Palm Springs Downtown Park sees over 5,000 attendees in ‘No Kings’ rally

Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Local groups from across the Coachella Valley, rallied together Saturday to a “No Kings” protest. They joined over 2,000 other groups across the nation standing against what they call “escalating authoritarianism.”

“Let us live our lives,” John Barrowman said. “You can have your lives. You can believe what you want, but don’t make me believe. I don’t need to believe.”

Over 5,000 people joined the protest at Downtown Park with signs or wearing “No Kings” crowns. Many attendees were not surprised by the number of people, and said it showed a united message.

“Palm Springs always turns out when there’s something to stand up for because…we always represent the marginalized community,” Barrowman said looking at the crowd. “And, this is amazing.”

The crowds extended through the park to the Palm Springs Art Museum and into downtown to South Belardo Road. Protesters say they are making their voice heard and sharing their story with hopes it will make a difference.

“America is about diversity. America was based on people coming from other countries,” Barrowman said. “I’m an immigrant myself. I wanted to be an American citizen, and I am proud of it…we should not deny that to other people.”

The Palm Springs Police Department had a heavy presence after the rally, especially after a suspect was arrest for an alleged shooting threat. PSPD Chief Andy Mills spoke on peaceful protest safety, and told the crowd they would support their cause as it remained peaceful.

“There’s some people who want to oppress. We choose to empower,” Mills said to the crowd. “There are some trying to instill fear based use of police tactics. We choose to bring hope and compassion.”

While attendees and organizers say they don’t know if their message will be heard by everyone, it still gave them the chance for a unified front.

“I’m not sure they’re going to hear it, the ‘Trumpers’, MAGA people,” Teri Wattsen said. “Hopefully it energizes people to resist, get more and more people out.”

“The message is America is a melting pot,” Barrowman said. “Everybody deserves a chance. Freedom is for everybody. The Constitution is there to respect everybody too and we should respect the Constitution.

Even though the protest had over 5,000 people, they’re hoping for an even bigger future.

“Start to stand up and realize what’s going on in this country and get out of your holes and come out and protest with the rest of us” Suellen Chodash said.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more on the Palm Springs “No Kings” protest coverage and to hear from attendees.

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2 arrested at Pueblo ‘No Kings’ protest, according to Police

Michael Logerwell

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) – Pueblo Police say two people were arrested at the ‘No Kings’ protest in the Steel City, one of them arrested while in possession of a firearm.

In a video shared with KRDO13, several men in neon vests, reading ‘security’ on the back, are seen pinning a woman down on the ground before police officers come in to take her away.

A police spokesperson confirmed that video was taken at the ‘No Kings’ protest in Pueblo on Saturday. In the video, a member of the security team can be seen handing a firearm over to a police officer. Pueblo Police confirm the woman had a firearm in her possession at the time of her arrest.

The charges accompanying either arrest haven’t been made public as of Saturday night. It’s not clear if the arrests are connected in any way.

KRDO13 is working to learn more about the moments leading up to the arrests.

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The Colorado Springs Switchbacks defeat the Oakland Roots 1-0

Rob Namnoum

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks beat the Oakland Roots 1-0 on Saturday night.

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“No Kings” marches happen all over eastern Idaho

Chris Nestman

IDAHO (KIFI)-In alignment with national protests, Idahoans used their first amendment right to express their dissatisfaction with the Trump administration.

Today’s “No Kings” marches occurred in several cities across the region including Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Salmon, Jackson Wyoming, among others.

Some of the marches drew fairly large crowds with both Pocatello and Jackson reporting hundreds of attendees, and Idaho Falls seeing over 1,300.

On the other side of the state, “No Kings” rally’s in Boise drew large crowds with over 15 thousand people standing on and around the steps of the state capital.

Those at the rallies expressed a variety of viewpoints and reasons for protesting today. Overall, the main reason centered around the theme that America is a democracy where everyone should have an equal voice, and no one, including the president, is above the law.

There were some smaller counter protests in several cities, including a group in Ammon who expressed their support and appreciation for President Trump.

“He has basically been a person that has developed a system that will help save America,” said Donald Schanz.

In general, the protests were peaceful and a success by those who attended.

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‘No Kings’ protests break out nationwide, including in Mid-Missouri, as protesters call for change

Keriana Gamboa

(Columbia, Jefferson City MO)

Protests tied to the ‘No Kings’ Rally movement broke out across the country on Saturday, with demonstrators calling out the actions taken by President Donald Trump’s administration.

The rallies were also held in response to the Trump administration hosting an Army 250th anniversary parade in Washington, D.C., on the same day as President Donald Trump’s birthday.

The movement reached Mid-Missouri, with rallies held in Columbia and Jefferson City. In Boonville, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Cooper County Courthouse, while in Jefferson City and Columbia, roughly 1,000 demonstrators assembled at the steps of the Missouri State Capitol.

Protesters called for President Trump to be “dethroned,” comparing his actions to those of a monarch, rather than a democratically elected leader.

Political leaders also joined the demonstrations. Re. David Tyson Smith (D-Columbia) attended the protest in Columbia, while congressional candidate Jordan Herrera was present at the rally in Jefferson City.

“The people of Missouri are fed up, and that’s Republicans and Democrats. We’re going to push back against our democracy that’s being ripped from us right in front of our eyes,” Smith said.

“That’s what today is about. We’re talking about the violations of freedom of speech,  the violations of freedom to peaceably assemble, to express oneself, and to protest against a tyrannical government,” Herrera said.

Missouri is among at least three other states that activated the National Guard in response to recent protests against the Trump administration. However, Herrera said that the rallies in Jefferson City were not escalated by the Law enforcement there, and protesters remained peaceful throughout the day.

“There was absolutely no amplification from the government, from Governor Kehoe at all.  All we saw this week was an unnecessary amplification and posturing of forces, activation of the National Guard,” Herrera said.

‘We Stand United Missouri’ spokesperson Sue Rodgers said that they worked with the Jefferson City police and later thanked them for going to the event.

“Well, basically, they’re informed of what we’re doing. And so they’ve they come around just kind of take a look, see everything’s okay…So they know they know the group now they know how we act and they know what we work on,” said Rodgers.

ABC 17 News did not see any counter protests at any of the protests Saturday.

ABC 17 News also reached out to the National Guard to confirm whether they were present at any of the protests.

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Gov. Kehoe signs several bills into law following special session

Nia Hinson

COLUMBIA, MO. (KMIZ)

Gov. Mike Kehoe put pen to paper Saturday, signing several bills into law aimed at providing disaster relief, property tax relief, economic development and business retention.

The governor signed Senate Bills 1, 3, and 4, according to a Saturday afternoon press release. Senate Bill 1 provides $50 million in funding for the University of Missouri’s Research Reactor. It also provides money to the Department of Economic Development for the Missouri Housing Development Commission.

The bill will also now provide non-general revenue funding for the following projects across the state:

$55 million to the Department of Agriculture (MDA) for new stalling barns at the Missouri State Fair;

$13.25 million to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for State Parks capital improvements;

$20.6 million to the Department of Conservation (MDC) for conservation projects across the state;

$800,000 to DPS for Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Troop A headquarters improvements;

$12.7 million to the Office of Administration (OA) for a new Troop E crime lab;

$35 million to OA for national guard facilities;

$48.1 million to the Department of Mental Health (DMH) for the new Kansas City region 200-bed mental health hospital;

$2.1 million to OA for Supreme Court building improvements.

Senate Bill 3 aims to try and incentivize Kansas City sports teams to stay in the state. It includes the Show Me Sports Investment Act, which would give the state’s professional sports teams access to state funding for stadium projects.

However, certain requirements have to be met.

Senate Bill 4 speeds up the Missouri housing trust fund for emergency aid.

According to Saturday’s release, Kehoe believes the bills show Missouri is “committed to taking care of our own” and staying competitive.

“Without action, thousands of Missourians would have been left without much-needed support, and the state would risk losing jobs and economic development opportunities that are key drivers for growth—not just for Kansas City, but for our entire state,” Kehoe said.

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Thousands rally in ‘No Kings’ protests across the desert

Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — From Rancho Mirage to Cathedral City and Palm Springs, thousands of Coachella Valley residents have taken to the streets protesting President Donald Trump’s policies.

In Cathedral City, crowds gathered Saturday morning in an ‘ICE melts in the desert,’ rally against recent immigration enforcement the city saw.

Earlier this month, ICE and CBP officials carried out an operation in Cathedral City on Ramon Road. At least one person was detained.

Protesters told News Channel 3 they are frustrated with operations detaining those without criminal records.

In Rancho Mirage, over 3,000 people gathered along Highway 111 apart of the nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests.

Saturday night in Palm Springs, organizers estimated nearly 5,000 people showed up to Downtown Park for another ‘No Kings’ demonstration.

Stick with News Channel 3 through the evening as we track these developments.

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‘No Kings’ Protests Draw Thousands in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo

Andie Lopez Bornet

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Thousands of people across the Central Coast joined a nationwide wave of demonstrations Saturday as part of the “No Kings” protest movement—gathering in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo to speak out against what organizers call authoritarianism and erosion of democratic values under President Donald Trump.

“I knew there was going to be a great turnout, but this is amazing,” said Julio Roman, executive director of Pacific Pride Foundation, at the Santa Barbara rally. “To see this sea of people from miles up to miles left, it’s just incredible to see.”

The protests coincided with Flag Day, the Army’s 250th birthday, and President Trump’s 79th birthday. Demonstrators held signs, listened to speeches, and marched through city streets, calling for change and the protection of civil liberties.

