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  • Donald Trump announces ‘Trump-class’ battleships for US Navy’s ‘Golden Fleet’

    Donald Trump announces ‘Trump-class’ battleships for US Navy’s ‘Golden Fleet’

    Unlock the White House Watch newsletter for free

    Donald Trump has announced plans to build two “Trump-class battleships” for a new “Golden Fleet” for the…

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  • Labour set to break infrastructure pledge after ministers delay half of major projects

    • Labour pledged to decide on 150 major infrastructure projects within five years, but half (52%) of all such decisions in 2025 have faced a delay by ministers
    • Across 14 delayed projects, ministers have been responsible for 1,333 days of dithering beyond the initial three-month decision period
    • At current rates, the Government is set to miss its target by nearly a third, approving just 107 projects instead of 150
    • One in six approved projects also face legal challenges that can delay delivery by a year or more

    Ministers are stifling major infrastructure projects through dithering and delay, new analysis shows. Despite Labour’s pledge to accelerate delivery, ministerial indecision has added nearly four years of cumulative delay in 2025 alone, and the Government is already falling behind its target of deciding on 150 projects by 2029. 

    A briefing published today by the Centre for Policy Studies reveals that of 27 major projects that have had or were expecting a decision in 2025, 14 (52%) have been delayed beyond the statutory three-month period for ministerial sign-off. 

    The consequences are severe. The Cambridge Waste Water Treatment Plant, which would have unlocked 8,500 homes, faced a six-month ministerial delay before eventually being cancelled due to rising costs, to which the delay undoubtedly contributed. Over £80m was spent on planning, including £14m by the council, only for the project to be scrapped.

    Delays and uncertainty make infrastructure more expensive and harder to build. Projects must either risk demobilising staff or postpone construction until consent is secured. With a coin toss’s chance of facing delays of unknown length, even projects that are approved promptly are impacted by the uncertainty in the system. 

    Legal challenges compound the problem. One in six approved projects face court battles that can delay delivery by a year or more. Both airport expansions approved this year, Luton and Gatwick, now face legal challenges, a warning sign for the Government’s Heathrow third runway ambitions.

    The Government is already falling behind its 150-project target. Ministers have made 32 decisions between the start of the Parliament and the end of 2025 but should have made 45 to stay on track. And analysis of the major projects pipeline suggests that, even without further delays or withdrawals, there will not be enough projects coming forward – in part due to the cost and uncertainty of the process. At current rates, the Government will approve just 107 major projects by 2029, missing its target by nearly a third.

    Ben Hopkinson, Head of Housing and Infrastructure at the Centre for Policy Studies, said:

    ‘Labour promised to be the builders, not the blockers. Instead, ministers have presided over nearly four years of cumulative delay to major projects in 2025 alone. When half of all infrastructure decisions are delayed by ministerial dithering, you can’t blame the planning system – you have to blame the people making the decisions.

    ‘These delays have real consequences by slowing delivery, raising costs, and deterring investment. Unless the Government gets a grip, they’re on track to miss their own infrastructure target by a third.’

    ENDS

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    • Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) include large energy plants, motorways, railways, and airport expansions
    • The NSIP approval process is meant to take around 15 months from acceptance to decision, with the final three-month period for ministerial sign-off
    • Ben Hopkinson is the Head of Housing and Infrastructure at the Centre for Policy Studies
    • ‘Dithering not Delivering’ is available under embargo here
    • For further comment and media requests, please contact Emma Revell on 07931 698246 or [email protected]
    • The Centre for Policy Studies is one of the oldest and most influential think tanks in Westminster. With a focus on taxation, economic growth, housing, immigration, and energy abundance, its goal is to develop policies that widen enterprise, ownership and opportunity

     

    Date Added: Tuesday 23rd December 2025

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  • Power customers should have 1-2 hours notice of rotating outages, says Maritime Electric

    Power customers should have 1-2 hours notice of rotating outages, says Maritime Electric

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    Maritime Electric has officially filed plans with the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission for the rotating power outages it says may be necessary this winter to prevent a provincewide blackout.

