The Know Daily - Friday 20 December 2024

_{Read in 5m 43s ∙ Listening to Brenda Lee ∙}

Dear readers,

As 2024 comes to a close, I can't help but reflect. Whether you turned to this newsletter for the news, thoughtful analysis or a daily dose of optimism, I’m so grateful to be part of your day. Our little corner of the internet that is The Know has grown beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you for being here through it all—your support and trust mean everything to me ❤️

This year, we've had the privilege of sharing stories that matter—from pivotal elections to inspiring stories of community and resilience. None of it would have been possible without the incredible team behind the scenes. 

Today, I want to give a special thank you to our outgoing editor, Esther. Her dedication, creativity, and sharp editorial eye have been the heartbeat of this newsletter. Esther, you’ll be greatly missed, and I wish you all the best in your next chapter. You’re a superstar ✨

Here’s to 2025—a year of new beginnings, and of course, more stories worth sharing. We’ll be back in your inboxes 13 January, after some quality time with our families. 

With gratitude,
Lynn x
Co-founder

UK NEWS

📮 The Royal Mail has officially been sold to Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.

📝 The childrens’ wellbeing and school bill was introduced to parliament this week in an effort to “better protect children” and raise education standards.

⛪ Historic England released its annual list of newly protected buildings.

GLOBAL AFFAIRS

🇩🇪 German chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a no-confidence vote this week, setting up an early election in February.

🐼 Taipei sent Shanghai penguins in exchange for red pandas, in an effort to establish a cooperative relationship.

🇧🇪 Belgium will become the first EU country to ban sales of disposable vapes in January.

CULTURE

📽️ The Oscars shortlist is out – see if any of your faves made the cut.

🌆 The Shard will share the title of the UK’s tallest building with a new skyscraper.

🏝️ A new island – Bacan – has emerged in Venice thanks to recently installed flood barriers.

WORK & INNOVATION

📱 Apple is working on a foldable iPad.

📈 The Body Shop is back in profit under new leadership, after having gone into administration in February.

🌌 Chinese astronauts broke the record for the world’s longest spacewalk.

UPLIFTING STUFF

🇫🇮 Finland became the first country in the world to ban cargo ships from dumping wastewater. 

🐦 Hawaiian crows that went extinct in the wild decades ago were reintroduced to Maui.

🌳 Millions of ‘cloud trees’ are being planted in the Andes in a bid to restore the natural ecosystem and protect the communities that live there.

🗞 Read: The cosy history of the ugly Christmas sweater. Dive into the festive season with this read – and get some shopping inspo while you’re at it! 

🎧 Listen: The Mysterious Affair at Styles. I’m a big Agatha Christie fan, and this new Audible adaptation of a classic murder mystery is perfectly cast. ~ Esther 

📺 Watch: No Good Deed (Netflix), Dexter: Original Sin (Paramount+), Queer Eye (Netflix) + Elton John: Never Too Late (Disney+).

🛍️ Do: Grab the cosiest PJs to sip hot chocolates in ☕

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.

⭐ Design studio Buff Motion
⭐ Climate non-profit Chapter Zero
⭐ Online bank Monzo

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