Wildfire smoke impacting air quality in Coachella Valley

KESQ on June 16, 2026

Dakota Makinen

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a wildfire smoke advisory as smoke from the Shore Fire in Riverside County and the Mateo Fire in San Diego County impacts air quality across the region.

AQMD says smoke from the fires could lead to unhealthy air quality levels in parts of the Coachella Valley, with conditions changing throughout the day depending on wind, weather and fire activity.

Residents across the valley reported noticing hazy skies, the smell of smoke and irritation from the poor air quality. Some told News Channel 3 they chose to stay indoors, run air purifiers and limit outdoor activities as a precaution.

Air quality officials say wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can be harmful to health, especially for children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions.

AQMD advises anyone who smells smoke or sees ash to take precautions, including limiting outdoor activity, keeping windows and doors closed and avoiding strenuous exercise outdoors.

The smoke advisory remains in effect as firefighters continue battling both wildfires.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest updates on the fires and air quality conditions.

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Palm Springs Fire reveals new engines ahead of wildfire season

KESQ on June 16, 2026

Kiera Seapy

Palm Springs, Calif. (KESQ)- Following a story we first reported on in 2025, the Palm Springs Fire Department is finally putting new fire engines into service.

Fire season in the desert is always a concern, and with this new equipment, this will improve response times and overall service.

Palm Springs Fire Chief Paul Alvarado explains that delays about fire engines aren’t unusual and that process could be up to five years.

“People aren’t aware of just how long it takes. From the time that you recognize, you’re going to need to replace a fire engine, to the time that they build it and deliver it. Five years is, it’s an incredible amount of time” Alvarado says.

With these new engines also comes new trainings for the fire crew to walk through and learn.

Alvarado says, “they’ll be walking through, driving it, pumping water through it, and making sure they know how to operate it. And so that’s an important safety factor we’re going to do.”

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Steve Sanchez concedes Riverside County Fourth Districts Supervisor race

KESQ on June 16, 2026

Isabella Carballoso

LA QUINTA, Calif (KESQ)- La Quinta City Councilmember Steve Sanchez has conceded the Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor race to V. Manuel Perez.

Sanchez shared in a video on Facebook his disappointment with the outcome. He shared what election night was like for him, “I took a breath and I said a prayer not a prayer for me, a prayer for my opponent I pray that he governs faithfully.”

Sanchez said, “My commitment to this community was never dependent on a particular election. See, public service, it was never about a title; it has always been about the people.”

Democrat V. Manuel Perez has represented the Riverside County Fourth District since 2017.

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Riverside County Grand Jury calls for oversight of jail system, Bianco says report full of ‘false statements’

KESQ on June 16, 2026

Tommy Gallegos

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. — A new Riverside County Civil Grand Jury report is urging county leaders to establish independent civilian oversight of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, citing ongoing concerns over jail deaths, transparency, and accountability.

The report found that Riverside County remains one of California’s largest counties without a formal civilian oversight body for sheriff operations and county jails. Grand Jurors concluded that existing oversight mechanisms are fragmented, largely internal, and insufficient to identify systemic problems or maintain public trust.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco wrote to News Channel 3 following a request for comment to the grand jury report, saying in part, “The report is nothing but an attempt to pressure the Board of Supervisors into creating an oversight board and/or inspector general. The report is ridden with inaccuracies and patently false statements, combined with apples to oranges comparisons. The Office of the Sheriff will provide our required response to the Grand Jury as soon as possible.” To read the full statement from Bianco, scroll to the bottom of this article.

Civil grand jury reports are advisory, so the report does not compel the sheriff or the county to make any changes, although by law they do have to submit written responses, which will be made public.

The investigation follows years of criticism surrounding the county’s jail system, including a California Attorney General civil rights investigation launched in 2023 after a record number of in-custody deaths. According to the report, 29 people died in Riverside County custody between the start of the state investigation and April 2026.

Among its findings, the Grand Jury determined that internal investigations of jail deaths lack independence and that public reporting on jail operations is limited and inconsistent. The report also outlined that the Sheriff’s Advisory Committee has failed to provide meaningful oversight or documented recommendations.

