Author: KESQ

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs International Airport issued a statement on Tuesday regarding the decision not to broadcast a video by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the government shutdown.

Noem’s “Public Service Announcement” is supposed to air at security checkpoints.

“It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe,” Noem starts. “However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.”

FIRST ON FOX: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem blasted Democrats for the government shutdown affecting TSA workers in a video that will play at every public airport in America. pic.twitter.com/LdhRmF6wlT

— Preston Mizell (@MizellPreston) October 9, 2025

According to CNN, nearly 20 airports across the country have refused to play the PSA due to its political nature.

In a statement released Tuesday, Palm Springs airport cited state law and the federal Hatch Act, a 1939 law prohibiting political activities of federal employees to ensure government programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion.

“Palm Springs International Airport is not playing the video on terminal screens because California law and federal Hatch Act principles prohibit using public facilities for partisan political messaging. We remain committed to providing a welcoming, neutral space for all travelers, while respecting the responsibilities of our federal partners during the government shutdown.”

– Jake Ingrassia, PSP Communications & Marketing Specialist

In a statement to CNN Tuesday morning, the Department of Homeland Security reiterated much of the language from the video, including blaming the shutdown on Democrats.

“Our security operations remain largely unimpacted at this time. It’s unfortunate our workforce has been put in this position due to political gamesmanship,” the statement said. “Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”

Airports who have confirmed to CNN they will not show the video include

Albany (NY) International Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Bradley (CT) International Airport

Buffalo Niagara (NY) International Airport

Charlotte Douglas (NC) International Airport

Chicago Midway International Airport

Chicago O’Hare International Airport

John F. Kennedy International Airport

Harry Reid (Las Vegas) International Airport

LaGuardia Airport

Newark Liberty International Airport

New York Stewart International Airport

Philadelphia International Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Portland International Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Springfield–Branson (MO) National Airport

Westchester County (NY) Airport

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Haleemon Anderson

Congressman Raul Ruiz will host a Government Shutdown Resource Fair on Wednesday, October 15 at 5 p.m.

Families, workers and small businesses who are feeling the strain can connect with local organizations and programs offering support during the government shutdown, currently in its tenth day.

Ruiz, who represents the 25th District, said the virtual fair will help ensure the local community has the support they need. 

“I want you to know that help is available and you are not alone,” Ruiz said in a statement.

Interested individuals can listen live at YouTube.com/RepRaulRuizMD to hear from local organizations, partners and experts providing information and assistance.

Organizations and service providers scheduled to participate in the resource far include:

Federal Employee Unions and Associations offering updates and worker support

Food Assistance Programs and Food Banks providing meals and relief

Banks and Credit Unions with financial hardship and loan programs

Regional Community Organizations coordinating local aid

County and Mental Health Resources offering counseling and wellness support

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Firebirds lost their season opener against the San Diego Gulls 5-0 Friday night at Acrisure Arena.

Birds get blown out in the season opener 5-0 at home against the San Diego Gulls. Youngest team in the AHL, so growing pains are expected. Not to mention, it’s just one of 72 games in the regular season. Next game is Saturday, 10/18 at Acrisure Arena. @KESQ

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) October 11, 2025

Goaltender Nikke Kokko made 39 saves on 45 shots in the Firebirds’ first loss of the season.

Gulls’ forward Ryan Carpenter capped off a San Diego shot heavy first period with a goal in the final minute. San Diego outshot Coachella Valley 18-5 in the opening frame. Tim Washe extended the Gulls’ lead to 2-0 early in the second and Judd Caulfield added a third San Diego tally.

Sasha Pastujov and Matthew Phillips combined to tack on two more Gulls goals to secure a 5-0 win for the visiting team. Netminder Ville Husso stopped all 26 shots to pick up the shutout victory for his team.

Tonight marked the first professional games for Firebirds’ defenseman Tyson Jugnauth and Caden Price.

The Firebirds were held to just one powerplay in the game and did not capitalize. San Diego was blanked on all four man-advantage tries. The Firebirds were outshot 44-26.

The Firebirds will seek to avenge the loss next Saturday, Oct. 18 at home against the Colorado Eagles.

