First Thing: News outlets suspend coverage of Trump in escalating media access row

President’s decision to ban three news organisations from White House prompts backlash from major US news outlets. Plus, an incredible new resource to help trace the history of enslaved people in the 19th century Good morning. The row over media access to the presidency has deepened, with major US television news outlets agreeing to suspend their video coverage of Donald Trump after the administration banned journalists from several outlets from entering the White House grounds.

The president had abruptly announced his ban against CNN, MS Now and Politico, saying he had had enough of “purposely negative stories” about him. On Monday the ban against CNN meant no broadcaster was covering Trump’s midday ribbon-cutting for a new White House helipad. The White House provided its own livestream but the president’s remarks were inaudible over the sound of a helicopter’s engine. How have CNN, MS Now and Politico responded to the ban?

A lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order that would immediately lift the ban. In a statement, the organizations said : “We are filing a lawsuit today to protect our first amendment rights and defend the principle that the government does not decide what the press reports or publishes.” What other significant media developments have there been?

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Read the original report at The Guardian.