RNC Bans Media From Convention

When Donald Trump accepts the Republican party's presidential nomination later this month, well, you won't hear it from the Fourth Estate. The Republican National Convention has banned the press from its proceedings later this month due to the pandemic, with a rep telling the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that "[W]e are planning for all of the Charlotte activities to be closed press: Friday, August 21 – Monday, 24th given the health restrictions and limitations in place in the state." The decision is a drastic one—the first of its kind in the modern era—with the AP noting that "conventions are traditionally meant to be media bonanzas," with both parties using the nationally televised stage to trumpet their candidate and their message. Only 336 delegates (out of more than 2,500) will head to Charlotte, NC, to nominate Trump on Aug. 24. (More President Trump stories.)