independent

WASHINGTON  — The Supreme Court on Monday gave President Trump new power to fire the heads of most independent agencies created by Congress — but not the Federal Reserve.

Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. announced two opinions, one of which bolstered the president’s power as the chief executive and a second which said this authority did not extend to the Federal Reserve board.

The first was a 6-3 decision that had the support of five conservatives, while the second had a 5-4 majority that included the three liberals.

Roberts, a former White House lawyer, has long been skeptical of independent agencies whose officials may wield regulatory power in conflict with the views of the president.

Since the 1880s, however, Congress has at times created independent agencies led by a bipartisan board of experts. In 1935, a unanimous Supreme Court had upheld these multi-member boards and commissions.

But Roberts and the court overturned that precedent and declared it conflicts with the executive power of the president.

“Our Constitution creates three branches, but only one President,” he wrote. “To discharg[e] the duties of his trust, the President must have the assistance of officers he can trust. … Subordinates who exercise the President’s power are subject to removal by him. Then, and only then, can they remain accountable to the President, and the President to the people.”

The decision upholds Trump’s firing of Rebecca Slaughter, one of two Democratic appointees on the five-member Federal Trade Commission.

The Supreme Court upheld President Trump’s firing of Rebecca Slaughter, a Democratic appointee to the Federal Trade Commission.

(Graeme Sloan / Bloomberg / Getty Images)

In dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor said that the ruling “distorts the structure of government to fit the majority’s theory of unitary, total executive control. The result is a President who emerges with far greater power than ever before. It is a power, however, that neither the People, nor Congress, nor the Constitution bestowed upon him.”

Under what has been dubbed the “unitary executive” theory, the court’s conservatives believe the president’s executive power in Article II of the Constitution overrides Congress’power in Article I to write the laws and structure the government.

The departments and agencies of the federal government exist only because Congress created them by law.

But in the second opinion, the court blocked Trump’s bid to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook, an appointee of President Biden.

Roberts said the central bank dates back to the nation’s founding, and Congress created the Federal Reserve Board in line with “our Nation’s tradition of central banking protected from political interference.”

Trump tried to fire Lisa Cook in a social media post, he said.

But “the Federal Reserve’s Governors do not serve at the President’s pleasure — they instead serve staggered 14-year terms, and may be removed only ‘for cause’,” he wrote.

Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh cast a crucial vote to support the Fed’s independence. He said he joined the majority because it “confirms the longstanding historical practice and understanding that the Federal Reserve is an independent agency whose Governors enjoy for-cause removal protection consistent with Article II of the Constitution.”

The court did not finally decide on Cook’s case, except to say she deserved due process of law. She could not be fired without a hearing and evidence, the court said.

The setback for independent agencies came as no surprise, however.

Even prior to Trump’s election, Roberts has insisted agency officials must be accountable and under the control of the president.

Last year, the justices blocked lower court rulings that would have reinstated agency officials who were fired by Trump.

For most of American history, however, it had been understood that Congress had the power to structure the government and to create semi-independent agencies to carry out specific tasks like regulating railroad rates or the money supply.

These agencies and commissions were led by a bipartisan board of experts who were appointed with a fixed term. They could be fired only for cause, not because of a political disagreement with the president.

The Supreme Court upheld these multi-member commissions in 1935 on the grounds their work was more legislative and judicial than simply enforcing the law.

But the court’s current conservative majority has contended these commissions and boards wield executive authority and are therefore, subject to direct control by the president.

In creating such bodies, Congress often was responding to the problems of a new era.

The Interstate Commerce Commission was created in 1887 to regulate railroad rates. The FTC, the focus of the court case, was created in 1914 to investigate corporate monopolies.

The year before, the Federal Reserve Board was established to supervise banks, prevent panics and regulate the money supply.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Congress created the Securities and Exchange Commission to regulate the stock market and the National Labor Relations Board to resolve labor disputes.

Decades later, Congress focused on safety. The National Transportation Safety Board was created to investigate aviation accidents, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission investigates products that may pose a danger. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission protects the public from nuclear hazards.

Typically, Congress gave the appointees, a mix of Republicans and Democrats, a fixed term and said they could be removed only for “inefficiency, neglect of duty or malfeasance in office.”

Slaughter was first appointed by Trump to a Democratic seat and was reappointed by Biden in 2023 for a seven-year term.

