Daily editionSaturday, August 8th, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 8th of August.
Community
The Aiken Parks, Recreation + Tourism Department will host Fall Story Time at Rye Patch on Sept. 1 at 4 p.m. Families can attend themed story sessions, receive a free book, and donate gently used children’s books to the Little Free Library; guests should bring chairs, blankets, and snacks.
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Business
Baker Teresa Reynolds opens Teresa’s Treats on Georgia Avenue in North Augusta today as her dream becomes a reality.
Open Wednesday through Saturday, the shop offers hand-made treats (brownies, blondies, peanut butter pie, and Butterfinger pie) crafted from over 25 years of perfecting recipes.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Economy
South Carolina’s tax free weekend—helping parents save on school supplies—began Tuesday, Aug. 7 and continues to offer families discounts at local retailers as students prepare for the new school term.
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Health
Aiken Regional Medical Centers was named a high-performing hospital for pacemaker implantation and blood cancer care in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-2027 Best Hospitals edition.
The designation highlights the center’s excellence and supports informed patient choices for complex care.
Aiken StandardRead more
Real Estate
Aiken officials have approved a parking deck project on the corner of Richland Avenue and Newberry Street as part of Hotel Aiken's renovation plan.
The planned five-level structure, estimated to cost $9.5 million, will offer 210 spaces with 90 leased by Oliver Hospitality + free public parking.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Accidents
A small fire in a bathroom at Langley-Bath-Clearwater Middle School led to an evacuation on Friday morning, with no injuries reported + officials checking the premises and safety measures.
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A student spotted a small trash can fire in an E Wing bathroom that led to a swift evacuation at Langley-Bath-Clearwater Middle School Friday morning; no one was hurt, a safety monitor put out the flame + school officials confirmed the area was safe before classes resumed.
The Aiken StandardRead more