memeorandum: Rock stars amp up in digital music copyright war (Alex Byers/Politico)

Jeb Bush eases out of some businesses, such as firm helped by Obamacare — When Jeb Bush completed two terms as governor of Florida in 2007, he reported his net worth at $1.3 million, about $700,000 less than when he took office. — Today, nearly eight years later, he is a wealthier 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.

Discussion: Associated Press

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

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

Politico:

Race and the race — The GOP's 2016 slate may be its most diverse ever, but don't expect the candidates to talk much about it. — Bobby Jindal is Indian-American, but you'll never hear him describe himself that way. Marco Rubio insists he's an “American of Hispanic descent.”

Rachael Bade / Politico:

GOP learns lessons from Sam Brownback's tax scare — Republicans once idolized the tax-cutting superstar; now they look askance at him. — Ohio Gov. John Kasich will roll out “responsible” tax plans that protect against revenue gaps. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and Arizona's …

Alex Byers / Politico:

Rock stars amp up in digital music copyright war — Platforms like Spotify, Pandora have raised the stakes in debate as Congress moves toward a comprehensive look at reform. — There are a lot of policy meetings on Capitol Hill — and they pretty much never end in song.

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

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

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

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

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