Category: kesq-local-news

Matthew Pearce

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — The second annual PS/NExT conference is taking place at Palm Springs Convention Center as organizers continue to educate and expand on the future of technology.

Artificial intelligence continues to evolve day-by-day, and experts in the Coachella Valley are working to ensure the region does not fall behind. One way they are doing this is by covering fees for 100 students to attend the conference and immerse themselves in the world of artificial intelligence.

This opportunity aims to inform students about technology learning, workforce readiness and regional opportunity.

Tonight, we take a look at why involving students is important for the future of technology in the valley and beyond. Stay tuned for the latest.

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Tommy Gallegos

RIVERSIDE (CNS) – The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County dropped today for the 32nd time in 33 days, falling four-tenths of a cent to $5.401, its lowest amount since March 13.

The average price has dropped 66.4 cents over the past 33 days, including 1 cent Sunday, according to figures from the AAA and Oil Price Information Service. It dropped 18 consecutive days, was unchanged June 8 and resumed decreasing the following day.

The average price is 18.2 cents less than one week ago and 63.9 cents lower than one month ago, but 93.9 cents more than one year ago.

The national average price dropped for the 32nd consecutive day, falling nine-tenths of a cent to $3.929, its lowest amount since March 21. It has fallen 63.5 cents over the past 32 days, including 1.3 cents Sunday.

The national average price is 13.6 cents less than one week ago and 62.3 cents lower than one month ago, but 71.1 cents more than one year ago.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – An expo to spur growth in Palm Springs surrounding artificial intelligence has returned, and organizers say it’s bigger than ever before.

Organizers said the PS/NExT Summit brings together the community and leaders in AI emerging tech, creativity, business, and education to develop skills, solve, challenges, spark innovation, and expand economic opportunities across the region.

The two-day event comes a year after the inaugural Palm Springs AI & Creativity Expo took place last summer.

Not all valley residents are supportive of the emerging technology, though. From environmental concerns and worries about artificial intelligence replacing jobs, some are opposed to the growing technology.

Tonight, we’re asking local leaders and tech experts on how they’re addressing the concerns while looking to leverage new technology as an economic driver in the Coachella Valley. Stay with us for the latest.

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Timothy Foster

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — Father’s Day celebrations looked a little different across the Coachella Valley this year as families found ways to honor dads while dealing with triple-digit temperatures.

With the valley under another stretch of extreme heat, many residents adjusted their plans to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Restaurants were busy with Father’s Day breakfasts and brunches, while some families headed out early for golf rounds, walks, and other outdoor activities before temperatures climbed.

Others opted to stay indoors, spending the day at movie theaters, museums, shopping centers, and other air-conditioned venues.

Despite the heat, families said the holiday was less about the activity and more about spending quality time together. Many fathers enjoyed gathering with children, grandchildren, and loved ones for meals and celebrations throughout the weekend.

Health officials continue to remind residents to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and limit prolonged outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours. They also encourage people to check on older relatives and neighbors, who can be especially vulnerable during extreme heat events.

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Bruno Lopez-Vega

NEAR DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Lanes are back open on State Route 62 South of Morongo Valley after a motorcycle crash temporarily closed all northbound lanes.

The California Highway Patrol received reports of that crash just before 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon just past North Indian Canyon Drive.

Lanes were shut down as authorities investigated and cleared debris, but are now open.

News Channel 3 has reached out for more information in injuries and a cause of that crash.

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Timothy Foster

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — A new weekly food truck festival is bringing food, entertainment, and community gatherings to Palm Springs.

The Wanderlust Food Truck Festival officially launched Saturday at Sunrise Park in downtown Palm Springs. The free event features more than 20 food trucks and vendors offering a variety of options ranging from barbecue and comfort food to international cuisine and desserts.

Organizers say the festival is designed to create a welcoming space where residents and visitors can gather, enjoy local food, and spend time together during the summer months. In addition to food vendors, the event includes lawn games, open seating areas, and family-friendly activities.

The Palm Springs festival is the latest addition to Wanderlust’s growing network of food truck events across California, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. The company has hosted similar weekly events in cities including Murrieta, Hemet, and Lake Elsinore.

Attendees said the wide variety of food and relaxed atmosphere make the event a welcome addition to the city during the slower summer season.

The Wanderlust Food Truck Festival will be held every Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Sunrise Park. Admission and parking are free. Organizers plan to announce participating food trucks and vendors each week through social media.

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Timothy Foster

COACHELLA VALLEY, CALIF. (KESQ) — A charter bus caught fire Saturday morning on eastbound Interstate 10 west of Box Canyon Road in Chiriaco Summit, prompting a major response from firefighters and traffic delays in the area.

According to CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department, the fire was reported at approximately 7:44 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find the bus fully engulfed in flames.

All 36 passengers on board safely evacuated before crews arrived. Paramedics evaluated the passengers at the scene as a precaution, and no injuries were immediately reported.

Fire crews remained on scene to extinguish the fire and conduct cleanup operations. Officials said eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 would be impacted for several hours, causing significant traffic delays through the area.

Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes and check traffic conditions before traveling through Chiriaco Summit.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Timothy Foster

Twentynine Palms, Calif. (KESQ) — A Twentynine Palms man is behind bars after investigators say he kidnapped two people, killing one of them, following a shooting the night before.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were first called to the 6300 block of Lupine Avenue around 8:30 p.m. Thursday for reports of an assault with a deadly weapon. When they arrived, they found a man suffering from a gunshot wound.

The suspected shooter had already left the area before deputies arrived. The victim was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive.

Less than 24 hours later, deputies responded to another call on Lupine Avenue, this time for a reported kidnapping. As investigators worked the case, they learned the suspect in the shooting, identified as 30-year-old male, he had allegedly kidnapped the surviving victim as well as a 62-year-old male.

The 62-year-old male was later found at a home in the 6100 block of Lupine Avenue with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Sheriff’s Homicide Detail took over the investigation and quickly obtained an arrest warrant for Banales. Members of the Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Division located and arrested him a short time later.

The suspect was booked into the West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and kidnapping. He remains in custody without bail.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Timothy Foster

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Music, dance, storytelling and community came together Saturday as the Sunset Music and Education Foundation hosted its Joyful Juneteenth Celebration at Revolution Stage Company in Palm Springs.

The free event honored Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating June 19, 1865, when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

Residents gathered for an afternoon featuring live music, poetry, dance performances, storytelling and educational programming focused on freedom, culture and community connection.

The celebration showcased a variety of local artists, performers, educators and community leaders. Young artists also took center stage, including student performers recognized through the foundation’s educational programs.

Organizers said the event was designed to bring people together while highlighting the importance of preserving cultural traditions and sharing stories across generations.

Sweet Baby J’ai, CEO and Executive Artistic Director of the Sunset Music and Education Foundation, said the event provided an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to connect through music, art and culture.

Throughout the afternoon, the foundation also presented musical instruments to local youth through its SMARTS Initiative, which aims to increase access to music education and artistic opportunities for students across the Coachella Valley.

The celebration was part of a broader effort to honor the history of Juneteenth while encouraging community engagement, education and cultural understanding.

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Jesus Reyes

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Paying it forward here in the Coachella Valley. News Channel 3 is teaming up with LifeStream Blood Bank on Friday.

You can roll up your sleeves and donate at the bloodmobile, which will be located outside our studios off Dunham Way in Thousand Palms.

It’s happening on Friday, June 26, from 8 a.m. to Noon. You can click here to schedule your appointment. Walk-ins are welcome.

Donors will also receive a Coachella Valley shirt and $25 Target gift card while supplies last.

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