(Reuters) -Nvidia and TSMC will announce on Friday their first completed U.S.-made wafer that will eventually become Blackwell chips for AI purposes, Axios reported. (Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Alan Barona)
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By Noel Randewich and Twesha Dikshit (Reuters) -Wall Street ended higher on Friday as investors assessed U.S. President Donald Trump's latest remarks on China, while quarterly results from regional banks eased concerns about credit risks. Trump said his proposed 100% tariff on goods from China would not be sustainable, but blamed Beijing for the latest impasse in trade talks that began with Chinese authorities tightening control over rare earth exports. Trump unveiled the new tariffs a week ago, along with new export controls on "any and all critical software," to go into effect on November 1. "The market doesn't really know what to take when Donald Trump speaks," said Robert Pavlik, senior portfolio manager at Dakota Wealth. "There's just a lot of back-and-forth comments with regards to China and trade tariffs and pretty much everything else." Regional bank stocks rebounded following a selloff on Thursday, when Zions Bancorporation disclosed losses tied to two commercial and industrial loans and Western Alliance revealed it had initiated a lawsuit alleging fraud by Cantor Group V, LLC. "There's a lot more bark than bite on the credit fears," said Jed Ellerbroek, a portfolio manager at Argent Capital. "Looking through all the big banks' results, credit is very good. Overall, there are very few pockets of weakness." Truist Financial gained after the bank reported higher third-quarter profit. Fifth Third Bancorp rose, Zions shares rebounded from losses the day before, and Western Alliance also advanced. The S&P Composite 1500 Regional Banks index climbed after tumbling almost 6% the day before. The S&P 500 financial sector index, which includes the largest U.S. banks, also rose. Robust earnings from JPMorgan and other big banks this week helped get the third-quarter earnings season off to an upbeat start. Analysts on average see S&P 500 earnings climbing 9.3% in the third quarter, an improvement from expectations of 8.8% at the start of October, according to LSEG I/B/E/S. Following a nearly 14% gain in 2025, the S&P 500 is valued at 23 times expected earnings, its priciest level in five years. According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 gained 33.37 points, or 0.50%, to end at 6,662.44 points, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 113.61 points, or 0.50%, to 22,676.15. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 235.83 points, or 0.51%, to 46,188.07. The three main U.S. indexes registered weekly gains. The CBOE volatility index, investors' fear gauge, dropped to 21.5 points after hitting its highest level in nearly six months at 28.99 earlier in the day. Wall Street's most valuable companies were mixed, with Tesla and Apple rising, and Amazon falling. Eli Lilly fell after Trump said he would bring down prices of weight-loss drugs. State Street dropped after the bank's third-quarter net interest income missed estimates. (Reporting by Noel Randewich in San Francisco and Sukriti Gupta, Medha Singh and Twesha Dikshit in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar and Matthew Lewis)
(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)
(Reuters) -Nvidia and TSMC will announce on Friday their first completed U.S.-made wafer that will eventually become Blackwell chips for AI purposes, Axios reported. (Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Alan Barona)
(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)
VIDEO SHOWS: B-ROLL OUTSIDE ASTON VILLA'S VILLA PARK/ SOUNDBITES FROM BIRMINGHAM RESIDENTS ON VILLA NOT ALLOWING MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS TO ATTEND THEIR EUROPA LEAGUE MATCH/ B-ROLL OF BIRMINGHAM COMPLETE SCRIPT TO FOLLOW SHOWS: BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (OCTOBER 17, 2025) (REUTERS – Access all) 1. EXTERIOR OF VILLA PARK 2. UNION FLAG FLYING OUTSIDE VILLA PARK 3. ASTON VILLA BADGE ON STADIUM EXTERIOR 4. WIDE SHOT OF VILLA PARK 5. ENGLAND FLAG DRAPED ON LION 6. EXTERIOR OF STADIUM 7. WIDE OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 8. CLOSE -UP OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 9. BANNER ON LAMPOST READING (English) "All of my heroes are Villans" 10. MURAL COMMEMORATING VILLA'S 1982 EUROPEAN CUP TRIUMPH 11. CLOSE UP OF MURAL 12. WIDE OF STAND AND PART OF STADIUM INTERIOR 13. CLOSE UP OF SEATS 14. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOOTBALL FAN, JACK DEATHRIDGE, SAYING: "Well, I'm a bit surprised because we don't usually stop people from exercising their free will, I suppose. But I mean, I see what they're trying to do because it's very true. It might not be safe for them because, you know, there is a lot of stigma at the moment." 