OpenAI says two of its advanced AI models escaped a testing environment and carried out an unprecedented cyberattack on AI startup Hugging Face, raising new concerns about AI autonomy and the need for stronger safety guardrails. While some experts argue the incident reflects human decisions to weaken safeguards rather than AI “going rogue,” others say it demonstrates the growing cybersecurity risks posed by increasingly capable AI systems.
Category: Technology
Introducing Aisha: Ethical AI centered on Black community needsĀ
On June 25, the Black-owned nonprofit Onyx Impact launched Aisha, an AI chat assistant designed to provide culturally aware information centered on Black history and sources while prioritizing privacy and environmental sustainability.
Data centers are a threat to our community
The battle over data centers reveals the next iteration of global domination by white monopoly capital. Tech billionaires seek unprecedented wealth.
AP says it will offer buyouts as part of pivot away from newspaper-focused history
By David BauderAP Media Writer The Associated Press, one of the world’s oldest and most influential news organizations, said April 6 it is offering buyouts to an unspecified number of its U.S.-based journalists as part of an acceleration away from the focus on newspapers and their print journalism that sustained the company since the mid-1800s. […]
Jury finds Instagram and YouTube liable in a landmark social media addiction trial
A California jury found Meta and YouTube liable for contributing to a young womanās social media addiction and mental health harm, awarding $3 million in damages and recommending an additional $3 million in punitive damages. The landmark case could influence thousands of similar lawsuits, though both companies plan to challenge the verdict.
Montgomery County Council faces pressure over clean energy mandate for proposed data center
Environmental leaders are calling on Montgomery County to ensure the proposed Dickerson data center runs on 100 percent clean energy, citing risks to public health and the countyās climate goals. Without a clean energy commitment, the facility could emit the equivalent of 200,000 carsā worth of carbon dioxide each year.
Black engineersā annual convention highlights Baltimore as hub for Black STEM professionals
For the first time, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is holding its annual convention in Baltimore, bringing together thousands of engineers, technologists and students to explore career opportunities, professional development and networking. Panelists highlighted Baltimoreās growing role as a technology hub, emphasizing both the opportunities and challenges of AI and the cityās commitment to supporting diverse engineers.
Baltimore to host National Society of Black Engineers 2026 Annual Convention
The National Society of Black Engineers will hold its 2026 Annual Convention at the Baltimore Convention Center from March 18-22, bringing together thousands of students, professionals and leaders in STEM fields. The multi-day event will feature workshops, panel discussions, a career fair and the Black on Purpose Festivalā celebrating Black engineering excellence with food, music, art and technology demonstrations.
BEYA STEM Conference elevates HBCUsā role in AI and federal innovationĀ
The 40th annual BEYA STEM Conference in Baltimore highlighted the importance of HBCUs in AI and national security related careers, and discussed strategies for engaging students before college, as well as the potential environmental impact of AI.
Black tech leaders call for ownership, access and leadership
Black tech leaders in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., are urging greater ownership, access and representation as artificial intelligence reshapes industries and daily life. Through community-building, entrepreneurship and AI governance, they say Black professionals must move from consumers of technology to architects of the systems shaping the future.
Power, profit and protection: Local advocates weigh risks of Landover data center
As demand for artificial intelligence grows, a proposed hyperscale data center in Landover, Md., has sparked concerns among residents about environmental, health and infrastructure impacts. Community advocates warn the project could disproportionately burden historically Black neighborhoods unless enforceable protections are put in place.
Mayors discuss impact of data centers in their cities
As data centers expand alongside the growth of artificial intelligence, mayors across the U.S. are weighing economic benefits against environmental and infrastructure concerns. Local leaders say clear standards are key as communities push back.

