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- The Know Daily - Friday 23 January 2026
The Know Daily - Friday 23 January 2026
Annabel Preston
January 23, 2026
Read in 5m 12s ∙ Listening to High School Musical ∙
Hello hello!
It feels like we’ve been gifted with so many pop culture moments this week (scroll on to find out more 👀) and I just love that it's going hand-in-hand with nostalgia. The 2016 throwbacks are really coming at us from all sides but I think my fave so far is the 20th anniversary of High School Musical… I had to fact check that because I just couldn’t believe it's been that long. Anyway, that’s music for the car sorted for the foreseeable future!
But first, here’s our usual round up of what’s gone on across the globe this week, as well as some culture bits and a few recs to see you through the weekend ❣️
Annabel
Editor
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UK NEWS
🤳 The House of Lords has backed a move to ban under-16s in the UK from social media platforms. If you want a bit more info, check out our deep dive here.
🇨🇳 Plans for a Chinese embassy in London have been approved, though some critics have warned of security risks.
🌅 The aurora borealis made an appearance across UK skies this week. We’re still marvelling at these pics.
GLOBAL AFFAIRS
💼 The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting began in Davos on Monday, with various topics covered, from US President Donald Trump launching his “Board of Peace” to transatlantic security.
🗳️ Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has called a snap general election for February, just three months after becoming leader.
🚴♀️ Cycling is an activity that Amsterdam is renowned for but it is now set to ban “fatbikes” from its main park in an effort to protect its narrow paths.
CULTURE
🕊️ Peace has been named as Oxford Children’s Word of the Year, whilst six-seven has been crowned Children’s Slang Word of the Year.
📸 The World Sports Photography Awards 2026 winners have been revealed – we’re loving the ethereal The Underworld.
👩🏻🎤 Hilary Duff performed “What Dreams Are Made Of” for the first time ever in London this week. Our millennial dream has come true!
WORK & INNOVATION
👩⚕️ A simple blood test that can predict which breast cancer treatment will work best for each patient has been developed.
👩💻 AI in the workplace has been a hot topic lately, but do you know what the 40 careers least likely to be outperformed by bots are?
☄️ Earthquake monitors can track space junk, a new study has found, which could help recovery teams reach debris quicker.
UPLIFTING STUFF
🌊 The High Seas Treaty has come into effect after being passed by the United Nations last year, aiming to create marine protected areas and use ocean resources sustainably.
🪕 Dolly Parton celebrated her 80th birthday by releasing a new version of an old classic with the proceeds going towards paediatric cancer research.
🌱 A plant species that has been presumed to be extinct has made a reappearance after almost 60 years.
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Lately, I’ve been craving something a bit more inspiring – something that isn’t news, true crime, or yet another “hustle harder” podcast. That’s how I stumbled into the Art Fund’s audio series Mindful Museums, and honestly? I’m hooked.
Developed by Louise Thompson, each episode offers guidance to connect with art around you, encouraging time for our own mental wellbeing. By taking the time to slow down, I can make time for myself, which is great for fighting the January blues. It's the perfect mix of “I’m learning something” and “wait, this is actually so interesting??”. It’s become my go-to for a little creative spark, plus each episode spotlights National Art Pass venues… the more I learn, the more I want to visit.
PSA: with a National Art Pass, you can enjoy free and reduced-price entry to 100s of museums and exhibitions across the UK. 👀
🗞 Read: Have you ever felt a deadline approaching and, instead of cracking on with work, you decide to reorganise your spice rack? If so, this piece isn't one to skip. It explores the finding that procrastination is in fact not laziness (phew!).
🎧 Listen: The Traitors is on everyones lips at the moment as we all try to decode and plot alongside the Faithfuls on our screen. I’ve been loving the The Traitors: Uncloaked podcast as it’s the perfect way to catch up on anything that might have slipped through the cracks and to prepare for the final tonight!
📺 Watch: There’s a new series of Molly Mae: Behind It All, which is always an interesting watch. In the spirit of throwbacks, I’ve been making the most of the Disney channel, especially Hannah Montana (sorry, not sorry!). But on a slightly more cultural note, I’ve been so excited to watch Hamnet and I can’t believe I’ve not made it to the cinema yet – one for this week, for sure.
🧑🍳 Cook: It feels like everyone is fighting off a cold at the moment which, love them or hate them, calls for one thing: ginger shots. This recipe is simple, economical and might just keep the bug at bay!
 | Who has been named as the highest-grossing actor of all time? |
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