The Know Daily - Friday 16 May 2025

_{Read in 5m 24s ∙ Listening to Katy Perry ∙}

Hey,

It’s been another big week for news around the world, so I hope you’re taking some time to step back and unwind from it all. I’m planning on dusting off my very rusty baking skills to slow down and be very British by enjoying a cup of tea and slice of cake in the garden 🍰 

As always, we’ve rounded up the week’s top headlines and cultural recs for you to enjoy through the weekend. And keep scrolling to find out which of our readers is the lucky winner of our amazing giveaway with femme health 🫶

Love,
Hannah
Editor

GLOBAL AFFAIRS

🇺🇦🇷🇺 Ukraine and Russia have initiated their first direct peace talks in over three years in Istanbul, with President Zelenskyy emphasising Ukraine's commitment to ending the war.

✈️ President Trump is considering replacing the iconic ‘flying Oval Office’ plane with a gifted Qatari Boeing 747-8, a move that some consider controversial. 

🇬🇷 A Greek island has become Europe’s most overtouristed destination with 150 visitors to each resident, according to a new report. 

UK NEWS

🐶 The UK has requested to rejoin the EU’s pet passport scheme to allow freedom of movement for cats, dogs and ferrets, as part of its Brexit reset talks.

👨‍💼 A diplomat has made history by becoming the first refugee to achieve the rank of UK high commissioner, having landed the Fiji post.

⚽ ️The co-founder of Reddit, Alexis Ohanian, has bought a stake in Women's Super League champions, Chelsea.

CULTURE

🖼️ A painting by South African artist Marlene Dumas has sold for $13.6m at auction, setting a new record for a living female artist.

💃🏼 The London spin-off of The Real Housewives franchise has secured its leading ladies and is set to air on Hayu later this year.

🎬  The 78th Cannes Film Festival is underway this weekend, and Tom Cruise received a five-minute standing ovation for the world premiere of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

WORK & INNOVATION

☁️ SoundCloud have updated their terms of service, days after the music platform was criticised over a previous update on its policy on artificial intelligence training.

🚙 Uber has announced a new bus-like feature, allowing it to pick up 2 other passengers along a set route, costing around 50% less than an UberX ride. 

🪸 Researchers have developed a gel that could boost coral reef restoration after experiments improved coral larvae settlement by up to 20 times. 

UPLIFTING STUFF

🗽 A bodega owner in New York has been rewarding the hard work of neighbourhood students with free lunches.  

🧑‍🎨 A 5-year-old boy has painted 99 animals to celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 99th birthday this week.

💞 A Dutch nursing home is giving college students free rent in exchange for spending time with older residents. 

🗞 Read: This interview piece by Emily Leibert is a must! Together with the violinist and author Ling Ling Huang, she gets stuck into female friendships, the wellness industry and how classical music can inspire fiction writing. Prepare to want to be a concert violinist by the time you’ve finished reading.

🎧 Listen: There’s a new podcast on the block! If you love The Know, you’ll love The News Diet too. Aiming to make the news a little less overwhelming and teensy bit more fun, episodes will land every Friday from yours truly (Editor Annabel) and my fabulous co-host, Nicole Cherruault 💞

📺 Watch: Secrets We Keep (Netflix), LOL: Last One Laughing UK (Prime Video), Welcome to Wrexham (Disney+) and, of course, the Eurovision final is tomorrow (here are your livestreaming options)

🧑‍🍳 Cook: Sunshine and lemons go hand-in-hand for me, so this zesty lemon and cornflower loaf cake is perfect to celebrate World Baking Day this weekend.

💗 Do: Keep your eyes peeled for our next giveaway with femme health! The lucky winner of our latest is Jacqueline who’s getting £150 voucher and tailored support from the team - congrats 🎉 

We help you put your career goals first by highlighting purpose-driven jobs, flexible working options, female-founded environments and employers that truly champion mental health.

⭐ Ecommerce/Account Assistant at Yinka Ilori
⭐ Creative Associate at Meroka
⭐ Social Media Manager at Hotel Chocolat

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