Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to bowl in the opening Twenty20 international against hosts New Zealand at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday (Oct 1). Both teams had a key player ruled out of the series in training incidents on Tuesday. New Zealand batsman Rachin Ravindra suffered facial lacerations when he collided with a boundary fence during fielding practice. Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell broke his arm when struck by a shot from team-mate Mitchell Owen while bowling in the nets.&nbsp;Both teams were also forced to name squads weakened by unavailability for the three-match series.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/women-s-world-cup-2025-bangladesh-coach-sarwar-imran-suffers-brain-stroke-ahead-of-opener-against-pakistan-1759299022181">Women's World Cup 2025: Bangladesh coach Sarwar Imran suffers brain stroke ahead of opener against Pakistan</a>&nbsp;New Zealand's most notable absentees are injured captain Mitchell Santner and batsmen Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips.&nbsp;Australia are missing Pat Cummins and playing their first T20 series since the retirement of fellow pace bowler Mitchell Starc from the format.&nbsp;The first game, which will be played in cold, windy conditions, is the earliest start to a New Zealand home season.&nbsp;The remaining games are also day-night affairs in Mount Maunganui, on Friday and Saturday.&nbsp;Here are the team sheets for the first T20I -&nbsp;New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell (captain), Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy&nbsp;Australia: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (captain), Matt Short, Tim David, Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Both New Zealand and Australia were also forced to name squads weakened by unavailability for the three-match series.

Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won the toss and elected to bowl in the opening Twenty20 international against hosts New Zealand at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday (Oct 1). Both teams had a key player ruled out of the series in training incidents on Tuesday. New Zealand batsman Rachin Ravindra suffered facial lacerations when he collided with a boundary fence during fielding practice. Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell broke his arm when struck by a shot from team-mate Mitchell Owen while bowling in the nets. Both teams were also forced to name squads weakened by unavailability for the three-match series. Also read | Women's World Cup 2025: Bangladesh coach Sarwar Imran suffers brain stroke ahead of opener against Pakistan New Zealand's most notable absentees are injured captain Mitchell Santner and batsmen Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips. Australia are missing Pat Cummins and playing their first T20 series since the retirement of fellow pace bowler Mitchell Starc from the format. The first game, which will be played in cold, windy conditions, is the earliest start to a New Zealand home season. The remaining games are also day-night affairs in Mount Maunganui, on Friday and Saturday. Here are the team sheets for the first T20I - New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell (captain), Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy Australia: Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (captain), Matt Short, Tim David, Alex Carey, Marcus Stoinis, Mitch Owen, Ben Dwarshuis, Xavier Bartlett, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Both New Zealand and Australia were also forced to name squads weakened by unavailability for the three-match series.

NZ vs AUS, 1st T20I: Australia bowl first in Maxwell's absence; Kiwis rope in Robinson for injured Ravindra

President Donald Trump said Tuesday his administration was close to reaching a $500 million financial settlement with Harvard under which the elite academic institution would operate trade schools.The comments mark the latest twist in Trump's unprecedented crackdown on Harvard over claims of anti-Semitism and bias -- claims the university denies, saying that the federal government is actually focused on controlling its hiring, admissions and curriculum."Well, we're in the process of getting very close," Trump said at the White House. "They'd be paying about $500 million and they'll be operating trade schools."They're going to be teaching people how to do AI and lots of other things, engines, lots of things," Trump said. "You know, it's a big investment in trade school done by very smart people, and then their sins are forgiven."Harvard did not immediately respond when asked about Trump's comments.Trump officials have accused Harvard and other schools of promoting so-called "woke" ideology while failing to sufficiently protect its Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests.In early September, a Boston judge ordered the administration to lift its freeze on approximately $2.6 billion in federal funds for Harvard, writing that Trump's Department of Education "used antisemitism as a smokescreen for a targeted, ideologically motivated assault on this country's premier universities."Two weeks later, the administration imposed fresh restrictions on Harvard's access to government money, requiring the university to use its own funds to pay out student financial aid packages that federal officials have promised.In July, Columbia University agreed to pay 200 million dollars to the administration and pledged to obey rules that bar it from taking race into consideration in admissions or hiring.The University of Pennsylvania, another Ivy League institution, also bowed to Trump administration concerns, announcing it would ban transgender women from participating in women's sports.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Trump says his administration is nearing a $500 million settlement with Harvard that would force the university to run trade schools, part of his crackdown on elite colleges over alleged antisemitism and bias. 

