The Know Daily - Friday 14 November 2025

_{Read in 5m 24s ∙ Listening to Mazzy Star ∙}

Hello hello,

So, apparently it’s National Pickle Day? 🥒 Which feels quite niche yet weirdly on brand for 2025. I’ve been meaning to try Dua Lipa’s now-famous pickle-with-Diet-Coke combo for ages now, though I can’t quite decide if it sounds genius or like something best left to pop-stars-only territory.

Either way, it’s put me in the mood for all things briny, bubbly and a little unexpected – which feels like the perfect note to start on. So let’s dive into our usual round-up of headlines and culture picks for the week ❣️

Lynn
CEO & Co-founder

UK NEWS

🗞️ Two BBC leaders have resigned after a leaked memo accused the broadcaster of mishandling coverage of a speech by Donald Trump.

🩺 Doctors in England have begun a 5-day strike – here’s what it’s all about and what it means for patients.

🚫 Animal testing is to be phased out faster in the UK after the government released plans to use alternative testing methods, including greater use of artificial intelligence.

GLOBAL AFFAIRS

🌎 COP30 started this week as high-ranking officials from nearly 200 countries gathered in the city of Belem, Brazil.

🇮🇪 Catherine Connolly has been inaugurated as Ireland's 10th President at a ceremony in Dublin Castle.

😳 A global study has revealed that 70% of people would pick a music concert over sex – all you need is love, I guess?

CULTURE

🧙‍♀️ The European premiere of Wicked: For Good took place in London as the cast waved farewell to Oz.

🌸 Wildflower Photographer of the Year’s first ever winners have been announced – take a look at the magical pics.

📖 Flesh by David Szalay was awarded the 2025 Booker Prize. And just like that…Sarah Jessica Parker chose her winner.

WORK & INNOVATION

💸 EU salaries climbed by 5.2% last year – here’s where they grew the most. 

🤖 Wikipedia has laid out a plan to ensure its website continues to be supported in the AI era by asking companies to use its paid version and properly attribute their content.

🚆 The best-value commuter towns under 60 minutes from London have been revealed in a study by estate agent Savills.

UPLIFTING STUFF

🎭 The Royal Shakespeare Company has unveiled a free online curriculum for UK schools, designed to bring Shakespeare’s plays to life through performance-based learning that inspires creativity in students.

⌨️ A smart keyboard designed to improve typing ability for people living with Parkinson’s disease has been named a Global Winner of the 2025 James Dyson Award.

🎟️ Alan Carr’s waxwork will return to the floor of Madame Tussauds with a Traitors makeover. (Spoiler alert!) He won the show last week and donated his prize money to Neuroblastoma UK.

🗞 Read: I loved reading about the Girl with a Pearl Earring – you’ll either know it from the world of art or St Trinians, no judgement here – and how she could potentially have a name. This piece explores a new theory that puts forward a suggested name for the painting’s subject and, even though I don’t know loads about art, I found it pretty convincing!

🎧 Listen: I’m finding So Tonight That I Might See by Mazzy Star is my go-to cosy album at the moment. It’s an oldie but a goodie – thank you social media for bringing it back to our attention!

📺 Watch: We are deep into Christmas advert season and we are sooo here for it – current fave is the John Lewis one (although Wallace and Gromit for Barbour is a close second! 🥹). I’ve also been reaching for Palm Royale for a little bit of easy escapism. Also, Frankenstein. It’s not my usual taste but I have to admit it’s a very good movie!

🧑‍🍳 Cook: This recipe for leek & pancetta carbonara is a delicious, seasonal option that is super quick to whip up when you fancy a tasty option post-work.

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