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California expands film tax credits, as desert filmmakers chase their own dreams

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ). California’s film industry is getting a major boost. Governor Gavin Newsom announced 52 film projects will receive new state tax credits through the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program, expected to generate more than $1.4 billion in economic activity statewide. The lineup includes major titles like Jumanji and Heat 2, and is projected

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FIND Regional Food Bank ramps up emergency response amid government shut down

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – As the government shut down continues, families across the Coachella Valley are facing mounting challenges. With CalFresh benefits delayed for November, more than 37,500 local residents, nearly the population of Palm Springs, are expected to lose access to roughly $9.5 million in grocery-buying power, leaving many households suddenly unable to afford

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Registrar’s office demonstrates new Auto Signature Verification tool ahead of special election

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Riverside County Registrar of Voters held a demonstration for its auto signature verification tool, or ‘ASV’ ahead of the November 4th special election. The new tool implements software in the Registrar’s sorting machines that compare voter signatures on a ballot to those in their voter profile, completing the verification process

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Witness describes ‘terrifying’ near-miss during chase that ended in crash near Indio-Coachella border

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) A driver who says he was nearly hit during Wednesday’s police pursuit through La Quinta and Indio is describing what he calls a “terrifying, split-second” moment that could have taken his life. Twenty-year-old Jesse Bautista told KESQ News Channel he was driving east on Avenue 48, near Jefferson Street, when he suddenly saw

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Local homeless service providers ask community for help with food, clothing donations

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The need for resources for homeless individuals continues to grow in the Coachella Valley, and local organization are consistently working to provide supplies to those in need within their shelters and programs. Martha’s Village and Kitchen and the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission are both working toward donation drives for their homeless

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Prosecution: Former local youth soccer coach touched girls, propositioned them

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – A former girls soccer coach from the Coachella Valley was a habitual predator, kissing, fondling and propositioning multiple players, the prosecution said today, while the defense argued the witnesses’ testimony was unreliable and possibly driven by a hostile co-worker who encouraged the victims to tell stories. Juan Manuel Pantoja Troncoso, 29,

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Car chase suspect arrested after crashing car and fleeing the scene near Indio-Coachella border

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – An attempted traffic stop by Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies in La Quinta on Wednesday afternoon escalated into a chase that ended near the Indio-Coachella border, with the suspect crashing into another car and fleeing the scene. Deputies report that the suspect failed to cooperate with the stop around 4:00 p.m. in

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Palm Springs Pride unveils LGBTQ+ artist showcase to headline 68-act festival

Palm Springs, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Pride announced its four-day festival entertainment lineup, centered around a dynamic LGBTQ+ Artist Showcase that spotlights groundbreaking queer talent from across the nation. Organizers said the celebration of community, visibility, and fierce energy will feature a total of 68 diverse performances, kicking off Thursday night on the Arenas District Main

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