WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumer confidence declined slightly this month as gas prices stayed high and inflation remained elevated, a sharp contrast to soaring stock prices hover near record levels.

The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index slipped 0.7 points to 93.1 in May, the first decline after three months of gains. The measure hasn’t fallen as much this year as other gauges of consumer attitudes, but it has been stuck at a low level since the pandemic. Before COVID-19, it regularly reached 130.

A separate gauge of consumer sentiment released last week by the University of Michigan fell to a record low this month. Soaring gas and food costs have worsened inflation that is outpacing the average growth in paychecks, reducing most Americans’ purchasing power. Americans have soured on President Trump’s economic policies, polls show, potentially creating problems for Republicans heading into the midterm elections.

Consumer sentiment is mostly gloomy even as the economy is still growing and the unemployment rate has stayed low. Some economists argue that the gap reflects inequality in a “K-shaped” economy, with higher-income Americans benefitting from rising stock prices and still spending while lower-income households struggle.

Tuesday’s consumer confidence survey showed that confidence grew among households with incomes at or above $100,000, while it fell for most others.

“The prospect of higher prices and faster inflation continues to loom over confidence readings with many households taking a more cautious approach to purchases this year,” Ben Ayers, Nationwide senior economist, said.

There were some positive signs, Ayers noted: Americans’ expectations for growth six months in the future improved, potentially a sign they expect the Iran war to be over by then.

Still, Americans’ outlook on the job market worsened slightly. The proportion of respondents who said jobs are “plentiful” dropped to 25.5%, the lowest in three years. At the same time, just 18.6% said jobs were “hard to get,” the smallest percentage since October. The findings reflect the “low-hire, low-fire” job market that has made it harder for those out of work to obtain new jobs.

Gas prices have soared to a nationwide average of $4.49 a gallon from $2.98 just before the war began at the end of February, and have been at or above $4.50 a gallon for nearly all of May.

This month, the Conference Board added special questions to its survey, which found rising prices have caused most Americans to change their spending habits. Two-thirds of respondents said they are cutting back spending in response to the increases, with most of those reducing overall purchases and delaying more expensive acquisitions.

Many consumers are also planning to economize on clothes, shoes, hobby items, and toys and games, the survey found.

Inflation jumped to 3.8% in April, the highest in three years and far above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. In addition to more expensive gas, grocery prices have also started rising more quickly, likely driven by higher shipping costs. Beef prices have also risen sharply, as drought and other factors have reduced cattle herds.

The higher prices are reducing Americans’ average inflation-adjusted incomes. Average hourly earnings, adjusted for price changes, shrank in April from a year earlier for the first time in three years.

Other data also suggests consumers have grown more cautious amid rising prices. Adjusted for inflation, retail sales actually declined in April, after a solid increase in March.

And the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index fell to a record-low 44.8 in May, its third straight decline, as a majority of respondents said rising prices were hurting their personal finances.

With heatwaves becoming hotter and more frequent, demand for air conditioning is expected to rise significantly. However, if the UK and similar countries respond to hotter summers simply by installing more AC, they risk creating a costly, energy-hungry and more unequal future. But there’s a cooler, smarter way forward.

Colleagues and I have surveyed more than 1,600 households across the UK and found that two-thirds used fans in the summer of 2022, and one in five used air conditioning. The vast majority of those AC units were bought during or after that year’s 40°C heatwave – showing how quickly habits can shift.

In our survey, 80% of UK homes reported overheating in summer 2022, four times more than a decade ago. By the end of this century, the temperature in the UK is predicted to exceed 40°C every few years. It’s no wonder that the same survey found a sevenfold increase in air conditioning in the decade prior to 2022.

Relying heavily on AC might seem like a natural adaptation, but it comes with hidden costs. Cooling requires huge amounts of energy at the exact moments when demand is already high. In 2022 and 2023, the UK had to briefly restart a coal power plant to keep the lights – and the air conditioners – on.

AC also deepens inequalities. For wealthier households, it’s a quick fix. But for others, especially lower socioeconomic groups, it’s a dangerous gap in protection.

Passive cooling first

We already have a template for tackling winter energy demand – “insulation first”. That’s because it’s a lot harder to warm a house than it is to stop heat escaping in the first place.

A similar principle applies in summer – “reduce cooling demand first”.

