The Know Daily - Monday 1 September 2025

_{Read in 4m 27s ∙ Listening to Ed Sheeran ∙}

It’s puffling szn 🩵 Every summer in Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland, local families scour the town at night to rescue baby puffins – “pufflings” – who get lost on their way to the ocean. Armed with flashlights and cardboard boxes, they scoop up the tiny birds hiding under tires, pallets, and rooftops. By morning, the pufflings are carried to the cliffs and gently launched into the wind, giving them a safe start on their first flight. Where can we sign up?!

🗳️ Lowering the UK voting age

Labour has pledged to give 16 and 17-year-olds the vote across the UK – but it’s not law yet.

Why is it being lowered?
The UK government wants everyone over 16 to have the right to vote in all elections – from local councils to general elections. Lowering the voting age was a key constitutional reform in Labour’s 2024 manifesto. The idea is that if schools start political education from around age 11, teens will be ready to vote thoughtfully and responsibly by 16.

What are supporters saying?
Advocates are calling it a “once-in-a-generation” change that could give democracy a boost. They argue that 16 and 17-year-olds already make big decisions in their lives – like starting work or even joining the armed forces – so why not let them have a say in how the country is run? Early involvement in politics can also create lifelong voters and boost civic responsibility. Teachers see it as a chance to make politics feel more real in classrooms, connecting lessons to actual life choices.

What’s the other side?
Not everyone’s convinced. Critics worry that younger teens might not have enough life experience to make informed choices. There are also concerns about peer pressure, adult influence, and whether schools can really prepare students for responsible voting. Some warn the changes will favour the party that is trying to implement it and could bring extra logistical headaches, without actually increasing meaningful engagement.

Is it a done deal?
Not yet. The government has announced its plan and says it will bring forward a bill, but it hasn’t been introduced and will still need Parliament’s approval before becoming law. Experts say it’ll take careful planning – including new school programs – before 16-year-olds can officially cast a vote. It’s a big step, but there’s still some way to go before it becomes law.

💰 Money Monday: Internet searches for "money dysmorphia" have risen over the past year.

• The bigger story: The term is used to describe a disconnect between how wealthy someone thinks they are and the reality of their financial situation. Some people can think they have less money than they do whilst others think they have more – and it can sometimes hinder sensible financial decisions. Here’s how to spot it and what you can do to fix it.

🍣 Soy long: South Australia has become the first place in the world to ban soy sauce fish-shaped containers to cut single-use plastic.

🚂 Free fares: Campaigners have called for free public transport in London to reduce inequality and get polluting cars off the road – although it’s unlikely as 60% of its budget comes from fares.

🦕 Spikey specimens: The fossil of a “bizarre” armoured dinosaur with a tail weapon and spikes has been uncovered in Morocco. 

🗺️ Tranquil travels: Looking for some much-needed downtime? This country has been named the most peaceful in 2025. 

🤳 Stress sensor: A revolutionary new cortisol test lets you “see” the primary stress hormone with a smartphone camera.

🔗 Last week’s most clicked: A peek at Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025, what science considers to be a good life and an annual corgi race.

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Trivia answer: C) The latest Gen Z makeup trend, “Tired Girl,” celebrates the look of not having been to bed ​​🤷‍♀️

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