Edinburgh’s historic filming kicks off in a city famed for its architecture and culture, drawing attention as a top UK spot for TV and movies.
Three new venues—Happier Grocery in NYC, Starter Culture in Edinburgh, and Casablanca Cafe in London—highlight evolving urban lifestyles. They blend retail, dining, and community activities, reflecting shifts in consumer interests, local culture, and political contexts, with stories of innovation, community engagement, and political significance today, February 12, 2026.
Photos from the 60s and 70s show iconic UK department stores and shops, reflecting changing retail trends. Meanwhile, Belfast's Victoria Square sees a major Sephora opening, attracting thousands and signaling a boost for local high streets amid ongoing retail challenges.
Recent articles highlight ongoing challenges in urban development and housing policies. In the UK, new housing schemes remain car-dependent and slow to build, while in the US, recent zoning reforms aim to convert vacant commercial buildings into housing. Critics question the effectiveness of these initiatives amid delays and limited focus on public housing.
Two major UK-based brands, the YouTuber collective behind Sides and BrewDog, are planning significant expansion. Sides aims to open Scottish restaurants this year amid global growth, while BrewDog faces potential breakup after calling in investors. Both stories highlight shifts in UK business landscapes.
London's Oxford Street will be fully pedestrianised by late 2027, with work starting this summer. The plan, supported by retailers, aims to boost tourism and local businesses, though it faces criticism from taxi drivers and logistical challenges for traffic rerouting.
Armed police responded to a violent brawl involving masked men with large knives outside an Edinburgh supermarket on February 25. Two teenagers were arrested, and police continue investigations. No injuries were reported. The incident has raised concerns over knife crime in the city.
Recent articles highlight shifts in social interactions, from neighborhood parties in Pennsylvania to social media restrictions in Scotland. These stories reveal how people are adapting to new social realities, driven by personal choices and policy debates, with implications for community cohesion and youth well-being.
Since February 28, 2026, coordinated US and Israeli strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader, triggering widespread airspace closures across the Middle East. Key hubs including Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi suspended operations, canceling thousands of flights and stranding hundreds of thousands globally. Airlines rerouted flights, causing delays and increased costs, with uncertainty over the duration of disruptions.
People trapped in Dubai amid Iranian retaliatory strikes have been evacuated, with many fearing for their safety. Families have been reunited at Edinburgh Airport, while Americans in Dubai report difficulty in securing evacuation assistance. The situation remains tense as Iran's attacks continue to impact the region.
Police in the US have arrested Todd Pinnell after discovering a large cache of firearms, including assault rifles and ghost guns, hidden in his basement. Meanwhile, UK authorities have intercepted a smuggling operation involving firearms, ammunition, and drugs, leading to a nine-year prison sentence for the suspect. South Africa faces ongoing gun violence amid rising illegal firearm possession.
Small-scale dining concepts are expanding across the UK, with micro-restaurants emphasizing communal tables and intimate atmospheres. Meanwhile, new pub openings and business sales reflect ongoing changes in the hospitality sector, driven by space constraints and evolving consumer preferences.
Since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict, numerous flights have been diverted or turned back mid-flight, including dozens of 'flights to nowhere.' Dubai International Airport experienced a drone strike that caused temporary closures and diversions, impacting thousands of travelers worldwide. Flights are gradually resuming amid ongoing security concerns.
St. Patrick's Day on March 17 saw worldwide festivities, including New York's parade with 2 million spectators, Edinburgh's city-wide events, Montserrat's commemorations of a historic rebellion, and innovative celebrations like a mobile Irish pub in New England. The day highlights Irish culture and history globally.
Inverness and Stornoway are among nine towns on the UK longlist for the 2028 Town of Culture and 2029 City of Culture titles, respectively. Each will receive funding to develop their bids, with winners receiving £3m for cultural programs. The competitions aim to showcase local heritage and foster community pride.
Bruce Buchanan, 61, was sentenced to a lifelong restriction order with a minimum of five years for multiple sexual assaults and violence against three women in Scotland. His offending spanned over three decades, with the court highlighting his propensity to choke victims. He will remain on the sex offenders' register for life and is banned from contacting victims.
New Zealand's rugby team has announced a revamped coaching staff led by Dave Rennie, including former Scotland and Glasgow assistant Blair as attack coach, alongside Tana Umaga and Neil Barnes. The team prepares for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Filming for the third season of the period drama 'Debutante' (working title for 'The Buccaneers') took place in Edinburgh, causing road closures and attracting crowds. The series stars Kristine Froseth, Christina Hendricks, and others, recreating 1800s street scenes with period costumes and props.
Amazon's Big Spring Sale runs until March 31, offering discounts on kitchen gadgets, cookware, and appliances. Highlights include air fryers, thermometers, and storage solutions, with deals on popular brands. The sale is open to all, with a 30-day Prime trial available.
Airlines are shifting capacity and raising fares due to ongoing Middle East conflicts. Qantas is reducing domestic flights and increasing prices, while European and US carriers are expanding routes to Africa and Asia. These changes are driven by geopolitical tensions and rising fuel costs.
Sharon Granites, a five-year-old girl, remains missing near Alice Springs as authorities continue a large-scale search. A recently released prisoner, Jefferson Lewis, is being sought for information after being in Sharon’s family home at the time of her disappearance. Police believe Sharon may still be alive as the investigation widens and community volunteers assist the effort.
The Tour de France and the women's Tour de France Femmes will both start in Britain in 2027, marking the first time both races have begun in the same foreign country in the same year. The event will feature demanding terrain and a historic team time trial in London, expected to attract record crowds and showcase women's cycling on a global stage.
ABF has announced plans to demerge Primark from its food operations by the end of 2027. The move aims to improve investor understanding and valuation of each business, amid challenging trading conditions and online competition. Both companies will join the FTSE 100, with Primark valued at around £9 billion.
A Guardian piece chronicles a month of anti-consumption experiments, detailing how various methods have fared in curbing impulse purchases, with one strategy resulting in substantial savings while another approach risks a return to shopping urges.
The spring housing season has failed to rebound as buyers and sellers face higher borrowing costs and uncertainty from international conflict. Analysts say rates have risen and buyer confidence has weakened, offsetting seasonal demand and dampening existing-home sales across major markets.
A string of long-running Edinburgh retailers are closing or restructuring, reflecting a wider shift from brick-and-mortar to online shopping. Corson Hardware and John Donald & Co. are winding down, while 60 Elm Row’s Private Shop has shuttered. The era of bricks-and-mortar institutions faces a challenge, even as Jenners plans a revival on Princes Street.