15. VARIOUS OF PEDESTRIANS WALKING IN BIRMINGHAM 16. SECURITY CAMERA 17. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOOTBALL FAN, JACK DEATHRIDGE SAYING: 'I mean, obviously I'm concerned for their safety, but I think… I think it's up to them if they want to come here, really, I suppose. We shouldn't make the decision for them." 18. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ASTON VILLA FAN ORIGINALLY FROM PALESTINE, ANNAS AHMED, SAYING: JOURNALIST ASKING: "Do you think Birmingham is safe? Do you think Aston Villa is safe?" ANNAS AHMED SAYING: "I think no. I think not safe." JOURNALIST ASKING: "Why?" ANNAS AHMED SAYING: "Because of the war, you know that. Yeah, this area (has a) war now. I think not safe." 19. VARIOUS OF PEDESTRIANS IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE 20. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BIRMINGHAM STUDENT, VICTOR ADEWMI, SAYING: "I do understand, but at the end of the day, that's up to the person to decide because there's risk involved in anything. If I'm to go to a place that's, you know, maybe not a lot of people of my colour are, you know, welcome to. At the end of the day, no one can really say to me, I can't go there. That's my decision. And if something does go wrong, it's only me that can, you know, put my hands up and say, 'hey, I'm going to have to hold that on my head.' But you can't really… you can safeguard, but banning people from going to a football game, I think that's kind of where you start crossing lines and stuff, you know." 21. PEDESTRIANS IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE 22. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BIRMINGHAM FOOTBALL FAN, NAJEEB MUHAMMED, ON WHETHER THE MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO TRAVEL, SAYING: "I think that football should be watched by everyone. I'm like, it's like a sport that everyone loves. And, yeah, man, I think it's like, I think they should. I think they should (be able to attend)." 23. WIDE OF VILLA PARK EXTERIOR 24. PAN OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 25. CLOSE UP OF ASTON VILLA BADGE 26. SIGN READING (English) "Where our heroes are Villans" 27. PULL FOCUS SHOT OF SECURITY CAMERA ONTO ASTON VILLA FLAG 28. VARIOUS OF LION ON PLINTH 29. WIDE OF VILLA PARK STORY: No away supporters will be allowed to attend Aston Villa's home Europa League clash with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 6 after police raised public safety concerns about potential protests, the Premier League club said on Thursday (October 17). The move comes after there were protests at the Israel national team's World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy, with police using tear gas on protesters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Oslo and Udine. Villa said they were following instructions from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), who are responsible for issuing safety certificates for games at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors. "Following a meeting this afternoon, the SAG have formally written to the club and UEFA to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture," Villa said in a statement. "West Midlands Police have advised the SAG that they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night. "The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision." Reuters has contacted Maccabi Tel Aviv for comment. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the announcement. "This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets," Starmer said on X. "The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation." UEFA said it wanted fans to be able to travel and support their team in a "safe, secure and welcoming environment". "(UEFA) encourages both teams and the competent authorities to agree on the implementation of appropriate measures necessary to allow this to happen," UEFA said. "In all cases, the competent local authorities remain responsible for decisions related to the safety and security of matches taking place on their territory, such decisions being determined on the basis of thorough risk assessments, which vary from match to match and take into consideration previous circumstances." Villa are third in the Europa League standings while Maccabi Tel Aviv are 30th after two rounds. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described Villa's announcement as a "shameful decision" on X. "I call on the UK authorities to reverse this coward decision," Saar wrote. Global soccer body FIFA has faced repeated calls to act over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials pressing for Israel to be suspended from international football. The issue has been under review by FIFA for months, but no decision has yet been taken, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino consistently saying such matters require consensus with the confederations and must be handled with caution. Earlier this month, FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani said Israel's continued participation in international football has to be dealt with first and foremost by UEFA. UEFA appeared poised for an emergency vote on suspending Israel from European competition last month but reportedly held off on a proposed vote following the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in the region. (Production: Gerhard Mey, Oliver Regan, Conal Quinn)
