Daily editionSaturday, July 18th, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of July.
Community
Savannah River Mission Completion employees served hot meals at Golden Harvest Food Bank’s community kitchen, The Master’s Table, in downtown Augusta and donated 5000 dollars to support hunger relief across 24 counties.
Their effort reinforced local partnerships to address food insecurity.
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Two rescued dogs from a mass cruelty case in Georgetown County are available for free adoption at the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken & local staff invite interested families to visit soon to give these dogs a loving home.
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Business
Taj Aiken owner Alok Kumar Akse received a 20-day eviction notice on Monday because his restaurant site is needed for the Hotel Aiken renovation and parking garage.
He will move to the former Casa Bella site nearby while the city begins construction within a month and repays $150,000 in rent.
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Education
Elementary schools in the Aiken County Public School District held an open house on July 16 at Redcliffe Elementary for students and families to meet teachers before school starts on July 20.
Principal Misty McConnell (in her second year) said the event welcomed both new teachers and returning families.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Aiken County Public Schools released over 1,200 pages of records detailing its investigation into former HR chief Sal Minolfo as part of efforts to address past concerns; however, Superintendent Corey Murphy declined to comment and questions persist (including why Minolfo was promoted despite prior warnings).
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South Carolina still has not finalized its budget, and education leaders warn that teacher pay raises and school funding in local districts may soon be affected.
Local officials are urging a swift resolution to the stalemate.
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Government
Preserve Aiken held a meeting with local Realtors at Keller Williams on July 14 to challenge the selected route for a 115-kilovolt transmission line that could lower property values.
They urged Central Electric and Aiken Electric to boost transparency and consider alternative routes as endorsed by County Council (concerns remain).
The Aiken StandardRead more
South Carolina AG Alan Wilson joined a coalition of 48 states in a $29.6 million settlement with drug maker Glenmark that provided SC with $118,890.
The coalition is preparing for a trial in Hartford in late 2026 + consumers who purchased the affected generics may be eligible for compensation.
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