President Donald Trump said Tuesday his administration was close to reaching a $500 million financial settlement with Harvard under which the elite academic institution would operate trade schools. The comments mark the latest twist in Trump's unprecedented crackdown on Harvard over claims of anti-Semitism and bias -- claims the university denies, saying that the federal government is actually focused on controlling its hiring, admissions and curriculum. "Well, we're in the process of getting very close," Trump said at the White House. "They'd be paying about $500 million and they'll be operating trade schools. "They're going to be teaching people how to do AI and lots of other things, engines, lots of things," Trump said. "You know, it's a big investment in trade school done by very smart people, and then their sins are forgiven." Harvard did not immediately respond when asked about Trump's comments. Trump officials have accused Harvard and other schools of promoting so-called "woke" ideology while failing to sufficiently protect its Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests. In early September, a Boston judge ordered the administration to lift its freeze on approximately $2.6 billion in federal funds for Harvard, writing that Trump's Department of Education "used antisemitism as a smokescreen for a targeted, ideologically motivated assault on this country's premier universities." Two weeks later, the administration imposed fresh restrictions on Harvard's access to government money, requiring the university to use its own funds to pay out student financial aid packages that federal officials have promised. In July, Columbia University agreed to pay 200 million dollars to the administration and pledged to obey rules that bar it from taking race into consideration in admissions or hiring. The University of Pennsylvania, another Ivy League institution, also bowed to Trump administration concerns, announcing it would ban transgender women from participating in women's sports. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Trump says his administration is nearing a $500 million settlement with Harvard that would force the university to run trade schools, part of his crackdown on elite colleges over alleged antisemitism and bias.&nbsp;

Trump says Harvard close to $500M settlement — will be forced to run trade schools

Oscar-winning star Nicole Kidman and Grammy-winning country musician Keith Urban have separated after 19 years of marriage, according to US media reports.&nbsp;The couple has been living apart "since the beginning of summer," with Kidman not wanting the separation and trying to save the marriage, entertainment outlet TMZ reported on Monday citing unnamed sources.&nbsp;Urban, 57, has moved out of their Nashville family home and acquired his own residence elsewhere in the city, according to TMZ, which broke the story.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/calvin-harris-set-to-make-india-debut-with-two-city-tour-this-november-dates-tickets-and-more-1759243729629">Calvin Harris to make India debut with two-city tour this November, Know more</a>&nbsp;AFP was unable to independently confirm the breakup.&nbsp;The couple tied the knot in 2006 and are parents to two teenage daughters.Kidman, 58, has been "holding the family together through this difficult time since Keith has been gone," a source told TMZ.&nbsp;She also has two adopted children from her previous marriage to actor Tom Cruise, which ended in 2001 in one of Hollywood's most famous divorces.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/dil-chahta-hai-to-chhaava-must-watch-akshaye-khanna-movies-on-ott-platforms-1759229287613">Dil Chahta Hai to Chhaava: Must-watch Akshaye Khanna movies on OTT platforms</a>&nbsp;Kidman posted a photo of Kidman and Urban together on Instagram in June with the caption "Happy Anniversary Baby."&nbsp;In May, the New Zealand-born musician shared Instagram shots of him and a beaming Kidman after his win at the Academy of Country Music Awards.&nbsp;Once one of the highest-paid stars in Hollywood, Kidman won her Academy Award in 2003 for her transformation into writer Virginia Woolf in "The Hours", and has landed multiple Oscar nominations.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The couple has been living apart "since the beginning of summer," with Kidman not wanting the separation and trying to save the marriage, entertainment outlet TMZ reported on Monday, citing unnamed sources.

Oscar-winning star Nicole Kidman and Grammy-winning country musician Keith Urban have separated after 19 years of marriage, according to US media reports. The couple has been living apart "since the beginning of summer," with Kidman not wanting the separation and trying to save the marriage, entertainment outlet TMZ reported on Monday citing unnamed sources. Urban, 57, has moved out of their Nashville family home and acquired his own residence elsewhere in the city, according to TMZ, which broke the story. Also read: Calvin Harris to make India debut with two-city tour this November, Know more AFP was unable to independently confirm the breakup. The couple tied the knot in 2006 and are parents to two teenage daughters. Kidman, 58, has been "holding the family together through this difficult time since Keith has been gone," a source told TMZ. She also has two adopted children from her previous marriage to actor Tom Cruise, which ended in 2001 in one of Hollywood's most famous divorces. Also read: Dil Chahta Hai to Chhaava: Must-watch Akshaye Khanna movies on OTT platforms Kidman posted a photo of Kidman and Urban together on Instagram in June with the caption "Happy Anniversary Baby." In May, the New Zealand-born musician shared Instagram shots of him and a beaming Kidman after his win at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Once one of the highest-paid stars in Hollywood, Kidman won her Academy Award in 2003 for her transformation into writer Virginia Woolf in "The Hours", and has landed multiple Oscar nominations.

