China lodges complaint with US over Trump's Taiwan phone call  —  Conversation with Tsai Ing-wen thought to be first between US and Taiwanese leaders since ties cut in 1979 at China's behest  —  China has lodged “solemn representations” with the US over a call between the president-elect …

Oakland: At least nine dead after massive fire at live-work space party … OAKLAND — In what may be the deadliest structure fire in Oakland's history, at least nine people died in a blaze that broke out late Friday at an electronic music party at a Fruitvale district live-work space, officials said.

A political temper tantrum at the FCC  —  The United States just went through a brutal election season.  Politics is a nasty game.  But now that the election is over, we must — in the immortal words of Abraham Lincoln — come together and embrace the better angels of our nature.

He got life without parole for pot.  And he was just denied clemency.  —  This post has been updated to include quotes from The Watch's interview with Ferrell Scott.  —  Ferrell Scott was sentenced to life in prison for possession and conspiracy to distribute marijuana …

Rep. McCaul: Yes, we will build a wall, put Mexico on a “payment plan” and enforce the law  —  FILE: Undated: Unidentified people in Mexico crossing the Rio Grande to enter the United States illegally, in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.  (AP)  —  Donald Trump campaigned on a big promise …

Will Ivanka Trump Be the Most Powerful First Daughter in History?  —  Ivanka Trump is about to become the most influential first daughter since Alice Roosevelt Longworth.  But can she do so without damaging her own brand?  —  When Nancy Pelosi, the minority leader of the House of Representatives …

Trump education pick once touted school reform to 'advance God's Kingdom'  —  's pick for secretary of Education in 2001 described her work in promoting school choice as trying to “advance God's Kingdom,” according to audio discovered by Politico.  —  During a 2001 meeting of “The Gathering …

Trump's Carrier deal could permanently damage American capitalism  —  There are many aspects of the economic policy of the new administration that I find misguided.  But I am most troubled by what President-elect Donald Trump did with Carrier to hold on to an extra 700 jobs in Indiana.

The General Who Should Lead the Pentagon  —  Nominating a retired general to be secretary of defense is an unusual move in American politics.  Since just after World War II, when the Department of Defense was created, only one general has held the post.  That was George C. Marshall …

Iowa Governor Branstad Is Frontrunner for U.S.-China Ambassador  —  People say meetings likely with Trump's transition team  —  Branstad, China's Xi have friendship dating back to 1985  —  Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, a longtime friend of Chinese President Xi Jinping …

Pakistan Has a Drinking Problem  —  KARACHI, Pakistan — Pakistan was recently mesmerized by a bottle of Scotch whisky.  On Oct. 30, as hundreds of supporters of the opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (P.T.I.) were making their way to the capital Islamabad, with the declared intent …

Secret Service faces massive bill for protecting Trump  —  Protecting Donald Trump and his family will involve unprecedented costs for taxpayers.  But federal and New York City officials are dismissing speculation about sky-scraping expenses.  —  The Secret Service renting a floor …

Hawaii's forecast: Icy and dangerous conditions.  No, really.  —  The forecast in Hawaii is calling for an entire foot of snow.  Patrick Jones (@Patrick_E_Jones) has some details on snow in The Aloha State.  Buzz60  —  Forget the swimsuits for Hawaii and pack raincoats and winter parkas.

J. Cole Comes for Kanye West: Is the Hip-Hop World Turning on Pro-Trump Yeezy?  —  The diss track is having a renaissance.  Earlier this week, reformed actor Shia LaBeouf debuted the ultimate lo-fi diss track: a modest recording emailed to radio presenter Charlemagne Tha God.

Hollywood, Havana and Me  —  Deep breath.  Exhale.  Out with the bad...  I was an American abroad, working overseas on this recent election night 2016.  By midnight Dublin-time, having watched tidbits of news coverage, I was able to put myself to sleep, confidently, arrogantly …

Bergdahl asks Obama for pardon  —  Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who was held captive for five years and freed in an exchange for five Taliban prisoners, has asked President Obama to pardon him before leaving the White House.  —  A source told Fox News that Bergdahl wrote a letter to Obama thanking …