Stay with News Channel 3 for full coverage of the Firebirds all season long.

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Peter Daut

News Channel 3 has reported on the $275,000 sponsorship shortfall for this year’s Greater Palm Springs Pride.

But local organization DAP Health says it is working to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is seen, heard, and affirmed.

DAP Health is not only a major rainbow sponsor for this year’s Pride, but it is also sponsoring “Cathedral City LGBT Days” and “Oceanside Pride by the Beach.”

The nonprofit, which was founded during the AIDS crisis, says it’s important to get involved with pride events since being visible is part of being healthy.

“Pride festivals are an important part not only of the coming out process, but of the connecting process. And we believe that when people feel seen, heard, and affirmed it’s good for their physical health and it’s good for their mental health,” said Steven Henke, DAP Health’s chief of brand marketing.

Greater Palm Springs Pride runs from Nov. 6 to Nov. 9.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – It was a smaller week here in the valley for high school football, but we still had some key games nonetheless.

Rancho Mirage – 7(3-4)
@
Palm Desert – 31(4-3)
F

Shadow Hills – 21(4-3)
@
Palm Springs – 41(7-0)
F

Xavier Prep – 14(5-2)
@
La Quinta – 28(5-2)
F

29 Palms – 22(3-4)
@
Banning – 42(5-2)
F

Desert Chapel – 22(1-5)
@
Desert Christian – 56(7-0)
F

/**/

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of local high school football.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is inviting the community to its 2025 Jr. Ranger Expo.

It’s from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Indian Canyons in Palm Springs.

Organizers said kids will get the chance to learn more about local critters and plants.

The event will feature bird singing, dancing activities, photo booths and ranger-led hikes.

It’s free for kids 17 and under including 1 free adult entry with each child.

For more information on events hosted by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, visit: https://www.aguacaliente.org/events.

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Julia Castro

UPDATE 10/31/25 – The driver of the car that collided with the CHP unit in Palm Desert on October 10 pled not guilty on Friday to multiple felony charges connected with the crash.

A felony complaint was filed against 22-year-old suspect Jose Huitron Rueda on October 17, with charges including evading arrest, DUI causing bodily injury, and driving on the wrong side of a divided highway resulting in injury.

Huitron Rueda pled not guilty to all charges at his court appearance on October 31, and is due back in court on November 12th.

The CHP encourages anyone with information regarding the crash to call the Indio CHP office at (760) 772-5300.

UPDATE 10/30/25 – CHP reports that both officers continue to do well, and all surgeries are complete. One officer has been moved from the hospital to rehabilitation, and the other officer is due to be released from the hospital soon.

UPDATE 10/11/25 12:00 PM – CHP confirming both officers involved in Friday morning’s DUI crash underwent surgery Friday and are doing well.

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — Two California Highway Patrol officers and a 22-year-old Thermal man were seriously injured early Friday morning after a head-on crash involving a suspected DUI driver on Interstate 10.

The collision happened around 12:55 a.m., according to CHP investigators. Two on-duty officers were responding to a crime in progress when their patrol car exited the westbound I-10 at Washington Street. At the same time, a Toyota Corolla entered the same off-ramp heading the wrong direction eastbound in the westbound lanes and collided head-on with the CHP Dodge Charger.

CHP says both officers sustained major injuries and were taken to Desert Regional Medical Center. The driver of the Toyota, a 22-year-old man from Thermal, also suffered major injuries and was taken to the same hospital.

Investigators determined alcohol impairment was a contributing factor in the crash. The driver was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence and could face additional charges once the investigation is complete.

As of Friday morning, the westbound I-10 exit ramp at Washington Street remained closed while officers continued their investigation.

News Channel Three will keep you updated on the conditions of the officers involved and the suspect throughout the days.

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Jesus Reyes

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – Actress Diane Keaton, the prolific and idiosyncratic screen star whose portrayal of Woody Allen’s love interest in 1977’s “Annie Hall” brought her an Oscar for best actress, has died at the age of 79, People reported today.

The publication reported that Keaton died in California, but no details were immediately available on her cause of death, or on the specific time and location.