This Devon market town’s unique blend of independent shops, bohemian culture and charming eateries

Living in London, life can feel rather frenetic at times. I adore city living, but I do make an effort to escape at least a few times each year to properly switch off.

One of my favourite spots I’ve discovered is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and delightful high street.

Totnes is a market town in Devon, celebrated for its artistic community and flourishing bohemian spirit. It also boasts, in my view, one of the finest high streets in Britain.

If you begin at the lower end of the street, you can cross the bridge spanning the River Dart and really absorb the character of the town from there.

During the summer months, the town is adorned with vibrant bunting, and small vessels glide across the water, reports the Express.

There’s verdant riverside greenery, and the town buzzes with energy. Once you’ve crossed the bridge, pop in for a coffee at The Curator – the first of countless independent shops scattered along the high street.

The coffee is excellent, and they offer a wonderful range of pastries if you fancy settling in for a spot to eat – though don’t overdo it, there’s plenty more to discover.

The high street meanders gently uphill and is flanked by hundreds of independent boutiques, charity shops and tea rooms.

Further up the high street, there’s the Cornish Bakery, which fills the air with the mouthwatering savoury aroma of pasties.

They cater for everyone – even my vegan brother discovered something he adored. As the high street sweeps round to the left, you’ll come across Butterworth’s Vintage Co — a compact yet impressive second-hand shop stocking everything from knitwear to workwear and even vintage magazines.

Once you’ve had a good rummage through the shelves, you might fancy a swift pint or another bite to eat — and you’re in luck.

Just a short stroll from Butterworth’s sits The Bull Inn — a stunning pub boasting an extensive organic food menu, along with nine rooms available should you need somewhere to rest your head.

The highlight for me at The Bull Inn is its delightful garden, where you can unwind in the sunshine and watch the world go past. Tucked just across the carpark, and much like the rest of the town, it’s frequently adorned with gorgeous bunting.

On a sunny day, it really is hard to beat — and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be more than ready to take the weight off your feet after all that retail therapy along the high street.

WASHINGTON — Independents have grown increasingly unhappy with President Trump during his second term, a new AP-NORC polling analysis finds, particularly those without a college degree.

The analysis from researchers at The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that while about half of independents without a college education had a positive view of Trump around the 2024 election, his approval with that group fell to about one-quarter this spring. That shift has erased the large education gap that existed among independents in the months before Trump took office for his second term, with independents now holding similarly negative views of the president regardless of their level of education.

The analysis was conducted by aggregating nearly two dozen AP-NORC polls conducted between July 2024 and April 2026, allowing for a deeper look at how support for Trump changed during several distinct periods, including the last six months of 2024, the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency, the summer of 2025 when the One Big Beautiful Bill passed, last fall’s government shutdown and the beginning of the Iran war.

The compiled polling shows a steady decline among independents throughout Trump’s second term. His standing has also dropped among several small but important groups that moved toward him in the 2024 presidential election, including Black and Hispanic independents.

More Americans than ever consider themselves independents, and they are among the groups that shifted toward Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Any erosion in that support could signal trouble for Trump and Republicans headed into the midterm elections, which are often seen as reflection of how voters feel about their governing party.

Tafari Torres, a senior research associate at NORC who co-authored the analysis, noted that while Democrats’ and Republicans’ views of Trump have held largely steady in his second term, independents’ opinions are still moving.

“Independents are, broadly, the people who are reacting to the events and dropping in their support,” he said.

Dramatic declines during Trump’s first 100 days

Trump’s return to the White House was in part fueled by independent voters who saw him as the stronger candidate on key issues like the economy. The new analysis, which looks at Trump’s favorability and presidential approval ratings, shows that once he took the helm, their views quickly soured.

Independents without a college degree had a much more positive view of Trump than college-educated independents did during and shortly after the 2024 election, but that shifted in the first few months of his term. Positive views of Trump among independents without a college degree fell from 48% in the months before he returned to office to 31% in polling conducted during Trump’s first 100 days back in office. Those warm views declined even further, to about one-quarter, during the government shutdown and the early months of 2026.

Only about 3 in 10 college-educated independents, by contrast, had a positive view of Trump before he returned to office, making their drop to about one-quarter much less dramatic.

“The decline among no-college independents was steeper and it was greater than the slight decline in college independents,” said Sean Collins, a research associate at NORC who co-authored the analysis. “That was surprising, especially given, when you think of Trump’s coalitions, those without college degrees is usually one of the ones that that stands out.”

