News Headlines

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – As New Year’s Eve celebrations get underway, safety advocates are once again urging people to plan ahead before drinking and driving. While free rideshare programs are available to help keep impaired drivers off the road, organizers say participation remains lower than expected—despite New Year’s Eve being one of the most

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Update 10:00 p.m.: One man is in custody after a police standoff in Palm Desert that started about 4:00 p.m. The man was taken from the scene by ambulance. Authorities have not released his identity or why he was wanted. 5:14 p.m.: Law enforcement is working to have a wanted

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Phillip Zamudio, Palm Springs resident, said a prolonged power outage over Christmas has left him and neighbors uneasy as more rain is expected to move into the region, raising concerns it could happen again. Zamudio said electricity went out at his home on Christmas Eve just as family and friends

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A man missing since Dec. 22 was rescued from a trail in Palm Desert Tuesday afternoon. Daniel Hernandez, 27, was rescued on the Art Smith Hiking Trail. The rescue happened at around 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Fire crews responded to a report of an injured person on the trail. Crews

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A new law aimed at improving safety within the homes of gun owners in California is set to go into effect with the turn of the new year. Senate Bill 53, passed in 2024, mandates secure firearms storage in the state. The bill’s text reads: “This bill would, beginning on

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – As the countdown to the New Year begins, local event organizers across the Coachella Valley say they’re prepared to celebrate — even with rain in the forecast. With just a day away, event teams are busy putting the finishing touches on parties designed to bring the community together. Tamara Issi,

MOUNT BALDY, Calif. (KESQ) – Rescue crews found three missing hikers dead and rescued two others Monday on Mount Baldy, authorities announced. Three hikers found dead The discovery was made after personnel from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team and the Fontana Sheriff’s Station responded to a request to locate an injured

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. (KESQ) – The National Parks Service announced a new annual pass will be available starting January 1, 2026 for non-residents of the United States. Previously the parks service offered annual America the Beautiful passes to US citizens and residents only. Now, non-residents will have their own annual pass available for $250. Many

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A new survey by West Health-Gallup Healthcare finds that less than 30% of Americans view their mental health as “excellent.” Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 43% of Americans rated their mental health as “excellent.” With the New Year, millions of Americans hit the gym to improve their physical health as a New

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Law enforcement agencies in the Coachella Valley are expressing some concern over a federal drone ban. The Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) ban of Chinese-made DJI and Autel Robotics drones in the United States went into play last Tuesday. While older models already approved for sale and those already in use are

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – The Palm Springs Cultural Center is honoring Udo Kier, the legendary German actor and cult film icon, who died at 81 in November. The tribute begins with a curated pre-show at 5 p.m. highlighting Kier’s artistic journey through film clips and archival moments. Organizers said the pre-show traces the many

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Police say an elderly woman died in a car crash Sunday afternoon. Officers responded to the crash at South El Cielo Road and Kirk Douglas Way near the Palm Springs Airport. The 93-year-old was traveling southbound in a Honda, and attempted to make an eastbound turn going left,

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The DMV of California announced several new laws signed by Governor Gavin Newsom that will go into effect in 2026. These new laws include a law that will extend the probation period for those convicted of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated from two years to between three and five years.  “This

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – A controversial residential development planned next to the Ritz-Carlton in Rancho Mirage has been approved by the city council, despite concerns from residents who fear the project could have lasting impacts to their community. The development, located in the foothills above Rancho Mirage, will include more than 100 residential units,