Daily editionTuesday, July 14th, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 14th of July.
Community
United Way of the CSRA launched its month-long Christmas in July campaign to help 1,200 children receive holiday gifts; eligible parents can use an online portal to choose toys while preserving dignity, and a $35 donation yields about $100 in purchasing power + custom ornaments honor supporters.
WGACRead more
Business
Owner Michele Warren celebrated the grand reopening of The Urban Hyena at 121 Laurens St. S.W. on July 9 and announced that Salty Hyena, a coastal boutique (featuring women's wear, men's pieces, and swimwear), will open at 345 Hayne Ave. S.W. on July 18.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Environment
The SCDNR declared nearly all counties under severe drought on July 8 as 15 water systems imposed mandatory restrictions while 40 encourage water conservation.
Experts note eight months of sparse rain have lowered irrigation and well levels, urging caution with outdoor burning (per official guidance).
WGACRead more
Health
Shepeard Community Blood Center is asking local donors to help replenish blood supplies after the American Red Cross declared a national emergency due to a 25% drop in supply from June.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Real Estate
Oliver Hospitality will revamp the former Hotel Aiken for a new hotel featuring a three-story annex, retail spaces and a 200-car parking garage.
The project was updated at a July 7 meeting and is set to open early 2028 in downtown Aiken.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Two Parker’s Kitchen convenience store properties sold in May for over $6 million each.
Realty Income US Core Plus 3 bought the Aiken site at 140 Jefferson Davis Highway and the North Augusta location at 5747 Jefferson Davis Highway from Drayton-Parker Companies LLC in a deal totaling $13 million.
Aiken StandardRead more
Sports
The 30th annual Peach Jam basketball tournament begins Tuesday as North Augusta expects over 10,000 visitors and more than $11 million in regional economic impact.
Riverview Park Activities Center will also host a youth basketball clinic on Saturday, July 18 at 7 a.m. for children in grades 1 to 7.
WRDW/WAGTRead more