The Know Daily - Thursday 2 October 2025

_{Read in 4m 25s ∙ Listening to Benson Boone ∙}

Archaeologists have uncovered breathtaking 12,000-year-old rock carvings in Saudi Arabia’s desert – life-sized camels, gazelles, ibex and more etched high into the cliffs 🐪 Far from mere decoration, these monumental artworks likely guided ancient travellers to precious water sources, revealing both incredible skill and deep connection to the land. 

🛍️ Community comeback

The UK’s high streets and markets have long been the backdrop of daily life – from Saturday veg runs to window-shopping and quick coffee catch-ups. But in recent years, boarded-up shopfronts and dwindling footfall have raised questions about their future. Now the government is promising a revival, with new funding and local powers on the table.

Why are high streets back in the spotlight?
The government has just announced a Pride in Place programme, with funding set to reach 330 areas across the UK (check if yours is part of it here). Councils, community groups and local businesses will be able to shape how that money is spent – whether that’s sprucing up tired shopfronts, filling empty units or reimagining spaces altogether. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pitched it as more than a facelift: it’s about restoring local pride, with ministers saying they want to give communities more control over their local areas.

Why is the initiative needed?
Markets and high streets are more than shopping hubs – they’re places people gather, stroll and bump into familiar faces. Farmers’ markets, with their seasonal produce and small-scale makers, also help local economies by keeping money close to home. When they struggle, it can show up not only in terms of jobs but in the daily texture of life. A thriving high street often signals a thriving community, but think tanks estimate up to £5bn could be needed to revive struggling high streets.

What could the future look like?
If the government’s plans take root, the high street of the future won’t just be a row of shops. Expect a mix of food, retail and cultural experiences, alongside greener public spaces and more flexible use of empty buildings. Markets may also lean further into artisan goods and locally-sourced food, standing out against online retail with their atmosphere and human touch. It’s a reinvention rather than a return to the past.

Psst… did you know we have a book club now? Our very first virtual meet-up is this Monday! We’ll be chatting about My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout. Already read it (or up for a speedy weekend read)? Grab your free ticket and join us ✨

🎭  Robo-performer: An AI-generated performer named Tilly Norwood has been created using advanced modelling techniques to play film roles without a human actor behind her.

• The bigger story: Unveiled by an AI “talent studio” at Zurich film festival, Norwood is presented as a fully digital character capable of taking on scripts and performances. The move has drawn opposition from actors including Emily Blunt, who argue AI performers risk undermining human creativity and connection.

💚 Harmonious habitats: UNESCO has added an area the size of Bolivia to the scientific initiative finding new ways of balancing nature conservation with sustainable livelihoods.

👩‍⚕️ The doctor will see you now: As of yesterday, all GP surgeries in England are required to offer online appointment bookings. 

👻 Spenny snaps: Time to download those pics from 2016 – Snapchat has announced it will start charging for storing photos and videos after a 12-month grace period.

🌬️ Gusty gale: The first named UK storm of the season – Storm Amy – will reach gusts of 80mph by the end of the week. 

🏝️ Crowd control: Only 400 people can visit this tiny island at a time to protect its many unique endemic species. 

🐾 Fur-real advice: TfL has highlighted ways that pets can be taken on the Tube and Overground network in this new video.

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Trivia answer: A) In the World Coffee Portal’s survey, Costa Coffee took the top spot as the UK’s favourite coffee chain.

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