(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)
(Reuters) -The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union said on Friday that it had agreed to resume contract talks with planemaker Boeing on Monday. The union represents over 3,200 striking workers who assemble fighter jets and munitions at Boeing's plants in the St. Louis area. (Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai)
(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)
VIDEO SHOWS: B-ROLL OUTSIDE ASTON VILLA'S VILLA PARK/ SOUNDBITES FROM BIRMINGHAM RESIDENTS ON VILLA NOT ALLOWING MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS TO ATTEND THEIR EUROPA LEAGUE MATCH/ B-ROLL OF BIRMINGHAM COMPLETE SCRIPT TO FOLLOW SHOWS: BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (OCTOBER 17, 2025) (REUTERS – Access all) 1. EXTERIOR OF VILLA PARK 2. UNION FLAG FLYING OUTSIDE VILLA PARK 3. ASTON VILLA BADGE ON STADIUM EXTERIOR 4. WIDE SHOT OF VILLA PARK 5. ENGLAND FLAG DRAPED ON LION 6. EXTERIOR OF STADIUM 7. WIDE OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 8. CLOSE -UP OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 9. BANNER ON LAMPOST READING (English) "All of my heroes are Villans" 10. MURAL COMMEMORATING VILLA'S 1982 EUROPEAN CUP TRIUMPH 11. CLOSE UP OF MURAL 12. WIDE OF STAND AND PART OF STADIUM INTERIOR 13. CLOSE UP OF SEATS 14. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOOTBALL FAN, JACK DEATHRIDGE, SAYING: "Well, I'm a bit surprised because we don't usually stop people from exercising their free will, I suppose. But I mean, I see what they're trying to do because it's very true. It might not be safe for them because, you know, there is a lot of stigma at the moment." 15. VARIOUS OF PEDESTRIANS WALKING IN BIRMINGHAM 16. SECURITY CAMERA 17. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOOTBALL FAN, JACK DEATHRIDGE SAYING: 'I mean, obviously I'm concerned for their safety, but I think… I think it's up to them if they want to come here, really, I suppose. We shouldn't make the decision for them." 18. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ASTON VILLA FAN ORIGINALLY FROM PALESTINE, ANNAS AHMED, SAYING: JOURNALIST ASKING: "Do you think Birmingham is safe? Do you think Aston Villa is safe?" ANNAS AHMED SAYING: "I think no. I think not safe." JOURNALIST ASKING: "Why?" ANNAS AHMED SAYING: "Because of the war, you know that. Yeah, this area (has a) war now. I think not safe." 19. VARIOUS OF PEDESTRIANS IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE 20. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BIRMINGHAM STUDENT, VICTOR ADEWMI, SAYING: "I do understand, but at the end of the day, that's up to the person to decide because there's risk involved in anything. If I'm to go to a place that's, you know, maybe not a lot of people of my colour are, you know, welcome to. At the end of the day, no one can really say to me, I can't go there. That's my decision. And if something does go wrong, it's only me that can, you know, put my hands up and say, 'hey, I'm going to have to hold that on my head.' But you can't really… you can safeguard, but banning people from going to a football game, I think that's kind of where you start crossing lines and stuff, you know." 21. PEDESTRIANS IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE 22. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BIRMINGHAM FOOTBALL FAN, NAJEEB MUHAMMED, ON WHETHER THE MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO TRAVEL, SAYING: "I think that football should be watched by everyone. I'm like, it's like a sport that everyone loves. And, yeah, man, I think it's like, I think they should. I think they should (be able to attend)." 