In this high-energy edition of the Roggin Report, host Fred Roggin navigates the sharp divide currently splitting both the nation and the Coachella Valley. The broadcast opens with a heavy discussion on political polarization, specifically touching on local tensions regarding ICE operations in Indio and the controversial shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Chief Andy Mills shared his perspective on the decades-long "political paralysis" that prevents federal fixes to policing and immigration, noting that citizens and officers alike pay the price for this inaction.
The dialogue turns fiery when contributors Brian Harnik, a former prosecutor, and Paul Scott, a filmmaker, debate the Pretti shooting. Scott labels the incident a "murder" and a symptom of systemic failure, while Harnik urges for "lowering the emotional volume," insisting that legal conclusions shouldn't be drawn from video clips before a proper investigation is complete. Despite the heat, the segment underscores a desperate need for political leadership to bridge the gap between those who see a "human rights nightmare" and those who see the "rule of law."
Shifting gears to more local matters, the report highlights a recent Palm Springs parking study. It turns out the city’s downtown garages are vastly underused because drivers are either confused by the signage or obsessed with finding street-side spots. The City Council is considering "fixes" like better signs and adjusted time limits, though the Mayor has promised that paid meters are not on the table.
In a lighter turn, Roggin shares his personal "secret sauce" for winding down: crochet and bourbon. He explores the burgeoning trend of turning hobbies into "side hustles," noting that today’s hobbyists are sitting on potential gold mines of pre-packaged skills. The show also features a "Desert in a Minute" segment on the "Palm Springs Spider"—a 28-foot tall sculpture made from a VW Bug—and concludes with community shout-outs ranging from watch battery repairs to complaints about veteran ticketing at the Date Festival. Whether it's high-stakes politics or local landmarks, Roggin emphasizes that ruffling feathers is the only way to keep the conversation moving.
By: NBC Palm Springs
January 28, 2026
