Crossword Genius

Was aware of latest via report (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

knew

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'was aware' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'latest via report' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'latest' could be 'new' and 'new' is located in the answer.
A single letter 'k' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for knew that I've seen before include "Was conscious of" , "Was aware of the fact" , "Was familiar with" , "Distinguished" , "Was cognizant of" .)

I've seen this clue in The Everyman puzzle in The Observer.
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