REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION

Marc Racicot, former Montana governor and ex-chair of the Republican National Convention, penned an open letter to current RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel on Sunday saying the committee would regret censuring GOP Reps. Liz Cheney (Wyo.) and Adam Kinzinger (Ill.) for their participation in the House Select Committee on Jan. 6.Racicot's wrote in his letter, published in the Billings Gazette, that he never imagined the committee he once chaired would "...

A Silicon Valley billionaire and advisor to former President Donald Trump is leaving the board of directors of Facebook parent company Meta.

The judge in the Ahmaud Arbery murder trial reprimanded the defense attorney for disrespecting the court.

The two Republicans are fighting to replace former state Rep. Jake Ellzey, R-Waxahachie, who is now a congressman.

Attorneys Mark and Patricia McCloskey pleaded guilty to firearm charges for pointing guns at Black Lives Matter protesters but were pardoned by the Missouri governor.

Texas GOP Sen. Ted Cruz laughs off some of the most uncomfortable moments he faced when at the mercy of Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign cycle.

The breach comes less than a month after President Joe Biden warned Russian President Vladimir Putin about cyberattacks at a June 16 summit.

"I think you should take a look at who those networks are and who is pushing that," she said, appearing to blame news outlets for the baseless claim.

Grounds of Washington Monument required repairs in aftermath of ‘Trump 2020’ show

Former President Donald Trump's lawyers sent cease-and-desist letters to three of the largest GOP fundraising groups on Friday, a Trump advisor confirmed to NBC News. Trump's lawyers asked the Republican National Committee, the National Republican Congressional Committee and the National Republican Senatorial Committee to stop using the ex president's name and likeness in fundraising appeals and merchandise. Since Trump left office in January, the three fundraising groups have repeatedly referenced him in emails seeking donations. However, Trump was reportedly upset that his name was being used without his approval by groups that had helped Republicans who voted to impeach him. "The RINOs that we are surrounded with will destroy the Republican Party and the American worker," Trump said at the time, using an acronym for "Republicans in name only."

Kristi Noem speaks during the third night of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. (Courtesy of the Committee on Arrangements for the 2020 Republican National Committee via AP)SIOUX FALLS, S.D. The Republican governor, a close Trump ally, launched a fundraising campaign soon after the election was called for Biden on Saturday. Ryan, a campaign finance lawyer, pointed out that the governor can give a maximum of $2,800 to Trump’s campaign under federal law. Trump's solicitation, though billed as raising money for his legal fight, notes that half of contributions will go to pay off general election campaign debt.

Housing and Urban Development Secretary Dr. Ben Carson has tested positive for the coronavirus, a spokesman told CNBC on Monday. The news came less than a week after it was revealed that President Donald Trump's chief of staff, Mark Meadows, also tested positive for Covid-19. Carson, a retired neurosurgeon and former presidential candidate, is a member of the White House coronavirus task force. The White House has come under heavy criticism for hosting large gatherings on its grounds in the midst of a pandemic. Numerous officials and others who work there, including Trump himself, have tested positive for the virus in the past two months.

U.S. President Donald Trump points to a delegate at the Republican National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, August 24, 2020. Former Vice President Biden, whose campaign until recently had been largely virtual due to the pandemic, has visited North Carolina three times since February. "Most paths to the White House go through North Carolina," said Chris Cooper, professor of political science at Western Carolina University. Five of them included winning North Carolina. "If the Republicans don't win North Carolina, it suggests the GOP stranglehold of the South is lessening and may be gone."

Workers lay sod on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020, in Washington. The White House South Lawn and its iconic Rose Garden are undergoing extensive re-sodding and other work after last months Republican National Convention turned them into a muddy mess. The Rose Garden repairs come just weeks after the White House completed a major renovation of the garden intended, in part, to improve drainage issues. The day of her speech, Astroturf was placed over the garden lawn because it was deemed a swampy mess. Since the convention, the White House has avoided using the Rose Garden and South Lawn for public events.

In this image from video, Lou Holtz speaks from Orlando, Fla., during the third night of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020.. (Courtesy of the Committee on Arrangements for the 2020 Republican National Committee via AP)WASHINGTON President Donald Trump said Friday he intends to give the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, to longtime football coach Lou Holtz. Holtz spent 34 years coaching both college and professional football teams and is perhaps best known for an 11-season stint as Notre Dame's head coach. Holtz ended his career at the University of South Carolina, where he was head coach for six seasons from 1999-2004. Holtz was among those who spoke at last weeks Republican National Convention. In his remarks, Holtz called Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden a Catholic in name only. Biden is a practicing Catholic.

Experts refute that and new data suggests that the toll is probably significantly higher than the official count. Ernst said she, too, is so skeptical of the official numbers. Of those deaths, 1,125 were reported in Iowa, according to the state website at midday Wednesday. In recent tweets, supporters of QAnon misrepresented CDC figures, stating that the government's health agency had reduced the number of U.S. COVID-19 deaths to just over 9,000. For 6% of the deaths, COVID-19 was the only cause mentioned.