23. WIDE OF VILLA PARK EXTERIOR 24. PAN OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 25. CLOSE UP OF ASTON VILLA BADGE 26. SIGN READING (English) "Where our heroes are Villans" 27. PULL FOCUS SHOT OF SECURITY CAMERA ONTO ASTON VILLA FLAG 28. VARIOUS OF LION ON PLINTH 29. WIDE OF VILLA PARK STORY: No away supporters will be allowed to attend Aston Villa's home Europa League clash with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 6 after police raised public safety concerns about potential protests, the Premier League club said on Thursday (October 17). The move comes after there were protests at the Israel national team's World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy, with police using tear gas on protesters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Oslo and Udine. Villa said they were following instructions from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), who are responsible for issuing safety certificates for games at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors. "Following a meeting this afternoon, the SAG have formally written to the club and UEFA to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture," Villa said in a statement. "West Midlands Police have advised the SAG that they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night. "The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision." Reuters has contacted Maccabi Tel Aviv for comment. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the announcement. "This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets," Starmer said on X. "The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation." UEFA said it wanted fans to be able to travel and support their team in a "safe, secure and welcoming environment". "(UEFA) encourages both teams and the competent authorities to agree on the implementation of appropriate measures necessary to allow this to happen," UEFA said. "In all cases, the competent local authorities remain responsible for decisions related to the safety and security of matches taking place on their territory, such decisions being determined on the basis of thorough risk assessments, which vary from match to match and take into consideration previous circumstances." Villa are third in the Europa League standings while Maccabi Tel Aviv are 30th after two rounds. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described Villa's announcement as a "shameful decision" on X. "I call on the UK authorities to reverse this coward decision," Saar wrote. Global soccer body FIFA has faced repeated calls to act over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials pressing for Israel to be suspended from international football. The issue has been under review by FIFA for months, but no decision has yet been taken, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino consistently saying such matters require consensus with the confederations and must be handled with caution. Earlier this month, FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani said Israel's continued participation in international football has to be dealt with first and foremost by UEFA. UEFA appeared poised for an emergency vote on suspending Israel from European competition last month but reportedly held off on a proposed vote following the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in the region. (Production: Gerhard Mey, Oliver Regan, Conal Quinn)
(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)
By Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The state of California announced a lawsuit against three major plastic bag producers and reached a settlement with four other manufacturers on Friday after concluding an investigation into their false claims that these bags were recyclable. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a lawsuit against Novolex Holdings LLC, Inteplast Group Corp, and Mettler Packaging LLC alleging violations of California's Environmental Marketing Claims Act, False Advertising Law, and Unfair Competition Law. Bonta also announced a settlement with four plastic bag producers, Revolution Sustainable Solutions LLC (Revolution), Metro Poly Corp. (Metro Poly), PreZero US Packaging LLC (PreZero), and Advance Polybag, Inc. (API), resolving their alleged violations of those same laws. "The consequences of these violations are severe: Billions of plastic carryout bags end up in landfills, incinerators, and the environment instead of being recycled as the bags proclaim. Our legal actions today make it clear: No corporation is above the law,” Bonta said in a statement. The actions come nearly three years after Bonta launched an investigation into plastic bag producers in which he requested they substantiate claims that their bags are recyclable. That investigation came after the California Statewide Commission on Recycling Markets and Curbside Recycling had asked the attorney general and regulator CalRecycle to crack down on what it claimed was illegal labeling that was undermining the state's efforts to tackle plastic pollution. The sale of these thicker recycled plastic bags emerged from what critics said became a loophole in California's 2017 ban on single-use shopping bags that enabled retailers to sell reusable plastic bags for a minimum of 10 cents each if the bags can be recycled in California. As part of the settlement, the four companies agreed to halt plastic bag sales in California and pay a total of $1.8 million to the state. (Reporting by Valerie VolcoviciEditing by Nick Zieminski)