The couple has been living apart "since the beginning of summer," with Kidman not wanting the separation and trying to save the marriage, entertainment outlet TMZ reported on Monday, citing unnamed sources.

Nicole Kidman files for divorce from Keith Urban after 19 years of marriage

Chicago Fire booked their place in the Major League Soccer playoffs on Tuesday with a roller coaster 5-3 victory over Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. Miami striker Luis Suarez scored twice to level it at 3-3 after Inter had trailed 3-1 against Gregg Berhalter's well-organized Chicago side. But Suarez's second-half brace was in vain as a weary Miami -- playing their sixth game in 17 days -- ran out of steam before conceding two late goals at home in Fort Lauderdale. Chicago's win sees them return to the MLS postseason for the first time since 2017, and marks a successful return to club management for Berhalter, the former United States coach who was sacked from the national team last year.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-san-siro-on-course-for-demolition-after-sale-to-inter-and-ac-milan-approved-1759233889069">San Siro on course for demolition after sale to Inter and AC Milan approved</a>"It was an objective of ours to reach the playoffs, and we've achieved it with two games left," Berhalter said afterwards. "But for us it's about continuing to build a strong team that can win."Despite Miami dominating possession, Chicago's energy on the counterattack repeatedly troubled Miami in the first half.Ivorian midfielder Dje D’Avilla headed Chicago in front from a corner in the 11th minute before a superb goal on the break from Jonathan Dean made it 2-0 just after the half-hour mark.Although Miami pulled one back from Tomas Aviles in the 39th minute, another breakaway goal from Rominingue Kouame just before half-time restored Chicago's two-goal lead.Uruguayan veteran Suarez led a Miami fightback after the break tucking away a low finish in the 57th minute before curling in an equalizer to make it 3-3 in the 74th minute.But Miami's suspect defense conceded a soft goal tapped in from close range by Justin Pledger Reynolds in the 80th minute to put Chicago 4-3 up.There was little Miami could do about Chicago's fifth though, with US international Brian Gutierrez unleashing a rocket which flew into top corner from 25 yards in the 83rd minute.

Despite Miami dominating possession, Chicago's energy on the counterattack repeatedly troubled Miami in the first half. Ivorian midfielder D’Avilla headed Chicago in front from a corner in the 11th minute before a superb goal on the break from Dean made it 2-0 just after the half-hour.

Chicago Fire booked their place in the Major League Soccer playoffs on Tuesday with a roller coaster 5-3 victory over Lionel Messi's Inter Miami. Miami striker Luis Suarez scored twice to level it at 3-3 after Inter had trailed 3-1 against Gregg Berhalter's well-organized Chicago side. But Suarez's second-half brace was in vain as a weary Miami -- playing their sixth game in 17 days -- ran out of steam before conceding two late goals at home in Fort Lauderdale. Chicago's win sees them return to the MLS postseason for the first time since 2017, and marks a successful return to club management for Berhalter, the former United States coach who was sacked from the national team last year. Also Read - San Siro on course for demolition after sale to Inter and AC Milan approved "It was an objective of ours to reach the playoffs, and we've achieved it with two games left," Berhalter said afterwards. "But for us it's about continuing to build a strong team that can win." Despite Miami dominating possession, Chicago's energy on the counterattack repeatedly troubled Miami in the first half. Ivorian midfielder Dje D’Avilla headed Chicago in front from a corner in the 11th minute before a superb goal on the break from Jonathan Dean made it 2-0 just after the half-hour mark. Although Miami pulled one back from Tomas Aviles in the 39th minute, another breakaway goal from Rominingue Kouame just before half-time restored Chicago's two-goal lead. Uruguayan veteran Suarez led a Miami fightback after the break tucking away a low finish in the 57th minute before curling in an equalizer to make it 3-3 in the 74th minute. But Miami's suspect defense conceded a soft goal tapped in from close range by Justin Pledger Reynolds in the 80th minute to put Chicago 4-3 up. There was little Miami could do about Chicago's fifth though, with US international Brian Gutierrez unleashing a rocket which flew into top corner from 25 yards in the 83rd minute.

Despite Miami dominating possession, Chicago's energy on the counterattack repeatedly troubled Miami in the first half. Ivorian midfielder D’Avilla headed Chicago in front from a corner in the 11th minute before a superb goal on the break from Dean made it 2-0 just after the half-hour.

