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.

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 …

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 …

‘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.

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 …

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.