Jason Miller backs out of Trump White House job  —  Jason Miller, who was tapped only two days ago to be White House communications director, announced Saturday that he will not join Donald Trump's administration.  —  In a statement to POLITICO, Miller said the decision to back out of the job stemmed …

Cruz: No money for UN until Israel decision reversed  —  (R-Texas) vowed Saturday to not allow the U.S. to give money to the United Nations until it reversed its Friday decision forcing an end to Israeli settlements.  —  Cruz tweeted that he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding, “No US $ for UN until reversed.”

Reading Fake News, Pakistani Minister Directs Nuclear Threat at Israel  —  A fake news article led to gunfire at a Washington pizzeria three weeks ago.  Now it seems that another fake news story has prompted the defense minister of Pakistan to threaten to go nuclear.

Denying Conflict, Trump Family Tries to Resolve Potential Problems  —  WASHINGTON — Realizing that his presidency could face potentially crippling questions over conflicts of interest, Donald J. Trump and his family are rushing to resolve potential controversies — like shuttering foundations …

Stein pushes Justice Dept. for investigation of electoral system  —  Jill Stein is continuing her push to investigate the integrity of the U.S. electoral system, with lawyers for the former Green Party presidential candidate asking Attorney General Loretta Lynch to probe the issue.

Obama's last Christmas a season of disappointment  —  Sunday marks President Obama's last Christmas while in office.  Though he'll spend it in Hawaii rather than at the White House, it must be a bittersweet Yuletide.  —  Obama's handiwork is being returned to the store like unwanted Christmas presents.

In American Towns, Private Profits From Public Works  —  Desperate towns have turned to private equity firms to manage their waterworks.  The deals bring much-needed upgrades, but can carry hefty price tags.  —  BAYONNE, N.J. — Nicole Adamczyk's drinking water used to slosh through a snarl …

Is Trump Becoming a Conservative? [with comment by Paul]  —  Conservatives have been pretty universally delighted by President-elect Donald Trump's appointments so far.  With Jeff Sessions, Rick Perry, Gen. James Mattis, Mick Mulvaney, Betsy DeVos, Ryan Zinke, Tom Price and others slated …

Mr. Trump Flirts With an Arms Race  —  One day after sending shock waves around the globe with an alarming tweet about how the United States must “greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability,” President-elect Donald Trump elaborated, and managed only to deepen the world's fears.