Hispanic, younger independents grow disenchanted

Americans without a college degree have long been a key part of Trump’s coalition. But Trump also won in 2024 by making gains among groups that tend to support Democrats, including Hispanic adults.

About 4 in 10 independent voters — 42% — voted for Trump in 2024, up from 37% in the 2020 presidential election. Independent voters without a college degree were a little more likely to back Trump over former Vice President Kamala Harris in the last election, according to AP VoteCast, and Hispanic independents were about evenly split between the two.

The picture looks much bleaker for the president now.

Nearly half of Hispanic independents — 46% — saw Trump favorably in the polling conducted around the presidential election. His approval among these adults dropped quickly in his second term, falling as low as 15% during last fall’s government shutdown before landing around one-quarter in the spring.

Younger independents also became less supportive of the president, while independents age 60 and older remained mostly stable. Other AP-NORC polling has pointed to Trump losing ground among younger Republicans over inflation concerns and Hispanic Americans growing increasingly discontented.

“The gains Trump appeared to make during the election, I don’t know if they’re sticking around. He’s experienced some significant shifts among those people,” Torres said. “From our research, they don’t appear to be permanent gains.”

The economy is frustrating many independents

Polling suggests that the economy is at the root of many Americans’ frustrations with Trump, including independents.

About half of independents who supported Trump in 2024 said inflation was the single most important factor for their vote, AP VoteCast found, and most expressed high levels of concern about the cost of food and gas.

More than a year into Trump’s second term, inflation remains high, fueled by gas prices that remain elevated as the Iran war continues. An AP-NORC poll conducted in April found that about 3 in 10 independents were “extremely” or “very” concerned about being able to afford groceries in the last few months, and a similar share were worried about being able to afford gas.

The analysis found that Americans’ views of the U.S. economy tend to align with their view of the president. Those with negative views of the country’s economy tended to have negative views of Trump, and about 8 in 10 independents described the U.S. economy this spring as poor.

The latest AP-NORC polling from May found that only about 3 in 10 independents approve of how Trump is handling the economy, in line with the roughly 3 in 10 who said that at the beginning of his second term. The April poll found only about 1 in 10 independents — 12% — approved of how Trump was handling the cost of living.

This AP-NORC analysis of 4,836 independents was conducted over 21 AP-NORC surveys, blocked into five time periods before and during President Donald Trump’s second term. Independents are classified as panelists who do not select that they identify with or lean toward either the Democratic or Republican Party.

Sanders writes for the Associated Press.

WASHINGTON — President Trump on Friday oversaw the White House swearing-in of the new Federal Reserve chair and said he would like Kevin Warsh’s help in stimulating the economy even as he tried to emphasize that the nation’s central bank would remain independent.

Trump spent months criticizing Warsh’s predecessor, Jerome Powell, for being reluctant to cut interests rates, with the Republican president arguing that lower borrowing costs would provide an economic boost. By taking the unusual step of holding the ceremony in the East Room and not the Fed, Trump made clear his pleasure that Warsh is now in charge.

The war with Iran has caused gas prices to spike, unsettled financial markets and driven inflation concerns across the economy. Those developments have led to recent doubts about whether Warsh might heed Trump’s calls and push the Fed to lower rates.

Still, Trump said he had faith that Warsh would prioritize a strong economy.

“Thankfully, unlike some of his predecessors, Kevin understands that when the economy is booming, it is, that’s a good thing,” the president said. Trump said it was not necessary “to go crazy. Just let it go. We want it to boom.”

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas administered the oath of office. Also on hand were House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), Justice Brett Kavanaugh, CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Cabinet members.

“I expect he will go down as one of the truly great chairmen of the Federal Reserve that we’ve ever had,” Trump said of Warsh.

Republican President Reagan swore in Alan Greenspan as Fed chair at the White House in 1987. Republican President George W. Bush attended the 2006 ceremony at central bank headquarters when Ben Bernanke became chair.

But having the event at the White House raises more questions about the Fed’s independence at a time when Trump has constantly sought to bend the independent central bank to his will.

Trump’s Department of Justice began an investigation into Powell and the Fed’s extensive building renovations. That drew backlash from lawmakers and the department scrapped the investigation. The Fed’s internal watchdog is now handling the matter. Powell’s term as chair ended last week, though he has opted to remain on the Fed board for now.

