Glen Brammell

The American presence in Afghanistan is still ongoing. Soldiers are fighting the Taliban in an effort to win the peoples hearts and minds in an ideological battle. The war has raged on for nearly nine years and shows little sign of being over soon. Americans are getting tired of spending money and lives on a losing battle.

This month, 66 U.S. soldiers were killed in action. This number is even higher than last months 60 killed. Commanders say the higher numbers of dead are a result of increased fighting. I hope this war is going somewhere and we will see some tangible results soon.

One item that is in the news around our neck of the woods is health and safety of our Chesapeake Bay waters. It seems as though two groups of people have different ideas as to how to keep it clean. One group that includes the environmental protection agency wants to enforce an even stricter ban on pollution by setting a so-called “pollution diet” standard.

Another group wants to keep things how they are. They say the bay is cleaner than ever and that new regulations will cost too many jobs. For now, the two sides are expressing their points and a resolution should soon be found. It will be interesting to see how it goes.

In London, today was a day to remember. The Ministry of Defense unveiled its newest combat aircraft called Taranis. The aircraft is being touted as the future of unmanned stealth technology and has many people around the world interested. The aircraft uses technology that makes virtually undetectable and no pilot is needed.

The long-range aircraft can be controlled from virtually anywhere in the world and can carry out a number of different missions. Surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance can all be done with the new jet. It can also drop bombs and missiles if needed. This technology has long been in the works and is nearing perfection. Be careful world, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise!

The city of Paris has long been known for its cuisine. This time, the menu is a little bit different than you may expect. Due to the growing African population in the city, bush meat is being imported in surprising levels. Experts say the illegal trade is growing and is a danger to wild populations of animals.

Such animals as rats, monkeys, crocodiles, and anteaters are being brought into the city. They carcasses are usually dried and are sold at markets under the table. Experts worry that the animals present a danger to public health as well. Bacteria and Ebola viruses can be found in these animals and could be a grave health concern. I hope this practice is soon stopped!