The Know Daily - Friday 9 January 2026

_{Read in 5m 24s ∙ Listening to Wes Nelson ∙}

Hello and Happy Friday!

It feels like it's been forever – or is that just me?! – but it’s so good to be back 💫 I’m not a huge resolution-setter but I have always been one of those people who really buys into the New Year energy. Now that the mince pie and cheeseboard-filled fog has lifted, it feels like we can truly crack on with all the exciting things we have in store for 2026 (stay tuned 👀). But it has got me thinking about intentions for the coming year and my nosey-self would love to hear what all of you are manifesting for the next 12 months. 

Without further ado, let’s get stuck into our usual roundup of this week’s headlines, as well as some culture picks and a few recs to see you through the weekend ❣️

Annabel

UK NEWS

🌨️ Storm Goretti – the first UK storm of the year – has swept across the country, leaving plenty of snow behind it. Check here for live updates of its effects across the nation.

🗳️ Labour is the early frontrunner to win the 2028 race for Mayor of London after a new poll revealed they are on 32%, with the Conservatives at 20%, Reform at 19%, the Greens at 13% and Liberal Democrats at 11%.

👩‍⚕️ The NHS is set to launch a new online hospital that has promised to prioritise women’s health issues including menopause symptoms and menstrual problems.

GLOBAL AFFAIRS

🇺🇦 Ukraine’s president Vlodymyr Zelenskyy has offered to drop the country’s goal to join NATO in exchange for western security guarantees.

👗 A landmark bill has been passed in France banning cosmetics and clothes made with “forever chemicals”.

🇻🇪 The US carried out air strikes against Venezuela before capturing the president, Nicolás Maduro. Members of the United Nations Security Council have condemned the action. Here’s an explainer that breaks down what this means, without all the noise.

CULTURE

🏆 The Golden Globes are on Sunday. Need a refresh on who’s up for what? You can check out the nominees for each category here. 

🏏 Australia’s cricket team have held onto the Ashes trophy for another year after winning 4-1 against England in Sydney.

🏛️ From museums to venues, these are the 15 architecture projects to look out for in 2026.

WORK & INNOVATION

🤖 Major tech brands have unveiled AI-powered humanoid robots designed to take on everyday housework – finally something that can crack how to fold a fitted sheet!

🚀 Artemis II – the first mission to deep space in 50 years – could launch as soon as next month. 

🧱 Scientists have discovered a method of capturing carbon dioxide and converting it into building materials instead of using concrete.

UPLIFTING STUFF

👯‍♀️ A “friendship hour” is being piloted in Sweden. In an effort to beat loneliness, staff will be given paid time off to spend catching up with their friends.

🦬 100 miles of derelict fencing has been removed by rewilders across the Great Plains in Montana, making it possible for the prairie's animals to wander freely.

🌌 January is Jupiter’s month – it's possible to see the planet and its moons with the naked eye, with tomorrow being the brightest opportunity.

🗞 Read: We are officially in the season where everyone at work is “circling back round”. It can be a super motivating time but it can be easy to get stuck in a bit of a creativity slump. This piece takes a helpful deep dive into how our long-term creativity can take a blow and what we can do to get that spark back again.

🎧 Listen: I don’t know if its that new year energy or if I’m just missing listening to Christmas carols, but I have classical music on repeat in my house at the moment. Ludovico Einaudi’s album Islands is the dreamiest soundtrack to romanticise getting back into the flow of things. 

📺 Watch: The new season of The Traitors is underway to help us beat the January Blues – don’t worry, no spoilers here! The BBC has also finally given us a second season of The Night Manager. Whilst we’re on mystery thrillers, Run Away is another corker and stars Ruth Jones (Nessa from Gavin and Stacey – instantly sold!). I’ve also finally got around to watching Materialists and I can confirm it’s worth all the hype!

💗 Do: Enter our giveaway to win a stay at The Dreaming, a truly transformative wellness retreat in the heart of Wales. Created by Charlotte Church, it’s a magical, nature-immersed sanctuary of ritual, creativity, deep rest and soulful reconnection. Thank you to our friends at femme, a holistic women’s health platform bringing together all your fave supplements and trusted wellness brands, for this dreamy giveaway.

* By selecting ‘Yes please!’ you are consenting to your email address being shared with femme and for them to add you to their mailing list.

🧑‍🍳 Cook: The end of the festive period can sometimes leave me feeling a bit bleugh (no regrets though!), but making this soup is like slurping on a bowl of goodness.

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