The Know Daily - Monday 28 July 2025

_{Read in 4m 12s ∙ Listening to Nathan Sykes ∙}

Repair will be in the air in Edinburgh next month as festivalgoers attend workshops on kintsugi, restoring bikes and more. Hosted as part of the Edinburgh International Book Festival’s “Repair” theme, the initiative blends hands-on mending with storytelling and workshops on environmental care for all ages.

🏙️ 15-minute cities

It’s been a decade since the concept of 15-minute cities was spotlighted at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015 (COP21), so we’re taking a look at how the idea has evolved – and where it's headed.

What are they?
It’s an urban planning design aiming to have everything people need day-to-day – like schools, healthcare, shops and green space – within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. While similar models existed in the early 1900s, it was researcher Carlos Moreno who re-popularised the concept at the climate summit ten years ago.

Where have they been created?
Around 100 cities worldwide have embraced the idea, with many creating multiple 15-minute neighbourhoods. Paris is leading the charge with 50 already in place. In the UK, cities like Birmingham, Bristol, Oxford and Sheffield are weaving the model into their future planning.

What are the benefits?
With less need for cars, these neighbourhoods aim to cut congestion and emissions, improve air quality, and get people moving more. Increasing local green spaces benefits both nature and people, boosting local biodiversity and community wellbeing. Moreno also highlights the importance of investment in services and mixed housing, improving the local economy and bringing people of all income levels together to build more inclusive communities.

And the other side?
Revamping cities isn’t cheap or easy. Upgrading transport networks, building new parks or reshaping roads can cause disruption. Accessibility is another key concern; cities must be designed so everyone can reach what they need, regardless of mobility. And in densely populated spots, there’s a risk of overstretched services or knock-on effects in nearby areas, like increased traffic.

What’s their future?
Momentum is building to create more of these neighbourhoods worldwide. Brussels has announced plans for 10-minute cities and Denmark has even launched a 5-minute city. If done right, with communities involved from the start, these neighbourhoods could be an important way to help more people live well right on their doorstep.

💰 Money Monday: Parking at UK airports is getting pricey this summer – with some drivers paying over £150 for just one week.

• The bigger story: New research shows airport parking costs can vary wildly depending on when you book, how long you stay, and where you fly from. London City is the most expensive, with a week’s parking costing around £150. But at Teesside, it’s closer to £50. The key takeaway? Prices often double if you book last minute. To save, book early, compare prices online, and consider cheaper off-site options or even public transport.

🦁 Lionesses triumph: Plans for a homecoming trophy parade in London have been announced after the England team won the Women’s Euro 2025 last night.

🇬🇧 New party on the block: Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has released a statement announcing plans for a new party alongside Zarah Sultana, campaigning for the redistribution of wealth.

🎤 Star power: Gwyneth Paltrow has temporarily taken on the role of spokesperson for data tech firm Astronomer in the next chapter of the Coldplay concert saga.

🎶 Music matters: Campaigners are urging closer UK-EU ties after a recent study showed a drop in British artists at European festivals.

🍷 Alcohol-free August? More people are becoming sober curious and the alcohol industry is keeping up. Here’s a guide to the best low alcohol wines on the market. Cin cin!

🔗 Last week’s most clicked: The world’s most powerful passports, a new drug for hay fever and a glass-roof train. 

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Trivia answer: B) Practical Magic 2 will be directed by Susanne Bier, who has previously worked with both Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.

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