ABC had 2.75 million, CBS had 2.4 million, ION Television had 1.3 million, Univision had 1.2 million Fox had 1.1 million and Telemundo had 1 million. Republican National Convention (Thursday), Fox News, 9 million. Republican National Convention (Tuesday), Fox News, 7.9 million. Republican National Convention (Monday), Fox News, 7 million. Republican National Convention (Wednesday), Fox News, 6.9 million.

With the Washington Monument in the background, a crowd on the South Lawn of the White House watches the Republican National Convention as it plays on a screen on the fourth day of the convention, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

After a Democratic National Convention that raised questions about its limited roles for Texans, the state’s Republicans kept a light footprint at their national gathering this week — and seemed just fine with it. Dan Patrick, who chairs President Donald Trump's reelection campaign in Texas, said the lack of Texas speakers showed Republicans were not worried about the state. While every recent public survey shows a tighter race, Patrick's prediction reflected the confidence that Trump's Texas allies are voicing at least publicly ahead of November, when their challenges stretch far below the top of the ticket. Texas was clearly on Trump's mind as he delivered his first set of remarks at the convention Monday morning. Four years ago, one of the defining storylines of the national GOP convention involved Texas.

President Donald Trump speaks from the South Lawn of the White House on the fourth day of the Republican National Convention, Thursday, Aug. 27, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. TRUMP LASHES BIDEN ON WHITE HOUSE STAGE The president blasts his Democratic rival as a hapless career politician who will endanger Americans safety as he accepts his partys renomination on a packed and largely maskless South Lawn. SHINZO ABE TO STEP DOWN Japans longest-serving prime minister plans to leave office because of declining health, ending an era marked by strong ties with Trump even as Abes ultra-nationalism riled the Koreas and China. WE ARE NOT EVEN TRYING NOW Under military command, Brazils once effective but recently declining investigation and prosecution of rainforest destruction by ranchers, farmers and miners has come to a virtual halt, AP finds.

The pandemic has fundamentally reshaped this year's presidential election, prompting both parties to ditch their traditional arena-style conventions. Instead, what he mostly got in his social media feeds were posts from left-leaning friends, trolls and memes disparaging Republican convention speakers. In South Carolina, one grassroots Trump backer hosted mask-wearing fellow supporters at a watch party in Aiken County. But other Republicans like Emma Scott, a University of South Carolina junior, opted to keep their distance. Scott chairs the South Carolina Federation of College Republicans, which relied on Zoom calls or group messages to stay connected and discuss this weeks speeches.

Few in the audience wore masks when virtually all leading public health professionals, including the administration's, say face coverings play a big part in slowing virus transmission. Public health officials also expressed concern over a march in Washington on Friday to commemorate the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Wen, the former Baltimore health official, said the White House event gives the public the false impression that precautions are no longer necessary. Tillis campaign tweeted a picture of the first-term senator wearing a mask on the White House lawn on Thursday before Trumps speech. It was very hard to reconcile those images with what is known about prevention and public health, said Dr. Howard Koh, a public health professor at Harvard and a former assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services under President Barack Obama.

Vice President Mike Pence shakes hands after speaking on the third day of the Republican National Convention at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Vice President Mike Pence shakes hands after speaking on the third day of the Republican National Convention at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. PENCE DEFENDS LAW ENFORCEMENT But the vice president made no mention of the Black Americans killed by police this year as he addressed Republican convention proceedings that unfolded amid new protests against racial injustice. IT’S BACK TO SCHOOL IN EUROPE Despite a spike in coronavirus infections, authorities want to narrow learning gaps between haves and have-nots that deepened during virus lockdowns – and to get their parents back to work. ‘FIGHTING FOR WHAT’S RIGHT’ NBA players didn’t come to Disney solely for a restart, they wanted social reform and the Milwaukee Bucks set off a chain of postponements in the sports world.

In this image from video, Chen Guancheng speaks from Washington, during the third night of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. (Courtesy of the Committee on Arrangements for the 2020 Republican National Committee via AP)A blind Chinese dissident whose escape to the U.S. was facilitated by the Obama administration is calling on other countries to support President Donald Trump in leading a coalition to stop China's aggression.Standing up to fight unfairness is not easy. After six days holed up inside the American embassy in Beijing, he was taken to a nearby hospital. Help my family and me leave safely," Chen said, appealing again for help from U.S. officials. Clinton prevailed on Chinese officials to allow Chen to leave for the U.S., where he lived in New York after his escape.

What to watch on the fourth and final night of the Republican National Convention:TRUMPTrump is scheduled to accept his partys renomination in an address from the White House South Lawn. IVANKAThe president will be introduced by his daughter Ivanka Trump, the fourth of his five children to speak during the convention. RUDYDonald Trumps personal attorney Rudy Giuliani is scheduled to help close out the convention. BIDENThe Democrat has laid low this week but he's scheduled to appear at a virtual fundraiser Thursday. ET (a half-hour earlier than the Democratic convention last week) and runs through 11 p.m.

