Daily editionWednesday, September 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 2nd of September.
Community
Salley Town Council member Leah Shackleford will organize the second annual Swamp Rabbit Yard Sale on Sept. 11-12, with households along a 46-mile route from Batesburg-Leesville to Springfield offering deals from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will connect neighboring towns for two days of shopping (and scenic rides).
The Aiken StandardRead more
Business
Paris Baguette and New York Butcher Shoppe will join Mirin Fusion Kitchen and High Cotton Uptown in a new building at Aiken Towne Park on Iron Horse Xing S.W. Southeastern Development Associates leads the redevelopment of the former Aiken Mall site.
Aiken StandardRead more
Culture
The Aiken Philharmonic — formerly the Aiken Civic Orchestra — celebrates its 15th season by launching its Classical Series on Sept. 3 at Aiken High School Auditorium, featuring guest performers and partnering with local schools through Carnegie Hall’s Link Up program.
WGACRead more
Aiken’s Makin’ Arts and Crafts Show returns to historic downtown Aiken on Friday, Sept. 11 and Saturday, Sept. 12—marking its 50th year and featuring juried art and handmade crafts from local vendors.
Aiken StandardRead more
Education
South Aiken High School campus renovations and additions (funded by the 2024 one cent sales tax) are planned to finish in 2028 to update facilities for students.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
SRP Federal Credit Union donated over $200,000 to local elementary schools to help expand learning programs + inspire student success.
The contribution supports efforts to unlock the unlimited potential of youth.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Health
Richmond County reached its deadline for opioid settlement funding applications and a local advisory committee will review grants for prevention, treatment and aftercare programs to support community health initiatives.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Real Estate
Hotel Aiken construction will begin this month, and downtown traffic will be affected with detours implemented along main streets (drivers should follow posted signs).
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Sports
Week 2 of high school football saw standout plays from area teams in Aiken, with AJ Hillary posting 151 yards and a touchdown and Tanner Padgett connecting for 322 yards.
Stats + numbers showed strong efforts on offense, defense and special teams across local games.
The Aiken StandardRead more