Woman Admits To Starting Massive Fire | Turtle Police Chase | Murder Suspect Let Out 1 Day Earlier: Patch PM

Catch up on Northern California's top stories for Wednesday, Aug. 12:

Powerball Raises Jackpot To $1B: What To Know In CA

Officials raised the jackpot for Wednesday night’s drawing after stronger-than-expected ticket sales pushed the prize up from $975 million.

Woman Faces 'Lifelong Recovery' After Being Hit By Child Driver, Family Says

Kiara Bowling was crossing the street with her dog in Oakland when she was struck by a six-year-old driver, according to authorities.

This $1.99 Burger Chain Is Coming To Hayward

The burger joint confirmed online that it would be opening a new location in Hayward.

Murder Charge Filed Against Man Suspected In Stabbing After Being Released For Burglary

A man accused of targeting Orinda homes now faces a special-circumstance murder charge in Martinez.

Rough Suspect Making Slow Getaway Caught By Police In Lamorinda

Officers tracked down an adventurous suspect after the runaway wandered onto Camino Pablo alone.

13-Year-Old Arrested After School Threat Lockdown

Police say officers identified the juvenile after community tips helped investigators track him to Santa Rosa.

Woman Admits To Starting Fred Mountain Fire Near California-Nevada Border, Officials Say

Christine Mitchell said she intentionally started multiple fires near the 1300 block of Freds Mountain Road in Nevada.

Timber Fire Grows To Nearly 3800 Acres, Nonprofit Starts Fundraiser

The fire remained stubbornly 5% contained at that time by midday Wednesday.

$33M Awarded To Twin Daughters Of Couple Killed By Street Racer

An SMC jury awarded $33 million to twin girls whose parents were killed after being struck by a street racing teen driver in 2022.