The Know Daily - Friday 26 June 2026

_{Read in 5m 12s ∙ Listening to Harry Styles ∙}

Hello hello!

I'm still not quite over the fact that I flew home from my holiday in Greece on Tuesday night and landed in a UK heatwave. There's something very disconcerting about spending a week in the Med, only to discover that London is somehow hotter than the place you've just left! I was convinced I’d spend the whole evening packing away my holiday wardrobe. But instead, I've spent the week wondering why I ever left the air conditioning behind!

Anyway, while I continue to dream of swimming pools and margaritas, here's your usual roundup of the week's headlines, plus some culture picks and a few things worth bookmarking for the weekend. 🩵

Annabel
Editor

UK NEWS

🗳️ Chancellor Rachel Reeves has backed Andy Burnham to be the next prime minister following Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation.

🌶️ The hottest tube lines have been revealed (with highs of 39.4C 😳) – so now we know the ones to avoid until next week!

💊 The world’s first drug that can delay the onset of type 1 diabetes is to be made available on the NHS in what’s been described as the biggest breakthrough in tackling the disease in over a century.

GLOBAL AFFAIRS

🚢 The UN is evacuating more than 11,000 sailors stranded in and around the Strait of Hormuz following months of disruption caused by the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.

💶 Billions in investment could be unlocked as the EU moves towards major banking reforms planned for early 2027.

☄️ A meteorite that struck Earth three billion years ago left behind “smoking gun” evidence of the world’s oldest impact crater in Australia.

CULTURE

🦁 England will face Panama tomorrow in New Jersey – it’s their final Group L match before the knockout stages. 

🏛️ The world’s first Museum of Youth Culture has opened, exploring how generations of young people have shaped society through creativity, activism and self-expression.

📸 Winners of this year’s Scientist at Work photography competition have been revealed – have a nose at their cool jobs!

WORK & INNOVATION

💸 Wages are climbing fastest for these 10 jobs (and are most likely to get a pay rise in 2026), according to new research. 

👩‍⚕️ Off-the-shelf AI tools helped diagnose illnesses, researchers have said, after a study used them to identify 18 diagnoses in children with previously unexplained conditions.

🚶🏼‍♀️ Taking “movement snacks" – a five minute leg stretch – every hour at work is the best way to boost wellbeing without losing efficiency, a new study has found.

UPLIFTING STUFF

🌊 $260m has been pledged by Bloomberg Philanthropies to conserve the world's oceans and "close the gap between ocean protection commitments and action".

🖼️ A mini art vending machine inside a Minneapolis bookstore has sold 3,000 pieces and is giving local artists a low-cost way to get their work in front of the public by charging just $1.

😄 Want to be happier? Psychologists say a few surprisingly simple habits could make all the difference. (And yes, we are using this to justify our Friday morning takeaway coffees today!)

We’ll be honest: our business is built on the hopes that those that can afford to spare a few pounds can keep The Know free and accessible to all. But we can’t keep it going without your help – anything you’re able to give would go right back into helping us keep publishing in 2026. 💖

🗞 Read: If you're intrigued by astrology and ancient wisdom but prefer your mysticism grounded in something a little more practical, The Book of Magical Living by cognitive scientist Poppy Jamie is well worth a look. Blending psychology, behavioural science and age-old traditions, it explores how we can live with more intention, strengthen our relationships and find greater meaning in everyday life. 

Psst: we’ve got a fun little extra for The Know readers too! Poppy is offering a free personalised astrology reading to anyone who buys the book. Simply email your proof of purchase, along with your date, time and place of birth to [email protected] and she’ll send a reading back. Consider it a bonus dose of cosmic insight. ✨🔮

📺 Watch: Prepare to feel both stressed and totally captivated yet again. Yes, The Bear is back for its final season. This five-part documentary to celebrate the 250th birthday of the US is a fascinating and educational watch. Oh, and it's produced by Tom Hanks. Everyone around me has been watching Heated Rivalry so I’ve finally caved… and it’s every bit as good as they’re saying!

🎧 Listen: If you didn’t manage to get your hands on any Harry Styles tickets at Wembley, I feel your pain! But all the clips on social media have got me relistening to my fave album. And an added bonus: I can listen to it whilst cooling off in an ice-cold shower!

🧑‍🍳 Cook: Hydrating has been key this week and this recipe for a nutritionist-approved electrolyte boost is just the thing!

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