Major League Soccer: Suarez scores brace but Messi's Miami still lose to Chicago for playoff berth

A Mexican migrant has died of injuries he suffered in last week's shooting attack on a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Texas, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday, bringing to two the number of detainees killed.&nbsp;The attack was carried out by a gunman who opened fire on the ICE facility from the roof of a nearby building and later killed himself.&nbsp;A detainee of Salvadoran origin was also killed in the attack, which injured a third person.&nbsp;The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), an NGO working with the Hispanic community in the United States, named the Mexican victim as 32-year-old Miguel Angel Garcia-Hernandez.&nbsp;"My husband Miguel was a good man, a loving father, and the provider for our family," &nbsp;his wife, Stephany Gauffeny, was quoted by LULAC as saying in a statement.&nbsp;"His death is a senseless tragedy that has left our family shattered. I do not know how to explain to our children that their father is gone."&nbsp;Sheinbaum said her government had arranged for the victim's mother to travel to Texas to repatriate the body, and demanded "a thorough investigation" from US authorities.&nbsp;The shooter was identified as Joshua Jahn, 29.&nbsp;ICE's prominent role in the Trump immigration crackdown has sparked widespread criticism over its use of armed, masked agents to conduct raids in public places against undocumented migrants.&nbsp;Trump blamed the attack on "Radical Left Democrats constantly demonising Law Enforcement, calling for ICE to be demolished, and comparing ICE Officers to 'Nazis'."&nbsp;FBI Director Kash Patel published a photo on X of five unspent bullets, one of which was marked with the words "ANTI-ICE."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), an NGO working with the Hispanic community in the United States, named the Mexican victim as 32-year-old Miguel Angel Garcia-Hernandez.

A Mexican migrant has died of injuries he suffered in last week's shooting attack on a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Texas, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Tuesday, bringing to two the number of detainees killed. The attack was carried out by a gunman who opened fire on the ICE facility from the roof of a nearby building and later killed himself. A detainee of Salvadoran origin was also killed in the attack, which injured a third person. The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), an NGO working with the Hispanic community in the United States, named the Mexican victim as 32-year-old Miguel Angel Garcia-Hernandez. "My husband Miguel was a good man, a loving father, and the provider for our family," his wife, Stephany Gauffeny, was quoted by LULAC as saying in a statement. "His death is a senseless tragedy that has left our family shattered. I do not know how to explain to our children that their father is gone." Sheinbaum said her government had arranged for the victim's mother to travel to Texas to repatriate the body, and demanded "a thorough investigation" from US authorities. The shooter was identified as Joshua Jahn, 29. ICE's prominent role in the Trump immigration crackdown has sparked widespread criticism over its use of armed, masked agents to conduct raids in public places against undocumented migrants. Trump blamed the attack on "Radical Left Democrats constantly demonising Law Enforcement, calling for ICE to be demolished, and comparing ICE Officers to 'Nazis'." FBI Director Kash Patel published a photo on X of five unspent bullets, one of which was marked with the words "ANTI-ICE." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), an NGO working with the Hispanic community in the United States, named the Mexican victim as 32-year-old Miguel Angel Garcia-Hernandez.

