Shark Scoop is a weekly roundup of five stories that examine developments in global, national, and local news, as well as a top headline in entertainment and sports.
By: MADISON MCCARTHY / DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR
New LIRR Schedule Disrupts Commutes
The recent opening of the new Grand Central Mation station brought changes to the Long Island Rail Road’s daily schedule. The updated schedule had long-time passengers rushing to change trains and crowding track platforms. According to New York’s ABC7 News, the MTA plans on making new changes after public outcry. The outlet reports that starting Monday, March 6, The MTA is adding three more shuttle trains to Brooklyn during the morning rush hour, scheduled to depart Jamaica at 6:45 a.m., 7:29 a.m. and 8:09 a.m. The station at Jamaica has seen the worst crowding and delays, with the schedule change being the first in generations. The new train times can be found on the MTA's website.
Alex Murdaugh Convicted
Former South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences on Friday after being convicted of murdering his wife and son. The verdict came after only three hours of jury deliberations. Murdaugh is a fourth-generation lawyer whose family has had influence in rural South Carolina courts for decades. The Murdaughs were the subject of a Netflix docuseries released in 2023 that covered the elite family. “Today’s verdict proves that no one, no one — no matter who you are in society — is above the law,” State Attorney General Alan Wilson said at a news conference after the verdict.
Ukraine Resources Running Low
European arms manufacturers are under pressure to ramp up production as Ukrainian war resources run low. According to NBC news, a proposal from Estonia “would have Europe increase 155 millimeter artillery shell production by seven times, moving manufacturing capacity from 240,000 to 300,000 shells per year to up to 2.1 million shells annually.” This is not the first time concerns have arisen as the war continues into its second year. Manufacturers in the US have also seen a rise in production over the past year. A February report from CNN explains, “Much of that strain is being shouldered by American defense contractors. But even as the US embarks on a historic effort to re-arm, there are questions about whether it’ll be enough.”
NASCAR Cup Series Driver Injured in Snowboarding Accident
NASCAR’s most popular driver, Chase Elliott, was injured in a snowboarding accident on Friday, March 3. The driver suffered a leg injury requiring surgery, taking him out of contention for Sunday’s race in Las Vegas. At a press conference on Saturday, March 5, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, company President and General Manager Jeff Andrews gave an update on Elliott’s status this season, saying, “There is no timeline at this point in time. At this point, we would expect this to be several weeks, but beyond that, I don't have a timeline to offer for you.” The Hendrick Motorsports number nine will be piloted by JR Motorsports' Xfinity driver Josh Berry. Elliott should receive a medical waiver for this weekend’s race, keeping his playoff eligibility intact.
Tom Sizemore Dead at 61
Tom Sizemore, best known for his roles in “Saving Private Ryan” and “Black Hawk Down,” died Friday, two weeks after suffering a brain aneurysm caused by a stroke. He had been in a coma and on life support since. He was 61. His manager told Yahoo News, that the actor passed in his sleep at St Joseph’s Hospital Burbank surrounded by family. He has battled addiction in the past, including in 2003 when he was convicted of abusing his former girlfriend Heidi Fleiss. Sizemore is survived by, among others, his mother and two twin sons.