Money men cheer Bush news  —  Republican rivals will struggle to raise big cash.  —  In one swift move, Jeb Bush showed his fundraising prowess without raising a dollar.  —  A number of top tier donors reacted to the Republican's announcement on Facebook that he would “actively explore the possibility” …

Obama offers help to Australia post-hostage crisis  —  WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is offering U.S. assistance to Australia after the Sydney hostage crisis.  —  The president called Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott Monday night and offered condolences after a gunman took 17 people hostage inside a cafe.

Obama: As a black man he's been mistaken for valet  —  WASHINGTON (AP) — He may be president now, but Barack Obama says he's a black man who has been mistaken for the valet.  —  Obama tells People magazine that every black professional male his age has had someone hand over their keys while waiting outside a restaurant.

Cuba releases American Alan Gross in prisoner swap  —  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, senior administration officials tell CNN.

No author, no law  —  Something very odd has occurred in connection with the atrociously named “cromnibus” bill passed by Congress this weekend — a bill that the president, if only he might repent of the position he has taken to now, still both can and ought to veto.