In the week after the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, survivors and policymakers are searching for gun violence solutions. Meanwhile, one of America’s most prominent religious figures died, and Marvel’s newest movie destroyed the box office in its first week. Here’s more information on the week’s top stories.
Marco Rubio fields difficult questions from Florida high school shooting survivors
Florida policymakers, including Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson and Rep. Ted Deutch joined Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting survivors to discuss gun policy during a CNN town hall discussion.
Rubio fielded some especially difficult questions from the survivors. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School student Cameron Kasky repeatedly asked Rubio whether he would accept donations from the National Rifle Association in the future.
"There's money on both sides of every issue in America," Rubio said. "I will always accept the help of anyone who agrees with my agenda."
Later in the debate, the survivors confronted NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch. Loesch emphasized the importance of keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals.
"I don't believe this insane monster should have ever been able to obtain a firearm," Loesch said.
American pastor Billy Graham dies
One of the highest-profile religious figures of the 20th century is dead.
Evangelical pastor Billy Graham died Wednesday at the age of 99, according to officials from his organization.
Throughout his life, Graham served as a counselor to 12 U.S. presidents beginning with Harry S. Truman. He also preached to an estimated 215 million people.
President Donald Trump tweeted about Graham’s death Wednesday morning.
Louisville men’s basketball to vacate 2013 national title
Following an NCAA investigation, the University of Louisville must vacate all of its men’s basketball records from 2011 to 2015, including its 2013 national championship.
The Cardinals will be the first Division I men’s basketball team from the Final 4 era to vacate a national title.
Officials from Louisville reacted strongly to the NCAA’s ruling.
"I cannot say this strongly enough: We believe the NCAA is simply wrong," Louisville interim president Greg Postel said in a statement. "We disagree with the NCAA ruling for reasons we clearly stated in our appeal. And we made a strong case — based on NCAA precedent — that supported our argument."
Black Panther sets records in historic opening weekend
Marvel’s latest film is killing it.
In its opening weekend, Black Panther grossed a whopping $241.9 million, surpassing Deadpool for the largest Presidents Day opening.
The film, directed by Ryan Coogler, is also the best opening weekend for a black director, a record previously held by The Fate of the Furious director F. Gary Gray.
In addition to commercial success, Black Panther is also receiving critical acclaim. It’s currently the highest rated superhero movie on Rotten Tomatoes at 97 percent fresh.