Second victim shot at Dallas ICE facility dies of injuries

One of the world's most famous stadiums is set for demolition after Milan city hall early Tuesday approved the sale of San Siro, nicknamed football's La Scala, to the city's two football giants.&nbsp;Inter and AC Milan had both threatened to abandon the city had the sale not been approved after having looked at sites in nearby suburbs.&nbsp;More than 11 hours of debate at city hall ended with 24 votes in favour of the sale for 197 million euros ($231 million) and 20 against -- enough for Italy's economic capital to decree that Inter Milan and AC Milan will become owners of both the iconic stadium and adjacent land.&nbsp;Confirmation of a vote in favour of the resolution didn't come until nearly 4:00am (0200 GMT) after a long night which included discussion of a raft of proposed amendments.&nbsp;In the end Inter and AC Milan, both owned by US investment funds, and the mayor of Italy's economic capital Giuseppe Sala got what they wanted after years of uncertainty over a 1.2-billion-euro project.&nbsp;The clubs proposed purchasing the site in March after a previous project in which the land remained public was abandoned in 2023.&nbsp;In a statement, Inter and AC Milan called the vote "a historic and decisive step for the future of the clubs and the city".&nbsp;"The clubs look ahead with confidence and responsibility to the next steps of the process that will lead to the creation of a new stadium meeting the highest international standards."&nbsp;As long as the sale is completed by November 10 -- when a public building protection order preventing the demolition of the San Siro comes into effect -- Inter and AC Milan will take control of just over 28 hectares (70 acres) of public land in a densely populated area on the western outskirts of Milan.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-players-with-most-runs-in-women-s-odi-world-cup-history-debbie-hockley-mithali-raj-janette-brittin-charlotte-edwards-suzie-bates-1757606297874">From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history</a>&nbsp;It is on the land to the immediate west of the San Siro, currently occupied by matchday car parking and a local park, where a modern 71,500-capacity arena will be built.&nbsp;Once the new ground is constructed, San Siro will be almost entirely demolished to make way for new parkland, office space and entertainment facilities with everything to be designed by architectural firms Foster and Partners and MANICA.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-women-s-odi-world-cup-2025-all-you-need-to-know-about-indian-women-s-team-schedule-squad-fixtures-and-more-1758556378933">Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more</a><h2>Political anger</h2>It will still be some years before the bulldozers come for the current San Siro, where Inter and AC Milan will continue to play their matches to crowds of up to 75,000 until 2031 when the clubs hope to have the new stadium finished.&nbsp;The clubs and Sala were helped by the abstention of councillors from the right-wing Forza Italian party founded by deceased former prime minister and ex-AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi.&nbsp;The other opposition parties, the hard-right League and Brothers of Italy, both voted against the proposal, as did a number of councillors from the left-leaning majority which backs Sala's local government.&nbsp;There has been anger across the political spectrum in Milan at what councillors see as a bypassing of local democracy with Sala trying to avoid being the mayor who allowed two of the world's biggest football clubs to leave Milan.&nbsp;The proposal was criticised by some members of the council for not containing any details of the development of the new stadium and surrounding area, while the price was also blasted as being too low for a prime area of real estate.&nbsp;The vote will please Italy's football federation (FIGC) as Milan is one of the potential candidates to hold matches at Euro 2032, which is set to be jointly hosted by Italy and Turkey.&nbsp;The FIGC needs to communicate to UEFA its five official picks for stadiums for the tournament by October next year, when it can present new venues or ones which need to be redeveloped as long as works begin by March 2027.&nbsp;Only one of Italy's 14 potential candidates -- Juventus' Allianz Stadium in Turin -- is currently in line with the criteria set by European football's governing body.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Inter and AC Milan had both threatened to abandon the city had the sale not been approved after having looked at sites in nearby suburbs.

One of the world's most famous stadiums is set for demolition after Milan city hall early Tuesday approved the sale of San Siro, nicknamed football's La Scala, to the city's two football giants. Inter and AC Milan had both threatened to abandon the city had the sale not been approved after having looked at sites in nearby suburbs. More than 11 hours of debate at city hall ended with 24 votes in favour of the sale for 197 million euros ($231 million) and 20 against -- enough for Italy's economic capital to decree that Inter Milan and AC Milan will become owners of both the iconic stadium and adjacent land. Confirmation of a vote in favour of the resolution didn't come until nearly 4:00am (0200 GMT) after a long night which included discussion of a raft of proposed amendments. In the end Inter and AC Milan, both owned by US investment funds, and the mayor of Italy's economic capital Giuseppe Sala got what they wanted after years of uncertainty over a 1.2-billion-euro project. The clubs proposed purchasing the site in March after a previous project in which the land remained public was abandoned in 2023. In a statement, Inter and AC Milan called the vote "a historic and decisive step for the future of the clubs and the city". "The clubs look ahead with confidence and responsibility to the next steps of the process that will lead to the creation of a new stadium meeting the highest international standards." As long as the sale is completed by November 10 -- when a public building protection order preventing the demolition of the San Siro comes into effect -- Inter and AC Milan will take control of just over 28 hectares (70 acres) of public land in a densely populated area on the western outskirts of Milan. ALSO READ | From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history It is on the land to the immediate west of the San Siro, currently occupied by matchday car parking and a local park, where a modern 71,500-capacity arena will be built. Once the new ground is constructed, San Siro will be almost entirely demolished to make way for new parkland, office space and entertainment facilities with everything to be designed by architectural firms Foster and Partners and MANICA. ALSO READ | Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more Political anger It will still be some years before the bulldozers come for the current San Siro, where Inter and AC Milan will continue to play their matches to crowds of up to 75,000 until 2031 when the clubs hope to have the new stadium finished. The clubs and Sala were helped by the abstention of councillors from the right-wing Forza Italian party founded by deceased former prime minister and ex-AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi. The other opposition parties, the hard-right League and Brothers of Italy, both voted against the proposal, as did a number of councillors from the left-leaning majority which backs Sala's local government. There has been anger across the political spectrum in Milan at what councillors see as a bypassing of local democracy with Sala trying to avoid being the mayor who allowed two of the world's biggest football clubs to leave Milan. The proposal was criticised by some members of the council for not containing any details of the development of the new stadium and surrounding area, while the price was also blasted as being too low for a prime area of real estate. The vote will please Italy's football federation (FIGC) as Milan is one of the potential candidates to hold matches at Euro 2032, which is set to be jointly hosted by Italy and Turkey. The FIGC needs to communicate to UEFA its five official picks for stadiums for the tournament by October next year, when it can present new venues or ones which need to be redeveloped as long as works begin by March 2027. Only one of Italy's 14 potential candidates -- Juventus' Allianz Stadium in Turin -- is currently in line with the criteria set by European football's governing body. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Inter and AC Milan had both threatened to abandon the city had the sale not been approved after having looked at sites in nearby suburbs.

