Jeb Bush fundraising apparatus ready for takeoff  —  Jeb Bush's fundraising operation is about to get serious.  —  Allies of the former Florida governor are planning to roll out both a leadership PAC and a super PAC in the coming days in an effort to lock up major donors and give pause …

Boehner Facing Dissent and Defections in Vote to Remain Speaker of House  —  WASHINGTON — Speaker John A. Boehner is all but assured of re-election to the top House leadership post when his colleagues vote on Tuesday, but the new term also could serve up the embarrassment of a potentially record number …

Two NYPD officers shot while investigating suspected robbery in the Bronx — BREAKING  —  Both officers were rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital, where they are expected to recover, after one was shot in the back and the other was shot in the arm about 10:30 p.m. Monday in Fordham Heights.

Justice Insider: Lego model of Downtown featured unfriendly gun-toting guest at the police station  —  REQUEST TO BUY THIS PHOTO  —  ' CLASS="> VIEW SLIDESHOW  —  REQUEST TO BUY THIS PHOTO

This post shamelessly uses Frederick County (Md.) Council Member Kirby Delauter's name without authorization  —  Kirby Delauter, a Frederick County (Maryland) Council Member threatens a local journalist (Bethany Rodgers) for ... using his name without permission in a newspaper article.  No, really:

‘Mysterious Beasts’ Spotted by Arizona Highway Cameras  —  A suspicious pack of what appeared to be a group of large animals has sparked a viral debate about a possible sasquatch sighting in Arizona.  —  The Arizona Department of Transportation was behind the latest announcement …

Christie Faces Scrutiny Over Gifts From Cowboys Owner  —  Governor's Aides Said Gifts Acceptable Under State Policy  —  New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie accepted a plane ride to Dallas and a seat at a Cowboys playoff football game in a luxury suite from team owner Jerry Jones …

Colonel, United States Army, Retired  —  It's fitting that 27 plus years of active and reserve service in the United States Army ended with a piece of paper, but those of us who had the chance to serve understand that the military runs on paper.  A paper enlisted me on May 20, 1987 …

Sources: Chris Gibson Will Announce Retirement  —  Gibson is a New York Republican.  (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)  —  Rep. Chris Gibson, R-N.Y., will announce his retirement Tuesday, according to two GOP sources.  —  The Republican, who was re-elected to a third term in November …

The Secrets of the Toxic Disco Clam  —  The mantis shrimp is the undisputed lightweight champion of the sea.  With a punch as fast as a .22 caliber bullet, the crustacean terrorizes small prey along the ocean floor.  But now, an unexpected David has emerged from the depths to subdue this underwater Goliath …

Jim Webb and the Democrats' white-man problem  —  Some think Jim Webb could be the liberal Democratic alternative to Hillary Clinton in 2016.  Perhaps it's more likely, though, that Webb could position himself as something the Democratic Party — or any party, really — hasn't seen in some time …

Will 2016 Bring a Generational Shift in U.S. Leadership?  —  Be prepared for a watershed period in American politics.  —  This year and next are likely to represent something of a watershed period in American politics.  —  First, we have a “double open” presidential contest, with no incumbent running in either party.

Obama Nears Goal for Guantánamo With Faster Pace of Releases  —  WASHINGTON — In a series of secret nighttime flights in the last two months, the Obama administration made more progress toward the president's goal of emptying the military prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, than it had since 2009.

State Dept. Can't Explain Why Cuba Isn't Fulfilling Promises Made in Obama Deal  —  State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki repeatedly refused to answer questions this afternoon about the 53 political detainees Cuba promised to release as part of a deal with President Obama to normalize relations with the United States.

Sen. McConnell's Top Prospects Across the Aisle  —  Like those who follow baseball, people who track politics love statistics.  So in that spirit, here's the most important number in Washington now that a New Year and, as of today, a new Congress have arrived: Six.

Keystone XL: Not in our national interest  —  This week, the new majorities in the U.S. Congress will try to force approval of an oil pipeline that would carry the planet's dirtiest oil from Canada through the heartland of America to be refined and mostly shipped overseas.

Obama's tricky fight with GOP chairs  —  As Republicans take over the Senate Tuesday, the new dynamic in Congress is best described as two clocks ticking at once.  —  President Barack Obama is a lame-duck president with just two years left in the White House.