova is the top-ranked American on the women’s side after reaching a career-high World No. 3 ranking this January. She’ll be joined by two-time Grand Slam champion and World No. 5 Coco Gauff and World No. 6 Jessica Pegula as the Americans with the best chance of breaking the title drought in the desert.

On the American men’s side, World No. 9 Ben Shelton joins Fritz as the Top 10 American players dreaming of a title run in Indian Wells. Former Grand Slam semifinalists Tommy Paul (World No. 22) and Frances Tiafoe (World No. 30) round out the list of Top 30 American players coming to Indian Wells, along with Southern California native and World No. 24 Learner Tien – who recorded the biggest result of his career with a quarterfinal run at the 2026 Australian Open.

World No. 20 Iva Jovic joins Tien as a newly minted Top 20 American and young talent to watch, with the 18-year-old Southern California native fresh off reaching a career-best quarterfinal at the 2026 Australian Open. Other top Americans fans can look forward to seeing compete on home soil include 2025 Australian Open champion Madison Keys (World No. 15) and 2024 US Open semifinalist Emma Navarro (World No. 17).

Other spotlight names on the player entry lists include two-time Grand Slam finalist Jasmine Paolini (World No. 8), 10x WTA Tour champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Belinda Bencic (World No. 9), 2026 Australian Open semifinalist Elina Svitolina (World No. 10), along with 10x ATP Tour champion Alex de Minaur (World No. 6), 2025 US Open semifinalist Felix Auger-Aliassime (World No.8), and two-time BNP Paribas Open finalist Daniil Medvedev (World No. 11). 

The remaining spots in the singles player field will be filled by the winners of the qualifying tournament set to take place from March 1-3, as well as wild card recipients on each Tour who will be announced in the coming weeks. The doubles and mixed doubles player fields will be announced at a later date.

Stay with News Channel 3 for full coverage of the BNP Paribas Open.

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Cathedral City Council approves Andrew Firestine as new city manager

KESQ on February 4, 2026

Jesus Reyes

Feb 11th Update: At the Wednesday night Cathedral City Council meeting by a unanimous vote the council approved the five year contract for Andrew Firestine as its new city manager.  

(Original Story) 

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – After an extensive nationwide search, Cathedral City is set to hire Andrew Firestine as its new city manager.

The move will be official after a contract approval at the Feb. 11 city council meeting.

Firestine, who currently serves as the city’s Director of Community and Economic Development, would assume the role on Feb. 12, 2026, per the terms of the contract.

“The City Council conducted an extensive and deliberate search to find the right leader for Cathedral City,” said Mayor Raymond Gregory. “After evaluating candidates from across the country, it became clear that the best person for the job was already part of our team. Andy’s experience, vision, and deep understanding of our community made him the clear choice.”

Firestine is an experienced local government professional with a career focused on creating lasting community impact and delivering efficient, effective, and responsive service.

A California native, he spent the first 16 years of his career in Colorado, working for a regional council of government and the cities of Colorado Springs and Centennial in various planning and management roles.

Firestine relocated to the Coachella Valley in 2019 and served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Palm Desert, managing multiple service areas until 2022. He then served as Director of Development Services for the City of Escondido before joining the City of Cathedral City in September 2023.

In his current role as Director of Community and Economic Development, he has led the city’s planning, economic development, code compliance, and building services.

Firestine holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of San Diego and a Master of City and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He is a member of the American Planning Association, the American Institute of Certified Planners, and the International City/County Management Association.

Anne Ambrose, who has been serving as Interim City Manager since Charlie McClendon’s retirement in September 2025, will transition back to her role as Assistant City Manager.

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2026 California Mid-Winter Fair & Fiesta to celebrate with junior livestock program

KYMA on February 4, 2026

Marcos Icahuate

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) – A program for the annual fair will celebrate livestock from local youths.

The 2026 Fair & Fiesta is highlighting animals raised by locals.

“The Junior Livestock Program is the heart of our fair,” said Alan Phillips, Fair Chief Executive Officer. “It represents months of dedication, responsibility, and agricultural education for our youth.”