San Siro on course for demolition after sale to Inter and AC Milan approved

YouTube has agreed to pay $22 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump after the company suspended his account over the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, according to a court filing Monday.The online video platform, a subsidiary of Google parent Alphabet, is the latest Big Tech firm to settle with Trump after he lodged legal cases challenging his broad deplatforming by Big Tech after January 6.The $22 million will go toward Trump's latest construction project at the White House, through a nonprofit called Trust for the National Mall, which is "dedicated to restoring, preserving, and elevating the National Mall, to support the construction of the White House State Ballroom," per a notice of settlement filing in a California federal court.Besides the $22 million to Trump's ballroom venture, YouTube agreed to payments of $2.5 million to a host of other Trump allies, including the American Conservative Union.Major platforms removed Trump after January 6 amid worries he would promote further violence with bogus claims that voter fraud caused his loss to Joe Biden in 2020.The platform blocked Trump from uploading new content on January 12, 2021, pointing to "concerns about the ongoing potential for violence." The move came in parallel to actions by Facebook and Twitter that also suspended Trump's ability to post after the January 6 upheaval.The 79-year-old Republican took social media companies and YouTube to court, claiming he was wrongfully censored.Trump's lawyers maintained he was kicked off under "non-existent or broad, vague and ever-shifting standards," according to the original July 2021 complaint against YouTube and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai.Trump's posting privileges were curbed after more than 140 police officers were injured in hours of clashes with pro-Trump rioters wielding flagpoles, baseball bats, hockey sticks and other makeshift weapons, along with Tasers and canisters of bear spray. They wanted to block Congress from certifying Biden's win.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The online video platform, a subsidiary of Google parent Alphabet, is the latest Big Tech firm to settle with Trump after he lodged legal cases challenging his broad deplatforming by Big Tech after January 6.

YouTube has agreed to pay $22 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump after the company suspended his account over the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, according to a court filing Monday. The online video platform, a subsidiary of Google parent Alphabet, is the latest Big Tech firm to settle with Trump after he lodged legal cases challenging his broad deplatforming by Big Tech after January 6. The $22 million will go toward Trump's latest construction project at the White House, through a nonprofit called Trust for the National Mall, which is "dedicated to restoring, preserving, and elevating the National Mall, to support the construction of the White House State Ballroom," per a notice of settlement filing in a California federal court. Besides the $22 million to Trump's ballroom venture, YouTube agreed to payments of $2.5 million to a host of other Trump allies, including the American Conservative Union. Major platforms removed Trump after January 6 amid worries he would promote further violence with bogus claims that voter fraud caused his loss to Joe Biden in 2020. The platform blocked Trump from uploading new content on January 12, 2021, pointing to "concerns about the ongoing potential for violence." The move came in parallel to actions by Facebook and Twitter that also suspended Trump's ability to post after the January 6 upheaval. The 79-year-old Republican took social media companies and YouTube to court, claiming he was wrongfully censored. Trump's lawyers maintained he was kicked off under "non-existent or broad, vague and ever-shifting standards," according to the original July 2021 complaint against YouTube and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. Trump's posting privileges were curbed after more than 140 police officers were injured in hours of clashes with pro-Trump rioters wielding flagpoles, baseball bats, hockey sticks and other makeshift weapons, along with Tasers and canisters of bear spray. They wanted to block Congress from certifying Biden's win. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The online video platform, a subsidiary of Google parent Alphabet, is the latest Big Tech firm to settle with Trump after he lodged legal cases challenging his broad deplatforming by Big Tech after January 6.

