🌱 Apartment Shooting Deemed Justified + Mall Theatre Closed

Rise and shine, Columbia! It's Thursday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on around Columbia today.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 66 Low: 35.

Here are the top three stories in Columbia today:

1. Police have deemed a fatal shooting at an apartment complex on Ross Road in Columbia justified. On Sunday, a man broke into an apartment with two juveniles inside. The juveniles hid as a man fired at them after entering. One of the two juveniles fired back with a weapon in the house, striking the trespasser. (Abccolumbia.com)
2. The Regal Columbia 7 at the Richland Mall at 3400 Forest Drive is permanently closed, according to eyewitnesses. The announcement comes in the form of a sign posted on the theatre's front door. The theatre opened in 1990 in the Richland Mall and has struggled recently to maintain tenants. (The State)
3. The Forest Acres Police Department announced that a 19-year-old Tyrik Edgerton has been charged with the murder of Brandon Van Dyke. The incident occurred at a local apartment complex on February 2nd around 5:40 PM. This is the first homicide in Forest Acres since September 2015. (Abccolumbia.com)

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Today in Columbia:

• A Valentine's Day Private Dining Experience At M Grille (6:00 PM)
• Tokyo Joe At The Tin Roof (6:00 PM)
• The Red Velvet Cake War At Town Theatre (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Calling all high school-aged performers: come audition for Columbia Children's Theatre's upcoming production of "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead!" Click the link for all the details. (Facebook)
• The Office of South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis reminds residents that if they make a contribution to a Future Scholar account before April 18, they can reduce their 2021 tax bill. Family and friends can make contributions and reduce their taxes, too.(Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.