How California inmates support LA firefighters

Hello. Three wildfires are still burning in the Los Angeles area, with firefighters getting help from neighbouring countries - and California inmates, as Brandon Drenon reports. From Jerusalem, Lucy Williamson explains what has changed to make a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas more likely. And finally, we wish happy new year to the Scottish islanders who never fully adopted the Gregorian calendar.

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Prison inmates fight wildfires and stigma

In the field, inmates firefighters can be seen in prison-orange jumpsuits embedded alongside Cal Fire members. Credit: Getty Images

As the Los Angeles fire service continues to battle wildfires, additional support has come from nearly 1,000 incarcerated men and women who are part of a long-running volunteer programme. The programme has proven divisive, as some consider it exploitative while others see it as rehabilitative. The inmates earn between $5.80 and $10.24 (£4.75 and £8.38) per day, with an extra $1 per day during emergencies. Reality TV star Kim Kardashian, who is also a criminal justice advocate, has amplified criticism of the programme through her Instagram account, calling on California Governor Gavin Newsom to raise their pay. Firefighters have also flown in from Mexico and Canada to help tackle the wildfires.

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YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Is a Gaza deal more likely than ever?

Palestinians in Gaza, most of whom have been displaced, are desperate for an end to the devastating war. Credit: Reuters

The terms of a deal between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages are being finalised, a Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations has told the BBC. The deal's outline has been on the table since May - but recent developments have made an agreement more likely.

What was the impact of Donald Trump winning the US presidential election?

Trump has threatened that "all hell" would break loose if the hostages were not released before he took office on 20 January. Hamas may well read that as a sign that even the flimsy brakes the Biden administration used to try and rein in the Israeli government would be lifted. Israel too is feeling the pressure from the incoming president, who is hoping to secure a wider regional deal to support his desired image as a president who ends wars.

How much support does Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu still enjoy?

Key figures are widely reported to have challenged the prime minister repeatedly on the dwindling military goals in continuing the war, after the killing of the top Hamas leadership, and the decimation of Gaza. Last week, 10 Israeli soldiers were killed in Gaza, shining a fresh spotlight on the costs of the war to Israel.

What about the wider regional context?

The weakening and erosion of Hamas allies in Iran's "Axis of Resistance", from Hezbollah in Lebanon to Bashar al-Assad in Syria, along with killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, contribute to the shift in expectations that created the best chance in months to bring an end to the war.

And finally... on a remote Scottish island

The 36 residents of Foula, a remote Shetland island far off Scotland's north coast, are welcoming in 2025 today. Read all about how a dispute stretching back 400 years meant the island retained some of the traditions of the Julian calendar.