Dredging at Gloucester Docks(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
There are calls for a long term solution to the major disruption to navigation and waterfront businesses caused by silt at Gloucester Docks.
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Around 50,000 cubic metres of silt entered the Docks during 2025 – around ten times the normal annual amount.
Silt ingress is mainly due to the water pumped from the River Severn into The Docks which is then pumped down the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal to provide Bristol with half of its drinking water supply.
The severe silt ingress experienced during 2025 prompted a public briefing on the issue attended by dozens of people at Llanthony Secunda Priory on March 5.
The event brought together Canal and River Trust’s leadership, Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre, Gloucester City Council, business groups and waterway stakeholders to discuss the issue and hear about possible ways foward.
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The panel heard how the problem has arisen over the years after the introduction of new environmental regulations and changes in dredging practices.
Canal and River Trust bosses also spoke of significant new dredging investment for a recovery dredging programme for Gloucester Docks.
And the trust confirmed that £2.8 million has already been spent on recovery dredging during the current financial year.
And a further £2 million has been allocated for dredging works during the next financial year.
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The panel also heard how Gloucester will account for around one third of the trust’s national dredging budget during the recovery period.
Trust bosses acknowledged that future baseline dredging budgets for the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal will need to increase beyond historic levels.
Access to traditional shipbuilding and restoration specialists T. Nielsen and Company’s dry dock and local moorings will be included within the recovery dredging works, alongside the main navigation channel.
The trust also confirmed that operational discussions have begun with Bristol Water to examine how pumping and abstraction operations can be coordinated to reduce the amount of silt entering the docks.
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Ben Cottam, Regional Director for Wales and the South West at Canal and River Trust, said the organisation had learned from the events of 2025.
“We recognise the challenges that last year presented and the impact it had locally.” he said.
Regional Director for Wales and the South West at Canal & River Trust Ben Cottam (centre) speaking at the event next to Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre (left) and organiser of the briefing Jay Clements.(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
“We are investing significant resources in the recovery dredging programme and are working with partners, including Bristol Water, to look at how operational changes can reduce silt entering the system in the future.”
Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre warned that relying solely on repeated dredging would not be sustainable.
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“We can’t keep throwing money into a leaky bucket,” he said.
“We need to learn the lessons from what happened and make changes so that we’re not simply spending millions every year clearing the same problem.”
He also indicated his support for efforts to secure a better financial return from the canal’s long-standing water abstraction agreement supplying Bristol.
“The price we’re getting from Bristol Water isn’t acceptable. I will be throwing my support behind efforts to ensure we get a fair price so that we can properly maintain the docks and canal.”
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City Council leader Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) also stressed the importance of maintaining the Docks as an active working waterway.
“We need to make sure that we have a navigable, commercial dock and canal so that boats can continue to come into Gloucester,” he said.
“We don’t want the Docks to become a place where the only things using the water are the seagulls.”
Jay Clements, managing director of English Holiday Cruises Ltd, who organised the event, said: “Gloucester Docks is approaching its 200th anniversary in 2027 and it remains one of the most important heritage and economic assets in the city.
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“It was encouraging to hear confirmation of additional dredging investment and recognition that long-term budgets will need to increase.
Gloucester Docks(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
“The next step is ensuring that this work is delivered on a clear and transparent timeline so that businesses, boaters and investors can have confidence in the future of the docks.”
The trust indicated that future dredging plans are dependent on completion of the Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) required to permit the use of more efficient dredging techniques.
Stakeholders have asked the Trust to publish a clear timetable for the remaining recovery dredging works once the HRA process is complete.
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With preparations already underway for the 200th anniversary of Gloucester Docks in 2027, local businesses, boaters and city stakeholders say restoring reliable navigation remains a priority for them.
To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.
So much appreciate for everyone’s patience. We should get started.
Thank you for joining us today for OSL Group 2025 Annual Results Presentation. My name is Kenrick, Director of Corporate Development, and I will be your moderator for today’s session. Today’s call will begin with remarks from our senior management team. I’m pleased to have with us Kevin Cui, Executive Director and CEO; Ivan Wong, CFO; and Gary Tiu, our Executive Director and Head of Regulatory Affairs. [Operator Instructions] In the first half of the call, our management team will provide an overview and update on our annual results. This will then follow with a Q&A session. [Operator Instructions]
As a disclaimer, this presentation is for informational purposes only and do not constitute any financial advice or offer to buy or sell a security. During the presentation, we will cover 3 key areas, including the OSL Opportunity, the business highlight, financial and operational update. So without further ado, I’m pleased to introduce Kevin, our CEO, to start presenting the OSL Opportunity. Kevin, please go ahead. Kevin, I think you might just unmute yourself first? I think you might be muted. Sorry about that.
