🌱 Mayor Rickenmann Sworn In + Students Go Back To School

Hey, Columbia! Here's everything you need to know to get this Wednesday started off right. Here's everything you need to know in town today.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 56 Low: 34.

Here are the top 3 stories in Columbia today:

1. Daniel Rickenmann took office as Columbia’s new mayor on Tuesday afternoon. The outdoor ceremony in front of City Hall after they moved the original indoor location due to rising COVID cases. This is first time in 12 years Columbia was sworn in a new mayor. (The State)
2. South Carolina students returned to in-person class this week after the holiday break. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control recently updated its quarantine policies for students based on the updates to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. Students now have to isolate for less time after being exposed to the virus. (WSAV)
3. For the first time ever, South Carolina has surpassed 10,000 daily COVID-19 cases and reached 50,653 cases over the last week. These new daily and weekly records come after the state hit the 1 million case mark on New Year's Day. Experts say the omicron variant, along with recent holiday gatherings and travel, is responsible for the rapid rise in cases. (WLTX)

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Today in Columbia:

• St. Vincent de Paul - Food Pantry At St. Joseph Catholic Church (8:30 AM)
• Gladys’ Gang Toddler Edition: Winter White At Columbia Museum Of (10:00 AM)
• Youth Group At Grace Baptist Church (6:45PM)

From my notebook:

• With the recent low-magnitude earthquakes, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division reminds residents of what to do when one hits. If you’re inside, drop and take cover under a sturdy table, desk, or another piece of furniture. Hold onto it until the ground stops shaking. (Facebook)
• Taxpaying residents in Richland and Lexington Counties receive free admission to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden every Friday in January and February in recognition of your continued support. Valid proof of residency is required in the form of a property tax statement. (Facebook)
• As the weather gets colder, the Columbia Police Department warns residents not to leave their vehicles running unattended. Avoid warm-up theft! (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.