SAN ANTONIO The Republican National Convention has spent this week reinforcing why President Donald Trumps core supporters in 2016 should re-elect him, said Jon Taylor, Ph.D., a longtime political expert. Same reasons they should vote for him now, said Taylor, chair of the University of Texas at San Antonios political science and geography department. He said at stake in November are the Republican Partys future and the presidents legacy. Itll be interesting to see how many back away from President Trump to save their own election chances, Taylor said. With the presidential election just over two months away, Taylor said Trump will use the power of his incumbency in his favor.

This isnt a party convention, its a Trump convention, said Rory Cooper, a Republican strategist and former congressional staffer who opposes Trump. If Republicans lose the Senate in November, we should look back at this week as a lost opportunity to introduce the country to more GOP congressional candidates. Scalise made no direct reference to the GOP's faint hopes of regaining the House majority in November's elections. Sean Parnell, a GOP challenger for a Democratic-held seat in western Pennsylvania, didnt specifically ask listeners to award Republicans House control. The inattention to the GOP's congressional efforts might have changed Wednesday when Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, delivered prime-time remarks.

Republicans decided the show must go on and, for the most part, television networks followed. The convention is taking place in the shadow of huge stories that are happening right now, CNN's Anderson Cooper said. Networks, after giving extensive coverage to the Democrats last week, are cognizant of being fair to the Republicans. The president has been showing up every night, the president could talk about it. But former Republican Sen. Rick Santorum, also a CNN contributor, said Republicans were there to try and reelect President Trump and that has to continue to remain their focus.

U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw will take the stage at the Republican National Convention Wednesday night as the sole GOP elected official from Texas with a prime time speaking slot. He’ll appear alongside New York Rep. Elise Stefanik before an address by Vice President Mike Pence. Crenshaw and Stefanik, both 36, are the youngest Republicans members of the House. But this November, he is facing a challenge from Houston attorney Sima Ladjevardian in a race that’s drawing attention from national Democrats. Here’s what you need to know about the Houston Republican:

First lady Melania Trump arrives to speak to the 2020 Republican National Convention from the Rose Garden of the White House, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

PORTLAND, Maine A Maine lobster fisher spoke in favor of President Donald Trump's trade policies during the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, earning a rebuke from the state's Democratic party, which faults Trump for hurting the industry. As long as Trump is president, fishing families like mine will have a voice, Joyce said. Maine Democrats said before Joyce's speech on Tuesday that Trump has done more to hurt the lobster fishery than aid it. Trump's trade hostilities with China have taken a valuable market away from the U.S. lobster industry, Maine Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Marra said. Trumps failed trade war with China upended Maines vital lobster industry and turned hardworking lobstermen and women into collateral damage," Marra said.

In this image from video, Abby Johnson speaks from Washington, during the second night of the Republican National Convention on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. A candidate who has peddled in racist tropes and bizarre QAnon conspiracy theories. President Donald Trump has long surrounded himself with controversial characters who hold out-of-the-mainstream views. Republican Jewish Coalition executive director Matt Brooks applauded the decision, saying her views clearly disqualify her from addressing the convention." So the fact that, in his head he would be more careful around my brown son than my white son, that doesnt actually make me angry.

First lady Melania Trump arrives to speak to the 2020 Republican National Convention from the Rose Garden of the White House, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. FIRST LADY MAKES HER CASE FOR TRUMP VOTE Saying hes fighting for you, Melania Trump casts her husband as the best hope for America in a Rose Garden address as the president turns to family to boost his reelection chances. COVID-19S UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCE Winter is ending in the Southern Hemisphere and countries like South Africa, Australia, Argentina had a surprise: Their steps against the coronavirus also apparently blocked the flu. ALL A DAUGHTER EVER WANTS IS HER DAD Families of victims of the Christchurch mosque massacre offer moving tributes while the white supremacist who killed them said he wouldnt speak before he is sentenced.

WASHINGTON Rep. Joaquin Castro launched an investigation Tuesday into Secretary of State Mike Pompeos decision to address the Republican National Convention. Indeed, Pompeo himself had reminded State Department staffers of those restrictions only last month. Pompeo delivered standard recitations of GOP claims about the successes of Trumps America First foreign policy against Russia, China and Iran. In fact, Pompeos convention speech was relatively mild in comparison with previous comments he has made taking Democrats to task for failed policies. They are more safe, and their freedoms more secure, because President Trump has put his America First vision into action.

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump has made a surprise appearance at Baltimores Fort McHenry following Vice President Mike Pences speech at the Republican National Convention. Twenty-five-year-old Madison Cawthorn made the comments in an address at the Republican National Convention on Wednesday. ___A supporter of President Donald Trumps who is charged with insider trading ended up speaking at the Republican National Convention after all. McEnany, who has a 9-month-old child, said, I want my daughter to grow up in President Donald Trumps America.___South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is echoing many of her fellow Republicans dark portrayal of America under Democratic leadership who have spoken at the Republican National Convention this week.

