Daily editionWednesday, July 15th, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 15th of July.
Community
Scouting America celebrated three scouts for earning Eagle Scout rank with projects that improved local facilities and school environments.
Ava built a rest area at the FATS trailhead, Jason enhanced a butterfly garden at Dearing Elementary, and Anna created a pollinator garden at Grovetown Elementary.
WGACRead more
Victory Baptist Church held a back-to-school event at Summerfield Park in North Augusta on July 11, distributing 350 bags of supplies with basketball, prayer, and hot dogs — free inflatables, face painting, and haircuts were also offered.
Local officials supported the effort by providing a fire truck and cooling spray to keep the heat at bay.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Business
Taste of Gold Cakery launched a refrigerated outdoor vending machine for gourmet cupcakes at its Southside location (1306 Whiskey Road).
The machine, which debuted earlier this month, accepts credit/debit cards and smartphone payments and helps meet customer demand when the store is closed.
Aiken StandardRead more
Beanie Bens, a new breakfast restaurant specializing in Texas-inspired tacos, opened on Georgia Avenue in North Augusta a couple of months ago and serves breakfast weekdays from 6 a.m. to noon plus weekends from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Economy
Nine counties have paused data center building to review local rules amid a surge in tech projects.
Meta is constructing a 715,000 sqft center in Aiken (scheduled for spring 2027) while other companies invest billions across the state amid concerns over rising utility costs.
WGACRead more
Government
Aiken City Council approved transferring 2,658 acres near Mason Branch Reservoir to the South Carolina Forestry Commission on July 13, aiming to create a state forest with public access and conservation benefits.
The deal is expected to help fund local schools by offering 25% of revenue.
The Aiken StandardRead more
The municipal building lobby now hosts a memorial display for the late Senator Lindsey Graham, featuring a public input book — set up by the county’s legislative delegation and local GOP leadership — that will remain until his funeral.
The Aiken StandardRead more