To address these concerns, the report recommends that the Riverside County Board of Supervisors create an independent civilian oversight body with investigative authority, public reporting requirements, independent staffing, and the ability to review critical incidents and in-custody deaths. In July of 2025, the Board declined to create an independent civilian oversight body over the Sheriff’s Department.

The Grand Jury also recommends an independent audit of jail medical and mental health services, the creation of a public data dashboard, and the development of a long-term strategic plan for jail operations.

The Riverside County Sheriff must respond to the report within 60 days, while the Board of Supervisors has 90 days to provide its official response.

Full statement from Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco

Unfortunately, the Grand Jury in its recent report has severely damaged its reputation as a fact-finding entity for all future reports, at least with the current members. The report is nothing but an attempt to pressure the Board of Supervisors into creating an oversight board and/or inspector general. The report is ridden with inaccuracies and patently false statements, combined with apples to oranges comparisons. There also seems to be a major lack of understanding between deaths that occur in jails and those in the field. The majority of the report is inaccurate or simply false, and was obviously intentionally crafted to come up with the desired recommendation. One fact they conveniently left out of the report is that the National Institute for Justice has concluded that oversight committees rarely, if ever, achieve the intended result, and that more often than not, create more of a distrust between government and the public we serve. I stand by my previous statements that the demand for oversight is from political activists who dislike law enforcement. The county executive office has also conducted its own investigation into the need for an oversight committee and recommended against it. Another aspect conveniently left out of the report is that the Bureau of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) has 100 percent complete oversight of all statewide jail operations, including RSO. RSO is also currently under court ordered supervision of the Prison Law Office. The Grand Jury failed to even attempt to interview BSCC administration. Riverside Sheriff’s correctional institutions remain the standard and recommended example for all jails in the state, according to the BSCC. It appears the current make-up of the grand jury shares the same agenda as the anti law enforcement activists.

Sooner or later, the media will do their job and factually report on this topic so Riverside County residents have the truth. Eliminating 2022 and 2023, years where nationwide jail deaths skyrocketed because of across-the-board fentanyl and suicide increases, the average jail deaths since 2019 is 7.6 per year. Our 20 year average, including 2022 and 2023, is 7 per year. This is a non-existent problem. Going to jail does not prevent anyone from dying. No one has died because they were in jail, they died while they were in jail. Our jail deaths are from fentanyl, suicide, natural causes, and, unfortunately, murder. The CA DOJ has done absolutely nothing and recommended nothing, since their investigation into RSO for alleged atrocities cited by the Grand Jury. That is because there are none, and it is more proof of my statement that this topic is nothing but political fodder.

The Office of the Sheriff will provide our required response to the Grand Jury as soon as possible. We will not implement any of their recommendations concerning oversight. This current report is worth absolutely nothing and has tarnished the reputation of all previous Grand Jury reports. They should be embarrassed.

I said last year that the years of non-partisan government for Riverside County residents is over. The cancer of political party has infiltrated county government and is spreading. I will not stand by idly and let our residents suffer the consequences.

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Idaho prepared for potentially challenging fire season

KIFI on June 16, 2026

Par Kermani

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — Gov. Brad Little says Idaho is entering what could be a challenging wildfire season, but state officials believe Idaho is better prepared thanks to continued investments in wildfire prevention, forest management and emergency response resources.

“Wildfire remains one of the greatest challenges facing Idaho’s landscapes, communities, and economy,” Little said. “The good news is Idaho is prepared because we have continued to invest in the tools, partnerships, and proactive management strategies that reduce risk and improve outcomes.”

Little joined state, local and federal partners to provide an update on wildfire preparedness efforts and progress made since the release of the Governor’s 2024 Wildfire Report.

Despite those efforts, state officials stressed that the majority of wildfires are caused by people, not lightning.

“Government can invest in equipment, technology, and partnerships, but preventing wildfires starts with individual responsibility,” Little said. “One spark can change lives, threaten communities, and devastate landscapes.”