Stephen Colbert mimicked poking his head out from under a table after playing a clip of Guilfoyle on CBS' Late Show." I'm glad we already have kids, because I think I was sterilized by that.He called Guilfoyle a vengeful banshee who will haunt your dreams.On The Daily Show, Trevor Noah said Guilfoyle's speech was so loud that Canada called the cops. I want to wish a speedy recovery for anyone who watched the convention on headphones, he said. MSNBC's Morning Joe ran portions of her speech side-by-side with Dwight Schrute's classic award acceptance speech in The Office.Somewhere, Kimmel was taking notes. That stands in contrast to Colbert, who is doing the Late Show live for the two weeks of the convention.

In this image from video, congressional candidate and former NFL player Burgess Owens speaks from Washington, during the third night of the Republican National Convention on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. Owens, a former NFL player and Fox News commentator, handily won the Republican primary by running to the right of his opponents. The political newcomer is trying to reclaim the suburban Salt Lake City district once held by Mia Love, another Black conservative who was the first Black Republican woman elected to the House. But some Republicans are pushing back on QAnon, and the appearance could become a liability in the swing suburban district. One former Republican state lawmaker called on Owens appearance to be pulled from the convention, saying even the appearance of a connection with QAnon should disqualify him.

SAN ANTONIO – Over the course of four days, the 2020 Republican National Convention takes place in Charlotte, North Carolina. The president kicked off day one of the convention Monday night by officially accepting the Republican renomination. How we’re going to basically restart the economy, jobs, jobs, jobs. He is still expected to make virtual appearances each day of the convention, much like we saw from Democrats throughout the Democratic National Convention last week. “There’s there’s a real difference in this regard and how Republicans and Democrats view this issue and how we go forward from there.”Watch ABC coverage of the convention starting at 9 p.m. on KSAT12 and on KSAT.com.

What to watch at the convention Tuesday:TRUMPTrump appeared frequently during the first day of his partys convention. THE FIRST LADYFirst lady Melania Trump is set to give the marquee address from the Rose Garden. Her speech at the 2016 GOP convention, the night she introduced herself to voters, was well-received but was later found to have included lines that were very close to what former first lady Michelle Obama said in her 2008 speech at the Democratic convention. Two of the presidents children, Eric Trump and Tiffany Trump, are scheduled, along with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, Iowa Gov. BIDENUnlike Trump, who planned events to counter the Democratic convention, the Biden campaign has not scheduled their candidate to make appearances during the GOP gathering.

Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks during the Republican National Convention from the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today:1. SCOTTISH LEADER WINNING PRAISE Nicola Sturgeons calm and sober response to the coronavirus pandemic is standing in contrast to the sometimes-chaotic approach of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. WE HAVE NO WAY TO FORCE THEM OUT Beiruts massive explosion has fueled widespread anger at Lebanons ruling elite, whose corruption and negligence many blame for the disaster. LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SAGA PERSISTS The evangelical school said Jerry Falwell Jr., embroiled in a sex scandal, had offered his resignation as president but then reversed course.

WASHINGTON The Latest on the Republican National Convention (all times local):11:15 a.m.Democrats are unloading on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ahead of his planned address to the Republican National Convention from Jerusalem. An aide to Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden who has worked for the State Department calls Pompeos Tuesday speech flat out disgraceful. Aide Bill Russo says it's an abuse of taxpayer money.Another top Biden deputy, Kate Bedingfield, blasts Pompeo as President Donald Trumps errand boy and says he has a record of repeated and blatant use of his office for overtly political purposes.Secretaries of state regularly travel abroad on behalf of a U.S. administrations agenda, but Pompeos speech to a party convention from foreign soil is an outlier. Russo mocks Pompeos explanation that he will address the GOP convention on personal time. Russo notes that the speech is still part of official travel and that taxpayer money got him there and is paying for his protection and for the the staff on the ground with him. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and says Pompeos move violates his own policy. Booker referred to Pompeos memos and instructions sent recently to his departments employees.

WASHINGTON A Kentucky teenager known for video of his interaction with a Native American man during dueling demonstrations at the Lincoln Memorial last year is among Tuesday's speakers at the virtual Republican National Convention. Footage of his confrontation with Nathan Phillips, who was participating in a separate demonstration supporting Native American rights, spread widely online. Video of the encounter showed Sandmann and Phillips standing very close to each other, with Sandmann staring, and at times smiling, at Phillips as Phillips sang and played a drum. "The more we talk about the Democrat policies being pushed by Joe Biden and the radical fringe of his party, the better we are. Brayden Harrington, 13, talked about working to overcome his stutter with support from Biden, who had a severe stutter himself as a child.