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Song Cui CEO & Executive Director
Okay. Sorry about that. Thank you, Garrant. Good morning, everyone. Let’s start with the OSL Opportunity. Our mission is to take — sorry, our mission is to make money move as freely as information. To achieve this, we are scaling OSL into a global stable coin payment and trading platform. Guided by being open, secure and licensed, we will continue to provide the essential payment rails for our partners and users, bridging
Financial influencer Taylor Price joins ‘Varney & Co.’ to break down how shifting your mindset can help Americans grow wealth and achieve the American Dream.
A growing number of financial influencers are shifting the conversation away from spreadsheets and toward psychology, arguing that mindset, not math, may be the biggest barrier to building wealth.
Financial influencer Taylor Price joined FOX Business’ Ashley Webster on “Varney & Co.” to discuss how reframing financial habits can change long-term outcomes.
Price said many Americans are held back not by a lack of knowledge, but by how they think about money in the first place.
“Money is more mental than it is mathematical,” Price said.
‘Mornings with Maria’ jobs panel reacts to the blowout March report as hiring crushes expectations, unemployment dips to 4.3%, and experts weigh what it means for inflation, Fed policy and the path of the U.S. economy.
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Her framework uses a “money tree” concept to simplify how wealth is built over time. She explained that each part of the tree represents a different financial layer, from income to savings to investing, helping people better understand how their decisions compound.
“We start by planting the seed, the scarcity mindset versus the growth mindset,” Price said. “It’s the difference between I can’t get ahead to I know my choices are gonna compound over time.”
“When it comes to bad weather in the economy, especially today, guess what? That tree holds us together within the roots, our savings accounts, our emergency funds,” Price said.
Summit Global Investments CIO Dave Harden discusses the market amid the conflict in the Middle East and his top picks on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Price also pointed to mindset as a key driver of behavior, arguing that belief systems can directly shape financial outcomes.
“Thinking that they can’t when, yes, if you believe you can’t, you won’t. But if you believed you can, you will,” she said.
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Drawing on behavioral science, Price said people tend to notice more opportunities once they shift their thinking.
TikTok finance influencer Taylor Price says “Money is more mental than it is mathematical” on Stuart Varney’s “Varney & Co.” (FOX Business/Getty Images / FOXBusiness)
“You’re gonna find opportunities because your brain is now trained to see how can I make more money,” Price said.
Iranian air defenses shot down a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet over central Iran on Friday, U.S. officials confirmed, as Tehran released images of wreckage that appeared to match the twin-engine strike fighter and escalated claims of capturing the crew.
Iran Claims US F-15E Strike Eagle Shot Down Over Iran With Wreckage Images Released
A senior U.S. official told Reuters that the aircraft was downed and a search-and-rescue operation was underway for its two crew members — the pilot and weapons systems officer. The Pentagon has not released further details on the jet’s unit or mission, but multiple reports identified it as an F-15E from the 494th Fighter Squadron, part of the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath in Britain and deployed in support of U.S. Central Command operations.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, published photos Friday showing scattered debris, including what aviation experts identified as a vertical stabilizer and other F-15E components with distinctive markings. Iranian officials initially claimed the downed aircraft was an advanced F-35 stealth fighter, but images clearly depicted wreckage consistent with the non-stealth F-15E Strike Eagle.
The incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iranian targets, dubbed Operation Epic Fury by some accounts. It comes amid weeks of airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, missile sites and proxy forces, with Iran vowing retaliation for what it calls aggression against its sovereignty.
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U.S. Central Command has faced previous unverified Iranian claims of downing American aircraft, including earlier assertions involving F-15Es and F-35s that were denied or attributed to other causes such as friendly fire incidents over Kuwait. In one prior case, three F-15Es were reportedly lost to allied defenses in Kuwait early in the conflict, though pilots returned to operations.
Friday’s event appears to be the first confirmed loss of a U.S. combat jet over Iranian territory. Iranian state media reported the jet was engaged by IRGC air defense systems while conducting strike operations. Tehran also circulated unverified claims that the crew ejected and one or both airmen may have been captured on the ground, though U.S. officials have not corroborated any capture and emphasized the active rescue effort.
“The aircraft was operating in support of ongoing missions when it was lost,” a U.S. defense official said on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive operations. “We are actively searching for the crew and monitoring the situation closely.”
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The F-15E Strike Eagle is a highly capable all-weather fighter-bomber used for precision strikes, close air support and air superiority missions. It carries a crew of two and is equipped with advanced radar, electronic warfare systems and a wide array of munitions. The 494th “Panthers” squadron has a storied history, having participated in operations across the Middle East for decades.
Aviation analysts noted that while the F-15E is not stealthy like the F-35, its robust design and defensive aids make it difficult to down. Iranian claims of using advanced surface-to-air missiles to achieve the hit would represent a notable success for Tehran’s layered air defense network, which includes Russian-supplied systems and indigenous developments.
Photos released by Tasnim showed twisted metal, a large crater and identifiable F-15E parts strewn across what appeared to be arid Iranian countryside. One image highlighted tail markings consistent with U.S. Air Force European Command assets. Experts cautioned that while the debris aligns with an F-15E, independent verification of the location and circumstances remains limited due to restricted access in Iran.
