GOP debate: Early numbers suggest record audience  —  Early overnight Nielsen ratings suggest that Thursday's Republican debate was not just the most-watched primary debate in history — it may have been twice as big as the previous record-holder.  —  The debate on Fox News …

From Trump on Down, the Republicans Can't Be Serious  —  This was, according to many commentators, going to be the election cycle Republicans got to show off their “deep bench.”  The race for the nomination would include experienced governors like Jeb Bush and Scott Walker …

Recordings: State rep asked aide to hide relationship  —  Lansing — State Rep. Todd Courser planned the distribution of a fictional email alleging he had sex with a male prostitute in a bid to conceal his relationship with Rep. Cindy Gamrat, according to audio recordings obtained by The Detroit News.

Firefox exploit found in the wild  —  Yesterday morning, August 5, a Firefox user informed us that an advertisement on a news site in Russia was serving a Firefox exploit that searched for sensitive files and uploaded them to a server that appears to be in Ukraine.

Judge sentences East Texas man to get married or face jail time  —  An East Texas couple says their choice to marry when they wanted to was taken away by a criminal court judge.  —  In July, a Smith County judge sentenced Josten Bundy to get married to his 19-year-old girlfriend as part of his probation …

Life Sentence for James Holmes, Aurora Theater Gunman  —  CENTENNIAL, Colo., — In a decision that surprised many in this community, a jury sentenced James E. Holmes to life in prison with no chance of parole on Friday, rejecting the death penalty for the man who carried out a 2012 shooting rampage …

Schumer, White House at war over Iran  —  Senator's opposition to Iran deal riles Obama allies, as both sides quarrel over timing.  —  The White House lit into Sen. Chuck Schumer on Friday for his decision to vote no on the Iran deal and suggested that he's put his clear path to be the next Democratic leader in doubt.

Don't disrespect our president, black lawmakers tell Netanyahu  —  The audience for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress on March 3 is shaping up to be largely Republican — and almost completely white.  —  Many members of the Congressional Black Caucus …

U. of I. officials used personal email to hide discussions  —  University of Illinois senior administrators used personal email accounts to discuss sensitive and controversial issues, and then failed to disclose the records when they were requested by the public.

Baby dies after being rescued from car at Austin Waffle House  —  Related Coverage  —  AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin police are investigating the death of a baby boy at a Waffle House location in Southeast Austin.  —  Police were called out to 7809 E Ben White Blvd. around 2:45 p.m. after receiving …

The Big Dog That Didn't Bark in the Republican Debate  —  Pop quiz: what's the biggest strategic decision facing the Republican Party over the next two months?  If you answered “whether to shut down the federal government over Planned Parenthood, climate change regs, immigration, Obamacare …

Bangladesh blogger Niloy Neel hacked to death in Dhaka  —  Niloy Neel was an atheist from a Hindu background  —  A Bangladeshi blogger known for his atheist views has been hacked to death by a gang armed with machetes in the capital Dhaka, police say.  —  Niloy Neel was attacked at his home in the city's Goran area.

18-Year-Old Sentenced to Five Years for Robbing Man, 84, She Met on Dating Site  —  A teenager who with her twin sister robbed an octogenarian they met on an Internet dating site was sentenced on Thursday to five years in prison.  —  The woman, Shaina Foster, 18, had pleaded guilty to one count …