PATRICIA McCLOSKEY: They want to abolish the suburbs altogether by ending single-family home zoning. President Trump smartly ended this government overreach, but Joe Biden wants to bring it back. videotaped remarks to the remote convention. In 2015, during the Obama administration, a regulation took effect intended to ensure that communities confront racial segregation in housing. The rule did not eliminate zoning for single-family homes in the suburbs. But he does not support requiring municipalities to refrain from building single-family homes as a condition for getting money from HUD the heart of the distorted claims by Trump and the McCloskeys.

Here are key takeaways from the first night of the convention:AN OMNIPRESENT CONVENTION PRESENCETrump. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Trump showed he will be omnipresent at the convention, appearing every night and sure to dominate the proceedings. To Trump, the answer to nearly any crisis is almost always more Trump. VIRUS IN REMISSION AT RNCThe Republican National Convention is a testament to the campaign Trump wishes he could run. The speaker ranks on opening night featured familiar Trump validators often featured on his favored cable network, Fox News Channel.

In this image from video, Georgia State Rep. Vernon Jones speaks from Washington, during the first night of the Republican National Convention Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. Why is a lifelong Democrat speaking at the Republican National Convention? Polls show a close race in Georgia, where Democrats lean heavily on support from Black voters, adding to the pressure on Trump to peel voters away. Jones first announced his support for Trump this spring and all hell broke loose, he said Monday. Other Georgia Democrats quickly blasted Jones endorsement of Trump.

President Donald Trump is expected to accept his party’s nomination during Day 4 of the Republican National Convention at the White House Thursday. According to excerpts of the president’s prepared remarks obtained by the AP, Trump is expected to tell voters that Democratic rival Joe Biden would pursue the “most extreme set of proposals ever put forward by a major party nominee.”The AP also reported he may reveal the federal government’s purchase of 150 million new COVID-19 test kits. Watch ABC’s live coverage of the event in the video below. (You can also follow ABC’s live coverage of the convention by clicking here.)

Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, delegates are holding an in-person meeting and roll-call vote in the ballroom of the Charlotte Convention Center before attention turns to prime-time programming. But she thanked the city for allowing the convention to move forward in its truncated form. The GOP convention is a crucial moment for Trump, who is trailing in national and battleground state polls and under intense pressure to turn the race around. After the Charlotte kickoff, most of the GOP convention will take place in Washington, D.C., at and around the White House, as well as by video. But first comes the official business" in Charlotte, which the party selected in 2018 to host the convention.

President Donald Trump points out into the audience after speaking during the first day of the 2020 Republican National Convention in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Aug. 24, 2020. President Donald Trump complained about spotty coverage of the roll call vote that renominated him as the Republican candidate for president, and some television networks abandoned Trump's informal, 54-minute acceptance speech for aggressive fact-checking. Democrats turned the traditional roll call vote into a well-received television production, with delegates stationed in their home state or territory to proclaim allegiance to Joe Biden. Republicans had 336 delegates a fraction of the normal amount support Trump at the Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina. Trump specifically complained about CNN and MSNBC, although he also grumbled that Fox News Channel had announcers talking over the vote.

Ambassador to the U.N., Nikki Haley and Sen. Tim Scott to speak on the first night of the 2020 Republican National Convention. The 2020 Republican National Convention kicks off Monday as President Donald Trump makes his case for reelection during overlapping national crises. C-SPAN, CNN, MSNBC and PBS will show the full 2 hours of the convention each night. A mix of current and former elected officials and figures in conservative media circles will appear at the convention Monday night. Here's the list of speakers released by the Trump campaign:Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.House Minority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La.

The St. Louis couple who waved firearms at Black Lives Matter protesters outside their home in June will appear virtually at next week’s Republican National Convention to express their support for President Donald Trump. A Trump adviser on Monday confirmed the participation of Patricia and Mark McCloskey. The news was first reported by The Washington Post. The McCloskeys, who are white, have claimed they were protecting themselves from protesters marching on their private street, but they were each charged by a local prosecutor with one felony count of unlawful use of a weapon. White House decries gun charges for St. Louis coupleTrump has been critical of their treatment and has spoken out in defense of the couple.

So, have you missed all the campaign rallies and speeches this summer that are normally associated with an election year? However, the election is forging on and we are now less than three months from the magical date of Nov. 3. Theres been a push by some for Biden to choose a Black woman, given heightened awareness to the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd. A Black woman has never been chosen to be a presidential candidates running mate. The Democrats hoped to gather in Milwaukee, but announced last week it would be an entirely virtual convention from Aug. 17-20.

FILE - In this July 21, 2016, file photo, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump smiles as he addresses delegates during the final day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. North Carolina public health officials told the Republican National Committee the party can have more than 10 people in a room to conduct official convention business while in Charlotte. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)RALEIGH, N.C. North Carolina will ease gathering restrictions for the Republican National Convention in Charlotte this month after a push by the national party for the state to be more accommodating. The RNC has estimated it would have no more than 500 delegates per day at the Charlotte Convention Center and the Westin hotel. The back-and-forth between the state and RNC comes amid a months-long battle between Trump and North Carolina's Democratic governor.

