- The death toll continues to rise from a devastating fire in Oakland, CA, over the weekend; the coroner announced 36 victims have been recovered from the building [1], with the number likely to climb. The blaze erupted inside a warehouse nicknamed the Ghost Ship, which was home to a community of artists hosting a dance party Friday night. The building had previously been investigated as a fire hazard as it was ornately decorated with wood; a second floor had been constructed out of wood pallets. One partygoer who was present at the party but escaped described the interior [2] as a "tinderbox." A criminal investigation has been opened, but the cause is still unknown.
- In entertainment news, Moana's box office reign remained strong over the weekend. Disney's newest princess film raked in $28.4 million [3], making its two-week total profits around $183.5 million. Moana's two-week top spot is due, in part, to having little competition since more movies are being released later in December.
- Once opponents, now partners. Donald Trump [4]'s team announced another cabinet member on Monday: former GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson was nominated as secretary of housing and urban development [5]. Last month, Carson's business manager, Armstrong Williams, said that he would not accept a cabinet position [6] because he was not prepared to. Carson has apparently changed his mind.
- Boycott Uber? The ride service company updated its app, and customers are not happy with a feature that allows Uber to track their location for five minutes after a completed ride [7]. There's no option to opt out; if you want to continue to use the app, you have to accept the new terms.
- Another vote in Europe shocks the world. A referendum that would have streamlined Italy's antiquated senate and house system, proposed by current Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, was decidedly struck down by the people [8] on Sunday. Since he was a proponent of the referendum, Renzi announced he would resign following the rejection.
- It's almost award season, and Jimmy Kimmel is ready. The late-night comedian will host the Oscars next year, [9] the Academy announced Monday morning. This will be the first time Kimmel will host the awards, which are scheduled to air on Feb. 26.