Pala Today News – 4/16/26
Written by John Fox on April 16, 2026
The following items are part of the award-winning “Pala Today” newscast heard this day at noon on PALA REZ RADIO™ 91.3 FM in Pala.
LOCAL AND REGIONAL NEWS
A major accident on northbound I-15 near Highway 76 last night just before 11p closed all lanes of the freeway for about an hour. Three vehicles were involved including a red Tesla that caught fire. A number of people suffered injuries of unknown severity. The two right lanes reopened around midnight. The left lanes remained closed until at least 1:30a. https://www.villagenews.com/story/2026/04/09/news/span-classbrnwsbreaking-news-spanmulti-vehicle-crash-sparks-fire-prompts-sigalert-on-northbound-i-15-in-fallbrook/81659.html
A crash on the eastbound 78 freeway in Vista just before 7:30a this morning closed all lanes for most of an hour with traffic diverted at the Melrose exit. Two lanes were reopened by 8:20a. https://patch.com/california/oceanside-camppendleton/multi-vehicle-crash-blocks-lanes-sr-78-north-county
It didn’t even take an accident to slow the commute in Winchester this morning. Stoplights failed at the intersection of Domenigoni Parkway and Rice Road around 6a, causing a major backup for several hours. https://patch.com/california/murrieta/defective-traffic-signal-slows-morning-commute-southwest-rivco
A driver has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run near Mission Avenue and Mesa Drive that killed a 78-year old pedestrian this morning. It happened around 5a when a westbound 2005 silver Toyota Tacoma struck the unidentified pedestrian and left the scene. Police found the truck in the 200 block of Los Arbolitos Boulevard and arrested the 24-year old male driver on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run. Investigators say drugs or alcohol were not involved. https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/1-dead-vehicle-sought-in-oceanside-hit-and-run-crash-041626
Plans to increase fares on San Diego County buses, trolleys, and light rail by up to 40% will go in front of the boards of both the Metropolitan Transit System and the North County Transit District today. If approved, the fare hikes would go to the San Diego Association of Governments Transportation Committee for final consideration in May and June meetings. The two transit agencies are seeking ways to work together to make up for lost revenue and address future budget issues stemming from ridership losses since the pandemic and federal funding reductions, among other challenges. https://www.kpbs.org/news/economy/2026/04/15/san-diego-county-transit-fares-could-rise-40-by-fall-if-mts-nctd-approve-hikes-this-week
Perris city councilmembers voted this week to change the name of the two-year old Cesar Chavez Library downtown and remove a statue and all items recognizing Chavez in that city. It’s the result of the revelation of sexual assault allegations against the late labor leader and co-founder of the United Farm Workers union last month. https://mynewsla.com/riverside/2026/04/14/perris-city-council-to-discuss-removing-items-recognizing-cesar-chavez/
Windier than usual in Pala for the next several days as daytime highs increase into the mid-80s this weekend. The full forecast is coming up. (below)
SPORTS
In the NBA – The Clippers season ended last night. Led by Steph Curry’s 35 points, the Warriors beat the Clippers 126-121 and Philadelphia toped Orlando in last night’s play-in games. No games tonight. The final play-in games are tomorrow with Charlotte at Orlando at 4:30p and Golden State at Phoenix at 7, both on Prime Video. Playoff first round action begins Saturday.
Former NBA player and coach Damon Jones is requesting to change his plea in the NBA gambling case from not-guilty to guilty. He’ll be the first defendant in the case to do that. Prosecutors say Jones sold or attempted to sell nonpublic information to bettors regarding the playing status of LeBron James in a February 2023 game in Milwaukee. As predicted by Jones, the Lakers without LeBron lost that game. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/48504292/damon-jones-plead-guilty-providing-bettors-info
In the NHL – Last night’s winners were Dallas, Florida, Ottawa, Chicago, Vegas, and the New York Rangers. In tonight’s final six games of the regular season, the Ducks are at Nashville, the Kings are at Calgary, St. Louis at Utah, San Jose at Winnipeg, Vancouver at Edmonton, and the Kraken play the Avalanche in Denver. Round One of the playoffs begins Saturday.
In the minors – The San Diego Gulls lost 5-1 to Tucson last night at Pechanga Arena. Their next game is tomorrow at Ontario.
In Major League Baseball – Down by five runs in the bottom of the 9th, the Padres took another one from the visiting Mariners, winning 7-6 on a walk-off double by Jackson Merrill. Xander Bogaerts hit a two-run dinger earlier in the game. Alek Jacob got the win for pitching the final two innings, allowing one hit, one walk, no runs and striking out three. Padres go for sweep tonight. Dodgers beat the visiting Mets 8-2. Shohei Ohtani got the win. He pitched six innings, allowing one run and striking out ten. LA designated hitter Dalton Rushing hit a grand slam in the 8th. The Yankees beat the Angels in New York, 5-4.