Ill probably do mine live from the White House, Trump said, but he also said it was not locked in. If I use the White House, we save tremendous amounts of money for the government in terms of security, traveling," he said. Biden has been on the convention stage twice as the vice presidential nominee for Barack Obama. Those kinds of effects and approaches could be repeated even without a traditional convention stage in an arena or stadium. Four years later, he walked out to a full outdoor stadium a remarkable scene in the annals of presidential conventions in Denver.

Roy Cooper, a Democrat, who wouldnt guarantee the state would lift restrictions on large crowds like the scenes inside a presidential convention arena. Ill probably do mine live from the White House, Trump said, but he also said it was not locked in. Biden has been on the convention stage twice as the vice presidential nominee for Barack Obama. Those kinds of effects and approaches could be repeated even without a traditional convention stage in an arena or stadium. Four years later, he walked out to a full outdoor stadium a remarkable scene in the annals of presidential conventions in Denver.

WASHINGTON The vote to renominate President Donald Trump is set to be conducted in private later this month, without members of the press present, a spokeswoman for the Republican National Convention said on Saturday, citing the coronavirus. If the GOP decision stands, it will be the first party nominating convention in modern history to be closed to reporters. The decision was first reported by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. The subset of delegates in Charlotte will be casting proxy votes on behalf of the more than 2,500 official delegates to the convention. ___Associated Press writer Zeke Miller contributed to this report.

Trump and his advisers feared that going forward with big parties and infomercial programming in Florida would ultimately backfire on the president. Trump said he plans to deliver his nomination acceptance speech in an alternate form still to be determined perhaps online. "Im grateful for him and his leadership, and this was the right way to move forward.Joe Gruters, current chair of the Florida Republican Party and a state senator from Sarasota, called it a selfless move." The Charlotte City Council voted in April to accept a $50 million federal grant for convention security. City Attorney Patrick Baker said the city had spent $14 million prepping for the convention so far but expected Charlotte to get reimbursed through the grant.

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has canceled segments of the Republican National Convention scheduled for Florida next month, citing a flare-up of the coronavirus. To have a big convention is not the right time," Trump said of Jacksonville. Trump moved parts of the GOP convention to Florida last month amid a dispute with North Carolinas Democratic leaders over holding an event indoors with maskless supporters. But those plans were steadily scaled back as virus cases spiked in Florida and much of the country over the last month. A small subset of GOP delegates will still gather in Charlotte, North Carolina, to formally renominate Trump on Aug. 24.

WASHINGTON President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has canceled segments of the Republican National Convention scheduled for Florida next month, citing a flare-up of the coronavirus. To have a big convention is not the right time, Trump said of Jacksonville. Trump moved parts of the GOP convention to Florida last month amid a dispute with North Carolinas Democratic leaders over holding an event indoors with maskless supporters. But those plans were steadily scaled back as virus cases spiked in Florida and much of the country over the last month. A small subset of GOP delegates will still gather in Charlotte, North Carolina, to formally renominate Trump on Aug. 24.

FILE - In this July 21, 2016, file photo Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump smiles as he addresses delegates during the final day session of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. After a venue change, spiking coronavirus cases and a sharp recession, Trump aides and allies are increasingly questioning whether its worth the trouble, and some are advocating that the convention be scrapped all together. Already the 2020 event has seen a venue change - to more Trump-friendly territory in Jacksonville, Florida, from Charlotte, North Carolina -- and it has been drastically reduced in scope. For technical reasons, the convention will be unable to formally adopt a new party platform. Despite the economic downturn, GOP officials insist they will have the financial resources needed to hold the convention.

The request came as Texas set a new record high for COVID-19 cases Tuesday. The state's GOP leaders have maintained that the three-day convention, which typically draws thousands of attendees, will go forward and that face coverings will not be mandated, even as Republican Gov. In Florida, doctors have also called for pushing back the Republican National Convention that is scheduled for August, when President Donald Trump is expected to accept the GOP nomination. The organization is also a sponsor of the convention, which is scheduled to begin July 16. We are taking all input from those involved with our Convention, including that from our Party leadership and our delegates, very seriously, Dickey said.

North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen sent a letter Monday to the top RNC organizer asking for a written safety plan after Trump demanded in a tweet that North Carolina guarantee a full-scale, in-person convention will be held. Cooper and Cohen say that they had discussed various scenarios with convention organizers but want their plan in writing. Were ready to hold the RNC convention in North Carolina in a safe way. Cooper said his administration required a similar written plan from NASCAR ahead of its recent race in the Charlotte area that was held without fans. The county surrounding Charlotte has had the most virus cases of any in North Carolina, and the state is experiencing an upward trend in cases.

(Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday gave North Carolinas Democratic governor a week to agree to host the Republican National Convention or face the prospect that Trump will take his event elsewhere. Trump set the deadline for Governor Roy Cooper after Republicans in Florida, Georgia and Texas offered to host their partys four-day nominating convention, which is scheduled to open in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Aug. 24. Were not going to sacrifice the health and safety of North Carolinians, Cooper said, citing the coronavirus pandemic. We need a fast decision from the governor, Trump said. Like Trump, Cooper is up for re-election on Nov. 3.

Several Republican officials are pitching their states as possible venues for the upcoming Republican National Convention after President Donald Trump suggested moving it out of North Carolina over coronavirus-related social distancing restrictions. "Texas would welcome President Trump and the RNC Convention," Texas Republican Party Chairman James Dickey told CNBC in a statement. "With world-class facilities, restaurants, hotels, and workforce, Georgia would be honored to safely host the Republican National Convention. Upon speculation about where the convention might be moved, Joe Gruters, chair of the Florida Republican Party, told NBC News that it "would welcome the opportunity to host the Republican National Convention." "I have zero interest in moving the Republican National Convention to Doral in Miami, as falsely reported by the Fake News @nytimes in order to stir up trouble.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistribu)What you need to know Tuesday:Texas GOP chair welcomes RNC convention if North Carolina faltersTexas GOP would welcome Republican National Convention if moved from North Carolina[9:10 a.m.] Texas Republican Party Chair James Dickey said Monday that the state would gladly host the Republican National Convention in August if North Carolina cant guarantee full occupancy, according to the Austin American-Statesman. Texas would welcome President Trump and the RNC Convention, Dickey told the American-Statesman. As scheduled, the convention will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, from August 24-27. Presidio County reported its first case Monday; over 85% of the states 254 counties have reported at least one case. Harris County reported one additional death, bringing its total to 220 deaths, more than any other county.

WASHINGTON Two GOP governors are offering up their states to host the Republican National Convention a day after President Donald Trump threatened to pull the convention out of North Carolina if that states Democratic governor doesn't assure him that the August gathering can go forward despite coronavirus fears. With world-class facilities, restaurants, hotels, and workforce, Georgia would be honored to safely host the Republican National Convention," Kemp tweeted Tuesday. We want to have it in North Carolina, the president wants to have it in North Carolina," she told Fox News on Tuesday morning. Like North Carolina, the City of Atlanta is following a phased, data-driven approach to reopening. We would be proud to host the Republican National Convention.Kemp spokeswoman Candice Broce declined to answer questions about the hasty bid and instead referred questions to Shafer.

The governor, who is up for reelection in November, has continued to limit public gatherings to no more than 10 people. The Spectrum Center arena in Charlotte, which hosted the Democratic National Convention in 2012, can hold roughly 20,000 people at capacity, and the Republican convention was expected to draw about 50,000 people to Charlotte. Unfortunately, Democrat Governor, @RoyCooperNC is still in Shutdown mood & unable to guarantee that by August we will be allowed...full attendance in the Arena, Trump tweeted Monday. Cooper, getting a swift response and, if needs be if needs be moving the national convention to a state that is farther along on reopening and can say with confidence that we can gather there, Pence said. Charlotte has already accepted millions of dollars in federal grants to cover security costs for the convention.

President Donald Trump on Monday said that he "will be reluctantly forced" to move the Republican National Convention if North Carolina doesn't ease up on social distancing restrictions to allow full attendance. In a series of tweets, the president said that he advocated for the Republican National Convention to be held in North Carolina but railed against Gov. "Plans are being made by many thousands of enthusiastic Republicans, and others, to head to beautiful North Carolina in August," Trump tweeted. If not, we will be reluctantly forced to find, with all of the jobs and economic development it brings, another Republican National Convention site. The Democratic National Convention, which was originally set for July, is now scheduled for August a week before the GOP convention.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Republican Party donor was named on Wednesday to lead the U.S. Postal Service, which President Donald Trump has criticized for not charging companies like Amazon.com more for package delivery. FILE PHOTO: A United States Postal Service (USPS) truck is seen in rain in Manhattan during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in New York City, New York, U.S., April 13, 2020. The Postal Service, which employs more than 600,000 people, has said that it may not be able to continue service past September without help. Trump has threatened to block federal aid for the Postal Service unless it raised rates it charges online shippers like Amazon.com.

Heads up, Bexar County: Tuesday is the start of early voting for the March 3 Super Tuesday primary. Voters can cast ballots for presidential candidates on the Republican and Democratic primary races. Interestingly, there are two presidential candidates named Rocky one on the Democratic ballot and one on the Republican ballot. Each partys primary ballot will list several propositions, which range from asking voters about prayer in schools to voters rights. You are not voting to make a law but merely saying you agree or disagree with the statement.There are 11 propositions on the Democratic ballot and 10 on the Republican ballot.

