The wildfire burning in Malibu near Los Angeles has scorched over 4,000 acres since Monday, but firefighters began to make progress on Thursday. Officials say the Franklin Fire is about 20% contained and authorities said some evacuation orders will be lifted soon. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details. Source

The New York City Police Department provided new details on what it believes was the motive in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News crime and public safety unit senior coordinating producer Anna Schecter breaks it down. Source

President-elect Donald Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday to celebrate being recognized as Time’s Person of the Year once again. In an interview with the magazine, Trump reiterated his plan to carry out mass deportations when he takes office. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more. Source

Republicans have repeatedly alleged the Biden administration lost track of hundreds of thousands of unaccompanied minors. But experts say they’re distorting the facts. Source

In one of the final major acts of his administration, President Biden commuted nearly 1,500 people’s sentences and pardoned another 39. The White House said it is the largest single-day act of clemency in history. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has more. Source

Less than a week after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government, Travis Timmerman of Missouri was found walking barefoot near Damascus on Thursday after being reported missing earlier this year. Meanwhile, the search for American journalist Austin Tice continues. CBS News’ Elizabeth Palmer and Charlie D’Agata report. Source

The FBI is leading an investigation into sightings of mysterious drones flying over New Jersey in recent weeks. Officials say there is no known threat to public safety, but there is still no explanation for their appearance. Tina Kelley, senior reporter for NJ.com and The Star-Ledger, joins “America Decides” to discuss what is known so far about the drones. Source

On Thursday, President Biden announced the largest number of commutations and clemencies ever granted in a single day. In addition to pardoning 39 people convicted of nonviolent crimes, the president is commuting the sentences of nearly 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed in home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes reports. Source

Democrats are beginning to reshape their game plan after November’s election losses. Democratic National Committee leadership met Thursday and drew up guidelines that will help elect a new party chair on Feb. 1. CBS News political reporter Hunter Woodall joins “America Decides” to discuss. Source

Many candidates lining up to be the next Democratic National Committee chair agree that the road back to power runs through the working class. Political strategists Hyma Moore and Maura Gillespie join “America Decides” with analysis. Source