JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1070

Bakersfield, Calif. A Kern County jury found Maya Hernandez guilty on two counts of child endangerment and deadlocked on second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter after testimony in a trial over the June 29 hot-car death of her 1-year-old son, Amillio. Prosecutors presented evidence about 101°F outdoor temperatures, an estimated 116°F vehicle interior, Hernandez checking her Apple Watch repeatedly, and offers from spa staff to bring the children inside; defense emphasized lack of implied malice. The jury declared mistrial on murder and manslaughter counts; sentencing and potential retrial remain subject to court scheduling. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Denver and regional forecasters warn of strong winds and elevated fire danger Wednesday as a fast-moving Pacific storm sweeps the northern Rockies. National Weather Service offices have issued High Wind Warnings, Red Flag Warnings, and Blizzard Watches for portions of Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and Minnesota. Meteorologists predict gusts ranging from 40 to 90 mph, low humidity in the Front Range, and rain-to-snow transitions that may cause whiteouts and hazardous travel. Utilities warned of possible power outages and shutoffs. Authorities advised avoiding outdoor burning and delaying travel during peak wind periods. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Albany, A Siena College poll this week shows Gov. Kathy Hochul leading GOP contenders by double digits, while Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik suspended her gubernatorial campaign Friday and announced she will not seek reelection to Congress, clearing a path for Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. The poll showed Hochul ahead of Stefanik by 19 points and ahead of Blakeman by 25 points, with roughly one in five voters undecided. State Republican Chairman Ed Cox endorsed Blakeman after Stefanik's exit. Parties and voters now reposition ahead of primaries scheduled six months from now. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington, President Donald Trump said Monday he asked Chinese President Xi Jinping to consider releasing Hong Kong pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai after Lai's conviction under the city's national security law. Trump told reporters he felt "so badly" for the 78-year-old, citing Lai's poor health, but did not commit to further action. US lawmakers and the State Department criticized the conviction, while rights groups called it politically motivated. Lai, jailed since December 2020, faces a possible life term and sentencing early next year. International observers and diplomats continue to monitor developments closely. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States, Powerball drawings produced no jackpot winner on Monday, Dec. 15, leaving the numbers 23, 35, 59, 63, 68 and Powerball 2 with a Power Play of 4. The annuitized jackpot was estimated at roughly $1.1 billion for that drawing and rose to an estimated $1.25 billion for the Dec. 17 drawing, with a one-time cash option near $572.1 million. Jackpot growth accelerated after several rollovers nationwide. State lottery officials confirmed multiple nonjackpot winners and recent large prizes in Arizona, Colorado, Maryland, Georgia and Kentucky. Drawings occur Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States — Fire departments across multiple states responded to separate residential and commercial fires this week, leaving several people injured, displacing families, and destroying at least one home. On Monday, Syracuse and Manassas crews fought house fires that sent occupants to hospitals and forced evacuations. Overnight incidents in DeKalb County and Sioux Falls rendered homes uninhabitable or total losses, while a Brooklyn bakery blaze early Tuesday injured four and prompted multiple alarms. Investigators from local fire marshals continue probing causes, and relief agencies assisted displaced residents. No confirmed fatalities have been reported. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Denver — Xcel Energy warned it may implement targeted public safety power shutoffs Wednesday across Front Range counties as National Weather Service forecasts high winds, low humidity and elevated fire danger; utilities cited safety and said restoration could take hours or days. Colorado school districts and universities announced closures or modified schedules affecting thousands of students. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Xcel's Southwestern Public Service Company over the 2024 Smokehouse Creek Fire that killed three and caused over $1 billion damage, alleging negligence; Xcel acknowledged its equipment may have been involved. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.