The Know Daily - Monday 30 June 2025

_{Read in 4m 15s ∙ Listening to Lewis Capaldi ∙}

Residents at Glasgow’s St Francis Care Home have achieved official Italian language qualifications after taking part in weekly lessons over the last few months. Many of them are living with dementia but staff have said the sessions have sparked enthusiasm and laughter, boosting mental wellbeing and social interactions.

☢️ Nuclear power

More than 30 countries have committed to tripling global nuclear power capacity by 2050 as part of efforts to reach net-zero emissions.

What is nuclear power?
Nuclear power generates electricity by splitting atoms in a process called nuclear fission. This produces heat, which turns water into steam and drives turbines. Unlike coal or gas, it doesn’t emit carbon dioxide during operation. While the basic idea has been around for decades, nuclear is being reconsidered in the context of climate targets and the need for stable energy sources.

Where are they being built?
China is expanding its nuclear capacity more than any other country, with dozens of new reactors planned. The US is also moving ahead with new developments too. In New York, Governor Hochul has announced plans for the first new major plant in 15 years that will generate at least 1 gigawatt of nuclear power in upstate New York – which could power nearly 900k homes a year on average use.

In the UK, the focus is currently on Sizewell C, a proposed plant on the Suffolk coast. The government has committed £14.2bn to the project, which is expected to power up to 6 million homes once operational. Alongside the energy supply benefits, the project is also expected to support jobs and apprenticeships during the build phase. 

What are the benefits?
Nuclear is low in carbon emissions once built, which supports net-zero goals. It also provides a consistent energy supply – unlike wind and solar, which are weather-dependent. For countries like the UK, which are phasing out fossil fuels and aiming for greater energy independence, nuclear power offers a reliable baseline. 

What’s the other side?
Nuclear plants are expensive and time-consuming to build. The upfront costs for Sizewell C are expected to reach £40bn, and while the government argues this is an investment in energy security, others question whether the money could be better spent. There are also concerns about the environmental impact – particularly the effect of construction on local ecosystems – and about how radioactive waste is managed over the long term. 

So where does this leave us?
Nuclear is a central part of global energy plans. It isn’t fast or cheap, but it offers long-term, low-carbon electricity at a time when both climate targets and energy resilience are high priorities. As with most energy decisions, it’s a balance – between cost, environmental impact, emissions and time.

💰 Money Monday: With wedding season underway, many are looking for ways to manage rising costs.

• The bigger story: The Hitched National Wedding Survey revealed the average cost of a wedding in the UK in 2025 is £23,250. Guests are also feeling the financial strain with the average cost of attending a wedding being £451. This has sparked a rise in more intentional, budget-conscious celebrations from second-hand dresses to affordable decor. There are also plenty of useful tools to help you stay on budget.

🎾 Serving shots: Reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz is kicking off the Wimbledon Championships today on Centre Court. 

📱 Trading TikTok: US President Donald Trump has said the government has found a buyer for the social media platform.

🎪 Fallow festival: With 2025 all wrapped up, it has been confirmed that 2026 will be Glastonbury’s traditional fallow year, held once every five years in order to allow the farmland fields to recover.

🌡️ Steaming cities: Heatwaves continue to sweep across Europe, with cities such as Seville reaching 42°C. Here are some expert tips to stay cool in the hot weather.

🐬 Heroic helpers: Rescuers have saved 27 pink dolphins that became stranded away from Grande River in Bolivia.

🔗 Last week’s most clicked: The world’s most beautiful buildings, spritz season and a bear honey heist.

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Trivia answer: A) More and more brands are releasing their own versions of swim briefs. 

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