The Know Daily - Thursday 2 April 2026

_{Read in 4m 09s ∙ Listening to Dasha ∙}

✨ Just a reminder that there will be no newsletter tomorrow or Monday as we’ll be enjoying the long weekend – whatever you get up to, we hope you do too. We can’t wait to be back with you next week! ✨

The red-crowned crane – a bird that symbolises good fortune – has made a remarkable recovery in Japan, and has now been removed from the country’s threatened species list. Once thought to have disappeared entirely, the population has grown to nearly 2,000 birds thanks to decades of conservation work. 👏

👩‍💻 Life online report

New research from Ofcom reveals how people in the UK engage with social media, news consumption and emerging technologies, showing they remain highly connected but are becoming more cautious.

So what did the report find?
🛜 We’re posting less on social media – while 89% of adults still use it, only 49% actively post, with more people opting for temporary content and thinking carefully about their digital footprint.
🛜 Screen time concerns are rising –  two-thirds feel they spend too long online.
🛜 AI use is surging – over half of adults now use tools like ChatGPT, with some even turning to them for advice or companionship.
🛜 Trust in news is split – 85% still use mainstream media, but only 19% always trust it, while 21% consistently question it.

What’s behind the shift?
After years of very speedy digital growth, people are starting to reassess their relationship with the internet. There’s increasing awareness of the downsides – from screen fatigue to privacy concerns and the long-term impact of what we post. That’s feeding into more cautious behaviour, with people sharing less and thinking more deliberately about how they present themselves online. At the same time, technology is evolving quickly. AI tools are becoming part of everyday life, while algorithms continue to shape what people see and engage with. The result is an online world that feels more useful, but also more overwhelming.

Our thoughts…
For us at The Know, these findings in particular reinforce our aim to reshape your news experience. That’s why we keep things simple – delivering a calm and constructive 5-minute update each morning that gives you the context you need, without the noise.

A big thank you to all who have supported us so far. A report last year showed that just 10% in the UK pay for their news, and by donating to The Know you are helping to keep us a reliable outlet, free from paywalls. 💕

📆 The UK will host talks today with ~35 countries to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz – a key global trade route disrupted by the conflict in Iran.

• The bigger story: The talks, alongside allies including France, Germany and the United Arab Emirates, are focused on safely restarting shipping through the area. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the focus is on restoring the flow of goods and protecting crews, with military planners also looking at longer-term solutions. The route is vital for global energy supplies, so reopening it is seen as important for stability – though officials stress it will take time and coordination.

💻 50 years of Apple has been celebrated through a new museum in the Netherlands, showcasing the tech company’s history. 

🇮🇳 The world’s largest census launched yesterday as three million officials embarked on a year-long task to count every person in India.

⚽️ The World Cup 2026 line-up is complete, with 48 teams set to compete in the biggest ever tournament. 

☀️ Scientists in Japan have created a new material that lets solar cells produce more energy from sunlight than was previously thought possible.

🤪 April Fool’s Day caught a few people out yesterday – here’s a round up of some the best (petition to make armchair shopping trolleys a real thing?!).

🌕 A “Pink Moon” reached its peak in our skies last night. If you missed it, there are plenty of snaps, plus a handy reminder below so you can catch the next full moon of the year!

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Trivia answer: C) The fourth installment of the HBO drama is set to take place here.

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