    IRAC formally requested the plans in a letter to the utility’s CEO, Jason Roberts, dated Dec. 11. The regulator said it only learned about the potential for rolling outages, which Maritime Electric calls “load shedding,” through media coverage in late November.

    The commission wanted to know whether any measures would be put in place to reduce the likelihood of rotating outages and how the utility would notify the public if such outages were necessary.

    Roberts said Monday, however, that Maritime Electric filed its official application on the same day it received the letter from IRAC.

    “There is some more information that we do need to file just to complete the request as outlined in the letter, but by and large, most of that information has been filed,” Roberts told CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin.

    WATCH | More details on Maritime Electric’s plans for rotating power outages in P.E.I. this winter:

    More details on Maritime Electric’s plans for rotating power outages in P.E.I. this winter

    Maritime Electric says it has now officially filed its plans for rotating power outages with the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission. CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin asks the utility’s CEO, Jason Roberts, about those details and the strain on P.E.I.’s power grid.

    Roberts said Maritime Electric will aim to avoid rotating outages unless they’re deemed necessary,

    He said if the utility needs to use the practice, customers will be notified through Maritime Electric’s website, social media and media outlets.

    “It’s kind of like planning for a storm. You don’t know exactly where the storm is going to hit, you don’t know how long it’s going to last, and you don’t know how strong it’s going to be,” Roberts said.

    “We don’t know exactly where that load is going to occur, we don’t know how high it’s going to be or how much we’re going to have to shed at a particular point in time.”

    In its filing to IRAC, the utility said it should be able to give people notice of up to one or two hours before it has to cut power to a particular area — but in an emergency situation, that warning could be just minutes.

    Maritime Electric also said the outages will cost the utility money.

    It said planning and responding to an overwhelmed power grid is labour intensive, and will likely mean overtime for many staff. But because it’s never dealt with them before, the company said it can’t say how much rotating power outages would cost.

    The utility said it will also cost money to run ads to let Islanders know what’s happening.

    Pressures on P.E.I.’s grid

    Roberts said keeping up with the pace of change on P.E.I. has been difficult as Maritime Electric deals with an increased population and government programs that encouraged customers to convert from oil heat to electricity.

    When asked whether P.E.I. is in a crisis situation when it comes to the power supply, Roberts said “it really does feel that way.”

    “We’ve got an increasing demand and we’ve got a shrinking supply on the Island, and then when you look across Atlantic Canada, we’ve got the same thing happening,” he said. “We’re all faced with the same problem, and we’re all working towards adding new generation.”

    WATCH | How does P.E.I.’s electrical grid even work?:

    How does P.E.I.’s electrical grid even work? CBC Explains

    With recent outages shining a light on the fact that the P.E.I. electrical grid is nearing capacity, you may be wondering how the Island gets power in the first place — or what the difference is between Summerside Electric and Maritime Electric. Here’s a breakdown from CBC’s Cody MacKay.

    The commission has applied to add more fossil fuel power generation to the system, but is still waiting on approval from IRAC.

    Roberts said a recently implemented smart meter program could help manage demand for electricity, as it will give Maritime Electric the ability to see the usage of individual consumers.

    “Our job is to make sure we have enough generation and transmission capacity in place to be able to deliver the energy that you want,” Roberts said. 

    “On the demand side… that’s the conversation where we say, let’s try and reduce as much as we can and help each other out.”

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  • Rare gold coin set to make a pretty penny in Banbury

    Rare gold coin set to make a pretty penny in Banbury

    It might look like a chocolate coin on hanging on a Christmas tree, but you wouldn’t want to bite into this 22-carat gold collector’s piece.

    Prized for its historic and artistic interest, it is…

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  • Catheter Mount Recall: Draeger Removes ErgoStar Catheter Mounts

    Catheter Mount Recall: Draeger Removes ErgoStar Catheter Mounts

    This recall involves removing certain devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it.

    Affected Product

    The FDA is aware that Draeger has issued a letter to affected customers recommending certain ErgoStar Catheter Mounts be removed from where they are used or sold:

    Part Number

    Designation

    UDI-DI

    MP01840

    ErgoStar CM 40

    04048675420736

    MP01845

    ErgoStar CM 45

    04048675420729

    MP01855

    ErgoStar CM 55

    04048675420729

    MP01860

    ErgoStar CM 60

    04048675420699

    What to Do

    Do not use any unused affected product. Unused stock should be removed and returned to Draeger. FDA recommends replacing currently in use affected product with a comparable alternative when available and medically appropriate.