The fair has scheduled the following:

Friday, Feb. 27: Arrival of pygmy goats, dairy gaots, breeding sheep, breeding boer goats, and breeding beef from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 28: Horse show (with rabbits and cavy) at 10 a.m. | Junior dog show at 11 a.m.

Sunday, March 1: Breeding show between 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5: Arrival of market animals

Friday, March 6: Arrival of market swine | Turkey and poultry shows at 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 7: Major show day with swine, goats, and beef

Sunday, March 8: Market swine, sheep and beef shows | Parade of Champions at 6:00 p.m.

For more information, you can click here.

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41st SBIFF Opens with Premiere of “A Mosquito In the Ear”

KEYT on February 4, 2026

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –  The 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival opened with the premiere of “A Mosquito in the Ear.” 

It stars actors Jake Lacy and Nazanin Boniadi who both said they have never been to Santa Barbara before.

“I might move to Santa Barbara it is pretty great, I was on Zillow last night being like ‘oh I see yeah alright,'” said Lacy.

“This is my first time here and I live in California, so I was driving up and I just thought why have I never been here before,” said Boniadi.

They play a young couple from the United States adopting a little girl from an orphanage in India where the film gets its name.

Producer Ali K Rizvi ,who brought his daughter Nisa to the opening night screening, explained it this way; “There is a saying especially in Hindi which translates to a mosquito in the ear which is when they are talking, there is a buzzing sound that she is getting because she doesn’t understand, it is the equivalent of when a mosquito goes in your ear ,you know how sometimes in the middle of the monsoon season you get the buzz right, that is what it sounded like to her, hence the name “A Mosquito in the Ear.”

Nisa Rizvi sat in and helped with the film’s editing.

“A Mosquito in the Ear” is based on a true story and the Italian graphic novel entitled, “Una Zanzara nell’Orecchio,” that is similar to a comic book.

The novel was written by Andrea Ferraris who is also among those credited with writing the screenplay.

Actor, writer and producer Darren Dean explained why it is considered is a drama and a comedy or a “dramedy.”

“Raising children has a hijinx quality to it, you know, I know that, I have 3 children, so I think that reflects the stuff that goes along with parenting and becomes a little difficult to do when you are trying to raise a child.”

Other filmmakers from “A Cowboy in London” “Holy Days” and “Sophia” also walked the red carpet. 

“The festival, I have been following for a few years, so I am really happy and proud to have my film here now,” said “Sophia” director Dhafer L’abidine.”

Devoted SBIFF fans, including Gabe Donavan, have a game plan for the entire festival.

“Get here early, get the autographs, go inside, listen to their stories and say thank you Santa Barbara Film Festival and good night everybody and see you next year, “said Donavan.

Fans are likely to see Adam Sandler arrive between 7 and 8 p.m. on Thursday night.  

It is free to watch the glamorous arrivals along State Street, outside the Arlington, but festival passes, MINIPAKS of four tickets and RUSH tickets, if they are available, can be purchased at the SBIFF Education Center at 1330 State St.

Films, tributes and panel discussions begin on Thursday and run through Feb. 14.

For more information visit https://sbiff.org

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Deschutes County appoints experienced fair executive Jeff Curtis as new Fair & Expo Center director

KTVZ on February 4, 2026

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County announced Wednesday it has appointed Jeff Curtis as the new director of the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center. Curtis, the former CEO of the Portland Rose Festival Association and Alaska State Fair, will begin his new duties next Monday.

Curtis replaces Geoff Hinds, who left the position in September. The county selected Curtis from a pool of candidates following a nationwide recruitment process. Erik Kropp, deputy county administrator and interim fair and expo director, expressed confidence in the new hire.

“We’re excited to have Jeff join the Deschutes County team,” Kropp said. “We are pleased to have identified such a well-qualified candidate that brings a proven track record leading large complex organizations.”

Curtis brings two decades of executive leadership to the role, having served as the CEO of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation for 18 years. Most recently, he spent more than two years as the CEO of the Alaska State Fair.

His professional expertise includes managing multiple event facilities, corporate sponsorship sales, festival operations and public communication.

Curtis earned a Bachelor of Arts in sports management from the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif.

