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.

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.

‘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.

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 …

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.

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.

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 …