A second round of bidding among four potential buyers has pushed the price of the Padres franchise to around $3.5b. What’s already expected to be the biggest sale price in Major League history could still go higher. The Seidler family put the team up for sale in November, two years after the death of controlling owner, Peter Seidler. https://timesofsandiego.com/sports/2026/04/15/padres-sale-3-5billion-ownership-groups-lacob/
The MLB players union fired two top officials with cause yesterday after internal and federal investigations. The exact reasons for the firings of COO Xavier James and head of human resources, Michael O’Neill were unclear. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/48498255/sources-mlbpa-fires-coo-human-resources-head-cause
Yesterday was Jackie Robinson Day in Major League Baseball. Every player, coach and umpire wore Robinson’s #42 in honor of the 79th anniversary of the infielder breaking the sport’s color barrier when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. https://apnews.com/article/jackie-robinson-day-baseball-d58cb4b13ee04db99c6adf28e32a5407
In the minors – The Lake Elsinore Storm lost 9-8 at Stockton last night. Game 3 of 6 is tonight.
In the NFL – This year’s draft begins one week from today in Pittsburgh.
In Major League Soccer – San Diego FC and the Galaxy are on the road this Saturday. LAFC hosts San Jose Sunday.
In lacrosse – The San Diego Seals next game is Friday hosting Las Vegas.
In golf – The RBC Heritage Tournament at Hilton Head, South Carolina teed off this morning. Justin Thomas is the defending champion. Among early finishers today, Harris English had the best round at 7-under par 64. https://www.espn.com/golf/leaderboard
Local High School Sports –
Bonsall – Baseball hosting Bostonia Global and softball hosting Liberty Charter at 4p – both at Jim Banks sports park in Pala.
Great Oak – boys’ golf against Murrieta Mesa at Cross Creek at 3p; boys’ tennis against Murrieta Mesa at 3:15p, JV hosting, varsity away; softball against Chaparral at 3:30p, varsity hosting, JV and freshmen away; baseball hosting Temecula Valley at 3:30p; boys’ volleyball at Murrieta Mesa at 5p; lacrosse against Murrieta Mesa at 5p, girls’ hosting, boys’ away
Fallbrook – softball against San Pasqual at 4p, varsity hosting, JV away; boys’ lacrosse hosting Valley Center at 7p
Valley Center – golf against San Pasqual at 3p, varsity hosting at Native Oaks, JV away at The Vineyard; track & field hosting Ramona at 3:15p; boys’ tennis hosting Escondido at 3:30p; softball at Westview at 4p; boys’ volleyball at Escondido at 4:30p
BUSINE$$
As of midday trading on Wall Street, stocks continue to rise after closing at record-highs yesterday. The Dow was up a quarter percent. The S&P 500 gained 4 tenths. And the Nasdaq rose over a half percent. Gold was up $3.20 on the Comex, trading at $4,826.40 an ounce. West Texas Intermediate Crude oil futures gained $2.21, trading at $93.50 barrel.
The number of Americans applying for jobless aid last week fell by 11k to 207k. Analysts were expecting the number of new claims to remain almost the same as the previous week. Filings for unemployment benefits are considered representative of U.S. layoffs and are a near-real-time indicator of the health of the job market. https://apnews.com/article/unemployment-benefits-jobless-claims-layoffs-labor-c3e29b5a86a350a27c3df9a4d88e5719
After ratcheting up nearly a half point this month, mortgage rates have dipped to a three-week low. The average 30-year fixed rate loan is now 6.3%. That’s down 7 basis point from last week. Even that slight decline is encouraging a few more people to buy as we head into what is traditionally the biggest of the year for home sales. Last year at this time, the average mortgage rate was 6.83%. https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms
The head of the International Energy Agency said today that there cold soon be flight cancellations if oil supplies remain blocked by the Iran war. Fatih Birol said Europe has maybe six weeks of jet fuel left and that economic pain at that point will be felt the most in poorer and developing countries. More than 110 loaded oil tankers and over 15 filled with liquid natural gas are waiting idle in the still-closed Strait of Hormuz. https://apnews.com/article/iran-war-europe-jet-fuel-flight-cancellations-birol-6e67fafd493861b3858de5548aa77703
Faced with the increased cost of fuel on top of trying to recover from its second bankruptcy in a year, Sprit Airlines could liquidate as soon as this week. The once-profitable airline had to ground dozens of aircraft due to a Pratt & Whitney engine recall, then had a planned acquisition by JetBlue blocked by a federal judge two years ago. Spirit was expected to earn a net profit of $252m last year. But it quickly lost $257m in the three months after exiting its first bankruptcy. Pilot and flight attendant unions made concessions in recent months to help Spirit shrink, focus on high-demand times and routes, and exit bankruptcy in the next month or two. Now, the cost of fuel could be the last straw. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/15/spirit-airlines-could-liquidate-as-early-as-this-week-sources-say.html