Hot climate countries like those in southern Europe have had lots of practice and we can learn from them. That means starting with passive cooling measures that reduce the need for mechanical cooling in the first place. These measures include:

Many of these are low-cost, quick to install and long-lasting. In Rome, for example, window shutters are so common you barely notice them, yet they dramatically reduce the need for mechanical cooling.

Once demand is lowered, remaining needs can be met by ACs or reversible heat pumps.

Public behaviour matters too

Adapting our building design is not enough. We must adapt our behaviour too.

In Spain, the hottest hours are for siestas. Outdoor activities are paused, and people are more active in the mornings and evenings. Culturally, they understand that keeping curtains closed during the day and opening windows at night can prevent homes from overheating.

In the UK, heat is still culturally framed as “good weather”. Sunny weekends trigger beach trips, barbecues and more outdoor activity, even when it’s dangerously hot. This mismatch between perception and risk is a major public health challenge.

Even as the climate warms, UK energy policy is still designed for winter, not summer. Energy efficiency programmes often overlook the risk of trapping summer heat inside well-insulated homes. The UK needs to embed overheating risk into housing policy, and needs a clear plan to decarbonise cooling alongside heating.

Public risk communication must also catch up. Early warning systems such as red, amber and yellow warnings are great start, but they’re not enough in a country where many people still see 30°C as perfect picnic weather. We need targeted campaigns to shift mindsets and encourage proactive action before the heat arrives.

The 40°C day in 2022 was a wake-up call. We can answer it with more AC – and more bills, emissions and inequality – or we can redesign our buildings, streets and routines to work with the climate not against it.

AC will still have a role during extreme heat, but it should be the last resort, not the first instinct. Reduce cooling demand first, meet the rest efficiently – and Britain can stay cool without overheating the planet.

Bellway has started work on 107 sustainable homes in Longstanton, but readers have raised concerns over energy, infrastructure, and what ‘affordable’ really means

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Readers of CambridgeshireLive have been debating the news that work has started on housing in the region. Discussion focused on energy provision, allocation of properties, strain on local services, planning considerations, and the true meaning of “affordable”. Many highlighted modern features such as heat pumps and vehicle charging points. Others questioned whether hospitals and roads have sufficient capacity. Some debated household size and priority allocation.

A construction firm has started work on building more than 100 new sustainable properties in a Cambridgeshire village. Bellway began construction at Hatton Gate, off Station Road in Longstanton, at the beginning of May.

The scheme will comprise 107 properties ranging from one to four-bedroom homes, with 61 houses available for private purchase, 43 affordable properties, and three self-build plots. All the new properties on the site will feature air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.

More than three acres of the site will consist of green open space incorporating wildlife areas, an existing pond, and a sustainable drainage scheme. There will also be a children’s play area, cycleways, and footpaths.

One reader, Calumen Nomen said: “‘All the new homes on the site will have air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.’ Oh dear. That should be pretty hilarious when next Winter’s power cuts and black-outs start, courtesy of our 100% misdirected energy policy.”

Freddly asks: “Can we ensure these go to people who need them, not people who spent their money on the biggest SUV ambulance-blocker they could find? On the new estates near me, most households own 2 SUV ambulance-blockers, but would claim to have been impoverished by the cruel Labour government. Own your choices, stop being feeble.”

Calumen Nomen replies: “They’re hardly likely to go to people who don’t need them, are they?”

Wachoooo comments: “Families should be encouraged not to have more than 2 children. It’s also better for the environment.”

While over on our Facebook page, John M writes: “Crazy planners have no idea of impact.”

Michael H adds: “Define: ‘affordable’.”

Liz Y asks: “Is Cambridgeshire the only County in the UK. that needs thousands of houses? Why don’t they build more? London’s parks could accommodate more than a few.”

Roy S writes: “And no extra funding for Addenbrookes, all these extra homes at Camborne, Northstowe, Waterbeach, Cherry Hinton, etc, no wonder the hospital is struggling!”

Simon A K replies: “Plus more cars possibly another 200, how can adding all these cars be environmentally friendly?”

Christine H F says: “All badly built, looking the same and very expensive. Just noticed it’s Longstanton. Haven’t we got enough rubbish with Northstowe?”

Do you believe that more homes are needed in and around Cambridgeshire? Comment below or HERE to join in the conversation.

