Daily editionFriday, August 7th, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 7th of August.
Business
Third Time's the Charm owner Taylor Boland announced that the downtown Aiken location is closing for now — the business will still offer private parties, pop up events, online orders and local delivery.
Aiken StandardRead more
Culture
The Aiken Center for the Arts will host its annual Arts Alive Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 in downtown Aiken.
The free event celebrates the end of Summer Art Camp and the start of fall programs featuring live demos, performances, and crafts.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Aiken Community Theatre will host its second Starlight Gala Garden Party on Aug. 15 at 6 p.m. at Houndslake Country Club with live music, dining, dancing + raffle prizes that will help fund the theatre's productions and educational programs.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Economy
The Central Savannah River Area is experiencing record growth as Fort Gordon and the Savannah River Site pump billions into the region — $10 billion in construction projects are planned over the next decade.
Leaders say new commercial investments, housing, and a freestanding emergency room will meet rising local demand.
WGACRead more
Education
USC Aiken expects record enrollment next academic year and its campus housing is filled to capacity for the first time since the pandemic — move-in starts Aug. 13 and Freshman Convocation begins Aug. 17 with classes starting Aug. 18, including a Downtown Takeover event on Aug. 22.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Environment
A heavy thunderstorm caused flooding in parts of the CSRA on Thursday afternoon, affecting low-lying areas and urban drainage systems.
Local authorities are monitoring the situation & advising residents to stay updated on weather conditions.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Health
Health officials reported that cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce has sickened 59 people in South Carolina, including cases from Upstate, Midlands, and Lowcountry, as shoppers remain cautious.
Consumers are advised to wash produce and hands thoroughly to prevent symptoms like watery diarrhea, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
On July 30, the Department of Public Health confirmed a bat near North Court and Mealing Road and a fox near Walker and Rogers Cemetery roads tested positive for rabies, with one dog quarantined and one person referred to care.
Officials advised contacting trained animal control without handling wild animals.
WGACRead more