According to state officials, Idaho has expanded wildfire detection and response capabilities over the past year, including the use of cameras, satellite systems and lightning detection technology to improve evacuation planning and awareness.

The Idaho Department of Lands currently operates 11 wildfire detection cameras across the state and is installing eight more cameras with funding approved for fiscal year 2026.

Officials also highlighted the statewide adoption of the Ready, Set, Go! evacuation notification system, which is designed to create a consistent approach to wildfire evacuation messaging across Idaho communities.

The state has also continued investing in firefighting resources, including support for local fire departments and Idaho’s 10 Rangeland Fire Protection Associations. State officials say approximately 370 qualified firefighters are currently supported through those associations.

Little also highlighted Idaho’s ongoing partnership with the U.S. Forest Service through the state’s Shared Stewardship Agreement and Good Neighbor Authority programs. Since the launch of the governor’s Make Forests Healthy Again initiative, Idaho has increased forest restoration work aimed at reducing hazardous fuels and lowering wildfire risks on public lands.

Idahoans are encouraged to follow fire restrictions, recreate responsibly and remain vigilant throughout the summer as temperatures rise and conditions become drier.

Additional wildfire preparedness information is available through the Idaho Department of Lands.

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Federal Judge halts Idaho law enforcing restroom access by biological sex

KIFI on June 16, 2026

Seth Ratliff

BOISE, Idaho (KIFI) — A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction today partially blocking enforcement of House Bill 752, an Idaho law that criminalizes the use of public restrooms and locker rooms that do not align with an individual’s biological sex.

The law is to take effect on July 1, 2026. Today’s injunction specifically halts enforcement of the law regarding:

Single-user facilities.

Multi-user facilities when a single-user restroom is unavailable (either because none exist on the same floor, or because all same-floor single-user restrooms are occupied or out of service).

In late April, the ACLU of Idaho filed a lawsuit on behalf of six transgender Idahoans against Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador. The lawsuit argues that HB 752 violates the plaintiffs’ constitutional rights to due process, equal protection, and privacy, calling the legislation an “unconstitutional intrusion on the fundamental rights of Idahoans.”

While several plaintiffs are proceeding under pseudonyms to protect their privacy, the suit names Emilie Jackson-Edney, a 77-year-old transgender Idaho resident. The lawsuit claims the new law would cause suspicion and conflict for Idahoans like Jackson-Edney who’ve transitioned.

In today’s order, U.S. District Court Judge Amanda Brailsford granted the plaintiffs’ motions for both the preliminary injunction and provisional class certification. Judge Brailsford also ruled that the plaintiffs may continue using pseudonyms, strictly prohibiting the state from disclosing their identities without express, written permission.

Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador vowed to appeal the decision.

“This is a results-driven decision that misapplies the law, confuses the issues, and misrepresents the position of the State. Biological sex is not vague, and neither is this law,” Labrador said in a statement to Local News 8. “The good news is that this ruling is narrow. Idaho’s law remains enforceable in most settings, including changing rooms and many restrooms. The injunction applies only in limited circumstances and to certain people. My office will appeal, and we will keep fighting until this commonsense protection is fully enforced.”

Meanwhile, the ACLU of Idaho celebrated the ruling as a protection for the state’s transgender community.

“This ruling means trans folks in Idaho can continue participating in public life without the threat of being arrested for using the bathroom,” said Paul Carlos Southwick, Legal Director for the ACLU of Idaho. “Trans Idahoans have been understandably anxious about the disruption this unconstitutional law would cause in their daily lives. This ruling will relieve that anxiety for our trans friends and neighbors.”

Understanding House Bill 752

House Bill 752 represents an expansion of Idaho’s existing 2023 restrictions. While the previous law (Senate Bill 1100) applied only to public schools, the new statute covers nearly all government-owned or public spaces, including libraries, highway rest stops, airports, and public hospitals.

