I'd like to change the number of news items that show up in the 'hot' list.
 
How is this done?

Hi Daniel,
 
You can set the following parameters for block 'News (Hot)' :
- number of articles per page;
- number of columns of news.
To do it go to CMS, select appropriate page which view you want to change (e.g. News pages: Listing Page) and just select block 'News (Hot)' and set the settings in the right side of the top list with available blocks.
 
WBR,
ViArt Support Team