He has held several leadership positions on regional and international boards, including serving as the board chair for the International Festival and Events Association. He also served as a member of the Mat Su Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors and the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

In his new position, Curtis will oversee the daily operations and marketing of the 340-acre facility. The Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center is a leading tourist destination in Central Oregon, attracting nearly 1 million visitors annually. The center hosts more than 400 events each year, including the county fair and rodeo, motocross, trade shows and concerts.

The facility includes 200,000 square feet of indoor event space and 120,000 square feet of covered livestock and equestrian arenas. The grounds also feature 400 horse stalls and a full-service RV park with 105 spaces.
Curtis is scheduled to begin his new role on Monday, Feb. 9.

In his new position, Curtis will oversee the daily operations and marketing of the 340-acre facility. The Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center is a leading tourist destination in Central Oregon, attracting nearly 1 million visitors annually. The center hosts more than 400 events each year, including the county fair and rodeo, motocross, trade shows and concerts.

The facility includes 200,000 square feet of indoor event space and 120,000 square feet of covered livestock and equestrian arenas. The grounds also feature 400 horse stalls and a full-service RV park with 105 spaces.

Curtis is scheduled to begin his new role on Monday, Feb. 9.

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Helen Davis State School to hold 15th Annual 5K

News-Press NOW on February 4, 2026

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The Helen Davis State School Parent Teacher Organization will host the 15th Annual 5K Run, Walk and Roll with the Huskies at Phil Welch Stadium.

The event will take place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, and will feature the 5K, as well as family-friendly activities, including a free Fun one-mile Walk and Roll.

Funds raised will continuously benefit the School. The Helen Davis PTO is a 501c3 organization supporting the unmet needs of Helen Davis School.

During the summer of 2021, the School was able to complete its playground resurfacing project, totalling nearly $175,000.

In 2024-2025, the School was also able to replace its swing sets with a swing and sunshade structure, totalling nearly $47,000.

The projects were able to be completed with the help of donors and friends of the Helen Davis PTO.

The School said, now that the playground is safe, it’s working to raise funds for a new fenced-in Sensory Garden aimed to be accessible to all.

The plans include raised garden beds for easy reach, clear paths for wheelchairs and walking, sensory items such as windchimes and fountains and plowers/plants students can smell and touch.

Helen Davis also hopes to continually add to PRO funds to support school events like Prom, Fall Festival, Holiday Dances, Graduation, etc. and to purchase items and experiences for play, learning and exploration for all students.

Registration is open for the event. Both the timed and non-timed races are $35 per participant. The virtual 5K, which is available for anyone looking to get a mile on their own time, is $25 and includes a t-shirt.

The School said prices will increase after 11:59 p.m. on March 23.

Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to sign up by visiting runsignup.com/helendavishuskies5k.

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Santa Maria City Council Approves Resolution Expressing Support for Immigrant Community

KEYT on February 4, 2026

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – The Santa Maria City Council approved an official resolution on Tuesday night that expresses the city’s support for immigrant residents of Santa Maria.

“It’s a recognition that our immigrants play a central role in our cultural, social and economic fabric of the community,” said Chuen Wu, Santa Maria Assistant City Manager. “It’s a statement to the community, that they are important to us and that we support them.”

The approval followed nearly 90 minutes of public comment that included several speakers who spoke about their concerns regarding immigration enforcement.

“There were many members of the community that showed up for public comment expressing, their concerns of immigration control and in particular, what they’ve seen as far as what ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers have done throughout the nation,” said Wu.

“There were a lot of comments that were expressed and a desire for our council to take action. Our council, they had deliberation on the topic and ultimately voted to approve the resolution supporting immigrants and may not have addressed all of the issues and questions and concerns of those that provide a public comment.”

During public comment, Santa Maria Police Chief Christopher Williams addressed the council and audience members to state and clarify the practices and policies of the department as they relate to immigration and the immigrant community.

“The Santa Maria Police Department values and enforces all the state laws,” said Williams. “It’s been well established, as I’ve mentioned before in previous council members, as well as putting out social media posts, and speaking at community groups, that the Santa Maria Police Department does not collaborate, work or enforce any immigration laws, nor do we ask anyone that we make contact with what their immigration status is.

