Daily editionTuesday, August 18th, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of August.
Community
Meta Platforms Inc. awarded over $600K in community grants to 13 local groups, including over $43K for STEM programs and robotics kits in Aiken schools — a move that supports its Graniteville data center project scheduled for completion by 2027.
WGACRead more
Aiken residents will have the chance to meet local police during a free Coffee With a Cop event — set for Sept. 24, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior and Youth Center at 841 Edgefield Ave NW.
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The Community Foundation for CSRA kicked off a campaign on Monday to raise $1 million in grants for nonprofits next year; groups can request up to $15,000 and must apply by Friday.
The drive uses logo boards to invite donations of time+talents or treasures and will award grants in January.
WGACRead more
Business
On Saturday, Big Air USA launched its new 40,000 sqft indoor trampoline park in Aiken — offering over 50 play zones including toddler areas and adventure courses for families to enjoy seven days a week.
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Education
A Paul Knox Middle School student brought an Airsoft gun to campus yesterday (at 1804 Wells Road) and showed it to several peers, prompting administrators to enforce school policy and involve law enforcement.
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Environment
Shipping of remote-handled, high-dose transuranic waste containers from the Savannah River Site to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant will resume now after a flammable gas analysis confirmed the drums meet safety standards (the test checked for hydrogen, methane, and volatile organic compounds).
The Aiken StandardRead more
Health
Community centers are serving as cooling centers amid rising temperatures today as local organizations expand services to help the unhoused find shelter + relief from the heat.
Residents are encouraged to check local listings for the nearest cooling shelter.
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Doctors advise residents to drink water often to lower the risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion during hot weather.
The guidance comes as temperatures continue rising in the area.
WFXGRead more
Sports
Fox Creek football enters a new era today as new head coach David Sammons leads a young roster on the road against Orangeburg Wilkinson this Friday.
The team hopes to overcome past setbacks with a mix of freshmen, sophomores and juniors — a fresh start built on hard work.
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