🌱 Mall Shooting Charges Filed + Bark To The Park Fundraiser

Happy Wednesday, neighbors! Here's everything worth knowing today in Columbia.

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 69 Low: 45.

Here are the top three stories today in Columbia:

1. Three men have been accused of shooting nine people at the Columbiana Centre last weekend. The attorney for one of the men says that he was acting in self-defense, firing a gun that was purchased illegally. One other man is in police custody, while a third man remains at large. If you know of the man's whereabouts, you are encouraged to come forward. (WYFF4 Greenville)
2. Pawmetto Lifeline's Bark to the Park fundraiser is this Saturday at Saluda Shoals Park. The fundraiser, which involves participants going on a walk around the park, will feature live music, food vendors, and other activities. Visit the link for information on ticket prices and how to register. (ColaDaily.com)
3. The Richland Two School District has partnered with BE SMART to host a community safety event. The event encourages individuals to be safe when storing and handling firearms, and aims to educate individuals on best practices. Richland Two School District has lost four students in less than two years to gun violence. (WIS News 10)

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Today in Columbia:

• Virtual Career Fair At Richland School District Two (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Riverbanks Zoo and Garden invites you to celebrate Earth Week! The zoo shared the final results of the 2022 Wild About Recycling event — thanks to the community, thousands of pounds of recyclable materials were collected. (Facebook)
• The South Carolina State Museum invites kids out to launch rockets in the planetarium until Friday. The event is part of the Museum's "Apollo April" event. (Facebook)
• The South Carolina Film Commission invites you to try out for a new TV show! Survival From Above is a climbing survival show set in the rainforest, and the network is looking for survivalists like you. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

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• Friends Book Store Sale (April 20)
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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.