One person said the increase in traffic would be ‘significant’

Plans to build new flats and a shop in a Cambridgeshire suburb have been approved – despite backlash over more traffic in an already “congested” area. Back in April 2025, Jafbuild Limited submitted plans to build 14 new flats and add a shop on land off Aqua Drive in Hampton Water, Peterborough.

The flats proposed are all two-bedroom flats, with 28 car parking spaces proposed. There are also 19 allocated spaces for the shop.

Before approval, the applicant said the plans were “essential” to plans for the Hampton Water area. They also said it would provide a “much-needed convenience store and flats” to the area.

Peterborough City Council has now approved these plans. Despite the approval, the plans had 37 objections. Concerns were mainly raised about traffic in the area, with one objector describing the area as already “congested”.

One person, who lives in Aqua Drive, said the “cumulative traffic impact” would be “significant”. Another person in Broadstone Drive commented on traffic and said: “The traffic at the end of the school day is horrendous to the point where it is not even worth leaving your house to go out.

“Add more to that and mix in a few haulage trucks to service more building works for a few more years and we will have a major incident soon.”

Also concerned about traffic, a person in Banbury Drive said: “The additional traffic from this development will exacerbate existing congestion issues, particularly during peak hours. The council must assess whether the current road network can accommodate this growth without compromising safety.”

In a transport statement on behalf of the applicants, it was concluded the site was “well situated” to local amenities, and it was considered to not have “a severe residual impact on the local highway network”.

Though London and south-east England will still get temperatures up to 27C, it won’t be 28C needed to officially continue the heatwave.

However, Wales and south-western England will remain fairly hot, away from the cooler air moving in. Highs here could still reach 30C.

By Thursday, the supply of cooler air will be cut off as hot air re-surges from France once again. This means that temperatures will increase, with 30C back on the cards.

Most weather forecast models show that cooler weather will gradually come in again from Friday and into the weekend.

The jet stream, currently to the north of us, will wobble back southwards, meaning areas of low pressure, occasional rain, stronger winds and a drop in temperature as we head into the first week of June.

The Grafix Make Your Own Sand Bottle (Star & Heart) sold by Asda has been recalled because it may be contaminated with asbestos.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) said the product does not meet the requirements of the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011.

They warned that asbestos is a banned substance and poses a risk to health even at low levels of exposure.

(Image: Asda/OPSS)

Anyone who has purchased the toy is being urged to stop using it immediately and dispose of it.

The OPSS said: “If the sand is still in its packaging, place in a heavy-duty plastic bag, double tape it securely, label it clearly and store in a secure location out of the reach of children.

“If the sand has been used, clean up sites where the product was used using wet cloths to avoid generating dust. Wear gloves and a mask. Double bag the sand, gloves, mask and cloths.

“Keep children and other people away from areas where the sand has been used until the area has been cleaned.

“Return the product to your nearest Asda store for a full refund. You do not need to provide the receipt.”

An Asda spokesman added: “Stop using the product immediately.

“RMS International are recalling the product as at the time of shipment and supply it passed the standard PLM testing, however new SEM testing has indicated that it may contain traces of asbestos.

“Asbestos fibres can present a health risk if released from the product and inhaled.

“As customer safety is our highest priority, we are undertaking this recall as a safety measure.

“For further information, please contact Asda or visit the OPSS page on asbestos in consumer products.”

The product had been sold exclusively at Asda supermarkets since August 2021.

Authorities in India say a woman with a suspected Ebola infection has been placed in quarantine at a hospital in the southern city of Bengaluru.

More follows

While holidaymakers are reminded to check their passport is still valid before booking a holiday, there is another check they’ll need to do that they might not know about.

This week, His Majesty’s Passport Office issued a warning to all British passport holders, which applies to those with new and older passports.

Brits must sign passports to avoid airport delays

Travel tip: Sign your passport before you go — unsigned passports can cause delays at border control.
(Under 12s or those unable to sign don’t need to.)
👉 https://t.co/mW0bj5PS7h#TravelReady pic.twitter.com/138nBgc6k2

— His Majesty’s Passport Office (@HM_Passport) May 25, 2026

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On X, the official account for the Passport Office said: “Travel tip: Sign your passport before you go — unsigned passports can cause delays at border control.”

The government website further encourages people to make sure their passport is signed: “Sign your new passport as soon as you get it.

