memeorandum: Passenger tossed after flipping out over staff's ‘Merry Christmas’ (New York Post)

Jeb Bush, eyeing presidency, quits firm that's profited from Obamacare — When Jeb Bush completed two terms as governor of Florida in 2007, he reported his net worth was $1.3 million, about $700,000 less than when he took office. — Today, nearly eight years later, he is a wealthy man.

Discussion: Political Wire

Michael Grunwald / Politico:

Jeb Bush leaving health-care company — Jeb Bush is stepping down from the board of a health care company that has reportedly profited from Obamacare, a move that comes as the Republican explores a run for the presidency. — The former Florida governor's resignation from the board …

Bill Barrow / Associated Press:

Can GOP shatter ‘Obama coalition’ in 2016? — ATLANTA (AP) — Republicans crowed in 2004 that freshly re-elected President George W. Bush had established a “permanent governing majority” for the GOP. Eight years later, Democrats were touting the enduring power of the “Obama coalition” to keep their party in the White House.

Associated Press:

Man shot with stun gun dies at border crossing — SAN DIEGO (AP) — San Diego police say a 40-year-old man died after a border inspector shot him with a stun gun at the nation's busiest crossing. — Police said Thursday that the man jumped over a counter and attacked an inspector …

Discussion: Slantpoint

Associated Press:

Spokesman: George H.W. Bush remains in hospital — HOUSTON (AP) — Former President George H.W. Bush remains in a Houston hospital on Christmas Day after experiencing shortness of breath two days ago. — Family spokesman Jim McGrath said Thursday that the 90-year-old Bush remained at Houston Methodist Hospital.

Associated Press: Lawmakers promise to help strapped oil-patch towns

Associated Press: California officials issue caramel apple warning

New York Post:

Passenger tossed after flipping out over staff's ‘Merry Christmas’ — Bah, humbug! — A passenger was tossed off a plane at La Guardia Airport on Tuesday after flipping out — because airline workers wished him a merry Christmas. — The man was waiting to board American Airlines Flight 1140 …

Discussion: Mediaite, John Hawkins' Right Wing News, Gawker, TPNN, Slantpoint, Vox Popoli, Liberty Unyielding, Scared Monkeys, Mashable and Gothamist

Josh Lederman / Associated Press:

On Christmas, Obama marks end of Afghan combat — KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (AP) — President Barack Obama marked the end of more than a decade of combat in Afghanistan by paying tribute to America's military, telling troops on Christmas Day that their sacrifices have allowed for a more peaceful …

Discussion: Agence France-Presse

New York Post:

JetBlue offering police free flights to slain NYPD cops' funerals — Police officers watch over a makeshift memorial in remembrance of the two NYPD cops who were slain over the weekend. — JetBlue airlines said Wednesday it will be offering free flights to police officers from around …

Discussion: Gothamist, The Gateway Pundit, TheBlaze.com and TPNN

New York Post:
FDNY abandons firehouse next to police station targeted in gang threat

Discussion: New York's PIX11 and The Gateway Pundit

David Lerman / Bloomberg:

U.S. Spy Agency Reports Improper Surveillance of Americans — The National Security Agency today released reports on intelligence collection that may have violated the law or U.S. policy over more than a decade, including unauthorized surveillance of Americans' overseas communications.

Discussion: Wall Street Journal, The Verge, TPNN, Mashable and Balloon Juice

Anne Gearan / Washington Post:

Hillary Clinton looks to shore up support on the left — Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Democratic front-runner for president, is working hard to shore up support among liberals in hopes of tamping down a serious challenge from the left in the battle for the 2016 nomination.

Discussion: NewsMax.com

Reno Gazette-Journal:

Goats will help you recycle your Christmas tree — It's that time when decked-out Christmas trees covered in lights, glass ornaments and tinsel are at many homes. But what happens when it's all over? — Most trees are tossed away outside or in landfills, creating potential fire hazards …

Discussion: Mashable

Meghan Keneally / ABC News:

Look at the Obamas' Throwback Christmas Snap … The first family woke up to a partly cloudy Christmas morning in Hawaii and celebrated by opening presents and singing carols, a White House spokesman said today. — First Lady Michelle Obama was apparently in the sharing spirit …

Discussion: 7online.com

Gabrielle Bluestone / Gawker:

Alleged Hacker Threatens Albuquerque Residents: “i love you isis” — Employees at the Albuquerque Journal are still trying to figure out how ISIS propaganda threatening local residents got posted on the paper's website Thursday. — The paper's top online story, a piece on a 1971 police shooting …

Discussion: Mediaite and Slantpoint, more at Mediagazer »