Keaton was born in Los Angeles in 1946. She was part of the original Broadway cast of “Hair” in 1968, and also earned a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance in Allen’s comedy “Play It Again, Sam.”

She first gained the attention of moviegoers with her portrayal of Kay Adams, the wife of Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone in 1972’s epic “The Godfather,” a role she reprised in 1974’s sequel, “The Godfather Part II” and 1990’s “The Godfather Part III.”  

The early 1970 also saw her launch a fruitful collaboration with Allen, starring alongside the writer/director in a string of classic comedies beginning with the film adaptation of “Play It Again, Sam” in 1972, and continuing with 1973’s “Sleeper,” 1975’s “Love and Death,” “Annie Hall” and 1979’s “Manhattan.”

Her iconic turn as the title character in “Annie Hall” is perhaps her most indelible screen creation. She played a single WASP woman from the Midwest whose romantic pairing with Allen’s neurotic Jewish character touched on many of the personal and social themes of the 1970s. The distinctive somewhat androgynous clothing she wore in the film also became a trend.   

Keaton’s other notable roles include 1977’s “Looking for Mr. Goodbar,” in which she played a sexually active single teacher who falls victim to a predator, 1981’s “Reds,” in which she plays real-life revolutionary Louise Bryant opposite Warren Beatty’s John Reed, the 1984 drama “Mrs. Soffel,” 1987’s “Baby Boom,” where she played a single, working woman who inherits a baby, and “Father of the Bride” (1991) and “Father of the Bride Part II” (1995) alongside Steve Martin.   

Her co-starring role alongside Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler in 1996’s “The First Wives Club” signaled a new phase of playing older women, which included 2000’s “Hanging Up” with Lisa Kudrow and Meg. Ryan, 2003’s well-received romantic comedy “Something’s Gotta Give” with Jack Nicholson, and2014’s “And So it Goes” with Michael Douglas.

Her more recent films include 2019’s “Poms” and “Book Club” (2018) and “Book Club: The Next Chapter” (2023).  

She dated her three most high-profile co-stars, seeing Allen, Pacino and Beatty at various times, but remained single for her entire life.  

Keaton was a vegetarian beginning in 1996. Her hobbies included photography, blogging and real estate development, and she worked with the Los. Angeles Conservancy to restore historic buildings in the Los Angeles area, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House in the Hollywood Hills.

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Haleemon Anderson

LA QUINTA (KESQ) – Thermal sheriff’s deputies responded to a traffic collision Friday night and found two juveniles struck by a vehicle while riding their bikes across Highway 111 at Adams Street.

Paramedics transported the juveniles to a local hospital with major injuries.

The collision was reported at 9:06 p.m. The vehicle that struck the juveniles fled the scene prior to the deputies’ arrival.

The Thermal Sheriff’s Station’s Traffic Collision team responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. Sheriffs later located the driver in La Quinta. He was arrested and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on multiple charges, including vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence, hit-and-run, and violation of probation.

The investigation revealed the driver, Jose Villegasorbe, a 47-year-old Palm Springs resident, was intoxicated at the time of the collision with the juveniles and was also involved in a hit-and-run collision in the City of Indian Wells.

Local authorities are asking for anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Deputy A. Martinez of the Thermal Sheriff’s Station’s La Quinta Traffic Team at (760) 863–8990 or call anonymously at (760) 341-STOP (7867) and reference incident #LA252830068

This is an ongoing investigation. Stay with News Channel 3 for updates.

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KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Boo2Bullying hosted its third annual anti-bullying event, “Kick Bullying to the Curb,” October 11, at Power Stadium in Sunrise Park.

The free, family-friendly event featured informational booths, face-painting, a petting zoo by Mobile Zoo of Southern California, and free hot dogs. Activities ran from 4 to 5:30 p.m., followed by a community kickball game at 6 p.m. Palm Springs native and former “The Voice” contestant Steve Knill sang the national anthem.

The event coincides with National Coming Out Day and emphasizes the importance of inclusion, empowerment, and mental health. Organizers also highlighted that mental well-being is strengthened when youth feel safe, supported, and connected.

For more information or ways to support, click here.

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