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Daily editionThursday, July 16th, 2026

Good morning, Aiken.

The 5AM Aiken Team

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Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of July.

Community

  1. Local True North Church volunteers serve meals to players and visitors at the Peach Jam tournament in North Augusta through Sunday.

    The church offers sandwiches at lunch and plans dinners with hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken sandwiches (volunteer Mark Attaway said the effort is large).

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

  2. Aiken County leadership raised $33,000 to purchase a new bus that will soon connect residents lacking transportation with the Salvation Army’s shelter, meals, and vital services.

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

  3. More than a week after a fire destroyed six townhomes on Boy Scout Road, displaced survivors are seeking new homes while the Red Cross — with community support — steps in to provide aid.

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

  4. SPCA Albrecht Center hosts the Empty the Shelters event with Bissell Pet Foundation, waiving adoption fees on eligible pets through July 25 to help families and animals.

    It is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (extended hours Wednesdays and Saturdays) at 199 Willow Run Road.

    Aiken StandardRead more

Education

  1. The Aiken IDEAS STEM Camp was held last week at Second Baptist Church, offering free STEM and leadership activities for students (grades 3 to 8).

    Mentors from Savannah River Site, NIWC Atlantic and Sky Is the Limit Foundation led sessions designed to boost teamwork and career interest.

    The Aiken StandardRead more

  2. Freedom School is hosting a program today that teaches children practical ways to stay cool during summer heat at its local campus.

    The lesson offers hands-on activities and safety tips (ensuring each child learns to beat the heat).

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

  3. Aiken High golfer Evan Crooks was selected for the Congaree Global Golf Initiative, a national program that teaches leadership and golf skills to peers.

    This chance helps him build lasting friendships and represent his community (boosting his confidence) through on- and off-course learning.

    Aiken StandardRead more

Real Estate

  1. The Hotel Aiken project will begin construction next month along Laurens and Richland streets in downtown Aiken, displacing local businesses; Taj Aiken has been given 20 days to vacate (the city will reimburse more than $150K in rent paid since Dec. 2021).

    WRDW/WAGTRead more

  2. Hotel Aiken in downtown is set to begin renovations that will change the area and offer new opportunities for local businesses, with work expected to start soon.

    WRDW/WAGTRead more