YouTube to pay $22 million to Trump for suspending his account over Jan 6 Capitol riots

South Africa have forfeited a World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho for fielding an ineligible player, world football governing body FIFA announced on Monday.&nbsp;South Africa's 2-0 victory on March 21 in Polokwane has been replaced with a 3-0 defeat meaning they drop to second place in Group C of the African Zone qualifiers, behind Benin on goal difference, while Lesotho remain fifth.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-women-s-odi-world-cup-2025-all-you-need-to-know-about-indian-women-s-team-schedule-squad-fixtures-and-more-1758556378933">Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more</a>&nbsp;South Africa violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code by playing Teboho Mokoena after the midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards against Benin and then Zimbabwe, the football body's disciplinary committee said.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-players-with-most-runs-in-women-s-odi-world-cup-history-debbie-hockley-mithali-raj-janette-brittin-charlotte-edwards-suzie-bates-1757606297874">From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history</a>&nbsp;The South African FA, which can still appeal the decision to the FIFA Appeals Committee and must also pay a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs ($12,536).&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

South Africa violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code by playing Teboho Mokoena after the midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards against Benin and then Zimbabwe, the football body's disciplinary committee said.

South Africa have forfeited a World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho for fielding an ineligible player, world football governing body FIFA announced on Monday. South Africa's 2-0 victory on March 21 in Polokwane has been replaced with a 3-0 defeat meaning they drop to second place in Group C of the African Zone qualifiers, behind Benin on goal difference, while Lesotho remain fifth. ALSO READ | Women's ODI World Cup 2025: All you need to know about Indian women's team schedule, squad, fixtures and more South Africa violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code by playing Teboho Mokoena after the midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards against Benin and then Zimbabwe, the football body's disciplinary committee said. ALSO READ | From Mithali Raj to Janette Brittin, 5 players with most runs in Women's ODI World Cup history The South African FA, which can still appeal the decision to the FIFA Appeals Committee and must also pay a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs ($12,536). Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

South Africa violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code by playing Teboho Mokoena after the midfielder had accumulated two yellow cards against Benin and then Zimbabwe, the football body's disciplinary committee said.

South Africa lose 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying points over ineligible player

Carlos Alcaraz battled back to beat Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Monday (Sep 29) in Tokyo and reach his 10th final of a spectacular season, emulating fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal. The world number one and US Open champion Alcaraz will face his Laver Cup conqueror, Taylor Fritz, in Tuesday's decider of the Japan Open. No man, since the legendary Nadal in 2017, has reached 10 finals in a season. Alcaraz has wowed the crowds this week, but he was in danger of being outshone by world number 12 Ruud, who pulled off a series of spectacular winners to take the first set.&nbsp;Alcaraz, who suffered an ankle injury on Thursday in his opener, regained control in the second set before closing out the match with another ferocious display of power-hitting. His opponent in the final will be world number five Fritz, the American who beat the Spanish superstar in San Francisco two weeks ago.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/2025-world-para-athletics-championships-living-my-passion-everyday-says-catherine-debrunner-after-adding-another-feather-to-her-stellar-career-1759135338836">2025 World Para Athletics Championships: 'Living my passion everyday', says Catherine Debrunner after adding another feather to her stellar career</a>&nbsp;"I'm feeling great. Obviously, being able to play another final is always a pleasure," said Alcaraz, who made his ninth straight final going back to Monte Carlo in April. "It's why we're working, trying to make the final in every tournament I’m playing. I'm really happy with the way that I'm feeling on court."&nbsp;Alcaraz picked up from where he left off in his quarter-final win over Brandon Nakashima, pounding Ruud with some huge forehands early in the match. But the Norwegian had a few tricks up his sleeve as well, drawing applause from Alcaraz when he floated a winner to the baseline from a difficult angle. Ruud fought off two break points in the seventh game and went on to hold his serve with a swerving ace down the middle. He broke Alcaraz in the next game and took the first set when the 22-year-old, beginning to show signs of frustration, hit a return long.&nbsp;Alcaraz came back strongly, sending down nine aces in the second set alone to tie up the match. He began to turn on the style and lifted a finger to acknowledge the crowd's applause after hitting a stunning winner midway through the final set.&nbsp;Alcaraz went on to break Ruud in that game and never looked back, sealing victory with another jackhammer forehand.&nbsp;Fritz booked his place in the final with a 6-4, 6-3 win over fellow American Jenson Brooksby. Fritz came into the tournament fresh from notching his first win over Alcaraz at the Laver Cup. He also beat Alexander Zverev at the team tournament to seal victory for Team World.&nbsp;"I played a pretty good match today, I think I served my best today," said Fritz, who hit 13 aces. "I felt pretty good the entire time."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The world number one and US Open champion Alcaraz will face his Laver Cup conqueror, Taylor Fritz, in Tuesday's decider of the Japan Open.