Under the blocked statute, anyone who “knowingly or willfully” enters a public restroom that does not correspond to their biological sex could face criminal charges. A first offense is classified as a misdemeanor, while a second offense is a felony.

Governor Brad Little signed the bill into law earlier this year following decisive victories in the state legislature, where it passed 54–15 in the House and 27–7 in the Senate.

While critics and civil rights advocates argue the law targets and marginalizes transgender individuals, the bill’s sponsors have maintained that the legislation is necessary to protect public privacy and safety as a “common-sense” protection for women and girls.

With today’s injunction, the criminal penalties remain on hold until a full case determines the law’s constitutionality.

This is a developing story. Local News 8 has reached out to the bill’s legislative sponsors for comment and will provide additional updates as they respond.

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Saddle up for Starr Western Wear’s weekend rodeo in El Paso

KVIA on June 16, 2026

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Saddle up for the rodeo this weekend. Starr Western Wear’s Rodeo El Paso will bring more than 250 professional athletes to compete against each other from June 19-21.

Participants from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association will show off their grit, skill and culture at the El Paso County Coliseum.

Crowds can expect iconic rodeo acts, such as bull riding and barrel racing, Starr Western Wear said.

There will also be bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, team roping and other acts, the company said.

Ticket prices range from $15-$90, Starr Western Wear said. People who buy certain tickets early can save $5, it said. Otherwise, you can buy tickets at the coliseum’s box office.

Online tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

The June 19-20 shows start at 7:30 p.m. while the June 21 show starts at 2 p.m., according to Starr Western Wear.

“Starr Western Wear has always believed rodeo is more than a sport — it’s part of the culture and tradition of our community,” said Enoch Kimmelman of Starr Western Wear. “We are proud and excited to continue supporting Starr Western Wear’s Rodeo El Paso and to be part of a lasting tradition that brings families together while celebrating the authentic spirit of rodeo and cowboy heritage.”

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ABC-7 obtains audit warning YISD could become financially insolvent within 2 years

KVIA on June 16, 2026

Nina Gallegos

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – The Ysleta Independent School District’s general fund could become financially insolvent within one to two fiscal years, according to an audit obtained by ABC-7.

The audit warned there is “a significant rise of financial insolvency and a possibility of needing to declare a financial exigency.”

The recently completed audit, conducted by YISD Internal Auditor Amy Sanchez, was obtained by ABC-7 after we filed an open records request with the district under the Texas Public Information Act on June 3. It covers financial transactions for fiscal years 2023–24 through 2025–26, as of February 28, 2026.

The report cites declining state revenues, the likelihood of a multimillion-dollar deficit in the health plan fund, continued enrollment declines, and the rapid depletion of the general fund’s unassigned balance as reasons for the significant risk of financial insolvency.

It is unclear when district and board members were first made aware of the audit, which is dated May 7. However, on May 20, the Board of Trustees received a presentation from Sanchez where she went over the status of various audits conducted by her office.

Although Sanchez did not discuss the audit’s findings, titled General Fund Financial Observations, during the meeting, the report prompted questions from Trustees Chris Hernandez and Shane Haggerty.

Hernandez asked whether the district could face insolvency in the next fiscal year, and Sanchez said it could unless expenditures are significantly reduced from current projections. Haggerty said he was frustrated that the board had repeatedly requested budget workshops and insurance updates but had not received them, adding that despite earlier discussions with insurance representatives, he was not aware of any follow-up updates.

ABC-7’s review of the May 20 meeting minutes shows that several audits were completed, though the reports were not included as supporting documents and it’s unclear why.

The audit stated if YISD continues on its current path, the general fund’s unassigned balance could be depleted by the end of the 2026–27 fiscal year.

The risk of general fund insolvency is rated at the priority level, the highest risk category in the audit’s rating system. According to the audit, this designation means that if the issue is not addressed, it could critically affect the District’s ability to meet its goals.

The district has relied on short-term loans to meet cash-flow needs, including a $49 million loan in June 2025, and an anticipated loan exceeding $50 million in May 2026, according to the audit.