The downing risks further inflaming tensions in a conflict that has already drawn in regional actors and raised concerns about broader escalation involving Russia, China or other powers. Israel has conducted parallel operations, and the U.S. has deployed additional naval and air assets to the Persian Gulf region, including carrier strike groups.
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Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder declined to confirm specifics on the aircraft model or crew status during a Friday briefing but acknowledged “hostile action” as a possible cause. “Our forces remain committed to the mission while prioritizing the safety of our personnel,” Ryder said.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised the air defenses in a statement, calling the incident proof of Iran’s resolve. “The aggressors will pay a heavy price for every violation of our airspace,” he said via state media.
This is not the first time Iran has showcased wreckage to bolster its claims. In past incidents involving drones and missiles, Tehran has released imagery for propaganda purposes. However, ground photos of a manned fighter jet represent a rarer and more provocative development.
U.S. search-and-rescue assets, including specialized helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, were reported active near Iranian borders, though operating from international or allied airspace to avoid further losses. Iranian media shared video purportedly showing U.S. rescue attempts, which Tehran claimed were repelled.
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The two-person crew of an F-15E typically includes an experienced pilot and a weapons systems officer responsible for targeting and electronic warfare. Both wear ejection seats, giving them a chance of survival even in high-threat environments. Their fate — whether rescued, in custody or otherwise — could dictate the next phase of the conflict.
Military analysts warn that a confirmed pilot capture would create immense pressure on the U.S. administration to respond, potentially through special operations or intensified airstrikes. Past incidents, such as the 2019 downing of a U.S. drone by Iran, led to heightened alerts but stopped short of direct manned aircraft losses.
The broader context involves U.S. and Israeli efforts to degrade Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities following years of sanctions and diplomatic standoffs. Strikes have targeted sites near Natanz, Fordow and other locations, with Iran responding via missile barrages toward Israel and proxy attacks in the region.
Friday’s event occurred as the conflict entered what some describe as a more intense phase, with increased sorties over Iranian territory. The loss of even one F-15E, while not crippling to U.S. airpower, highlights vulnerabilities in operations against a defended adversary and could influence future tactics, such as greater reliance on standoff weapons or stealth platforms.
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Congressional leaders from both parties called for briefings on the incident. “The safety of our troops is paramount, and any attack on U.S. forces demands a decisive response,” said Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss.
The U.S. has not ruled out retaliation but emphasized de-escalation pathways through backchannel communications. Diplomatic efforts involving Qatar, Oman and European allies continue in hopes of preventing a wider war.
As night fell in the region, the search for the crew remained the immediate priority. U.S. officials expressed confidence in recovery capabilities but acknowledged the challenges of operating near or over hostile territory.
The F-15E has a strong safety record overall, but combat losses in contested airspace are a grim reminder of the risks inherent in power projection. Previous U.S. jet losses in the Middle East have been rare since the 1991 Gulf War and 2003 Iraq invasion.
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Iran’s ability to publicize the wreckage so quickly suggests its intelligence and media apparatus was prepared. State television aired footage of jubilant crowds and military officials inspecting debris.
For the families of the crew, the hours since the incident have been marked by uncertainty. The Air Force has protocols for notifying next of kin, though details were withheld pending confirmation.
This developing story underscores the volatile nature of the U.S.-Iran confrontation. While previous Iranian claims often proved exaggerated or false, the combination of U.S. confirmation of a loss, released imagery and an active rescue mission points to a serious combat event.
As investigations proceed, questions linger over the exact missile system used, the jet’s altitude and mission profile, and whether electronic warfare or other factors played a role. Independent analysts will scrutinize the debris photos for clues on impact type and aircraft configuration.
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The incident could also affect domestic U.S. politics, with critics questioning the scope of operations against Iran and supporters urging stronger action to protect forces.
In the skies over the Middle East, operations continue. Additional F-15Es, F-16s, F-35s and bombers remain on station, ready to prosecute targets while crews maintain heightened vigilance against air defenses.
The downing of the F-15E serves as a stark illustration that even advanced Western fighters face risks when penetrating sophisticated integrated air defense systems. It may prompt reviews of rules of engagement and force protection measures.
Tehran, meanwhile, seeks to leverage the event for domestic unity and international messaging, portraying Iran as capable of defending itself against superpower aggression.
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U.S. allies, including Britain — whose base hosts the implicated squadron — expressed concern and offered support for the rescue effort. NATO members have been monitoring the situation closely.
As of late Friday, no further losses were reported, but the fog of war persists. The coming days will likely bring more clarity on the crew’s status and potential U.S. responses.
The episode adds another chapter to the long history of U.S.-Iran military friction, from the 1980s tanker war to today’s high-tech aerial contest. With wreckage on the ground and a rescue underway, the human and strategic costs are once again in sharp focus.
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