WHIP LIST: Boehner opposition grows  —  A small but growing number of Republicans say they will vote Tuesday to deny John Boehner a third term as Speaker of the House.  —  But ousting a sitting Speaker is a difficult feat, and a group of a dozen defectors failed two years ago to depose Boehner, the powerful Ohio Republican.

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.

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 …

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.

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:

Mystery surrounds 53 Cuban political prisoners supposed to be set free  —  An air of secrecy surrounds the fate of 53 political prisoners whom Cuba agreed to free in its historic deal with the United States last month, as Washington and Havana's refusal to publicly identify the dissidents is fueling suspicion over Cuba's intentions.

A Note From Dean: Charting the Future  —  A memo to the staff of The Times from Dean Baquet, the executive editor:  —  Dear Colleagues,  —  By any measure, 2014 was a dramatic year — a sudden leadership change ending with the departure of treasured colleagues.

Last Slide  —  Less than a year ago, Joni Ernst wasn't famous much beyond the Iowa town of Red Oak.  These days, she's making world news.  —  Yet Ernst, one of the most high-profile politicians to come out of Iowa, has kept a decidedly low profile in her transition from little-known state senator …

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

‘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 …

Rev. Al Sharpton's Viagra prescription found in Sandy Rubenstein's home during probe that cleared famed lawyer of rape accusation: police source  —  The 70-year-old lawyer was accused of preying on an unconscious 42-year-old woman, a top official in Al Sharpton's National Action Network, in his Upper East Side apartment in October.

House GOP,  —  As you compete to make it to the Capitol this morning through that DC snow, remember that competition is good in ALL things; it makes everyone work harder and produce better, and it keeps us fresh, active and on our toes!  It's time for new energy and positive progress in Congress.