The audit shows the district narrowly avoided receiving an “F” rating in the Texas Education Agency’s School Financial Integrity Rating System (FIRST) because of the short-term loan. Without such loans, the report says the district would not have enough cash on hand to meet rating requirements, further highlighting the severity of its financial situation.

The district’s unassigned fund balance has decreased by 75% over the past five years. According to the audit, the balance fell from $78.9 million in fiscal year 2021 to a projected $18.8 million in fiscal year 2026.

After accounting for losses in the health plan fund, the report shows the available unassigned fund balance could drop to as low as $12.1 million by June 2026.

The audit says that if the 2026–27 budget includes a deficit greater than $12 million, the district would not be able to meet its financial obligations for that year.

According to the audit, the YISD Board may declare financial exigency if one or more of the following conditions exist:

A decrease of more than 20% in unassigned fund balance per student over two years (actual decrease: 41% in FY24-25, projected 45% in FY25-26).

A decline in enrollment by more than 10% over the last five years (actual decline: 11% in FY24-25).

Superintendent Xavier De La Torre addressed the budget at Monday’s Board of Trustees Workshop.

“The only reason I have not been as open and transparent or as aggressive as has been suggested…I need — I don’t need to create anxiety. I don’t need to create fear. I don’t want our teachers and employees going to work every day worrying about that instead of worrying about the kids. And we have time,” Superintendent De La Torre said. “Don’t believe for a minute there isn’t a plan. I just don’t need my plan being forwarded to other people and other places until I’m ready to execute. And that’s the truth.”

ABC-7 requested an interview with Superintendent De La Torre about the audit and its findings. His office said he’s not available to speak until Wednesday.

ABC-7 has also reached out to school board members and internal auditor Amy Sanchez.

The district is expected to present its proposed budget to the board Wednesday, June 17.

Read the full audit below.

2026-26 General Fund_Risk Report to the BoardSDownload

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Governor declares state of emergency as wildfires threaten Central Oregon

KTVZ on June 16, 2026

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Governor Tina Kotek has declared a state of emergency across Oregon due to the imminent threat of wildfire, a move that officials say will help mobilize critical resources as dry conditions and low snowpack create dangerous fire weather across the state — including Central Oregon.

The emergency order, which will remain in effect until December 31, 2026 or until fire conditions improve significantly, gives state fire agencies access to firefighting crews, aerial support and emergency personnel needed to protect people, property and natural landscapes.

Too early, too dry

Local fire officials say the conditions are already concerning this early in the year.

“I think with the current conditions, obviously it is extremely dry. We don’t have any snowpack. And the fuels are already critically low,” said Thad Olsen, Fire Chief with the Cloverdale Fire District in Central Oregon.

Olsen said people haven’t been watering their lawns because they’re worried about their drinking water or simply don’t have access to any water. The combination of extremely dry conditions and critically low fuels means the region is more vulnerable to wildfires than usual.

Staffing shortages raise concerns

Another major concern for local fire districts is limited staffing. Olsen said none of the fire departments in Deschutes County have enough staff to handle multiple fires starting at once.

“None of us have enough staffing to fight all the fires. We rely on mutual aid and automatic aid,” Olsen said.

He noted that Central Oregon fire crews are experienced and well-trained, with agencies including Bend Sisters, Cloverdale, Crooked River and Redmond all having talented resources. But if multiple incidents occur, departments will need to call in extra resources — and that can create delays.

Olsen said the area has “excellent firefighting crews” but that the number of people and their availability is the limiting factor.

What residents should do now

Olsen urged residents to take action immediately to reduce fire risk and create defensible space around their homes.

“We need the participation and that being defensible space. Give us a fighting chance to clear the brush back from your building,” Olsen said.

He said homeowners should clear brush at least 30 feet from their buildings, remove combustibles like planters next to houses, clean leaves and pine needles out of gutters and make sure driveways are accessible for fire trucks.

“If your driveway is overgrown and you couldn’t drive a U-Haul truck down it, then we wouldn’t be able to get a fire truck down it,” Olsen said.

