Trump drops out of Heritage event after birther backlash  —  Donald Trump canceled his appearance Friday evening at a major campaign stop for the GOP presidential field in South Carolina as he faces criticism from both Republican and Democratic candidates over his failure to address claims …

Vatican Disputes White House Guest List for Papal Visit  —  Invitations to transgender activists, first openly gay U.S. Episcopal bishop and activist nun to White House event prompt pushback  —  On the eve of Pope Francis's arrival in the U.S., the Vatican has taken offense …

Last night I went to a bar on Mackinac Island for the GOP Mackinac Conference.  I ran into a guy named Rich Beeson, who frankly I didn't even know who it was at first because he isn't relevant in our political world.  Anyway, he is Marco Rubio's national campaign manager.

Poll: Fiorina Wins Debate, Trump Still Leads  —  Former Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina won Wednesday's second Republican presidential debate, according to voters who watched the Simi Valley showdown polled by Morning Consult.  —  It was a performance that vaulted Fiorina into the top tier of a crowded field.

House votes to freeze federal funding for Planned Parenthood  —  The House on Friday voted along party lines to freeze federal funding for Planned Parenthood after weeks of escalating tension surrounding its use of fetal tissue.  —  In a 241-187 vote, nearly all Republicans …

What Is Hillary's Greatest Accomplishment?  —  Carly Fiorina dared Democrats to name it. 20 top Dems accepted the challenge.  —  Getty  —  “If you want to stump a Democrat, ask them to name an accomplishment of Hillary Clinton,” Carly Fiorina quipped at Wednesday's Republican debate.

U.S. Agrees to Begin Military Talks With Russia on Syria  —  LONDON — Secretary of State John Kerry said on Friday that the United States was prepared to engage in military-to-military talks with Russia concerning Syria, even as Russia continued its military buildup there by deploying fighter jets.

Sources: Scott Walker's Donors Are Circulating Rumor About Campaign Manager  —  As Scott Walker's presidential bid founders, some in the candidate's orbit are participating in a whisper campaign against his top strategist and campaign manager, Rick Wiley.  —  A number of Walker's donors …

Football Players Who Blindsided Ref Say They Were Following Coach's Orders  — Shares-  —  Play

WATCH: Anderson Cooper Loses His Cool With Trump Supporter On-Air  —  CNN host Anderson Cooper got heated with a Donald Trump backer Thursday night, losing his famously calm disposition when the guest tried to explain Trump's remarks about Muslims at a campaign event.