Exclusive: GOP campaigns plot revolt against RNC  —  Republican presidential campaigns are planning to gather in Washington, D.C., on Sunday evening to plot how to alter their party's messy debate process — and how to remove power from the hands of the Republican National Committee.

Romney alum rebuts Bush whispers: Rubio passed our vetting  —  A longtime top aide to Mitt Romney is pushing back against charges from the Jeb Bush campaign that Romney came across unflattering information about Marco Rubio when he was vetted for the VP slot in 2012.

U.S. to deploy small number of special forces to Syria in advisory role  —  U.S. President Barack Obama plans to deploy a small number of special operations forces to Syria to advise rebels Washington deems moderate, U.S. sources said on Friday, a step he has long resisted to avoid getting dragged into another war in the Middle East.

Policy and Character  —  David Brooks writes a pro-Marco-Rubio column, and in passing says this: … It won't surprise you to learn that I disagree deeply.  My experience is that the best way to figure out a candidate's true priorities — and his or her character — is to look hard at policy proposals.

Storm gusts blow giant, inflatable pumpkin through Peoria  —  Halloween came early for drivers and pedestrians as a giant, inflatable pumpkin emerged from a group of trees before bouncing through a Peoria intersection and down the roadway in video captured on Thursday.

SXSW Announces March 12 Online Harassment Summit  —  Earlier this week we made a mistake.  By cancelling two sessions we sent an unintended message that SXSW not only tolerates online harassment but condones it, and for that we are truly sorry.  —  The resulting feedback from the individuals involved …

Senate approves two-year budget deal in 3 a.m. vote  —  The Senate passed a two-year budget deal that raises the debt ceiling early Friday morning, sending the agreement to President Obama's desk.  —  The deal was approved in a 64-35 vote after 3 a.m. after a late speech by Sen. Rand Paul …

‘Shell-shocked’ CNBC staffers had long flight home  —  For the CNBC employees who boarded a charter plane right after Wednesday's bruising GOP debate, the redeye flight was physically smooth but emotionally turbulent.  —  People were exhausted, but also rattled and worried.

College Dean Accuses Texas Officers of Stopping Her for ‘Walking While Black’ — Police Claim Dashcam Video Tells a Different Story  —  Dorothy Bland, dean of the journalism school at the University of North Texas, is used to taking a walk at daybreak.  But rain delayed her exercise regimen …

There's No Evidence In Clinton White House Documents For Clintons' Story On Anti-Gay Law  —  WASHINGTON — Over the past few years, some Democrats — including the Clintons — have offered a new explanation for why they supported the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996.

Bill de Blasio endorses Hillary Clinton  —  New York Mayor Bill de Blasio endorsed Hillary Clinton for president on Friday.  —  “She has said what she believes in.  This is a very sharp progressive platform.  I believe she will follow through on it,” de Blasio said during an interview with MSNBC's …

“This is a disappointing development.  However, along with our debate broadcast partners at Telemundo we will work in good faith to resolve this matter with the Republican Party."

If You're Black, Lead the Pack  —  Ben Carson shows that being a minority and a conservative is not a contradiction.  —  H  —  ere's something you may not know: Dr. Ben Carson is black.  —  Of course, I'm being a little cute here.  The only way you wouldn't know he's black is if you were blind and only listened to the news.

Top Staffer Acknowledges Ben Carson Had ‘Contract’ With Supplement Maker (VIDEO)  —  Dr. Ben Carson's business manager acknowledged Thursday that the Republican presidential candidate did have a “contract” with a medical supplement company at some point.  —  Armstrong Williams told CNN's Jake Tapper …

Alphabet's Google to Fold Chrome Operating System Into Android  —  Move is a sign of the growing dominance of mobile computing  —  Alphabet Inc. 's Google plans to fold its Chrome operating system for personal computers into its Android mobile operating system, according to people familiar with the matter …