RNC pulls out of NBC debate  —  The Republican National Committee has pulled out of a planned Feb. 26 debate with NBC News after widespread criticism of this week's CNBC debate from both the party and campaigns.  —  “We are suspending the partnership with NBC News for the Republican primary debate …

The Not Ready for Prime Time Bush  —  Like Scott Walker, Jeb couldn't rise to the demands of the national stage.  —  We'll begin with what went wrong with the Republican debate in Boulder, Colo., then look at what went wrong with Jeb Bush.  —  CNBC's debate moderators have famously come under fire …

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.

‘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.

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.

Alabama Teacher of the Year who left Mountain Brook for Birmingham is resigning  —  Ann Marie Corgill, 2015 National Teacher of the Year finalist and 2014-2015 Alabama Teacher of the Year, has submitted a letter of resignation to Birmingham City Schools.  —  Corgill, a fifth-grade teacher …

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 …

Clinton allies shout ‘sexism’ at Sanders  —  The once respectful Democratic primary has devolved into a slugfest about gender, with Hillary Clinton surrogates expressing outrage over how Bernie Sanders is conducting his campaign — even calling for him to fire his staff over alleged sexist remarks.

Chief Operating Officer Leaves Jeb Bush Campaign  —  The highest-ranking official known to lose her job in Jeb Bush's flagging campaign is Christine Ciccone, the campaign's chief operating officer.  —  News of Ms. Ciccone's departure comes a week after the Bush campaign announced a re-organization …

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.

“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."

Lawless Judges Have Created an America Where Praying Gets a Man Suspended from His Job  —  Yesterday, Joe Kennedy, an assistant high-school-football coach in Bremerton, Wash., was suspended.  His offense?  Kneeling for a short on-field prayer after football games.

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 …