Month: September 2026

BEAUMONT, Calif. (KESQ) — The California Highway Patrol is investigating the death of a man who was found along State Route 243 north of Smith Creek Bridge Saturday morning.

CHP says officers received a report around 11:41 a.m. that a man was lying on the shoulder of the highway.

Fire department personnel arrived first and initially believed the man may have been injured in a traffic crash.

The man was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment, but despite lifesaving efforts, he died.

During the investigation, CHP officers found no evidence that a vehicle was involved.

Medical personnel later told investigators the man’s injuries did not appear consistent with a traffic collision and instead appeared to have been caused by a sharp-edged weapon.

CHP detectives are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details have been released.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact the CHP Border Division Major Crimes Unit at 858-944-6300.

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)- A strengthening El Niño could bring a wetter-than-normal fall and winter to Southern California, prompting some Coachella Valley residents to start thinking about storm preparation before the rain arrives.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center says there is a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño during fall and winter 2026-27. Forecasters also say there is a 75% chance the event reaches a level stronger than any El Niño recorded since 1950 during the October through December period.

NOAA’s latest seasonal outlook favors above-normal precipitation across the southern half of California from October through December, with wetter-than-normal conditions continuing to be favored across California later in the winter. Forecasters stress that El Niño increases the chances of certain weather patterns but does not guarantee heavy rain or flooding in any one community.

Preparation can include checking drainage around a home, securing outdoor items and keeping emergency supplies on hand. Sandbags, tarps, flashlights and other storm-related supplies can also help residents prepare before heavy rain moves in.

News Channel 3 spoke with Coachella Valley residents about whether they are concerned about another wet winter and how they prepare their homes ahead of storms. We also spoke with a locally owned hardware store in Palm Desert about what customers typically look for before a storm, what homeowners should have on hand, and why preparing early can make a difference.

Stay tuned for the full story tonight on News Channel 3.

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — Read With Me, a local nonprofit, is hosting a mixer tomorrow night at Giuseppe’s in Palm Desert from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

The organization hopes to recruit up to 200 volunteers as it continues to expand into more schools.

Its motto, “Readers are Leaders,” reflects its mission to help students develop their reading skills by going into classrooms and reading individually with students of all levels.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more information tonight and visit the organization’s website to learn more about how you can get involved.

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — For safety reasons, it’s important to make sure your car is working properly. From the engine to the tires, regular maintenance can catch problems before they become safety hazards.

When it comes to your tires, tread can wear quickly if your car is not properly aligned. But that wear isn’t always noticeable unless you take a closer look.

Tonight on News Channel 3, experts explain the dangers of poor wheel alignment and show how it can impact your tires and car.