Trump made a point of saying during his remarks, “Honestly, I really mean this. This is not said in any other way: I want Kevin to be totally independent.”

“I want him to be independent and just do a great job,” Trump said. “Don’t look at me, don’t look at anybody. Just do your own thing.”

In the next breath, however, Trump said that “in the eyes of many, the Fed has lost its way in recent years” under his predecessor, Democratic President Biden. Trump also suggested that Warsh is looking to lead policies that promote “positive economic growth” and that doing so did not have to mean higher inflation.

Trump also noted that the stock market had risen Friday. “That means they like you,” he said of Warsh.

Warsh once harshly criticized Fed’s policies, including its low interest rate policies coming out of the pandemic, which he says contributed to the largest U.S. inflation spike in four decades in 2021-22. More recently, he has sometimes echoed Trump’s demands for lower rates.

Warsh says productivity gains from artificial intelligence will help the economy grow more quickly without spurring inflation, enabling the Fed to reduce borrowing costs. Many Fed officials, however, disagree that AI’s development will support rate cuts, especially because the technology has also been blamed for large-scale layoffs in the computer sector and other parts of the economy.

On Friday, Warsh promised “to lead a reform oriented Federal Reserve, learning from past successes and mistakes, both escaping static frameworks and models and upholding clear standards of integrity and performance.”

He told Trump that he believes “these years can bring unmatched prosperity that will raise living standards for Americans from all walks of life. And the Fed has something to do with it.”

Warsh further noted that the Fed’s mandate “is to promote price stability and maximum employment. When we pursue those aims with wisdom and clarity, independence and resolve, inflation can be lower; growth, stronger; real take home pay, higher and America … more prosperous.”

As he left the ceremony, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reinforced Trump’s message, predicting to reporters that Warsh will “do the right thing for inflation and growth.”

Weissert and Price write for the Associated Press.

A charming market town in the Cotswolds with a thriving independent scene and a backdrop of honey-coloured cottages, has been named as one of the best in the UK

A picturesque market town boasting a thriving independent scene has been crowned as one of the finest in Britain.

With rolling hills, cobbled streets, honey-hued cottages and picture-perfect towns that resemble something from a storybook, the Cotswolds are undeniably one of England’s most stunning regions. There’s Bibury, home to the iconic Arlington Row cottages hailed as the ‘most beautiful village in England’, Bourton-on-the-Water with its stone bridges earning it the moniker ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’, Broadway celebrated as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’ with its broad high street, and Burford, famously described as the ‘Gateway to the Cotswolds’.

But among these Cotswold gems, Cirencester outshines the rest as it’s been crowned Gloucestershire’s best market town. It was also ranked as one of the top market towns in the UK by Bullock Coaches, thanks to its long-established markets, antique shops, boutiques, and cafés.

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Dubbed the ‘capital of the Cotswolds’, I’ve visited Cirencester on countless occasions, but my most recent trip only reinforced my affection for the bustling town and confirmed its stellar reputation as the best market town.

Home to roughly 19,000 residents, the town’s close-knit community spirit is plain to see after just an afternoon wandering its streets – far from the sleepy charm found elsewhere in the Cotswolds, it boasts a thriving independent scene and celebrated markets. There are even glimpses of its Roman heritage, when it once ranked as the second-largest city after London, which are visible throughout its grand architecture and ancient medieval streets.

I strolled along cobbled high streets flanked by warm, honey-coloured stone buildings, which whisked me away to something straight out of Downton Abbey, while the Parish Church of St John Baptist stands proudly over the market square. This is where I discovered the renowned outdoor Charter Market, one of the oldest in the country, held every Monday and Friday, reports Gloucestershire Live.

The stalls overflow with everything from plants and outdoor furniture to fresh produce and household essentials, and are clearly a major draw for the town as locals peruse the vast array of goods before nipping into a nearby café for a cuppa. I settled on a warming cappuccino in the snug surroundings of Keith’s Coffee Shop, its shelves bursting with tempting treats to take home, from loose-leaf tea to biscuits, jams, chutneys and chocolates – resisting the urge to grab something sweet is no easy feat!

For those in search of a freshly baked treat, KNEAD Cirencester is an independent bakery well worth a visit, offering all the classic pastries — a personal highlight being their pecan and maple danish. The charming Heather’s is another brilliant option for a decent coffee, tucked away down one of the town’s characterful lanes, conveniently close to a handful of delightful independent retailers.

