The Know Daily - Tuesday 3 June 2025

_{Read in 4m 55s ∙ Listening to Adam Doleac ∙}

The Sussex coast is getting a glow-up thanks to the UK’s first Blue Natural Capital Lab. From restoring underwater kelp forests to boosting community-led conservation, it's all about helping our seas thrive again. The lab’s also creating jobs and funding local projects – think nature regeneration with a seaside twist. Proof that when we invest in blue spaces, everyone wins 🌊

💨 The ban on disposable vapes

Disposable vapes have disappeared from UK shelves this month. We’re digging into what’s behind the ban…

Why the ban?
It’s no secret that disposable vapes skyrocketed in popularity, especially amongst teens and young adults. Available in every pastel colour and flavour imaginable – from bubblegum to mango – they quickly became more than just a nicotine fix. They were an accessory, a trend, and, for under-18s, a growing concern. Health experts raised alarm bells about the sharp rise in youth vaping, but it's not just about under-age use. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs pointed out the millions of single-use devices being binned every week with tiny batteries and plastic shells that aren’t getting recycled – both a fire hazard and environmentally problematic. 

What does it mean?
From the start of June, it became illegal to sell or supply disposable vapes in the UK. Retailers were expected to pull them from shelves, and manufacturers can no longer legally supply them. But, for regular vapers, this doesn’t mean the end of the habit altogether. Reusable vape kits and refillable pods remain legal, as do nicotine pouches and other alternatives. The idea is to push users toward more sustainable, adult-targeted options and steer teens away from the rainbow-sugar aesthetic that had become so common in corner shops.

What’s the other side?
Not everyone’s thrilled about the ban. Some worry that taking disposable vapes off the table could push adult smokers back towards cigarettes, especially those who found them a convenient quitting aid. Retailers have raised concerns over enforcement, particularly with online sales and imports. 

Where do we go from here?
The disposable vape ban is part of the broader Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which aims to create a smoke-free generation by implementing measures such as raising the legal age for purchasing tobacco products and restricting the sale and marketing of vaping products to children. As for vaping, it’s complicated. Some public health experts still argue that e-cigarettes help adults quit smoking – a net win. Others say the youth appeal is too high a price.

👩‍💻 AI advancements: A new government trial has found that AI could save UK civil servants nearly 2 weeks a year in admin time.

• The bigger story: The trial saw AI helping with everyday tasks like writing draft documents and summarising meetings – freeing up time for other activities without sacrificing quality. It’s part of a wider effort to modernise how the civil service works, with more departments set to get access soon.

🚀 NASA nomination: Donald Trump has dropped Jared Isaacman, a close ally of Elon Musk, as his proposed NASA chief, with the administration saying it’s reconsidering its approach to space leadership.

💍 Planning prenups: Prenuptial agreements are on the rise in the UK, as more couples use them to set clear financial expectations before marriage.

🤝 Trade talks: The EU trade commissioner will meet his US counterpart in Paris this week to discuss tariffs, with hopes of easing pressure on transatlantic trade.

🦕 Fossil find: A 170-million-year-old stegosaur footprint has been uncovered on the Yorkshire coast by local geology guide Steve Cousins aka the “Rock Showman”.

🚆 Train travels: A new direct rail service between London and Stirling in Scotland is set to launch next year, offering 5 speedier daily journeys.

🌿 Urban oasis: The best cities for green space and access to nature have been revealed – anyone else suddenly craving a walk in the park?

Help your friends feel better about the news. Get them to sign up using your personalised code 👉 https://theknowmedia.beehiiv.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER

⭐ Get clicking - this tells our partners that readers are interested in The Know. Let’s get started with this one!

⭐ Add us to your contacts or primary inbox - this makes sure we reach your inbox (and everyone else’s) each morning.

The Know is on a mission to help everyone start their day feeling informed and hopeful. We only recommend things we genuinely love but sometimes we make money from the links and content we share. This directly supports keeping our journalism free for all.

Trivia answer: A) New York’s Frick Collection is expanding access with late openings and live music.

*Bolthole Retreats giveaway T&Cs: By selecting ‘Yes please!’ you’re agreeing to share your email with Bolthole Retreats and to be added to their mailing list. The giveaway will run from 2 June - 14 July 2025. One winner will be selected at random by The Know on 15 July 2025 and notified by email. The winner must be subscribed to The Know’s newsletter on the drawing date and have read at least one newsletter between 2 June - 14 July to be eligible. By entering, you agree to your email being shared with Bolthole Retreats for marketing purposes. You can unsubscribe at any time. The stay must take place between 1 September 2025 and 28 February 2026, excluding October Half Term, Christmas, New Year, and February Half Term. The prize is subject to availability and requires advance booking. It is non-transferable, non-refundable, and cannot be exchanged for cash or an alternative stay. Travel and any additional costs incurred during the stay are not included. Lucknow Cottage can accommodate up to two dogs – if you decide to bring dogs, a £40 fee per dog is payable. The stay is subject to Bolthole Retreats’s standard booking terms and conditions; by entering, you confirm that you accept these terms.

How did you find today’s email?
😍 Loved it! | 😕 Could be better…

Need fewer emails? Click here to hear from us once a week.