CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) -Drivers across Northeast Ohio have watched gas prices climb sharply over the past few days, with some stations coming close to the $5 mark and analysts say relief may not be coming soon.

At one Cleveland gas station, the price on the sign read $4.99, a number drivers say is becoming harder to avoid.

Many people filling up Wednesday evening told 19 News they’re frustrated by the rapid increases.

“It’s crazy. Sooner or later, we’re going to be at like $5 or like $6,” one driver said.

Another driver added, “We’re getting gas now, but not here.”

According to AAA, the average price for gas in Ohio is $4.22 for regular fuel as of Wednesday. In Cleveland the average was $4.23.

One major factor: crude oil prices. Those prices are trading above $100 a barrel, which can raise the cost of gasoline.

“Crude oil is the main ingredient of gasoline,” said Jim Garrity, the director of public affairs for AAA east central. “So, when it goes up and down, even by a couple dollars here and there, that has an impact on the pump.”

Experts say the last time Ohio experienced prices this high was 2022, when the Russia-Ukraine conflict pushed gas prices above $5 a gallon.

Garrity added even when the U.S. isn’t buying oil directly from certain countries, global events can still affect prices here.”

“Even though we’re not importing Iranian oil in America, it is a globally traded commodity,” Garrity said. “When you see an impact happen overseas well, that splash has ripples and those ripples make their way to us.”

When 19 News was at another Cleveland gas station, prices changed quickly: within about 30 minutes, the price jumped from $4.79 to $4.99. It cost us $30.55 for a little more than six gallons.

“The lady said they went up 70 cents,” another driver said. “She said it was $4.19 earlier, then it shot up to $4.79. Now it’s $4.99. I was going to get gas yesterday, but I forgot.”

One driver who uses premium gas said the surge hits even harder.

“It’s $4.99, I just texted my buddy yesterday, like oh it jumped 80 cents,” the driver said. “I’m glad I’ve got a company card, but this is my personal and I’ve got to spend almost $6 a gallon on gas because it’s premium.”

As for whether prices will drop soon, Garrity says it depends on what crude oil does next.

“What happens next remains to be seen with crude oil prices,” he said.

Garrity says a few options to say on gasoline is drive less or Slow down.

“The faster you go, at AAA, we have found every roughly 5 miles over 50 an hour you’re going, you’re exponentially burning fuel less efficiently and that’s making you a less safe driver, but it’s also making your car work harder and burning fuel less efficiently,” Garrity said.

Former Illinois “super mayor” Tiffany Henyard was reportedly a resident of Georgia while still serving as Dolton mayor in 2025.

After losing her bid for re-election as Dolton mayor, Henyard has since launched a campaign to run in South Fulton County’s District 5 on the Fulton County Commission as a Republican.

Last week, Henyard took part in a special meeting of the Fulton County Board of Registration & Elections regarding her qualifications to run for a position prior to the Commission District 5 Primary Election, which will be held on May 19.

County law states that a candidate must be a resident of the county for 12 months prior to running in an election.

Henyard argued during the meeting that she has been a legal resident of Fulton County since May 1, 2025.

However, Board Commissioner Julie Adams pointed out that she served as Dolton mayor until May 4, 2025, when she formally left office.

“Did you know that in Cook County, Illinois, to hold an office there, you have to be a resident in that jurisdiction?” Adams said.

“So, you were the mayor until May 4 of 2025, but yet you’re saying you became a resident of Georgia on May 1 of 2025.”

“OK,” Henyard responded.

Henyard claimed during the meeting that she was essentially a “lame duck” after losing the mayoral primary election in February to Dolton Trustee Jason House, which led to her moving out of the state.

“But you were mayor, correct?” Adams asked.

“My title was mayor, yes,” Henyard said.

Board member Douglass Selby also remarked that Henyard appeared to still be registered to vote in Illinois.

The elections board later voted 3-1 to approve Henyard’s residency requirement to run for the Fulton County Commission.

Henyard did not answer questions on whether she still received payments from Dolton through her term as mayor and Thornton Township trustee.

Illinois state law dictates that mayors must live in the municipality they represent for their entire term.

WGN Investigates found through public records that Henyard received a gross pay of $12,007 from March 7 to May 2, 2025 as Dolton mayor and roughly $8,600 from Thornton Township for the first two weeks in May when she would have presumably moved to Georgia.

Henyard has been dubbed the “worst mayor in America” after corruption allegations and financial mismanagement of village funds.

A financial probe reportedly revealed that the village of Dolton’s bank account fell from its initial $5.6 million balance to a $3.6 million deficit.

Amid corruption allegations among officials, residents accused her of using village funds as her own piggy bank by billing taxpayers thousands of dollars for her hair and makeup team, as well as going on a lavish trip to Las Vegas.

INDIANAPOLIS (CONSUMER REPORTS) — Looking to save money on lawn care this season? Consumer Reports says the key may be in how you mow and how you maintain your equipment. After cutting more than 500,000 square feet of grass in testing, CR’s experts say a few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your lawn, and your budget, in shape.

Each year, Consumer Reports mower tester Dave Trezza heads to Florida during the winter months to get a head start on testing. There, on more than five acres of grass with hills, trees, and other obstacles, CR evaluates dozens of mowers and tractors for cutting performance, handling, mulching, and bagging.
One of the biggest takeaways from all that testing is that proper maintenance can save you money. Trezza says most mowers can deliver a good cut, but only if they’re well cared for. That means sharpening the blade at the start of the season and keeping the mower deck clean so it performs efficiently.

How you mow also matters. Consumer Reports recommends mulching your grass instead of bagging it whenever possible. Mulching returns nutrients back into the lawn, which can reduce the need for fertilizer and save money over time. A good mulching mower should leave an even cut without clumps of grass behind.

If you’re in the market for a new mower, Consumer Reports says to match the machine to your yard. For larger or sloped lawns, a self-propelled mower can make the job easier. Gas-powered models, like the Yardmax YG2760, can offer strong performance at a lower price point, cutting and mulching as well as more expensive options in CR’s tests.

For smaller yards or those looking to save even more, a battery-powered push mower can be a great choice. Consumer Reports found that models like the Ryobi RY401170VNM deliver an even cut and excellent mulching performance. Compared to gas mowers, battery-powered options also require less maintenance and run more quietly.

No matter which type of mower you use, Consumer Reports says cleaning it after each use is essential. Grass clippings can build up on the deck, leading to rust and reduced airflow, which can hurt performance over time.

With the right mower, proper maintenance, and a few smart mowing habits, you can keep your lawn looking great—without overspending.