Killer AI drones are more reality than fiction

Plus: Two midterms that made a difference |

US Edition - Today's top story: Russia-Ukraine war is accelerating the dangerous race toward fully autonomous drones September 23, 2026 US Edition   Top headlines Filling the fiber gap in the American diet How election officials are steadying wavering voter trust Why AI has trouble predicting hurricane intensity Lead story Swarms of autonomous drones making real-time decisions on what to hit and who to kill, without the need of a green light from a human operator. Pretty scary stuff. But according to Amy McAuliffe, a former senior CIA official now teaching at the University of Notre Dame, that is where we might be heading. Her piece today assesses the advances made in AI drones by Russia and Ukraine since the beginning of fully fledged war in February 2022. “As the war has progressed, both sides have added autonomous features to existing drones, as well as developed new drones with autonomous capabilities … [that use] AI on the battlefield to recognize targets, navigate and self-guide to targets,” McAuliffe writes. Although the advancement has clear battlefield advantages – autonomous drones cut the risk of being derailed by jamming efforts, for example – it comes with huge ethical risks. Of particular concern, McAuliffe notes, is the growing perception that technological advances are outpacing the frameworks in place to maintain human control. Our best stories of the week on science and health, hand-selected by our editors.   Matt Williams Senior International Editor   A Ukrainian soldier remotely controls an interceptor drone on Sept. 1, 2026. Alex Nikitenko/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images Russia-Ukraine war is accelerating the dangerous race toward fully autonomous drones Amy McAuliffe, University of Notre Dame Drones with autonomous functions reduce dependence on communications links and can escape attempts at jamming. But they come with huge ethical risks. Health + Medicine Fiber is both diet fad and fixture for good health – a doctor explains why there is no one-size-fits-all way to increase your intake Jean Liew, Boston University Americans aren’t getting enough fiber in their diets. Luckily, there is a plethora of ways you can increase your daily dose of fiber without upsetting your stomach or breaking the bank. Dementia caregiving can expose hidden family tensions – but early planning can ease the strain Sarah E. Patterson, University of Michigan The demands of caregiving can reverberate through family relationships, exposing old disagreements about expectations and responsibilities. Environment + Energy Why AI has trouble predicting the fury of hurricane intensity Chanh Kieu, Indiana University Storms like 2026’s Hurricane Polo that rapidly intensify can catch communities off guard and leave little time to prepare or evacuate. Being able to forecast those risks can save lives. How the US gave up its edge to China in processing vital rare earth minerals – and what that’s costing Charles Edward Gehrke, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Today, China controls the vast majority of rare earths processing. That gives it enormous political leverage, and its trade truce with the US involving those minerals expires Nov. 10, 2026. Lessons for the 21st century from a 200-year-old book by ‘Frankenstein’ author Mary Shelley Eileen Hunt, University of Notre Dame The catastrophic story is familiar, but the insight, and the ending, offer an opportunity, and perhaps motivation, for modern readers. Politics + Society Election officials are fighting wavering voter trust by making mundane processes visible and recruiting citizens to help Robert Glover, University of Maine A midterm election is coming. In the face of wavering voter trust – some of it driven by forces outside their control – what can election officials actually do to keep elections credible? 2 midterm elections that brought on new eras in US politics Robert A. Strong, University of Virginia Two 19th-century elections are a reminder that a sizable midterm shift, like the one expected in November, can signal long-lasting changes in American politics that set the country in a new direction. Science + Technology Finding homes for whales and dolphins when parks like Marineland Canada close isn’t easy – a biologist explains why sea sanctuaries aren’t the answer Jason Bruck, Stephen F. Austin State University Sea sanctuaries could work well for some animals, but up to this point, only a handful of animals have lived in them. International Lula’s UN address points to two starkly different visions of Brazilian nationalism ahead of crucial election Andre Pagliarini, Louisiana State University The race between the incumbent president and Flávio Bolsonaro is a part of a decades-long right-left split in the country over the meaning of the nation. Democracy needs its champions. Here’s a proposal on how to fund them Sarah Burton, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa; Michael Karanicolas, Dalhousie University; Institute for Humane Studies By setting up a fund supported by those who violate Canadian laws to assist groups that protect civil rights, Canada can invest in democracy’s strongest defence: robust, free and open speech. Trending on site Houthi advance boosts Iran’s leverage over the US and Saudi Arabia – but may cost rebel group its legitimacy back in Yemen Your robotic vacuum is a witness: What home robots mean for evidence, privacy and the law Why the Supreme Court blocked Trump and the Postal Service from restricting mail-in voting for the midterms Today's chart Read the article   About The Conversation We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. We can give away our articles thanks to the generosity of readers like you. Learn more about us Support our work More from The Conversation Like this newsletter? 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