Month: October 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Calif., and Rep. María Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., introduced a bipartisan resolution Sept. 28 designating Oct. 1 as National Latino and Latina Physician Day.

The resolution recognizes Latino and Latina physicians and calls attention to their underrepresentation in the medical workforce. According to the lawmakers, Latinos make up nearly 20% of the U.S. population, but just 6.7% of physicians are Latino or Latina.

Ruiz said the designation highlights physicians serving Latino communities and the need to create more pathways into medicine. Salazar said Latino physicians can help build trust and address gaps in care.

The resolution is supported by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the National Hispanic Medical Association.

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) — The 2026 BNP Paribas Open generated an estimated $887 million in economic impact across the Coachella Valley, according to a new study.

The two-week tennis tournament at Indian Wells Tennis Garden drew a record 527,626 fans, including more than 165,000 visitors from outside the region. Out-of-town spending, along with spending by organizers, sponsors, vendors and media, generated $629 million in direct economic impact, with another $258 million attributed to indirect and induced activity.

The tournament supported the equivalent of 12,706 full-time jobs and generated more than $55 million in tax revenue, according to the study conducted by The George Washington University.

“The BNP Paribas Open demonstrates the extraordinary impact a world-class sporting event can have across our entire destination,” said Scott White, president and CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs.

The event also contributed $750,000 to The Champions Volunteer Foundation, supporting more than 75 local nonprofit organizations and programs.

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ)— Banning police arrested a 19-year-old Beaumont man Wednesday in connection with an alleged armed robbery at a community pool parking lot.

Police said the robbery occurred around 2:33 p.m. Tuesday at the Atwell Community. According to investigators, the victim had arranged through social media to meet someone to sell a watch. During the meeting, the prospective buyer allegedly brandished a handgun, took the watch without paying and fled in a vehicle.

Banning Police detectives worked with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Gang Impact Team to locate him.

The man was arrested in Hemet on Sept. 30, police said. Investigators said he was wearing the stolen watch when he was arrested, and the firearm allegedly used in the robbery was also recovered.

Detectives later served a search warrant at his residence as part of the investigation.

The man was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on suspicion of robbery and carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, according to police.

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)- CalFresh recipients are seeing several changes to the food assistance program, including a small increase in maximum monthly benefits and stricter eligibility rules for some households.

Beginning Oct. 1, the maximum monthly benefit for one person increased from $298 to $306. For a family of four, the maximum increased from $994 to $1,023.

At the same time, work requirements have expanded in Riverside County to cover more adults ages 18 to 64. The changes began June 1 and include fewer exemptions. People who are subject to the requirements and do not meet them or qualify for an exemption can face a three-month limit on CalFresh benefits.

FIND Regional Food Bank Interim President and CEO Lorena Marroquin says the organization is already seeing more demand.

“Currently, we’ve seen an uptick of residents being served in our area, about 20%. We anticipate that that need will increase during the coming months.”

Marroquin says many of the people turning to FIND are already working.

“A lot of the neighbors we serve have, you know, one to two full-time jobs. So having this type of change to their already existing food income or budget is really going to impact those that we serve.”

Nationwide, SNAP participation fell by more than 5 million people, or nearly 13%, between July 2025 and June 2026, according to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities using USDA and state data.

Marroquin says changes to CalFresh and Medi-Cal could affect more than 380,000 Riverside County residents, according to a county collaborative FIND works with. She stressed that does not mean all of those residents will lose benefits.

“There is a fear. There’s misinformation about if they qualify for benefits or if their benefits are going to be reduced.”

FIND says it is preparing its mobile markets and partner agencies for the possibility of more people seeking food assistance.

“When grocery benefits shrink, the need for food doesn’t.”

People with questions about their CalFresh benefits are encouraged to contact Riverside County Department of Public Social Services before assuming their benefits have changed.