An Ignoble Experiment: The 7: A dramatic end to the Murdaugh trial; what 12 feet of snow looks like; why you should go for a walk today; and more

2023/03/03

The 7: A dramatic end to the Murdaugh trial; what 12 feet of snow looks like; why you should go for a walk today; and more

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By Jamie Ross and Tess Homan

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Good morning. It's Friday, March 3. How closely have you been following the news this week? Test yourself with the weekend edition of On the Record, The Post's new daily news quiz. Now let's get you caught up.

Alex Murdaugh was found guilty of murder yesterday.

What to know: Murdaugh, part of a multigenerational legal dynasty in South Carolina, was accused of killing his wife and son in 2021. The jury took only three hours to decide a verdict.
Why has this case gotten so much attention? Partially because of the family name. The Murdaughs are known for "power, justice and big money," as one Columbia newspaper put it.
What now? Murdaugh will be sentenced this morning and could face life in prison.

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The Ohio train derailment site will be tested for dangerous pollutants.

What happened? A train crashed in East Palestine, near Pennsylvania, on Feb. 3, releasing toxic chemicals into the air and water.
The latest: The EPA yesterday ordered the rail company to test for dioxins, which are created when plastic is burned. They're linked to a range of health issues, including cancer and reproductive problems.

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A controversial Republican congressman is facing an ethics investigation.

Who? Rep. George Santos of New York. After his election last year, he admitted to lying about large parts of his biography and has been accused of breaking campaign finance laws.
What's new? A House panel announced yesterday that it will investigate Santos's past business practices, his campaign spending and an allegation of sexual misconduct.

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Police could be allowed to sue former president Donald Trump over Jan. 6.

What's happening? Two officers and several Democratic House members want to hold Trump liable for physical and psychological injuries they suffered during the 2021 Capitol attack. Yesterday, the Justice Department said the lawsuit can go ahead.
What that means: Trump has argued that presidential immunity protects him from the lawsuit. Yesterday's opinion rejects that claim.

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As much as 12 feet of snow fell this week in the Sierra Nevada.

What to know: That's so much snow that Yosemite National Park is closed indefinitely, major highways had to be shut down and some small California towns were cut off.
What else? More snow is expected this weekend, and there was an outbreak of severe storms in Texas and the South last night.

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More schools are dropping SAT and ACT admissions requirements.

What to know: Columbia University became the first Ivy League school this week to extend a test-optional policy indefinitely. William & Mary, in Virginia, took the same step yesterday.
Why this matters: It's part of a growing trend that started during the coronavirus pandemic, though many colleges are still weighing whether to make it a permanent shift.

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Walking for 11 minutes a day could lower your risk of premature death.

What to know: A new study of 30 million people found that even small amounts of exercise could make heart disease, certain cancers and early death less likely.
How much should I work out? Around 150 minutes of moderate weekly activity is ideal. But even 75 minutes a week appears to have a big benefit.

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You're all caught up. See you Monday.

But before you go … what to watch this weekend: The new season of "The Mandalorian" and a "Rocky" spinoff. What to listen to: De La Soul is finally streaming.