“I’m here teaching my kids that democracy is not something that’s going to exist if we don’t stand up, if we don’t protest,” said Esther Kim Varet, who attended the Santa Barbara protest with her children. “Protesting is one of our fundamental rights as American citizens.”

The “No Kings” movement is a coordinated national day of action, with organizers pointing to what they see as the increasingly authoritarian nature of the Trump administration.

Thousands also gathered in Ventura, where participants filled sidewalks and streets.

“Extremely. I was trying to ignore Trump, but when he invaded L.A., that was the last straw,” said Rose Buckley, a protester from Ventura.

“Very sad to see this country taking this aim they’re doing now… it’s going into just fascism,” added fellow protester Kay Mendel.

Congressman Salud Carbajal made appearances in both Santa Barbara and Ventura, voicing his support for the demonstrators.

“Not loud enough—we’ve got to make sure Washington can hear it. Good morning, Ventura!” Carbajal told the crowd.

“No kings, no fascists, no dictators, and certainly no… clowns,” he added.

“I mean, I’m going to start to cry… it’s the most absurd situation I’ve ever seen in democracy in my lifetime,” said Evelyn Emi of Venice Beach.

“My hope is people will see the light and we can flip the Senate and the House in 2026,” said Sally Reeder from Oxnard.

Ventura police reported that the protest was peaceful with no disturbances.

In San Luis Obispo, more than 4,000 people rallied at the courthouse. The city blocked off several streets to ensure crowd safety, as many visitors were already in town for Cal Poly’s graduation. Others traveled from as far as Tennessee to participate.

The gathering featured musical performances, speeches, and a march through downtown.

“We’re here protesting the erosion of democracy here in the United States. I think we’re just a small part of a movement trying to take back our democracy,” said Cameron Jones, a Cal Poly faculty member and protester.

A sizeable crowd also gathered for a “No Kings” protest in the Santa Ynez Valley, lining both sides of Highway 246 in front of the Veterans Memorial Hall and Old Mission Santa Inés. The demonstration took place alongside the Santa Ynez Pride Festival and parade.

Back in Santa Barbara, emotions ran high throughout the hours-long event.

“Very heartened and positive and glad to see everyone out here. You know, it’s just a beautiful thing seeing everyone come together,” said Lloyd Patterson.

“Less families being separated, less needless bloodshed, less tyrannical reign over people that just want to live their lives in peace,” he added.

“I literally started tearing up because just seeing the numbers out here really made me realize that we are stronger together, that we are not few, that we are many, and we are a force to be reckoned with—and we will not stay silent,” said Kim Varet.

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Idaho Falls rings in Juneteenth with music festival

Abi Martin

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Juneteenth celebrations kicked off in Idaho Falls today with a music festival at Heritage Park. 

The goal of the Juneteenth Community Heritage Music Festival is to celebrate freedom for all through the universal language of music, education, and human connection.

“Art comes out of struggle [and] tends to be inspired by struggle,” said Mosy, owner of the heart event center and emcee for today’s event. “People see themselves in this art and celebrating other people’s art helps connect to that struggle and the joys that we’ve all been through.”

Juneteenth was first recognized as a national holiday in 2021. It is celebrated every year on June 19th.

The holiday marks the day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Texas were finally told they were free, more than two years after the emancipation proclamation.

Despite the holiday’s origins in African American culture, Mosy said today’s event was focused on unity and freedom for all.  

“When the community forgets about freedom and forgets about unity we can have in that freedom, we begin to be more divisive,” Mosy said. “Talking about the unity and freedom we have and celebrating that brings people together.”

Today’s event was only an appetizer to another Juneteenth event happening in Idaho Falls next Thursday. 

The event will be held on Thursday, June 19, from 7-9 p.m. at the Colonial Theater in downtown Idaho Falls. The free program at the Colonial Theater will include a readers theater presentation on the holiday’s history and musical performances.

Idaho Falls isn’t the only place Juneteenth will be celebrated in Eastern Idaho.

The Pocatello NAACP will be having an event at the Pocatello Senior Activity Center on June 21st. 

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Locals in Yuma celebrate U.S. Army’s 250th birthday

Manoah Tuiasosopo

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Honoring the long standing history and traditions the United States Army, the Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) and the Colorado River State Historic Park collaborated Saturday to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday bash.

The event featured interactive booths and static displays of vintage military vehicles, artillery, and equipment.

Local children and their families were able to learn about the Army’s and YPG’s historic ties to Yuma.

Sergeant First Class Cody Shew with the Airborne Test Force at YPG spent his day speaking with locals and shares what this 250th anniversary means to him.

“250 years of freedom. The Army has been at the forefront making sure that we’ve defended democracy, our own, you know, starting 250 years ago, all the way up until now, 250 and counting, that’s correct,” SFC Shew shared.

The event began with a cutting of the birthday cake along with a swear-in ceremony of local U.S. Army recruits.

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