(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)
By Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The state of California announced a lawsuit against three major plastic bag producers and reached a settlement with four other manufacturers on Friday after concluding an investigation into their false claims that these bags were recyclable. California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a lawsuit against Novolex Holdings LLC, Inteplast Group Corp, and Mettler Packaging LLC alleging violations of California's Environmental Marketing Claims Act, False Advertising Law, and Unfair Competition Law. Bonta also announced a settlement with four plastic bag producers, Revolution Sustainable Solutions LLC (Revolution), Metro Poly Corp. (Metro Poly), PreZero US Packaging LLC (PreZero), and Advance Polybag, Inc. (API), resolving their alleged violations of those same laws. "The consequences of these violations are severe: Billions of plastic carryout bags end up in landfills, incinerators, and the environment instead of being recycled as the bags proclaim. Our legal actions today make it clear: No corporation is above the law,” Bonta said in a statement. The actions come nearly three years after Bonta launched an investigation into plastic bag producers in which he requested they substantiate claims that their bags are recyclable. That investigation came after the California Statewide Commission on Recycling Markets and Curbside Recycling had asked the attorney general and regulator CalRecycle to crack down on what it claimed was illegal labeling that was undermining the state's efforts to tackle plastic pollution. The sale of these thicker recycled plastic bags emerged from what critics said became a loophole in California's 2017 ban on single-use shopping bags that enabled retailers to sell reusable plastic bags for a minimum of 10 cents each if the bags can be recycled in California. As part of the settlement, the four companies agreed to halt plastic bag sales in California and pay a total of $1.8 million to the state. (Reporting by Valerie VolcoviciEditing by Nick Zieminski)
(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)
VIDEO SHOWS: B-ROLL OUTSIDE ASTON VILLA'S VILLA PARK/ SOUNDBITES FROM BIRMINGHAM RESIDENTS ON VILLA NOT ALLOWING MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS TO ATTEND THEIR EUROPA LEAGUE MATCH/ B-ROLL OF BIRMINGHAM COMPLETE SCRIPT TO FOLLOW SHOWS: BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM (OCTOBER 17, 2025) (REUTERS – Access all) 1. EXTERIOR OF VILLA PARK 2. UNION FLAG FLYING OUTSIDE VILLA PARK 3. ASTON VILLA BADGE ON STADIUM EXTERIOR 4. WIDE SHOT OF VILLA PARK 5. ENGLAND FLAG DRAPED ON LION 6. EXTERIOR OF STADIUM 7. WIDE OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 8. CLOSE -UP OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 9. BANNER ON LAMPOST READING (English) "All of my heroes are Villans" 10. MURAL COMMEMORATING VILLA'S 1982 EUROPEAN CUP TRIUMPH 11. CLOSE UP OF MURAL 12. WIDE OF STAND AND PART OF STADIUM INTERIOR 13. CLOSE UP OF SEATS 14. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOOTBALL FAN, JACK DEATHRIDGE, SAYING: "Well, I'm a bit surprised because we don't usually stop people from exercising their free will, I suppose. But I mean, I see what they're trying to do because it's very true. It might not be safe for them because, you know, there is a lot of stigma at the moment." 15. VARIOUS OF PEDESTRIANS WALKING IN BIRMINGHAM 16. SECURITY CAMERA 17. (SOUNDBITE) (English) FOOTBALL FAN, JACK DEATHRIDGE SAYING: 'I mean, obviously I'm concerned for their safety, but I think… I think it's up to them if they want to come here, really, I suppose. We shouldn't make the decision for them." 18. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ASTON VILLA FAN ORIGINALLY FROM PALESTINE, ANNAS AHMED, SAYING: JOURNALIST ASKING: "Do you think Birmingham is safe? Do you think Aston Villa is safe?" ANNAS AHMED SAYING: "I think no. I think not safe." JOURNALIST ASKING: "Why?" ANNAS AHMED SAYING: "Because of the war, you know that. Yeah, this area (has a) war now. I think not safe." 19. VARIOUS OF PEDESTRIANS IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE 20. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BIRMINGHAM STUDENT, VICTOR ADEWMI, SAYING: "I do understand, but at the end of the day, that's up to the person to decide because there's risk involved in anything. If I'm to go to a place that's, you know, maybe not a lot of people of my colour are, you know, welcome to. At the end of the day, no one can really say to me, I can't go there. That's my decision. And if something does go wrong, it's only me that can, you know, put my hands up and say, 'hey, I'm going to have to hold that on my head.' But you can't really… you can safeguard, but banning people from going to a football game, I think that's kind of where you start crossing lines and stuff, you know." 21. PEDESTRIANS IN BIRMINGHAM CITY CENTRE 22. (SOUNDBITE) (English) BIRMINGHAM FOOTBALL FAN, NAJEEB MUHAMMED, ON WHETHER THE MACCABI TEL AVIV FANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO TRAVEL, SAYING: "I think that football should be watched by everyone. I'm like, it's like a sport that everyone loves. And, yeah, man, I think it's like, I think they should. I think they should (be able to attend)." 