Cirencester’s flourishing independent shopping scene is arguably one of the town’s greatest draws, making it an absolute goldmine for finding unique gifts for family and friends. During a recent day out, a browse through Octavia’s Bookshop turned up a great read, while the gift shop m.a.d.e. and the welcoming Corn Hall Indoor Market also proved well worth exploring.

Open year-round, Sunday to Thursday, the indoor market is packed with warm and friendly traders flogging everything from organic beauty products and jewellery to art, bags, scarves, cards, wood, craft, Persian rugs, and even carpets – a real one-stop shop. Just a stone’s throw away is the Corn Hall Cellars Wine Shop, stocking a fine selection of wines, beers and spirits – ideal for those hosting evenings, along with all the tasty treats needed for a cracking night in with friends.

Beyond the independents, familiar high street names such as White Stuff, Seasalt Cornwall, Barbour, Mountain Warehouse, French Grey and Waterstones are also well represented. While the independent retailers and bustling daily markets were the real standout attractions, Cirencester is undeniably a thriving town in every sense.

Those keen to soak up the delightful character of Cirencester will find it just a 30-minute drive from both Gloucester and Cheltenham, or less than a two-hour train journey from London. Alternatively, you could make it a weekend escape and take in some of the surrounding Cotswolds villages, such as Bibury and Tetbury.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

This picturesque Dublin village is a celebrity haven famed for its independent shops, stunning coastline and the fact that locals chose local businesses over Starbucks

For those who have never visited the breathtaking coastal village of Dalkey in south Dublin, perhaps Hollywood A-lister Matt Damon put it best.

He spent time there in 2020 while filming The Last Duel and, when quizzed about his temporary Irish home, he said: “Oh, it is incredible. It is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. I mean, it is just absolutely gorgeous.” Continuing his praise, he told radio station Spin 1038: “Even in the lockdown when they were like ‘you’ve got to stay within 2km of your house’…

“I mean 2km here there are trees and forests and woods and ocean. I can’t think of any place you would rather want to be in a 2km radius of. It is a little like a fairy tale here.”

Travel 13km beyond that radius and you’ll find yourself in Dublin city centre, easily reachable via the DART train. Rock legend Bono calls neighbouring Killiney home, just south of Dalkey, while Van Morrison is among the area’s other well-known residents.

Yet, despite this picturesque and tranquil seaside town along Dublin’s coastline — often affectionately referred to as the “Amalfi Coast of Ireland” — being a magnet for tourists and celebrities alike, there is one notable absence: a Starbucks, reports the Express.

This may come as a surprise to many, given the American coffee giant’s presence in most bustling towns, particularly as the company celebrates 20 years of trading in Ireland this month. A Starbucks once existed in Dalkey back in 2008, but it shut its doors just 13 months later after locals staged a boycott in a show of solidarity with independent businesses.

Speaking to the Irish Independent, Peter O’Donovan, who runs a specialist coffee shop with his wife called Pepper Laine just off the main street, said: “I don’t think it suits the Dalkey image. I think they were too big for somewhere so small, and people say that it took from other businesses in the area.”

He also noted that the absence of a Starbucks, which he believes tourists would naturally gravitate towards for convenience, has actually proved a boon for independent traders during the busy summer months.

Beyond coffee, the town’s most beloved attraction is Dalkey Castle, constructed around 1390 and once used as a loading port during the Middle Ages. It now houses a Writers’ Gallery featuring exhibits dedicated to literary greats such as James Joyce, who once lived nearby.

The charming town is also characterised by narrow streets lined with cafés, restaurants and quirky bookshops.

It also offers stunning walks that wind their way from the village down to the coastline, where locals frequently take a dip in the sea.

For the more adventurous visitor, there is a rock climbing centre at the old Dalkey Quarry near Killiney Hill, where thrill-seekers are rewarded with breathtaking views across Dublin. Visitors can also explore the bay, with excursions on offer to nearby Dalkey Island, where seals, birds and wild goats can be spotted — and perhaps even the occasional dolphin.

Other notable figures to have rented properties in the area include Pierce Brosnan, Mel Gibson and Russell Crowe, while in 2022 Harry Styles was photographed at the Vico Baths enjoying a swim, just as Matt Damon did during his visit to the bathing spot.

