Republicans livid over Cuba talks, call it appeasement  —  Republican reacted with outrage Wednesday over the Obama administration's move to normalize relations with Cuba, with some lawmakers casting it as appeasement and the product of extortion by the communist Castro government.

AP sources: US, Cuba seek to normalize relations  —  1 photo  —  WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States and Cuba will start talks on normalizing full diplomatic relations, marking the most significant shift in U.S. policy toward the communist island in decades, American officials said Wednesday.

Cuba releases American Alan Gross, paves way for historic easing of American sanctions  —  Washington (CNN) — U.S. contractor Alan Gross, held by the Cuban government since 2009, was freed Wednesday as part of a landmark deal with Cuba that paves the way for a major overhaul in U.S. policy toward the island …

Jeb Bush: No talks with ‘repressive regime’  —  Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) on Wednesday voiced his opposition to President Obama's move to begin normalizing relations with Cuba.  —  “I don't think we should be negotiating with a repressive regime to make changes in our relationship …

Alan Gross: How His Release Went Down … Early this morning, Alan Gross lifted off on an official U.S. transport plane and landed just a few hours later on American soil for the first time since being imprisoned in Cuba five years ago.  —  The agreement was reached following more than a year …

Marco Rubio Challenges The Pope On Obama's New Cuba Policy  —  Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (R) torched President Barack Obama's new policy aimed at normalizing U.S. diplomatic relations with Cuba on Wednesday, and addressed Pope Francis' support for the president's move.

Obamas on Race: We've Been Treated Like the Help … President and Michelle Obama personally identify with everyday experiences of racial bias in America that have underpinned recent protests across the country, they told People magazine in an interview to be released Friday.

Obama Goes Cowboy on Cuba  —  Opening up relations with the Communist government is the latest signal that this president will push his authority to its fullest, believing history will vindicate him.  —  With respect to Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush, the true cowboy diplomat may be the White House's current occupant.