“You can’t use it until you do.”

Children under 12 don’t need to sign their passports, and the same applies to anyone who is unable to sign their passport due to a disability.

If this is the case, you will see ‘the holder is not required to sign’ on the page where your name and photo is.

Where should you sign your passport?

British passport holders must sign on the ‘holder’s signature’ line and make sure to use a black ballpoint pen.

If you make a mistake or need to find out more about the requirement, you can use the Passport Adviceline.

The new EU Entry and Exit System explained

You can use the online web chat, fill out an online enquiry form or contact HM Passport Office by phone or post.

How much does a British passport cost?

If you haven’t yet applied for a new passport, it’s worth knowing that prices increased in April.

Here are the new prices:

Standard online application:

• For adults – £102 (up from £94.50)
• For children – £66.50 (up from £61.50)

Standard postal application:

• For adults – £115.50 (up from £107)
• For children – £80 (up from £74)

A Premium Service (one day) application made from the UK will cost £239.50, up from £222.

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A standard online application that’s applied for from overseas will cost £116.50 for adults (increased from £108) and £75.50 for children (up from £70).

If you apply from overseas for a new standard passport by post, you can expect the price to jump from £120.50 to £130 for adults and from £82.50 to £89 for children.

Have you booked a holiday abroad this year? Tell us where you’re going in the comments below.

Energy experts say the scheme could transform freezing homes into cheaper-to-run properties, while helping households slash monthly costs during the cost-of-living squeeze.

Here’s what’s really on offer – and when it’s expected to happen.

Free home upgrades for millions

Under the Warm Homes Plan, around 3 million homes are expected to be improved by 2030.

That includes:

• 1.3 million social homes
• 1.7 million privately owned or rented properties funded directly through the scheme

If eligible, households could get upgrades completely free of charge, including:

• Solar panels
• Heat pumps
• Home batteries
• Loft insulation
• Cavity wall insulation

Sustainability expert Simon Bones says every property will get a tailored plan designed to cut bills and improve efficiency.

“The government’s home energy efficiency plans, largely contained in the Warm Homes Plan launched in January this year, aim to make homes in Britain more efficient,” he says.

And unlike older schemes focused mainly on insulation, the new push is heavily geared towards modern tech that can dramatically reduce energy use.

The full details are listed here.

Boiler upgrade scheme could cut £9,000 off bills

One of the biggest discounts already available is through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme.

Right now, households can get:

• £7,500 towards a new heat pump
• Rising to £9,000 from July for some oil and LPG households switching to greener heating

That could wipe out a huge chunk of installation costs.

Heat pumps are usually expensive upfront, but experts say the grants make them far more realistic for ordinary households.

Landlords face strict deadline

Private landlords are also under pressure.

By October 2030, most rental properties will need to hit the equivalent of an EPC C energy rating – or landlords may not legally be able to rent them out.

That means millions of tenants could benefit from:

• Better insulation
• New heating systems
• Lower energy bills
• Warmer homes in winter

Experts warn a massive landlord retrofit scramble is now likely over the next few years.

New builds to come with solar panels as standard

The Government’s Future Homes Standard will also tighten rules for newly built homes from 2027.

Many new properties are expected to include:

• Solar panels as standard
• Air-source heat pumps
• Much tougher insulation requirements

The aim is to make homes cheaper to run from day one.

Experts say households should check their home’s EPC rating immediately.

If your property is rated D, E, F or G, you could be considered energy inefficient. That may improve your chances of qualifying for upgrades or support

Renters are being urged to contact landlords and ask what improvements are planned.

Homeowners are being told to look into:

• Green cashback mortgage deals
• Low-cost retrofit loans
• Free online home energy checks

Why do more UK homes not have solar panels and heat pumps?

Despite the generous grants, many households still face a major hurdle: upfront costs.

A full retrofit can still cost between £10,000 and £20,000, depending on the property.

The Government has promised £2 billion in low-cost loans, but details are still unclear.

Experts say cheaper finance could be the key to persuading more middle-income homeowners to upgrade.

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Supporters of the Warm Homes Plan say the long-term savings could be huge:

• Lower heating bills
• Reduced electricity costs
• Better protection from future energy price spikes
• More comfortable homes year-round

And with energy prices still a major concern for families across Britain, demand for grants and discounts is expected to soar.