Taiwan stressed that it is a “sovereign and independent” nation after US President Donald Trump raised uncertainty over a major weapons sale to Taipei. The Chinese government pledged to deepen security cooperation with the US while insisting that Beijing has no right to claim the island.

A UK ‘city of stories’ where independent bookshops stacked to the ceiling with novels sitting alongside traditional tearooms, makes the perfect weekend escape for book lovers

A delightful UK city bursting with independent bookshops and cafés makes for an ideal retreat for bibliophiles or those keen to discover the ‘city of stories’.

Strolling through Norwich in Norfolk on a weekend break is enough to whisk you away to another world, courtesy of its medieval and timber-framed buildings. Narrow lanes and cobbled streets are lined with more than 500 independent shops, offering homeware treasures, gifts and vintage clothing, alongside traditional tearooms, cafés, restaurants and bars.

Yet it’s the collection of independent bookshops, stacked floor to ceiling with novels and snug reading nooks, that truly steals the show. It comes as little surprise to stumble upon such a treasure trove of bookshops in the ‘city of stories’ – England’s first UNESCO City of Literature.

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Highlights include The Book Hive, boasting a charming green façade, tables piled high with your next great read, and window seats perfect for a spot of people-watching between chapters. Nearby, the independent children’s bookshop Bookbugs and Dragon Tales is a firm favourite – famously visited by Jacqueline Wilson, who has signed their dedicated author wall – and a wonderland where little ones can spend hours browsing its vibrant shelves.

Dormouse Bookshop, its shelves laden with rare and antiquarian books, is yet another hidden gem, and its setting on Elm Hill will have you feeling as though you’ve wandered straight into a fairy tale. And that’s just the beginning.

Stroll through the streets, and you’ll stumble upon second-hand books at virtually every turn. From Undercover Books to City Bookshop and Tombland Bookshop, there’s even a comic book store, Abstract Sprocket, catering to avid collectors and anime enthusiasts, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Whatever your preferred genre, Norwich has something for everyone, with each independent bookshop boasting its own unique character, whether through vibrant wall art or tucked-away nooks perfect for a peaceful read free from distractions. Beyond its wealth of bookshops, Norwich lays claim to some remarkable literary achievements.

The city is celebrated for opening the first English civic provincial library in 1608 and for being the home of one of the earliest known female writers in England, Julian of Norwich. It also boasts the only National Centre for Writing, hosts its annual City of Literature weekend, and the University of East Anglia (UEA) pioneered the first Creative Writing MA.

The city has also been a home to celebrated authors such as Kazuo Ishiguro, Ian McEwan, Eimear McBride and Sarah Perry. It’s also thought that around 108 different languages and dialects are spoken throughout the charming streets of Norwich, only adding to its storybook reputation.

For those who enjoy a good read accompanied by a warming cuppa, you’ll be thoroughly spoilt for choice when it comes to cafés. There are traditional tearooms, such as Biddy’s Tea Room and Harriet’s Cafe Tearooms, alongside cosy spots like The Yard Coffee, Flock, and Kofra, as well as the Refectory café nestled within the Cathedral.

After browsing the array of bookshops and coffee houses, there’s the 900-year-old outdoor market packed with independent food vendors and shops spanning around 200 lively stalls. For a glimpse of its heritage, there’s the 12th-century Norman castle and Norwich’s two impressive cathedrals, set against its winding alleyways and vibrant street art in a city brimming with character and stories to share.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Why go now

Madrid’s current boomtown dynamics are driving the city centre way upmarket, pushing the average punter to outer barrios in search of cheaper rent. As seen in New York and elsewhere, the creative class is moving too – crossing the River Manzanares to open studios in the former factories and metalworks of Carabanchel. Now the city’s most populous district, this used to be a separate municipality, which was annexed to the capital in 1948 and built up into canyons of high-rise flats to house the postwar influx from the provinces, and later from Latin America.

Today, old and new Madrid coexist here in a certain harmony: coffee roasters and bistros slot in beside weathered blue-collar tapas bars and Colombian or Peruvian cantinas, but the neighbourhood still feels a bit like an independent republic. Long-term residents roll their eyes at claims made for the area’s coolness, and some express pride, or resistance, through a popular T-shirt slogan: “This is not Soho. This is Carabanchel.”

Where to eat and drink

The district’s focal point is La Capa, a defunct 1960s cafe revived by three local men, who gave the original interior a good scrub and upgraded the kitchen to serve exemplary dishes such as chicken escalope with red pepper confit and premium wines from small bodegas, many sold at cost price.