He also recommended residents download apps on their phones that notify them when a wildland fire is in their area so they can be prepared for evacuation.

Governor’s warning

Governor Kotek said increasing heat, dry vegetation and shifting winds continue to align and create dangerous conditions that demand immediate action.

“Oregon has record-setting low snowpack and nearly half of our counties are facing persistent drought conditions,” Kotek said in her statement. “On average, 70% of wildfires in Oregon are human-caused. Prevention starts with every Oregonian — at home, at work, and out and about enjoying our great state.”

To date in 2026, the state has experienced 414 fires that have burned approximately 8,077 acres, with multiple fires causing localized evacuations.

Pacific Power prepares

Pacific Power is also preparing its system to reduce wildfire risk across the Pacific Northwest. The company said a large portion of Oregon has seen a drier than normal rainy season, and NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center and the National Interagency Fire Center indicate a warmer and drier than normal summer.

As part of ongoing wildfire prevention efforts, Pacific Power is taking steps including enhanced safety settings and protective equipment designed to automatically shut off power when lines come into contact with debris, wildlife or strong winds.

During periods of extreme risk, the company may temporarily de-energize power lines to reduce the likelihood of ignition or help limit the spread of active fires. These measures may lead to longer or more frequent outages for customers in some high-risk areas.

“We are preparing for an active wildfire season across our service area and taking proactive steps to reduce risk,” said Carrie Laird, Pacific Power’s vice president of wildfire mitigation and emergency operations.

Customers can prepare for potential outages by ensuring their contact information is up to date to receive outage notifications, review backup power options and assemble an emergency kit.

Resources available

The declaration directs the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to activate the state’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and coordinate access to personnel and equipment of all state agencies necessary to respond to and recover from conditions caused by this emergency.

The Oregon National Guard may deploy firefighting resources as requested by the Oregon Department of Forestry through Operations Plan Smokey 2026 for the remainder of the fire season.

Governor Kotek urged all Oregonians to be alert and follow instructions and evacuation levels issued by emergency officials, subscribe to emergency alerts on ORAlert.gov, have an evacuation plan, prepare a go-kit and stay aware of changing conditions.

Locals in Central Oregon now face what fire officials call an early and dangerous wildfire season, with dry conditions, limited staffing and the need for resident participation all playing critical roles in how well the region can respond if fires start.

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Redmond to accept applications for final retail marijuana dispensary

KTVZ on June 16, 2026

Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Redmond will begin accepting applications for its final retail marijuana dispensary on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

Redmond could soon be home to its third dispensary. Voters approved marijuana dispensaries in 2020, but the city and OLCC limits cap Redmond at one dispensary per 10,000 residents, allowing for three total dispensaries in the city.

The first two spots were awarded to Oregrown and The Flower Room. City officials say there was no shortage of strong candidates during the last round of applications.

“It’s a difficult situation to be in. It’s a good and bad. We know we had high-quality applications. To find two of those applications, it was hard. I would say it’s not really a big reflection on the group. It just really was that there were a couple that really stood out,” said Deputy City Manager Steve Ashworth.

Interested applicants must submit initial applications by noon Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to secure one of the three available licenses based on the city’s population.

The application process has three parts, starting with a Land Use Verification application. That first step includes a zoning analysis by city staff to make sure the proposed location complies with city regulations.

If the site meets zoning requirements, applicants will move to the next phase and formally apply for the license. City leaders say someone could be approved as soon as September.

Mayor Ed Fitch said the city is committed to responsible operations.

“Following voter approval of dispensaries, the City successfully partnered in the initial round with operators who demonstrated responsible and safe business practices, as well as a clear commitment to serving the community,” Fitch said. “It is the Council’s intent to uphold that same standard of success moving forward.”

For more information, interested applicants can visit the city’s website at www.redmondoregon.gov/retailmarijuana. Deputy City Manager Steve Ashworth can also be reached at 541-923-7750 or via email at steve.ashworth@redmondoregon.gov.

Applicants will receive notification of their zoning verification status no later than Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

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