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: CHARLOTTE JONES / STAFF REPORTER
Russia Annexes Four Regions in Ukraine, Sparking Controversy
On Friday, Russian president Vladimir Putin formally signed documents to illegally annex Ukrainian land. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy held his own signing in retaliation, sending an official request to join the NATO military alliance. These moves come after eight months of war between the two countries, the biggest land war in Europe since World War II. Putin also accused the west of adding fuel to the fire, and attempting to turn Russia into a “crowd of soulless slaves.” President Biden announced that the annexation of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions have no legitimacy, and will not be respected by other countries.
Hurricane Ian Causes Destruction, Killing 75
Hurricane Ian made landfall this week in the United States as a Category 4 hurricane. The storm first struck Western Cuba, before slowly making its way up to Florida, hitting the state all across, from the Gulf-side to the Atlantic-side. From there, it moved into South Carolina, before finally being downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone. Over the weekend, Ian moved over to North Carolina, Virginia, and New York. The National Guards’ evacuation searches have also now transitioned to rescue and recovery. At least 75 people have been confirmed dead, including 71 Florida residents.
EMS Worker Brutally Killed in Queens
Earlier this week, veteran EMS worker Alison Russo-Elling was stabbed to death outside a corner store in Astoria-Queens. Russo-Elling, 61, was heading to the store “to get something to eat,” when she was stabbed multiple times, police said. She was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. Peter Zisopoulos was charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon over the fatal attack. Russo-Elling served the city for 25 years, including being among the first responders at the Sept. 11 attacks at the World Trade Center. She was six months away from retirement.
Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Sustains Injuries Two Weeks in a Row
The NFL concussion protocol has once again come under fire following Thursday's incident with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Tagovailoa suffered a harrowing hit the previous Sunday, Sept. 25, that left fans worried and concerned for their QB. He was cleared quickly, and allowed to return to play. However, on Thursday, he suffered another hit that likely exacerbated his previous injury. Tagovailoa was carted off the field and taken to a hospital to be checked out. This incident has viewers questioning if his return to play was too soon, and if the hit he sustained on Sunday should've been handled with higher levels of caution.
"Don't Worry Darling" Debuts in Theaters to Mixed Reviews
On Thursday, Sept. 23, Olivia Wilde’s “Don’t Worry Darling” made its official debut in theaters across America. This film, starring Florence Pugh and Harry Styles, was consumed by off-screen drama; from Styles allegedly spitting on co-star Chris Pine, to the feud between Wilde and “Miss Flo.” However, Pugh, Styles, and their supporting cast shined on the screen. The movie debuted with $19.2 million in ticket sales, according to studio estimates. Rotten Tomatoes has rated the movie a 38%, but that did not seem to stop fans from making their way to the theaters. “Don’t Worry Darling,” is a physiological thriller designed to make viewers think, and show that in the end, everything is not what it seems.