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Kiera McKinney

Life in the heat: How animals at the Living Desert thrive in the summer

PALM DESERT, CALIF. (KESQ)- With temperatures in the Coachella Valley climbing into the triple digits, people are looking for ways to stay cool, butย the animals living in the desert have their own survival strategies.ย  Native wild desert animals survive these extreme highs through behavioral and physical adaptations like nocturnal activity, underground burrows, and heat-dissipating features,

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Grocery deliveries in extreme desert heat

PALM DESERT, CALIF. (KESQ)- As temperatures continue to climb into the triple digits, more people are relying on grocery delivery services. What happens when those groceries are left sitting outside in 115-120 degree heat? How quickly refrigerated and frozen foods can become unsafe in extreme desert temperatures and whether current food safety guidelines change in

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The sun damage you can’t see

PALM DESERT, CALIF. (KESQ)- The desert sun can do more damage than people realize. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and experts say years of UV exposure can silently damage your skin before you ever notice it.  With extreme UV levels common in the Valley there are warning signs people often miss,

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When prices rise, does theft follow?

PALM DESERT, CALIF. (KESQ)- A new LendingTree survey found 30% of Americans say theyโ€™ve shoplifted, up from 23% in 2024. Among those who admitted to shoplifting, 90% said inflation or financial hardship played a role, with many saying they stole necessities like food and personal hygiene products rather than luxury items. Indio police say that

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Big Bear bald eagle believed to be Jackie recovering after suffering injuries in attack

Update (7/21/26 – 4:00 p.m.) Wildlife officials said the eagle’s condition remains critical. “Initial bloodwork indicates that the eagle is experiencing severe anemia and inflammation affecting the kidneys. We are still working to determine the underlying cause, and additional bloodwork and diagnostic test results are pending,” reads an update by the Ojai Raptor Center Tuesday

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California rules for workers in heat

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)- Employers in the valley must provide fresh water, shade, and rest breaks during extreme heat. The law in California requires employers to put shade in place when temperatures pass 80ยฐF. Workers can request rest breaks in the shade at any time to cool down.ย  Employers must check workers for signs of

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Palm Springs Animal Shelter outbreak

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)- The Palm Springs Animal Shelter has temporarily stopped accepting cats and kittens after an illness outbreak at the facility. The pause will remain in effect through July 27 while staff treat sick kittens and thoroughly clean and sanitize the shelter. Officials say the closure is a precaution to help contain the

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Why are cicadas so loud right now?

PALM DESERT, CALIF. (KESQ)- After recent humidity and monsoon moisture, many Coachella Valley residents say theyโ€™re hearing more cicadas than usual. The Coachella Valley is experiencing higher humidity as monsoonal moisture moves into the desert. While many people associate cicadas with extreme heat, experts say humidity also plays a role in their emergence and activity.

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