Wildfires Rage On

Wildfires in Los Angeles have killed 16, left 16 missing, and destroyed nearly 40,000 acres, with firefighters partially containing the Eaton and Palisades fires as strong winds threaten progress. President-elect Donald Trump was convicted in the New York hush-money case, receiving an unconditional discharge that upholds the verdict but imposes no punishment. Ukrainian President Zelensky offered to trade two captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian POWs held by Russia, with support from South Korean intelligence. President Biden and Israeli PM Netanyahu discussed Gaza hostage and ceasefire agreements, with a potential deal expected before Biden’s term ends. Italy released Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini, charged by the U.S. with conspiring to export sensitive drone technology to Iran, following his December arrest in Milan. 16 dead, 16 missing in LA wildfires (New York Times) Trump sentenced in NY hush-money case (AP) Zelensky proposes exchange of N. Korean soldiers (BBC) Biden and Netanyahu in talks about Gaza ceasefire, hostage deals (Axios) Italy releases Iranian man wanted for drone attack that killed 3 US soldiers (NPR)