Three actors have repurposed an old corner shop as a small, bright bar called Merinas. The walls are hung with caricatures of famous film directors, the palm-shaded patio creates a beach-like feel in a landlocked city, and the judicious menu runs to guest wines, charcuterie boards and spectacular sandwiches with fillings like cured tuna and payoyo cheese on organic sourdough rolls.

Cultural experiences

Sabrina Amrani recalls the opening night of her new Carabanchel gallery in 2019, when one guest almost cried while telling her that she had changed the map of Madrid by bringing art across the river. “Perhaps we helped open a door,” she says, “but many artists were based here before we arrived, and they generated a different kind of energy in the neighbourhood.”

While Amrani converted a car workshop into a showroom for work by international talents such as Alexandra Karakashian, native street artist Sfhir made space for more than 200 painters, muralists and sculptors in a nearby underground garage now called 95 Gallery.

Carabanchel has its own punky, DIY music scene, too, packed around a cluster of low-cost recording studios and rehearsal rooms, with raucous gigs at Gruta 77, battles of the bands at Madreams, and after-hours DJ sets at industrial complex turned arts hub CasaBanchel.

Where to shop

At Planeta Ganga, retired film producer María Arellano draws on her contacts in wardrobe departments to source and sell outfits seen in Spanish films and TV shows such as Elite. Prices are surprisingly low, and a big cut goes to an orthopaedic charity for kids (Arellano’s daughter was born with mobility issues).

Local rockabillies buy their Harrington jackets and boogie shoes at specialist boutique Rocket, and the barrio’s first dedicated bottle shop for natural wines also doubles as a tiny late-night hangout, Luz Verde.

Don’t miss

Far removed from the city’s historic core, Carabanchel has its own architectural legacy, from the modernist turrets and chalets of an early 20th-century writers’ colony, the Colonia de la Prensa, to the medieval brickwork hermitage of Santa María La Antigua – one of the oldest buildings in Madrid.

Where to stay

Cielo Studios offers stylish modern guest apartments from €80, with a rooftop garden and lounge overlooking the surrounding block of bars and galleries.

The town has a variety of independent shops and places to eat.

From Cotswolds villages to seaside towns, the UK is home to a variety of stunning towns. I love exploring them but to live in one for a substantial amount of time it really has to tick my boxes. After living in Windsor for several years, I was sceptical about moving to a new place. But this hidden gem town just outside London is much quieter and more peaceful.

About 28 miles from London, Marlow is on a scenic stretch of the River Thames and surrounded by the rolling countryside of the Chiltern Hills. Its historic high street and picturesque setting attract visitors from all over the country, yet it still remains fairly quiet, compared to nearby towns like Henley-on-Thames. The town was recorded in the Domesday book as an established settlement, valued for its fertile land and river access.

It then developed as a river crossing and trading point before becoming known for malting and brewing. In the 19th century, the construction of the bridge began to improve connections across the Thames, and the arrival of the railway later in the century further boosted accessibility and growth.

Now, it’s an affluent residential and leisure destination known for its riverside setting, bustling high street and outstanding food scene. It’s regularly voted as one of the best places to live in the UK.

There’s a lot to do and see in the town, including hiring a rowing boat, visiting Higginson Park for a picnic, and visiting the market.

The picturesque high street is full of independent boutiques and eateries, including The Cheese Shed, The Marlow Bookshop and The Dresser. I’m also a huge fan of Laurent’s, an Italian cafe and deli serving delicious sandwiches and coffee. Marlow also hosts regular markets where visitors can find local produce, including delicious homemade gelato by Agosti Gelato and juices from Marlow Juices. The town is well-regarded for its food scene, including award-winning pubs and Michelin-starred dining.

The Hand and Flowers is perhaps the town’s most celebrated restaurant, as it was the first pub in the country to be awarded two Michelin stars, a distinction it still holds today. It’s owned by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge and elevates classic British dishes with refined techniques and bold flavours. However, dining here doesn’t come cheap, with prices for a set Sunday lunch around £195.

Housing and living costs tend to be above the national average, reflecting its desirability and commuter-friendly location. According to Rightmove, the average price of a house in Marlow over the last year was just shy of £700,000. This is more than double the UK’s current average of £290,000, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The town is also close to towns and villages like Bourne End, Cookham, and Bray, and exploring Cliveden, a National Trust property, is my favourite weekend destination.