Temecula-based residential solar installer Freedom Forever LLC, which does business in 40 states has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company has been in operation for about 15 years. The case will be handled by a federal court in Delaware. Operations are expected to continue as normal under court guidance. https://whatnow.com/news/trending/major-residential-solar-installer-files-for-chapter-11/
LIFESTYLE / GREEN LIVING
Walmart is spiffing up the look of its Great Value house brand, which includes about 10k items. New packaging will be more modern, colorful, and easier to identify on store shelves. Customer research told management that shoppers liked the quality and price of Great Value products, but “didn’t particularly feel very proud to display it in their home or with their families.” The brand was launched in 1993 and hasn’t changed its look in more than ten years. New packaging will begin rolling out in May. It’ll take a year or two before every product gets its new packaging. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/15/walmart-redesigns-great-value-private-label-brand.html
Quarterly earnings for PepsiCo beat Wall Street expectations thanks to a big improvement in its North American food division. In February, Pepsi cut prices on Lay’s, Tostitos, Doritos and Cheetos by as much as 15%. Many retailers gave them more shelf space. As a result, the food division reported an increase in volume for the first time in two years. Pepsi’s global business is already doing well, with Asia Pacific and Europe, and Middle East and Africa food divisions reporting 9% volume growth. Now the company will focus on its North American beverage business, where volume fell 2 ½%. Its brands, including Pepsi, Starry and Poppi have faced weak demand as the result of high prices. First up is a restaging of the Gatorade brand in which the company will promote its hydration benefits to non-athletes, release a lower-sugar version, and remove artificial colors. https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/16/pepsico-pep-q1-2026-earnings.html
A new national survey from Chicago-based Best Therapies found that 71% of Americans experience overstimulation from bright lights, electronics, and other attention-demanding devices. The most common symptoms of overstimulation are anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and the urge to escape. One fourth of us are overstimulated daily. 43% of us wish we could live without smartphones. Gen Z is the worst, with 81% confessing to over-stimulation and 53% feeling they have an unhealthy relationship with their phones. That’s part of the reason for the trend among Gen Z to carry tote bags filled with screen-free hobbies. One in four people cope by wearing headphones. One third don’t feel they have coping skills. Of those who do, the most popular mechanisms are finding a quiet place, leaving the overstimulating environment, and breathing exercises. https://besttherapies.org/overstimulation-statistics-consumer-survey/
On this day in music history – April 16,
- 1956, Chuck Berry recorded “Roll Over Beethoven”. Berry wrote the song because his sister Lucy was always using the family piano to play classical music when he wanted to play pop music. The title lyric followed by “tell Tchaikovsky the news” refers to how classical composers would roll over in their graves hearing how their music was giving way to rock and roll.
- In 1964, The Rolling Stones’ first album was released in the UK. It hit #1 two weeks later. It would be released in the US with a slightly different track lineup at the end of May.
- On the same day, The Beatles filmed chase scenes in the Notting Hill Gate area of London and in the evening recorded the title track for the film, “A Hard Day’s Night”. Paul McCartney and John Lennon came up with the title first, thanks to a comment by Ringo and then wrote the song to order. Its recording was completed in nine takes.
- In 1969, Desmond Dekker and the Aces were at #1 with the single “Israelites” – the first time a Jamaican act had topped the charts.
- In 1970, Led Zeppelin’s first hit single “Whole Lotta Love” was certified Gold for selling one million copies. It had peaked at #4.
- In 1972, The Electric Light Orchestra made their live debut at a small venue in London. The group was formed by former members of The Move, Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne. Wood left after the new group’s first album. Lynne wrote and arranged all of the group’s songs and produced every album.
- In 1977, David Soul, the Hutch part of TV’s Starsky and Hutch had the #1 single in the U.S. with “Don’t Give Up On Us” – his only hit single.
- In 1993, Paul McCartney headlined an Earth Day concert at Hollywood Bowl along with Don Henley, Steve Miller and Ringo Starr. Paul and Ringo had last performed there 1965 along with the rest of The Beatles.
- In 1994, Prince had his first hit with “The Most Beautiful Girl in the World” since changing his name to an unpronounceable symbol.
- In 1996, KISS appeared in full makeup at the 38th Grammy Awards to announce a world tour. It was their first appearance together in over 15 years.
