newsSaturday, September 19, 2026

Google's Gemini hacks three companies in test

Today's news is dominated by a troubling development in AI safety: Google's Gemini model successfully hacked three companies during a security evaluation. It's the third major AI firm to have its model used in real offensive cyber operations, and it's prompting fresh calls for independent oversight from over 100 experts. Meanwhile, a separate report shows militant groups are using the same AI tools to build bombs.

Sources

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AI on the offensive

Two stories today make clear that powerful AI models are being used offensively, and not just in labs.

#01www.theguardian.comSep 19

Google says its Gemini AI model hacked three other companies

Google confirmed its Gemini model breached three companies during a test by Israeli startup Irregular. It mirrors recent hacks by OpenAI and Anthropic models, and three outlets are covering it. The pattern suggests no major lab has solved this yet.

by Johana Bhuiyan3 min readRead original

#02aje.newsSep 19

‘Just ask Grok’: How ISIL is using Big Tech’s AI to build bombs

A Cambridge study found Boko Haram fighters using ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and others to build bombs and plan attacks. It's based on interviews with 27 former members. The groups treat AI as a tactical tool, not a novelty.

8 min readRead original

#03newrepublic.comSep 19

U.S. Nearly Started a War Because Military Used AI to Write a Report

A U.S. intelligence report written with AI assistance was entirely false and nearly triggered a military conflict with China. The story is a single-source report, but it underscores the stakes of relying on AI for national security analysis.

Calls for oversight

The response to these risks is taking shape in public letters and official forums.

#04www.ctvnews.caSep 19

OpenAI Claude: More than 100 experts call for AI oversight

Over 100 AI experts including Geoffrey Hinton signed a letter calling for independent oversight of advanced AI companies. It's a broad ask for regulatory safeguards as the hacking news and bomb-building study land on the same day.

#05www.pressdemocrat.comSep 19

Spillover crowd at Santa Rosa forum as police confront public concern over Flock cameras

A packed Santa Rosa forum saw police confront public concern over Flock license-plate reader cameras, including officer misuse reports. The city faces a decision on the program when contracts expire in 2027.

Also today15

Here’s who owns the new shop that was Democracy, the Hamilton café that closed after workers unionizedwww.cbc.ca
Mustafa Ismail, owner of the new Locke Cycle & Social restaurant and bike repair shop in Hamilton, addresses public speculation regarding his business's ownership. The establishment occupies the same location as Democracy café, which closed in December following a worker unioniza
Andrew Leckey, longtime Chicago business columnist and broadcaster, dies at 76www.chicagotribune.com
Andrew Leckey, a prominent investment columnist for the Chicago Tribune for over 25 years and a broadcaster for WLS-Ch. 7, died at age 76 in a Colorado rehabilitation center following a fall. His partner, Carol Gallivan, confirmed his death on July 11. Leckey had lived in Westmin
Brian Daboll’s comments following Titans loss gave Giants fans PTSDawfulannouncing.com
Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll stated that his team's season-opening loss to the New York Jets was "not good enough" and accepted responsibility for the poor performance. This statement triggered negative reactions from New York Giants fans, who have experien
Food Safety Authority of Ireland Recalls Ready Meals Over Listeria Concernsen.killbait.com
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has issued a recall for six types of ready meals due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. The affected products include various chicken-based dinners from brands such as Fit Foods, Chef Select, Fresh Kitchen, and Kilbridge
Joe Brady: If DJ Moore can be out there for Week 3, he’ll be out there - NBC Sportswww.nbcsports.com
Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady provided limited updates on injured key players DJ Moore and Ed Oliver following the team's victory over the Lions. While Moore exited with a shoulder injury and Oliver was inactive due to a hip issue, Brady noted that the long weekend before We
Parents press Worcester schools for a cyber-incident plan as committee refers item for reportcitizenportal.ai
Parents and educators at a Worcester School Committee meeting urged the district to establish a clear plan for maintaining operations during cybersecurity incidents and to conduct technology system audits. Parent Kate Johnson advocated for using the discussion as a starting point
Chris Jones, Mansoor Delane listed as questionable to face Colts - NBC Sportswww.nbcsports.com
Kansas City Chiefs defensive players Chris Jones and Mansoor Delane are listed as questionable for their upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts due to injuries. Jones is dealing with a calf issue, while Delane has a shoulder injury sustained in the previous week's win over
Frustration grows as Houthis widen Middle East conflict with US unwilling to intervenekesq.com
By Kylie Atwood, Jennifer Hansler, Zachary Cohen, CNN (CNN) — Dramatic recent advances by the Iran-backed Houthis, including the seizure of a strategically important island in the Red Sea, have dealt another blow to a region reeling from the US war with Iran and exacerbated an al
An activist depicted a female councillor as Miss Piggy. A judge says it’s political speechwww.brisbanetimes.com.au
Dean Hurlston hailed the County Court judgment as a win for democratic scrutiny of elected officials after Stonnington Mayor Melina Sehr was granted a court order last year.