23. WIDE OF VILLA PARK EXTERIOR 24. PAN OF ASTON VILLA SIGN 25. CLOSE UP OF ASTON VILLA BADGE 26. SIGN READING (English) "Where our heroes are Villans" 27. PULL FOCUS SHOT OF SECURITY CAMERA ONTO ASTON VILLA FLAG 28. VARIOUS OF LION ON PLINTH 29. WIDE OF VILLA PARK STORY: No away supporters will be allowed to attend Aston Villa's home Europa League clash with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv on November 6 after police raised public safety concerns about potential protests, the Premier League club said on Thursday (October 17). The move comes after there were protests at the Israel national team's World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy, with police using tear gas on protesters and pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Oslo and Udine. Villa said they were following instructions from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), who are responsible for issuing safety certificates for games at Villa Park, based on a number of physical and safety factors. "Following a meeting this afternoon, the SAG have formally written to the club and UEFA to advise no away fans will be permitted to attend Villa Park for this fixture," Villa said in a statement. "West Midlands Police have advised the SAG that they have public safety concerns outside the stadium bowl and the ability to deal with any potential protests on the night. "The club are in continuous dialogue with Maccabi Tel Aviv and the local authorities throughout this ongoing process, with the safety of supporters attending the match and the safety of local residents at the forefront of any decision." Reuters has contacted Maccabi Tel Aviv for comment. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the announcement. "This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets," Starmer said on X. "The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game, without fear of violence or intimidation." UEFA said it wanted fans to be able to travel and support their team in a "safe, secure and welcoming environment". "(UEFA) encourages both teams and the competent authorities to agree on the implementation of appropriate measures necessary to allow this to happen," UEFA said. "In all cases, the competent local authorities remain responsible for decisions related to the safety and security of matches taking place on their territory, such decisions being determined on the basis of thorough risk assessments, which vary from match to match and take into consideration previous circumstances." Villa are third in the Europa League standings while Maccabi Tel Aviv are 30th after two rounds. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described Villa's announcement as a "shameful decision" on X. "I call on the UK authorities to reverse this coward decision," Saar wrote. Global soccer body FIFA has faced repeated calls to act over the war in Gaza, with Palestinian officials pressing for Israel to be suspended from international football. The issue has been under review by FIFA for months, but no decision has yet been taken, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino consistently saying such matters require consensus with the confederations and must be handled with caution. Earlier this month, FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani said Israel's continued participation in international football has to be dealt with first and foremost by UEFA. UEFA appeared poised for an emergency vote on suspending Israel from European competition last month but reportedly held off on a proposed vote following the announcement of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to end the war in the region. (Production: Gerhard Mey, Oliver Regan, Conal Quinn)
(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)
(Reuters) -A union representing more than 3,200 striking Boeing workers said on Friday it had agreed to resume contract discussions with the U.S. planemaker next week. Shares of Boeing rose about 1%. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents members who assemble fighter jets and munitions at Boeing's facilities in the St. Louis area. The announcement comes a day after the union filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board against Boeing. (Reporting by Nathan Gomes in Bengaluru; Editing by Pooja Desai)
(The article has been published through a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has been published verbatim. Liability lies with original publisher.)