“The Santa Maria Police Department is committed to serving our community with honor, and we want everyone to know that they can contact the Santa Maria Police Department and seek assistance if they’re a victim of a crime. If they need our assistance, we will be there for them.”

Williams continued by describing how the SMPD has taken an robust outreach effort to build a positive relationship between the department and the immigrant community.

“We have taken many, many steps to try to build a bridge with the community,” said Williams. “Including going out to the fields and engaging with the community, partnering with local Mexican radio stations, going to community events, welcoming committee community members to our National Night Out, and demonstrating time and time again that we support our community and we do not care what their status is whether they’re legal or illegal in the United States.”

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Crane Schools Governing Board names new superintendent

KYMA on February 4, 2026

Andrea Turisk

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – Crane Schools Governing Board has named a new superintendent.

According to a press release, the board has appointed Dale Ponder as their next superintendent, and he will start July 1 of this year.

Crane Governing Board President Brenna Paulin says, “We look forward to working with Mr. Ponder in the years ahead…The combination of his experience, proven results, and leadership in public education locally and statewide bring the complete package to crane. I am excited for the journey ahead.”

Ponder says he’s grateful for the Governing Board’s confidence and trust in him to serve the district as superintendent.

To learn more about Ponder and his appointment, read the press release below.

20260202_Crane Board Selects Dale PonderDownload

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Another Round of King Tides Crash into the Coast

KEYT on February 4, 2026

John Palminteri

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – If you have noticed the full moon the last couple of nights, with it this month comes another round of king tides.

These are some of the highest tides of the year. Tuesday, there was also a push from the ocean swells, sending waves pounding into the breakwater wall in Santa Barbara.

Those on a walk there had to dodge the big spray of water that splashed over.

There were also many areas that saw the tide push well up on the beaches and in some cases into the coastal parking lots.

That included near the yacht club in Santa Barbara. No damage was reported and a newer rock wall in place has been a solid protection.

These waves have been known to have surprises in them and can be dangerous if you are too close during the peak activity which was in the mid-morning hours.

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Carpinteria Residents on Alert With Armed Suspects on the Run

KEYT on February 4, 2026

John Palminteri

CARPINTERIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Residents in Carpinteria are asked to be on alert for anything suspicious that may be connected to a major crime scene and car crash in the early morning hours.

There were several locations under investigation for hours following an early morning robbery, including farm fields and a cannabis growing site.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department says patrol units are still in the area seeking armed suspects. A message via X on line says:

Shelter in place and request to avoid the area has been lifted, however additional suspects remain outstanding and should be considered armed. Community members are encouraged to call 911 if they see anyone suspicious. Deputies will remain in the area.

It has no further details about the incident.

A search involved a Sheriff’s helicopter, a drone unit, a K9 and multiple Sheriff’s deputies, detectives and CHP officers took place before dawn this morning. One of the main areas is along Foothill Road around Cravens Lane, Via Real and Santa Monica Road.

Beth Cauwels a Carpnteria resident heard the helicopter early in the morning and later in the day while having coffee downtown said, “I am surprised it hasn’t happened before .” Other residents in the area did recall crimes in and around the cannabis farms over the years the industry has been growing. “It is unusual  for the kind of response   so I knew  something bad was going on,” said Cauwels.

Cannabis is grown on county property and not within the city.

Louis Palafoutas is a Carpinteria resident who said “it doesn’t surprise me it seems it is the risk they are willing to take and it is a product that attracts that kind of attention.”

One resident lives behind the farms and has had an intruder into his yard. Army veteran Matthew  Nancarrow said, “we did an individual on the run come into our yard a few years back. He literally climbed right into our back yard” With this alert and all the commotion, “we definitely got up and made sure the doors were locked because we are right up against a pot farm. We didn’t known at the time it armed suspects.”

He did note that many of the farms have big gates and cameras along with upgraded security. “A gate is only going to keep an honest man honest.. If you are a thief you are going to do what you are going to do and obviously they did,” said Nancarrow. 

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