    On November 10, Draeger sent all affected customers a letter recommending the following actions:

    • Do not use any ErgoStar CM 40, CM 45, CM 55, or CM 60 stock.
    • Remove unused stock and return to Draeger.
    • Draeger recommends using the alternative product MP01850 ErgoStar CM 50 as a replacement. This is not an identical item, but a comparable alternative.
    • Ensure all potential users in your facility are made aware of this Urgent Medical Device Recall Notice.
    • If you have forwarded affected products to third parties, please also forward this Urgent Medical Device Recall Notice.

    Reason for Alert

    Draeger stated that they have become aware of cases in which cracks have formed in the hose of specific ErgoStar catheter mounts. If these cracks form during use, leakage will occur. Depending on the size of the leakage and the selected ventilation pressure, the ventilator/anesthesia device can compensate for this. If the leakage cannot be compensated for, ventilation is restricted and may lead to desaturation or hypoxia for the patient.

    As of November 17, 2025, Draeger has not reported any serious injuries or deaths associated with this issue.

    Device Use

    The ErgoStar Airway Connector conducts respiratory gases between the breathing system and the patient interface (such as an endotracheal tube mask) of a mechanically ventilated patient.

    Contact Information

    Customers in the U.S. with adverse reactions, quality problems, or questions about this recall should contact Draeger Customer Service at US-Medical@draeger.com or 1-800-437-2437 (press 2 at the prompt, then 1).

    Additional FDA Resources

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)

    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from distribution to use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified more quickly, and as a result, problems potentially resolved more quickly.

    How do I report a problem?

    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.


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  • MRI System Correction: Siemens Healthineers Issues Correction for 3 Tesla MRI Systems

    MRI System Correction: Siemens Healthineers Issues Correction for 3 Tesla MRI Systems

    This recall involves correcting certain devices and does not involve removing them from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it without correction.  

    Affected Products

    Product Name 

    Material Number

    UDI-DI

    MAGNETOM Verio 10276755  N/A
    MAGNETOM Skyra (DE) 10432915 04056869006703
    Biograph mMR  10433372  04056869006741
    MAGNETOM Verio Dot  10684333 04056869006673
    MAGNETOM Prisma  10849582  04056869006727
    MAGNETOM Skyra fit   10849580 04056869006710
    MAGNETOM Verio Dot Upgr. 10684334 04056869006680
    MAGNETOM Vida (DE)  11060815  04056869039176
    MAGNETOM Skyra (CN)  11410327   04056869227139
    MAGNETOM Lumina (DE) 11344916 04056869230740
    MAGNETOM Vida Fit  11410481 04056869245188
    MAGNETOM Vida (CN) 11516152 04056869260143
    MAGNETOM Lumina (CN) 11516153  04056869260136
    MAGNETOM Skyra Fit BioMatrix 11516217 04056869299273
    MAGNETOM Cima.X Upgr. (DE)   11689304 04056869975245
    MAGNETOM Cima.X (DE)  11647158 04056869975221
    MAGNETOM Connectom.X 11371480 N/A
    BIOGRAPH One (DE)  11689172   04068151020472
    MAGNETOM Cima.X Fit   11647159 04056869975238
    MAGNETOM Cima.X (CN)  11689616  04056869996509

    What to Do

    If the error message “Magnet Supervision: The average heater power is above the alarm threshold. Please contact Siemens Healthineers Service” appears on your host computer, no further scans can be performed. Follow additional safety actions immediately. 

