The Know Daily - Friday 24 July 2026

_{Read in 5m 24s ∙ Listening to Gracie Abrams ∙}

Hey there,

I've been thinking lately about how it's often the smallest things that end up being the best parts of the day. Your favourite song coming on the radio. The first sip of a cold drink when it's warm outside. Saying hello to a stranger. Getting into bed after changing the sheets. Tiny wins, but they somehow make the day feel a little bit brighter.

So speaking of lil unexpected treats... we're excited to announce that Ruby J from Bristol is the winner of our £250 Stripe & Stare giveaway! Congratulations and happy shopping 🎉

Now onto today's headlines, plus our usual roundup of recs to brighten your weekend ahead.

Enjoy,
Hannah
Editor

UK NEWS

💼 Andy Burnham delivered his first speech as prime minister on Tuesday, saying he’ll outline a 10-year plan for Britain by the end of this year.

🍻 Pubs, clubs and live music venues in England are set to receive a 20% cut to their business rates bills under new plans.

💰 The best UK cities for first-time buyers looking to rent, save and eventually get on the property ladder have been ranked.

GLOBAL AFFAIRS

🤝 The US has agreed to support Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear programme, but the deal will only go ahead if the kingdom establishes diplomatic ties with Israel.

🚬 Spain has banned smoking on terraces and beaches as part of a wider strategy to reduce tobacco consumption.

💶 A shortlist of designs for the first revamp of euro banknotes since 2002 have been unveiled, with 10 options featuring cultural icons from scientist Marie Curie to symbolic birds.

CULTURE

 💅 Barbie and Rightmove have teamed up to list the new DreamHouse and highlight changing attitudes towards homeownership amongst young women. 

🏹 Elite ancient Egyptian women were skilled archers, according to a new study of long-lost mummies that “challenges the traditional view” they were idle. 

🪐 An astrophotography award’s winning images have been unveiled, with pics of auroras and moon dust from all over the world featured.

WORK & INNOVATION

📱 Google has been fined €890m by the EU for allegedly favouring its own apps and services over those from rivals.

🦪 Astronauts could use oysters to help provide “natural water filtration", researchers have said. 

🙇‍♀️ Nine types of procrastinator have been identified by Cambridge University, ranging from “dreamer” to “rebel”. 

UPLIFTING STUFF

🐬 Five new marine reserves have come into force along New Zealand’s coast, marking the country’s biggest expansion of ocean conservation in a decade. 

💊 A “life-changing” drug to help people with multiple sclerosis to walk is being rolled out on the NHS. 

🐿️ Australia's stripey marsupial, the numbat, is no longer classed as endangered, after 40 years of conservation work.

We put so much heart into making The Know a space that brightens your day and keeps you in the loop. If our little daily check-in means something to you, we’d be so grateful for any support you can spare 🫶 It will help us to keep showing up for you in 2026.

🗞 Read: Apparently, reading has become hot stuff. From celebrity book clubs to book bags, this piece explores the rise of the “hot literati” and the strange new world of making books part of your personal brand. Is it a brilliant way to make reading feel cool and encourage more people to pick up a book, or just aesthetic-based status signalling? Either way, I’m very much here for the idea that being bookish is considered a sexy pastime now!

📺 Watch: The perfect series for anyone whose guilty pleasure is ancient history: Pompeii: Out Of Time With Tom Hiddleston. Say no more! If you’re looking for a bit of light relief (with a big helping of humour), then Diane Morgan’s new series should be top of the list. Also, if The Odyssey isn’t quite your thing, Olivia Wilde’s new movie The Invite is a fab comedy. 

🎧 Listen: Stop what you’re doing! We have another Gracie Abrams album on our hands. As usual, the whole album is total perfection, but Hit the Wall is my current go-to shower song. 

🧑‍🍳 Cook: Calling all pea-lovers. We love them just straight up, of course, but I’ve recently discovered a new way to serve a pea: fritters. They are so easy to make and absolutely delicious. 

🛍️ Shop: PSA: we have a special treat! 20% off one of our favourite brands. If you love your daily coffee ritual, you’ll want to try this brain-friendly upgrade. Just use code THEKNOW at checkout.

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