Gas prices are rising again in US, NC. Here's how to find cheaper gas

Reports from the American Automobile Association show that gas prices, which had previously begun to drop somewhat, have once again begun to rise.

According to anApril 30 reportfrom AAA, the national average price for a gallon of gas rose by 27 cents in one week at the time of the report, with prices at the highest they had been in four years, since late July 2022. U.S. conflict with Iran has continued, causing pricing fluctuations.

On Monday, May 4,USA TODAY reportedon some of the Iran war revolving around the Strait of Hormuz; Adm. Brad Cooper, who heads U.S. Central Command, said that six Iranian boats sunk by the U.S. were targeting commercial vessels along the strategic waterway.

With national average gas prices and gas prices inNorth Carolinaalike over $4, here's what to know.

Is the Strait of Hormuz open? Will the Strait of Hormuz open soon?

As reported by USA TODAY, the Strait of Hormuz has remained under Iranian control since the start of the Iran war in February. Washington is seeking to reopen the strait. On Monday, May 4, the U.S. military sunk six Iranian boats as the United Arab Emirates reported missile fire and drone attacks from Iran, testing a weekslong ceasefire.

Are gas prices falling again? When will gas prices go down?

As of an April 30 report from AAA, gas prices had begun to rise again after falling for almost two weeks. The national average saw a 27-cent hike in one week at the time of the report, with prices at the highest they had been in four years, since late July 2022.

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What is the average price of gas in North Carolina? In the U.S.?

In North Carolina on May 4, the average price for regular gas was $4.077 per gallon. On May 4, the average price of regular gas countrywide was $4.457 per gallon, according toAAA.

What are gas prices like in Asheville, Western NC?

In the Asheville area, the average price for a gallon of regular gas was $4.128 as of May 4, according to AAA. One year ago on the same date, the price was $2.828, about $1.30 lower.

Where are the lowest gas prices in NC? Highest gas prices in NC?

Unlike in previous reports from the Citizen Times, the Asheville area is no longer home to the lowest gas prices in North Carolina. The Jacksonville area, where gas is averaging $3.976 per gallon as of May 4, is home to the new low. In fact, Asheville has climbed several places, now ranking No. 4 for the most expensive gas of 15 N.C. regions listed by AAA.

Prices in the Durham-Chapel Hill area, meanwhile, have risen, once again making it the state's highest gas price area with average prices at $4.159 as of May 4.

How can I save on gas? Best apps for saving money on gas

One popular option for saving on gas as prices rise comes in the form of cashback and gas finder apps. In a previous report,USA TODAYlisted several of its top-rated choices:

• Upside: This app remains the "king" of fuel apps for earning actual cash back rather than just points. Simply "claim" an offer in the app before you fill up and pay with your usual card to see rewards—often ranging from $0.11 to $0.25 per gallon—hit your account within days. With a network of nearly 50,000 businesses, it’s the perfect tool for "double-dipping" alongside your favorite gas station's loyalty program.

• GasBuddy: This app remains the gold standard for real-time price tracking, letting you know exactly what the sign says before you turn the corner. Driven by millions of "GasBuddies" who report local prices daily, the data stays incredibly fresh and reliable. For the biggest wins, watch for "Flash Deals" that can knock up to $0.30 off per gallon, or use the built-in Trip Cost Calculator to map out the cheapest stops for your next road trip.

• Google Maps: This popular app now uses AI-driven "Ask Maps" to help you find the cheapest gas on your route while filtering for extras like clean restrooms or car washes. You can even use its 3D Immersive View to scout station entrances and avoid traffic before you arrive.

• Waze: For a community-driven approach, this app excels at finding hidden gem stations off the main highway, relying on real-time price updates from fellow drivers to ensure accuracy.

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times:Gas prices on rise in NC, US. Ways to save at gas pump

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May 05, 2026

Gas prices are rising again in US, NC. Here's how to find cheaper gas

Reports from the American Automobile Association show that gas prices, which had previously begun to drop somewhat, have once again beg...

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Trump shredded for not understanding the rules of UNO in fresh AI slop meme: ‘I have all the cards’

President Donald Trumpwas skewered online for not understanding the rules of Uno — after he shared what appeared to be anAI-generated image of himselfcaptioned: “I have all the cards.”

The seemingly AI-generated image, which was likely meant to signal Trump’s leverage in the Iran war, was shared to his Truth Social and theWhite House’s official X accounton Sunday, sparking a big reaction from social media users, who had a field day making fun of the president for not understanding the rules of the beloved game.

“Dear@WhiteHouse: If Trump has all the cards, then why are gas prices at record levels? Oh wait, in Uno you win by not having any cards. Your social media person really should get fired,” California Democratic Rep. Ted Lieuresponded to the post.

Other users were less kind in their criticisms, but continued to pile on the president for his apparent gaffe. “So dumb, if anyone played UNO before, this means you are actually losing,” another X userwrote.

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Another user chimed in,writing,“I bet this goes hard if you’re f****** stupid.”

“This is truly the dumbest and most pathetic timeline ever,”another X user added.

Journalist Nick Bryant noted “I have a five year old. I play a lot of Uno. You cannot win or finish the game with these cards.”

This is a developing story...

byNeo

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May 05, 2026

Trump shredded for not understanding the rules of UNO in fresh AI slop meme: ‘I have all the cards’

President Donald Trumpwas skewered online for not understanding the rules of Uno — after he shared what appeared to be anAI-generated i...

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Morales throws for 5 TDs, Choctaw flag on cusp of 5th straight Final 4

FORT WALTON BEACH — Two wins down, three to go for Choctawhatchee flag football.