    On August 27, 2025, Siemens Healthineers sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Correction letter recommending the following actions:

    • If the error message “Magnet Supervision: The average heater power is above the alarm threshold. Please contact Siemens Healthineers Service” appears on the host computer, take the following safety actions:
      • Do not reboot the system. 
      • Remove the patient from the system. 
      • Lock/secure all access to the scanning room with the system remaining energized at field. 
      • Post a “DO NOT USE” notice on or near the device.
      • Call the facility’s local Siemens Healthineers service organization.
      • Make sure all relevant personnel are aware of this issue.
    • Be aware that the Magnet Stop is only intended for emergencies. DO NOT initiate a manual quench of the magnet unless there is an emergency.
    • Ensure all designated emergency exit routes remain unobstructed at all times and are properly marked. In particular, the exit from the examination room must be maintained at all times.
    • Grant access to the system so an inspection can be carried out as directed by Siemens Healthineers service organization. 
    • Make sure all users of affected products and others who may need to be informed receive the relevant safety information provided within the notice and comply with its recommendations.
    • If the equipment is no longer at the facility, forward the notice to the equipment’s new owner. 
    • You may continue to use the system until an inspection has been performed.

    Reason for Correction

    Siemens Healthineers is correcting 3 Tesla Siemens Healthineers MRI systems due to the potential for an ice blockage to form or currently exist within the magnet venting system. In the event of a sudden loss of superconductivity, or magnet quench, helium gas may be unable to escape through designated venting paths, leading to pressure build-up within the helium containment system. This pressure build up could rupture the helium containment system, potentially resulting in a massive helium leak into the scanning room. Rupture of the helium containment system may also manifest as an explosion, with overpressure in the MRI room and debris expelled forcefully.

    The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including cold burns, asphyxiation, trauma, and death.  

    As of August 29, Siemens Healthineers has not reported any serious injuries or deaths related to this issue.

    Device Use

    Affected 3 Tesla Siemens Healthineers MRI systems include magnetic resonance diagnostic devices (MRDD) and mMR systems, which combine MRDD and Positron Emission Tomography (PET). These devices display the internal structure and/or function of the head, body, or extremities, and may be utilized by appropriately trained health care professionals to aid in the detection, localization, and diagnosis of diseases and disorders.

    Contact Information

    Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact the Siemens Healthineers service organization at 1-800-888-7436.

    Additional FDA Resources:  

    • FDA’s Enforcement Report
    • Medical Device Recall Database

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)  

    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.  

    How do I report a problem?  

    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. 


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  • Despite warnings from Donald Trump, the push for Israeli control over the West Bank continues

    Despite warnings from Donald Trump, the push for Israeli control over the West Bank continues

    Standing beneath the imposing stone walls of one of the most ancient and revered sites in the West Bank, Yishai Fleischer was blunt in his assessment of its significance in modern times. 

    “It’s something that should be bringing people together,…

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  • Global Equity Strategy 2026 Outlook: Tech Tonic — a Broadening Bull Market – Goldman Sachs

    Global Equity Strategy 2026 Outlook: Tech Tonic — a Broadening Bull Market – Goldman Sachs

    1. Global Equity Strategy 2026 Outlook: Tech Tonic — a Broadening Bull Market  Goldman Sachs
    2. Goldman Sachs (GS) Sees More Gains for Small-Cap Stocks in 2026  TipRanks
    3. The next year will be for stock picking — and the next two weeks should see gains, says Goldman Sachs  MarketWatch
    4. Cyclical tailwinds, inflation easing, AI-driven volatility, hedging against fluctuations — these are Goldman Sachs’ ‘Top 10 Core Thematic Trades’ for 2026.  富途牛牛
    5. G Sachs Holds Constructive View on Next Yr’s Stock Mkt, Expects Continued Corporate Earnings Growth  AASTOCKS.com

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  • RICHARDSON NAMED TO ACADEMIC ALL-LEAGUE TEAM

    RICHARDSON NAMED TO ACADEMIC ALL-LEAGUE TEAM

    SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota State junior Joslyn Richardson was one of four repeat honorees on the 2025 Summit League Volleyball Academic All-League Team released by conference officials Monday. A total of seven volleyball athletes…

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  • EU releases €2.3 billion to support Ukraine’s financial needs

    EU releases €2.3 billion to support Ukraine’s financial needs

    The European Commission has disbursed €2.3 billion to Ukraine to support the country’s finances and public administration, as it continues to fight Russia’s invasion. 

    This is the sixth regular payment under the Ukraine Facility, the Union’s…

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