The Know Daily - Thursday 18 May 2026

_{Read in 4m 08s ∙ Listening to Chrystal ∙}

Good news for home cooks in Colorado 🌮 A new law, nicknamed the “Tamale Act”, is making it easier for people to sell homemade foods directly to customers. The change expands opportunities for small-scale food entrepreneurs, helping more people turn family recipes and kitchen skills into a source of income – all while keeping beloved local food traditions alive… and now we’re hungry!

🗞️ Trust in the news

The latest Reuters Institute Digital News Report found that 42% of people globally now often or sometimes avoid the news, up from 29% less than a decade ago.

What else did the report find?
🗞️ Trust in news has fallen to 37% globally – the lowest level since Reuters began tracking it in 2015. In the US, trust stands at just 25%, with the UK at 30%.
🗞️ AI chatbots are becoming a growing source of news. Weekly usage has risen from 7% to 10% globally and reaches 16% among under-35s, though only one in five people trust AI-generated news responses.
🗞️ Social media and video platforms have now overtaken TV news and publishers' websites and apps as the most common way people access news worldwide.

OK, what’s the bigger picture?
Video is becoming the preferred way to stay informed, with 77% of people watching online news videos each week. Most of that viewing now happens on platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook rather than on news websites. We're also seeing the rise of news creators and influencers. More than a quarter of people get some news from news-focused creators, although most still use them alongside traditional news brands rather than as a replacement.

So what's behind all this?
News is increasingly consumed through smartphones, with people encountering stories throughout the day via feeds, recommendations, podcasts, videos and social platforms rather than seeking it out directly. At the same time, audiences want news that is trustworthy and impartial. Despite growing polarisation, those who prefer neutral reporting still outnumber those who want news that reflects their own views by more than two to one. AI is also creating new ways to access information, but for now it appears to be complementing traditional journalism rather than replacing it.

Here’s our two pence…
For us at The Know, this report reinforces something we've believed from day one: people still want to understand what's happening in the world – but they're increasingly looking for news that is clear and trustworthy. That's why we created our 5-minute daily digest: to help you feel better about the news.

Thank you to everyone who supports The Know. Your donations help us continue producing real, independent, accessible journalism without paywalls. 💌

🇺🇦 G7 leaders, including the US, have pledged increased support for Ukraine and agreed to impose tougher sanctions on Russia in a joint statement backed by all member countries.

• The bigger story: It marks a notable show of unity from the world's leading economies at a time when questions have been raised about the West's long-term support for Ukraine. Leaders committed to increasing military assistance, including air defence systems and longer-range capabilities, while also promising fresh pressure on Russia's economy through tougher sanctions, particularly targeting the oil and gas sectors. 

🗳️ A cabinet job would be offered to Andy Burnham if Labour wins today’s by-election in Makerfield, Sir Keir Starmer has said. But Burnham has since confirmed he won’t be taking a government role offered by the prime minister.

⚽ ️England got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start in Dallas yesterday, beating Croatia 4-2. The Three Lions are back in action on Tuesday when they face Ghana in their second Group L match.

👭 Parts of gut microbiomes are shared by flatmates regardless of the “proximity” of their relationship (basically, without kissing) a study has said.

🚤 A fleet of “flying” boats using hydrofoil technology are to be deployed in the Maldives to ferry visitors. 

🪐 The universe's expansion is still happening at an accelerated rate, researchers have confirmed. 

⛱️ The best places for solo female travel this year have been revealed… and the top choice is already on the whole team’s bucket list!

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Trivia answer: A) Inspired by his own garden, the French painter’s masterpiece will go up for auction later in June.

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