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump points at delegates after his acceptance speech during the 2016 Republican National Convention July 21, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. President Donald Trump's chance at reelection is still over a year away, but he has entered a critical economic period that many investors look at when gauging the odds of a second term. When consumer confidence falls during the third quarter of the third year of a president's first term, the president lost his reelection bid since the days of President Jimmy Carter. If consumer confidence rose during the same period, the president was reelected. "The level of unemployment during the spring before a presidential election has historically been a pretty good indicator for the prospects of an incumbent President being re-elected."

After the Republican National Convention, CBS News tracking polls show Donald Trump got a small "bounce" of two points in some battleground states. Anthony Salvanto, CBS News' director of elections, explains where that support is coming from.

Last week's Republican National Convention was unlike any in the event's history, according to CBS News chief Washington correspondent emeritus Bob Schieffer. He weighs in on the unfolding presidential campaign - one of the nastiest and dirtiest in U.S. history.

CBS News' Major Garrett breaks down Donald Trump's 76-minute acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention.

The Republican National Convention finished with a clear message from the party's new leader. Donald Trump told the world he will solve America's problems and vowed to protect the people from powerful interests that have let them down. In a speech that painted a picture of a country in decline, Trump promised to restore public safety and create millions of jobs. Major Garrett reports from the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.

The final night of the Republican National Convention featured more talk about LGBTQ rights than any previous GOP convention. Major Garrett, Nancy Cordes and Steve Chaggaris joined CBSN to discuss.

Donald Trump spoke for over 70 minutes Friday night at the Republican National Convention. Nancy Cordes, Major Garrett and Leslie Sanchez joined CBSN to discuss how his words were received on the convention floor.

On the final night of the Republican National Convention, a video was played highlighting Donald Trump's rise to success and various New York city building projects. See it here.

At the Republican National Convention, Jerry Falwell Jr. said that the Trumps are "a genuine and loving family." See his full remarks here.

Twelve blocks from the Republican National Convention, a number of Democrats have spent the week railing against the GOP. Nancy Cordes has more.

It's the final night of the Republican National Convention and Donald Trump will accept the nomination for president; on the final night, CBS News' John Dickerson and Bob Schieffer weigh in on the highs and lows of the Republican National Convention so far

It's the final night of the Republican National Convention and Donald Trump will accept the nomination for president. Major Garrett has more.

Tonight, during the final day of the Republican National Convention, Donald Trump will formally accept the GOP nomination. CBSN political contributor Leslie Sanchez and Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Tom Marino join CBSN with more on what we can expect from the billionaire businessman's speech.

CBS News chief White House correspondent Major Garrett joins CBSN with insight on what to expect from night three at the Republican National Convention.

Tennessee congresswoman Marsha Blackburn joins CBSN to discuss the fallout over Melania Trump's plagiarism allegations and what to expect from night three at the Republican National Convention.

After a one day break away from the Republican National Convention, Donald Trump returned to Cleveland Wednesday to introduce Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's acceptance speech for the Republican vice presidential nomination; Following a sexual harassment accusation, Fox News head Roger Ailes is reportedly in the midst of exit negotiations with Fox News

Actor Clint Eastwood speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention in 2012.

Ronald Reagan delivers his nomination acceptance speech to the delegates of the 1980 Republican National Convention.

GOP vice presidential candidate Mike Pence will be one of the speakers on day three of the Republican National Convention. Steve Chaggaris, Leslie Sanchez, Major Garrett and Mo Rocca joined CBSN to discuss that and preview the rest of the day's events.

Donald Trump Jr. was one of the primetime speakers during day two of the Republican National Convention. Mo Rocca and Major Garrett joined CBSN to discuss the speech.

Day two of the Republican National Convention wrapped up, after a great deal of Hillary Clinton bashing. Nancy Cordes and Steve Chaggaris joined CBSN to discuss the day's biggest moments.

From the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, day two of the Republican National Convention. Watch CBS News' special coverage.

House Speaker Paul Ryan is one of tonight's anticipated speakers at the Republican National Convention. CBS News senior political editor Steve Chaggaris and former communications director of the Romney-Ryan 2012 campaign Kevin Sheridan join CBSN with more.

CBSN contributor Rick Davis and The New York Times' Mark Leibovich discuss the highs and lows of the Republican National Convention's first day.

CBS News' Major Garrett and The Atlantic's Alex Wagner join CBSN to discuss the unconventional first day of the Republican National Convention.

One of the speakers at day one of the Republican National Convention was Pat Smith, the mother of one of the victims of the Benghazi attack. Smith said Hillary Clinton lied to her face. Hogan Gidley joins CBSN to discuss Clinton's perceived untrustworthiness.

Day one of the Republican National Convention is in the books after several big moments. Steve Chaggaris and Leslie Sanchez join CBSN to provide some insight into the day's events.

Donald Trump stopped the show with his entrance at day one of the Republican National Convention. See the full video.

Following an uncharacteristically short introduction from her husband, Melania Trump addressed the Republican National Convention. See her full remarks.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani touched on Black Lives Matter and national security while addressing the RNC. See Giuliani's full remarks.