After a 31-6 over Booker T. Washington in the Region 1-2A semifinals , the last flag team alive in the area is in search of its fifth straight region championship and ultimately a rematch with Robinson, which beat the Big Green in last year’s championship.

Diaris Morales threw for 286 yards and five touchdowns and the Big Green defense continued a dominant postseason where they’ve posted two shutouts and allowed just 12 points while its offense has assaulted the scoreboard with 144 points.

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Morales spread the love, finding Kady Folsom for two scores and Tishelle Bowles, Maddy Faris and KK Hardy for the other three.

Defensively, Peyton DiBenedetto delivered a team-best nine flag pulls and two interceptions, Grey Smith had a team-leading four sacks and Trinity Davis pulled seven flags.

Now the Big Green gear up for a region title rematch with Paxon, who they beat 33-6 in last year’s Elite 8. Kickoff is 7 p.m. Thursday at Joe Etheredge Stadium.

This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News:Choctaw flag football advances to Region 1-2A finals

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May 05, 2026

Morales throws for 5 TDs, Choctaw flag on cusp of 5th straight Final 4

FORT WALTON BEACH — Two wins down, three to go for Choctawhatchee flag football. After a 31-6 over Booker T. Washington in the Re...

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Stefon Diggs' trial updates: Ex-chef continues testimony in assault case

Thetrial of NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs continuedTuesday for a second day of cross-examination after the opening day of arguments.

Prosecutors argued in Norfolk County District Court in Dedham, Massachusetts, that Diggs attacked his former live-in chef, Jamila “Mila” Adams, on Dec. 2, 2025. Adams took the stand during the first day of the trail and said that Diggs entered her bedroom at his home and “smacked me with an open hand.” She added that she struggled to breathe as Diggs allegedly wrapped his arm around her neck and choked her.

According to the Associated Press, Diggs’ attorney said in his opening statement that his client did nothing wrong while citing that no one witnessed the alleged incident and pointing out a lack of medical records. The defense, during cross-examination, also presented video of Adams visiting New York shortly after the attack and showed her smiling in one video and dancing in another.

USA TODAY Network acquired the police report in which “a woman, his former personal chef,” – now identified as Adams – accused Diggs of smacking her and placing his hands around her neck following an argument at Diggs' home in Dedham, Massachusetts – a Boston suburb – about her compensation. The report was filed Dec. 16 and although Adams initially didn't press charges, she did a week later.

Lawyers also questioned Adams about why she waited to file the police report and press charges. Diggs was formally charged Dec. 29.

Will Stefon Diggs testify in trial?

Diggspleaded not guiltyto both the felony strangulation charge and misdemeanor assault and battery charge, but it is not known if he will testify during the trial.

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Pro Football Talk notedthat Adams’ responses to cross-examination often included extraneous information not pertinent to the questions, and judge Jeanmarie Carroll instructed jurors on multiple occasions to disregard portions of her testimony.

The defense also suggested a financial motive for Adams. Jurors, selected Monday, were prepped to hear evidence that Adams sought money – starting at $19,000 and increasing from there – from Diggs a day after charges were filed.

NBC 10 Bostonsaid there are about 10 witnesses on the list to potentially be called to the stand.

What’s next for Stefon Diggs?

Diggs signed a three-year, $69 million contract with the Patriots last offseason following a 2024 campaign that ended with a season-ending knee injury. Diggs led the team with 85 catches for 1,013 yards as New England reached Super Bowl 60. The Patriots released him in March and saved $16.8 million in salary cap space. He remains unsigned.

Diggs started his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings and also played for the Buffalo Bills.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Stefon Diggs' trial updates: Ex-chef continues testimony in assault case

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May 05, 2026

Stefon Diggs' trial updates: Ex-chef continues testimony in assault case

Thetrial of NFL wide receiver Stefon Diggs continuedTuesday for a second day of cross-examination after the opening day of arguments. ...

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Secret Service officer arrested on charge of indecent exposure

An off-duty Secret Service officer was arrested in Miami-Dade County at around midnight Monday on charges of indecent exposure after allegedly masturbating in a hotel hallway, according to a police affidavit.

The officer, identified in the arrest record as John Spillman, 33, was placed on administrative leave, Richard Macauley, the chief of the Secret Service's uniformed division, said in a statement obtained by NBC station WTVJ.

"We are aware of the arrest of an off-duty Secret Service officer by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office," Macauley said. "The alleged conduct is unacceptable and stands in stark contrast to the professionalism and integrity that I demand of our personnel."

"This agency takes these matters with the utmost seriousness," he added, saying Spillman would remain on administrative leave "pending the results of this criminal matter and a complete and thorough internal investigation."

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The arrest wasfirst reportedby Fox and ABC affiliate WSVN.

According to the arrest affidavit, law enforcement officers responded to the DoubleTree by Hilton Miami Airport and Convention Center and allegedly found Spillman naked and masturbating at the end of a hallway. A guest on the same floor told the officers that the suspect had followed her from the hotel lobby "and they immediately entered their room because she was in fear for their lives," the affidavit said. Hotel security also alleged they saw the suspect masturbating, it said.

The Secret Service said Spillman was a Secret Service employee based in D.C. and was in Miami to provide security outside an event. The alleged incident took place after the event ended when Spillman was off duty, the agency said. NBC News has reached out to the Secret Service for details on the event itself.

Spillman did not have a lawyer named in the case docket as of Tuesday morning. The county public defender's office declined to comment to NBC News.

A hearing for the suspect is scheduled for May 27.

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May 05, 2026

Secret Service officer arrested on charge of indecent exposure

An off-duty Secret Service officer was arrested in Miami-Dade County at around midnight Monday on charges of indecent exposure after al...

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