National- New Charges Come to Light for Manafort and Gates:

Paul Manafort and Rick Gates, who both worked on President Trump’s campaign, face fresh charges.  

The two men were previously indicted in October 2017, on counts such as money laundering and conspiracy. They were later placed under house arrest as they awaited trial. 

Now, new charges are being placed against the men, including “bank frauds and bank fraud conspiracies.” 

“I don’t think it will affect [the Trump Administration],” junior Giovanna Batalla said.  

Manafort has denied any criminal activity regarding his banking interests, as well as pleading not guilty to all other charges. Gates, who originally pled not guilty, has now decided to plead guilty as of Feb. 23. 

International- North Korea Cancels Meeting with Vice President Pence:

A covert meeting was planned between Vice President Pence and North Korean leaders during the former’s visit to South Korea, but North Korea called it off.  

It has been speculated that the meeting would serve as a tactic to pressure North Korea into dissolving their nuclear program. According to the New York Times, President Trump instructed V.P. Pence that he is “open” to a meeting between American and North Korean delegates, on the condition of Pence conveying a “tough” message. 

“I think that peace talks will definitely help soften the situation…they won’t be as aggressive to us, we won’t be as aggressive to them,” freshman Alex Langner said.  

Prior to this, US officials were adamantly against negotiations with North Korea until they disestablished their nuclear program.   

However, Kim Yo-jong, sister of Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, has extended an invitation to South Korean President Moon Jae-in to visit Pyongyang, on behalf of her brother. Some believe this may create a safer, more welcoming environment for talks between the two Korea’s. 

State-Lawmakers Vote in Favor of Assault Rifles:

Florida’s House Bill 219 was voted down on Tuesday, Feb. 20 by legislators. The bill proposed a ban on the sale of assault rifles and “large capacity ammunition magazines.”  

While this bill would not prohibit assault rifles entirely, owners would need to apply for a certificate and meet the qualifications to acquire said certificate.  

This move comes just a week after a recent mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., which has spurred movements to enact new gun policies across the nation.  

“I think that any assault rifle or any type of semi-automatic military gun should be banned,” senior Madison Huszar said.  

Although this bill was voted down at a margin of 76-31, it remains under consideration in other state legislative committees.