JQJO — Your world, one story at a time · Page 1073

United States. National and state-level reports show gasoline prices fell across multiple regions this week as AAA and GasBuddy data recorded multi-week declines. Florida, Utah, Michigan, Montana and Wyoming reported lower averages, with local variations in metro areas and counties. EIA data noted rising gasoline supply and mixed production figures while WTI crude edged modestly. Analysts said national averages hit multi-year lows compared with 2021 levels. The changes influenced holiday travel costs and local pump prices between roughly $2.09 and $3.19 per gallon. Retailers and commuters saw variable effects this holiday period. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Austin, Texas — U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett announced a Senate campaign in December and quickly led a Texas Southern University poll showing 51% support among likely Democratic primary voters, with a ±2.45% margin of error. In Florida, a Wichita State University analysis for the Florida League of Cities modeled proposals to reduce homestead property taxes and found potential municipal revenue declines of roughly 38% ad valorem and 14% general fund under full elimination, risking cuts to police, fire and public works. The study noted disparities. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

United States weather services reported a widespread cold start Monday, with wind chills in the teens and 20s across multiple regions. Local forecasts described freezing lows and hard freezes overnight, especially inland and snowbelt areas, while coastal zones saw wind advisories and gusts. Temperatures rebounded midweek into the 50s–70s regionally as southerly flow returned. A strong cold front is expected Thursday, bringing rain, gusty winds, and isolated storms, and posing localized freezing drizzle risks overnight into Friday in some areas. Officials advised precautions for freezing temperatures, high winds, and travel impacts. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting additional research.

Providence, Rhode Island — Authorities released the man detained as a person of interest in the Brown University mass shooting Sunday night after investigators concluded there was no basis to keep him in custody. Officials said they initially detained a man in his 20s following tips and evidence collection earlier that day, then revised their assessment during a late-night news conference. Attorney General Peter Neronha, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley and police pledged to continue the investigation, seek surveillance video and canvass leads. The FBI and local agencies conducted interviews in Wisconsin continuing investigations. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

WASHINGTON. The Justice Department must publicize its Jeffrey Epstein records by the Dec. 19 deadline set under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, signed into law on Nov. 19, requiring a searchable, downloadable release of investigative files. House Oversight Committee Democrats published multiple batches of images from Epstein’s estate, totaling thousands and forming part of a larger cache of more than 95,000 photos subpoenaed from the estate. Ghislaine Maxwell filed a habeas petition seeking to overturn her conviction. Lawmakers, including Rep. Thomas Massie, pressed the DOJ this week to meet the statutory deadline. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Los Angeles police discovered the bodies of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife at their Brentwood home on Sunday, opening a homicide probe. Patrol officers who responded to a medical call found a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman, Los Angeles Fire Department and LAPD officials said. Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton said detectives from the robbery-homicide unit are conducting the probe and awaited a search warrant to examine the residence. Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom released statements confirming the couple’s deaths. Authorities have not released additional details or causes of death. Based on 6 articles reviewed and research.

Hong Kong: A High Court on December 15 convicted media tycoon Jimmy Lai of colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious material under the national security framework, leaving him facing possible life imprisonment. International human-rights groups condemned the verdict as politically motivated, while family members and U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, urged Chinese leader Xi Jinping to consider clemency on humanitarian grounds. Lai, 78, continues to serve an unrelated fraud term and has reported deteriorating health after prolonged detention. Legal and diplomatic responses are ongoing as advocates call for his release. Based on 11 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Washington — A JetBlue flight from Curaçao halted its climb Friday to avoid colliding with a U.S. Air Force refuelling tanker, the pilot said in recorded air traffic communications. The pilot reported the tanker crossed directly in the aircraft's flight path at the same altitude and was within two to five miles, and complained the military plane lacked an active transponder. U.S. Southern Command acknowledged reviewing the reports while JetBlue said it notified authorities and prioritizes safety. The incident occurred amid increased U.S. military operations near Venezuela. No injuries were reported on board. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.