Are We Safer Now? 25 Years After 9/11: Al-Qaeda, AI, and Drone Threats
Are We Safer Now? 25 Years After 9/11: Al-Qaeda, AI, and Drone Threats  
Podcast: SmartHER News
Published On: Wed Sep 16 2026
Description: Twenty-five years after 9/11, how safe are we—and what threats are national security officials watching now? Jenna breaks down testimony from two congressional hearings examining the evolving terrorism landscape, including Al-Qaeda's presence in Afghanistan, reports of new training sites, and concerns about how extremist groups could use artificial intelligence, drones and other emerging technologies. She also explains who now leads Al-Qaeda, why officials are focused on drone threats at major public events, and what lawmakers' questions—and the answers they didn't receive—reveal about America's current security challenges. Plus, one practical takeaway: Is your family prepared if an emergency makes travel or communication difficult? 00:00 Are We Safer Now 03:44 Afghanistan and Al Qaeda 05:45 UN Report and New Terrorist Training Camps 10:36 Who Leads Al Qaeda Now 12:48 Drones as the New Risk 16:03 Big Events and Mass Panic 18:42 What to Watch Next 19:55 Family Emergency Planning 21:06 Thanks and Final Sign Off SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines?  Here's how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/    Shop our gear!  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/  Website: https://smarthernews.com/  YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews