Daily editionThursday, July 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of July.
Community
Friends of the Aiken County Public Library recently installed a human sundial and memorial garden outside the library that uses visitors' shadows to tell time and honors Kathy Petty with butterfly bushes, purple coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans along the walkway.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Business
Hannah Key’s Gee’s Book and Brew joins Aiken County’s food and beverage truck fleet, serving coffee and a take-one, leave-one book exchange.
The truck stops at the Aiken County Government Center parking lot Monday mornings and at the Tractor Supply lot on Rutland Drive Wednesday mornings, and plans to expand.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Goodwill is stocking its sales floor with about 2,000 back-to-school items every day to help families prepare for school.
The local CSRA store aims to meet community needs as students get ready for the upcoming season.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Warneke Cleaners will leave its Newberry Street location by July 31 after the city approved razing the 1939 building for a public parking facility.
Co-owner Alan Smith said garments will be moved to a nearby shop for pickup plus he plans to sell the business.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Culture
The Birch Bolete mushroom is appearing under birch trees in Aiken-Augusta and has a natural bond with tree roots while offering compounds that may help with blood sugar control.
Experts advise cooking the mushroom carefully since eating it raw can cause nausea & may concentrate toxins from polluted soils.
Aiken StandardRead more
Economy
Aiken shoppers can take advantage of Tax Free Weekend (Aug. 7-9) as eligible school supplies, clothing, computers and other items will be exempt from state and local sales taxes statewide.
The offer applies both in stores and online.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Environment
Foundation staff at Hitchcock Woods Foundation plan a prescribed burn today on the west side of Hitchcock Woods to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk.
The fire crew will burn 35 acres in Brickyard Field from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. — downtown Aiken is monitoring smoke conditions.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Sports
Local American Legion baseball and softball teams ended their summer seasons as playoff rounds brought wins and losses for the Aiken Club and North Augusta teams (the older baseball squad reached a third-round matchup, while the Halos fell early despite a strong season).
Aiken StandardRead more