Informa

Penn State Altoona is hosting an information session about its biology major on October 9. The session is aimed at students considering the major or seeking details about coursework, requirements, and career paths in biology. It is being promoted through the university's regional campus communications ahead of the event.

A report by AI company Anthropic alleges that Russian-linked operators have used its Claude chatbot to run disinformation campaigns, including in the Central African Republic and other countries. The claims revive concerns about foreign influence operations in Africa, where Russia has long been accused of spreading propaganda and backing armed groups through proxies such as the Wagner network.

A new report from FoodNavigator says consumers have lost confidence in nutrition information, and that consumer packaged goods makers now have an opportunity to rebuild trust. The piece suggests brands that communicate transparently about ingredients and health claims could win back sceptical shoppers, at a time when conflicting dietary advice and processed food concerns are fuelling confusion about what to eat.

Russian authorities have rejected reports claiming a second plague case, calling the information false. The dismissal comes amid concern over the spread of the disease, with officials insisting the situation is under control. Details about where the reported cases originated or the condition of any patients have not been confirmed by Russian health authorities.

Researchers at Harvard Kennedy School's Ash Center are examining how American voters find and assess voting information ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The work highlights growing concern over misinformation, fragmented news sources, and changing election rules that make it harder for citizens to know where, when, and how to vote, with experts urging better access to reliable official guidance.

Details of the Fitbit Edge smartwatch have surfaced, pointing to a 1.34-inch AMOLED display along with GPS, ECG and additional health sensors. The device is expected to be priced at 179 euros in Europe, with an official announcement anticipated by the end of the month.

A large international study of more than 232,000 students across 49 countries found that teenagers with strong reading skills are more likely to identify misinformation posted on online platforms. Students from more affluent backgrounds performed better overall, but stronger reading ability was linked to sharper judgement about false content, prompting discussion about literacy's role in media education.

The Trump administration reportedly pressured Canada, Lithuania and the European Union's diplomatic service to withdraw sponsorship of a major European conference on disinformation. The reported lobbying has drawn attention to transatlantic tensions over how democracies counter disinformation, with observers weighing what the pressure means for cooperation between Washington and its closest partners on information security.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte met with India's Minister of Information Technology in Bengaluru to discuss potential partnerships between the US state and India's technology sector. The talks signal growing interest in building cooperation between Montana and one of the world's leading technology hubs, with details of specific agreements not yet announced.

The Town of Amherst has released information and reminders for residents ahead of the 2026 state election. The notice covers voting procedures, key dates and what voters need to know to participate. With the election approaching, local officials are working to make sure residents are informed about registration deadlines and polling arrangements.

Clover Health, a US Medicare Advantage insurer, has disclosed a data breach affecting close to 140,000 people. The company says personal information was exposed in the incident, though details on what specific data was accessed and how the breach occurred remain limited. The disclosure has drawn attention from cybersecurity observers tracking healthcare sector attacks, which continue to be frequent targets for hackers.

British publishing and events group Informa announced it will separate its academic publishing business while acquiring events organiser Clarion Events for $2.96 billion. The moves mark a significant reshaping of the company, sharpening its focus on exhibitions and live events while unlocking value from its academic arm. Analysts and investors are watching how the split and acquisition will reposition Informa in the global events market.

The humanitarian organisation SOS Mediterranée says its ship Ocean Viking rescued 101 people during two rescue operations in the Mediterranean. The news is being shared by supporters highlighting ongoing migration flows across the central Mediterranean and the work of NGO rescue vessels, with posts stressing solidarity with migrants and calling attention to the continuing dangers of the crossing.

German IT security company cirosec is advertising internships, thesis projects, part-time roles and entry-level positions for students of IT security, technical computer science, digital forensics and related degree programmes, as well as for graduates ready to enter the workforce. The recruitment notice is aimed at people with cybersecurity skills, a field where demand for qualified staff remains high in Germany.

Commenters are highlighting an EU disinformation conference, pointing out the existence of a European counter-disinformation community and the Brussels-based independent non-profit EU Disinfo Lab, which runs the event under the #Disinfo2026 banner. The remarks came alongside discussion of a wider story, with the poster noting that coverage brought these efforts to public attention.

Todd Shechter has been named vice chancellor for information technology at the University of Colorado Boulder. The appointment places him in charge of the university's technology strategy and services. The announcement drew attention from campus staff and higher education technology observers, who are watching how he will shape IT priorities at the institution.

A new study has measured the influence of social media influencers on the health information the public receives, with a particular focus on nutrition-related content. Researchers examined how widely influencers' health claims spread and how audiences respond to them. The findings add to ongoing debate about the accuracy of health advice shared online and whether influencers should be held to higher standards.

The European Union, Canada and Lithuania have withdrawn their support for a conference on disinformation following pressure from the Trump administration, according to The Korea Post. The move is being read as a sign of a widening transatlantic rift, with Washington's objections prompting close Western partners to step back from a joint initiative on a sensitive political topic.