Daily editionTuesday, September 29th, 2026
Good morning, Aiken.
The 5AM Aiken Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 29th of September.
Community
The Salvation Army of Aiken urgently requests nonperishable food donations as its pantry runs low while supporting over 200 families & seniors.
Donations can be dropped off at 322 Gayle Ave Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
The Community Medical Clinic of Aiken County thanked donors, volunteers, staff, and partners at its Hearts of Gold Luncheon — held Sept. 24 at Newberry Hall — and announced its largest fundraiser event, Lights.
Camera. Impact. A Teal-Carpet Event, set for Nov. 12.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Education
The Community Foundation for the CSRA released its impact report showing that over 1,200 children logged millions of reading minutes at schools (including Lamar Milledge), and the initiative will focus resources on local elementary programs next school year.
WGACRead more
Government
Officials from the Governor’s Nuclear Advisory Council said that despite not hosting a federal innovation campus, the state can build on SRS assets to drive nuclear innovation—H-Canyon’s restart and planned HB-Line upgrades promise investment and jobs.
Council member Tom Young noted SRS is key to long-term energy and economic benefits.
The Aiken StandardRead more
Today, Aiken began opening Tribute Parkway, the new name for the Powderhouse Connector, to honor local public safety officers.
WRDW/WAGTRead more
Real Estate
Downtown Aiken streets will close in early October as demolition crews clear buildings for a hotel renovation and city parking deck; parts of historic structures will be removed and traffic rerouted using barriers — work is set to finish by early 2028.
WGACRead more
Sports
Local high school football teams wrapped up week 6 with a mix of wins and losses.
North Augusta won 55-19 over May River, Strom Thurmond beat Aiken 28-14, Silver Bluff overcame Barnwell 33-8, and Portal edged Blackville-Hilda 39-38 + teams are set for fresh matchups on Oct. 2 and Oct. 9.
Aiken StandardRead more
USC Aiken celebrated its new soccer facility with a ribbon-cutting on Sept. 26 (Champion Way) where Chancellor Daniel J. Heimmermann and coaches Adam Kleman and Nick Sakiewicz led a home doubleheader with both teams winning by 1-0; senior forward Greta Ohlwein praised the artificial turf and LED lighting.
The Aiken StandardRead more