- In 1999, Skip Spence, an original member of Jefferson Airplane and founder of Moby Grape died of lung cancer at age 52.
- In 2003, Jerry Lee Lewis filed for divorce from his 6th The two had been married almost 20 years earlier when she was the president of his fan club.
Born on this day …
- In 1924, composer and conductor, Henry Mancini
- In 1935, singer songwriter Bobby Vinton, who had 30 Top 40 hits including “Blue Velvet” which went to #1 in 1963
- In 1939, Dusty Springfield
- In 1947, Gerry Rafferty who had hits with Stealer’s Wheel in 1973 and solo in 1978 with “Baker Street”
- In 1949, Boll Spooner from The Tubes
- In 1953, Peter Garrett, lead singer for the Australian band Midnight Oil, who had a hit with “Beds are Burning”
- In 1971, Selena, the queen of Tejano music who was murdered by the president of her fan club at the age of 24
- In 1993, Chance the Rapper
https://www.thisdayinmusic.com/search/?keyword=&date=16&month=4
Other celebrities with birthdays or birthday anniversaries today …
- Actor Jon Cryer from TV’s “Two and a Half Men” and movies including “Pretty in Pink” is 61
- So is comedian and actor Martin Lawrence
- Actor, producer and director, Peter Billingsley, best known as Ralphie in “A Christmas Story” is 55
- Among those who’ve passed, Charlie Chaplin was born in 1889.
http://www.dementeddatebook.com/2080-date0416.htm
Programming on Rez Radio 91.3 is made possible in part by the Pala Band of Mission Indians and donations from listeners like you. Call 760 742 4200 or email 91.3@palatribe.com for details on contributing to community radio in Pala.
Call the Pala Fire Department at 760 742 1632 before starting any open fires to get the day’s Cal Fire and APCD recommendations. Fire Department permits are required for any burning on Pala tribal land.
Pala seniors’ lunch menu for tomorrow (4/17) – turkey and swiss sandwich, potato chips and dessert
The Pala Band of Mission Indians has employment opportunities including full time and part time. For a list, go to the Palatribe dot com website.
Go to Facebook.com/RezRadio for community events and news affecting, or of interest to Pala and inland North County.
Listen to Rez Radio just about anywhere and access all of our assets with the free Rez Radio App, available at Google Play and the Apple App Store.
A transcript of this newscast will be available at our website, Rez Radio dot FM and on the Rez Radio App an hour or two after broadcast.
WEATHER
Pala Weather – winds gusting up to 20 miles an hour today, tomorrow and Saturday … partly sunny and 76 this afternoon … sunny and 81 tomorrow … 84 Saturday and Sunday … 79 Monday … 75 Tuesday and Wednesday … overnight lows, 45 tonight … about 48 Friday and Saturday night … back to about 45 Sunday through Tuesday night
PROGRAMMING
Programming on Rez Radio 91.3 is made possible in part by the Pala Band of Mission Indians and donations from listeners like you. Call (760) 742-4200 or email 91.3@palatribe.com for details on contributing to community radio in Pala.
FIRE PERMITS
Call the Pala Fire Department at (760) 742-1632 before starting any open fires to get the day’s Cal Fire and APCD recommendations. Fire Department permits are required for any burning on Pala tribal land.
PALA
The Pala Band of Mission Indians has a number of part-time and full-time employment opportunities.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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E-PAPER
Sample and subscribe to our daily feature-oriented e-paper “The Pala Rez Radio Daily” at https://paper.li/newsstand
LISTEN TO REZ RADIO
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TuneIn Website – Listen to Rez Radio 91.3 through your browser at Tunein.com.
TuneIn Apps – Download the free TuneIn music app for iOS, Android, Windows, and participating car, home, and portable devices. Once the app has been downloaded, search for “Rez Radio” and save us as your favorite.
AudioNow – Provided by AudioNow, listen to Rez Radio 91.3 anywhere there is phone service by dialing (712) 775-5748. There is no cost for the service, but calls will use mobile plan minutes. If you’re calling from a landline, normal long distance charges will apply.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
The Community Events and Casino Corner portions of this newsletter can be heard three times daily Mon-Sun on Rez Radio, at 7:25a, 12:25p (in Pala Today M-F), and at 5:25p as the “Pala Community Calendar”. Submit items for the calendar to 91.3@palatribe.com at least a week before the event.
You can view the events on the Calendar page.
SHOWS
You can find a wide-range of Pala Rez Radio programming on our Shows page.
RESOURCES
The Pala Band of Mission Indians and Rez Radio gathered this list of resources as a courtesy and offers no guarantee of accuracy. Please contact us if you find an error or if any link needs to be updated.
Check out the list of information on our Resources page.
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