Local News

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The new year is here with a pay raise for minimum wage workers in California. The state’s minimum wage has increased by 40 cents to $16.90 per hour. The annual increase is primarily due to a state law requiring annual adjustments for inflation, ensuring wages keep pace with the rising cost

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s rainy start to the new year in the Coachella Valley, and many are looking to avoid the storm during the holidays. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are popular holidays for people to visit Downtown Palm Springs, but the rain might be putting a damper on tourism. Businesses

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Bars along Arenas District main road are preparing for one of the busiest nights of the year, urging customers to celebrate responsibly as New Year’s Eve crowds fill the desert. Bar owners say staff training and early preparation are key to preventing problems before they start. At Quadz Palm Springs,

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Local healthcare nonprofits, such as Elder Love USA in Palm Desert, are bracing for the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsides, which will affect how clients access their services. “Because they can’t afford the premiums now, they are going to lose access to all the things we’re helping them with.

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Driving around the Coachella Valley, you may have noticed some extra greenery growing recently. Recent rain has spurred early growth of brush, weeds, and other plant life along center medians, local hillsides, and the open desert. Landscapers have noticed the change, too, and say the growth is coming earlier than normal.

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Officials are reminding hikers to stay safe this winter and holiday season. CAL FIRE says it tends to see an uptick in the number of calls for service from hikers as more people hit the trails. “Here in our area…there’s lots of trails,” Captain Brain Steiger with CAL FIRE said.

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