Gas prices expected to fall after holiday weekend

MORNING HEADLINES | Gas prices are continuing to fall after a springtime spike and a holiday weekend plateau.

The average price of gas in South Carolina over the weekend held steady at about $3.446 per gallon, a small decrease from $3.479 last week. As of Monday morning, gas prices dropped slightly to $3.43 per gallon, according to AAA.

While prices have eased from their spring highs, experts say motorists should continue to expect fluctuations throughout the remainder of the summer travel season.

Gas prices climbed earlier this year due in part to growing tensions in the Middle East which disrupted oil production and shipments across the globe. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, those disruptions tightened global oil supplies, contributing to higher crude oil prices, though lower global oil demand is expected to help limit future price increases.

AAA recommends drivers improve their fuel efficiency by keeping tires properly inflated, avoiding rapid acceleration and braking and combining errands into single trips as often as possible.

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In recent headlines

Shootings mar July 4 celebrations in S.C. and around nation. More than 50 people were shot in nine states around the country, including here in S.C., where seven were injured in a beach shooting on Hilton Head, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

SPA plans to bring cruise ships back to Charleston — just not at Union Pier. State Ports Authority leaders say they hope to bring the lucrative cruise ship business back to the Lowcountry, though no decisions have been made yet.

Charleston County, developer talk settlement as 30 Housing Authority homes remain vacant. When Charleston County stepped in to stop its Housing Authority from selling 30 affordable homes to a private developer, it kicked off a lawsuit that’s left the houses in limbo — and empty.

S.C. Democratic attorney general candidate refuses all campaign donations. Democratic state attorney general nominee Richard Hricik of Mount Pleasant says his campaign will run entirely on volunteer labor to avoid taking money from anyone, including himself.

MUSC, Charleston County schools launch new program to serve student athletes. Under the agreement, student athletes at eight Charleston high schools and one middle school will now have access to comprehensive sports medicine care.

Goings on around town

Our online events calendar has scores of events around the Lowcountry every day, making it the most detailed calendar of what’s happening in the area. Just click on “Events” above at right under the black toolbar. You’ll be amazed at what you find.