The town was also recognised as one of the “Happiest Places to Live in 2025”

In an age where numerous British high streets have fallen victim to a “clone town” plague of betting shops and vacant premises, one Tudor-framed town in the West Midlands is mounting a spectacular, independent fightback. Shrewsbury, the birthplace of Charles Darwin, was crowned ‘Britain’s best high street’ for two years running – and with an impressive tally of roughly 515 independent shops, it’s easy to understand why.

Cradled within a bend of the River Severn, this Shropshire treasure has achieved what many deemed impossible: building a retail landscape where local enterprises don’t just survive but significantly outnumber the national chains.

The town was also recognised as one of its ‘Happiest Places to Live in 2025’ and the leading town in the Midlands by The Guardian. It boasts dozens of historic pubs, including The Bull Inn and The Nags Head, which stretches back to the 16th century and appeared in A Christmas Carol (1984).

When the Daily Express dropped by the town, Seb Slater, executive director at Shrewsbury BID, explained that the combined efforts of businesses, the Business Improvement District (BID), and the local councils to deliver effective campaigns and schemes ensure that Shrewsbury “enjoys strong footfall and vacancy rates that remain well below the national average, with a continuous stream of new businesses keen to open here,” reports the Express.

He added: “Shrewsbury serves a wide customer catchment area extending across Shropshire and mid Wales alongside a growing visitor economy that strengthens our reputation as a leading regional destination.”

A shining example of this independent spirit is Shrewsbury’s Market Hall, which has been voted Britain’s favourite market across multiple years and claimed the title of best community market in 2026.

Commercial, markets and events manager at the town council, Ian Thorpe, told the Express it is a “treasured asset” that will celebrate its 60th anniversary this September, adding that the “fantastic traders provide an eclectic shopping experience for both residents and tourists.”

Yet perhaps the true jewel in Shrewsbury’s crown is Wyle Cop, widely regarded as the longest unbroken stretch of independent businesses in the UK.

This historic thoroughfare is a masterclass in boutique retail and a stunning showcase of the town’s architectural heritage.

Lining the street are numerous 17th-century timber-framed buildings, and the Cop is home to 39 of Shrewsbury’s almost 800 listed buildings, according to the town’s official website.

Beyond its thriving retail scene, Shrewsbury has much more to offer. The town’s 29-acre Quarry Park and Gardens provide a vast swathe of green space, ideal for leisurely winter walks or cycling trips.

Rich in history and flanked by listed buildings, you could easily while away the hours exploring the town’s captivating architecture, from the iconic

Shrewsbury Abbey and the striking red sandstone castle, to the Old Market Hall and Shrewsbury Prison, known as The Dana, which dates back to 1793.

Beyond that, there’s the Museum & Art Gallery and Theatre Severn to discover, as well as neighbouring green spaces such as Hawkstone Park Follies and National Trust Attingham Park.

Spotify wants to give historic venues such as the Troubadour and the Paramount — and the independent musicians who play there — a boost.

The steaming giant on Wednesday said it is partnering with the National Independent Venue Assn. (NIVA) to promote local music nationwide, including at dozens of clubs in L.A.

In the yearlong partnership, the company said it aims to boost visibility for independent music venues through its live events feed that will feature links to music from local artists and their performances at clubs in the Los Angeles area.

As part of the initiative, NIVA will choose someone who books the acts for these indie venues to work with Spotify’s editorial team and create a playlist featuring artists.

Spotify is launching the playlist this summer to celebrate and highlight the people shaping independent live music from behind the scenes.

The Regent Theater, Gold Diggers, the Teragram Ballroom and the United Theater on Broadway will be included in the program, Spotify said in its statement.

“Independent venues are the heartbeat of live music,” said Rene Volker, Spotify’s senior director of live music. “They’re where artists take risks, build devoted communities, and where fans discover what they’ll love for the rest of their lives.”

Spotify’s history in the music industry is complex, and it has previously faced some criticism over how it compensates artists whose songs stream on its platform.

Bill Werde, the director of Syracuse’s recording and entertainment industries program, said Spotify’s support for indie musicians could help them during a difficult time.

“It costs money to market, to collect good data and to do most of the things required to break through in today’s attention economy,” Werde said in a statement. “This creates a disadvantage for smaller music companies and smaller artists, who may not have the resources of larger acts and larger venues.”