Carlos Alcaraz battled back to beat Casper Ruud 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Monday (Sep 29) in Tokyo and reach his 10th final of a spectacular season, emulating fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal. The world number one and US Open champion Alcaraz will face his Laver Cup conqueror, Taylor Fritz, in Tuesday's decider of the Japan Open. No man, since the legendary Nadal in 2017, has reached 10 finals in a season. Alcaraz has wowed the crowds this week, but he was in danger of being outshone by world number 12 Ruud, who pulled off a series of spectacular winners to take the first set. Alcaraz, who suffered an ankle injury on Thursday in his opener, regained control in the second set before closing out the match with another ferocious display of power-hitting. His opponent in the final will be world number five Fritz, the American who beat the Spanish superstar in San Francisco two weeks ago. Also read | 2025 World Para Athletics Championships: 'Living my passion everyday', says Catherine Debrunner after adding another feather to her stellar career "I'm feeling great. Obviously, being able to play another final is always a pleasure," said Alcaraz, who made his ninth straight final going back to Monte Carlo in April. "It's why we're working, trying to make the final in every tournament I’m playing. I'm really happy with the way that I'm feeling on court." Alcaraz picked up from where he left off in his quarter-final win over Brandon Nakashima, pounding Ruud with some huge forehands early in the match. But the Norwegian had a few tricks up his sleeve as well, drawing applause from Alcaraz when he floated a winner to the baseline from a difficult angle. Ruud fought off two break points in the seventh game and went on to hold his serve with a swerving ace down the middle. He broke Alcaraz in the next game and took the first set when the 22-year-old, beginning to show signs of frustration, hit a return long. Alcaraz came back strongly, sending down nine aces in the second set alone to tie up the match. He began to turn on the style and lifted a finger to acknowledge the crowd's applause after hitting a stunning winner midway through the final set. Alcaraz went on to break Ruud in that game and never looked back, sealing victory with another jackhammer forehand. Fritz booked his place in the final with a 6-4, 6-3 win over fellow American Jenson Brooksby. Fritz came into the tournament fresh from notching his first win over Alcaraz at the Laver Cup. He also beat Alexander Zverev at the team tournament to seal victory for Team World. "I played a pretty good match today, I think I served my best today," said Fritz, who hit 13 aces. "I felt pretty good the entire time." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The world number one and US Open champion Alcaraz will face his Laver Cup conqueror, Taylor Fritz, in Tuesday's decider of the Japan Open.

Carlos Alcaraz beats Ruud in Tokyo to emulate Nadal with 10th season final

Ukraine reacted with outrage on Saturday (Sep 27) after the International Paralympic Committee lifted a partial suspension of Russia and Belarus imposed since Moscow's incursion into Ukraine in 2022. Ukraine's Sports Minister Matviy Bidnyi said those who voted for the decision at the IPC's general assembly in Seoul had betrayed "their conscience and the Olympic values". The decision opens the way for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags at the Milan-Cortina Paralympics next year despite the ongoing war and occupation.&nbsp;"This decision means NPC (National Paralympic Committee) Belarus and NPC Russia now regain their full rights and privileges of IPC membership," the IPC said in a statement. “The IPC will work with the two members involved to put practical arrangements in place for this as soon as reasonably possible."&nbsp;However, the decision on which nations compete in the six sports on the winter programme is governed by the international sports federations that have so far maintained a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-war-torn-congo-to-world-champion-salum-ageze-kashafali-shines-with-a-world-record-run-at-2025-world-para-athletics-championships-1759141258046">From war-torn Congo to world champion: Salum Ageze Kashafali shines with a world-record run at 2025 World Para Athletics Championships</a>&nbsp;"The position of the host country and the Organising Committee is crucial, and we are already working closely on this matter," said Bidnyi. "We call on our European partners, who will host the upcoming Winter Paralympic Games, not to allow the flag of the aggressor state to be raised over the free and democratic space while the war of aggression continues."&nbsp;He added that Ukraine's "decision on whether to participate will be made collectively at a later stage".&nbsp;The Russian Paralympic Committee welcomed the move, calling it "a fair decision" and "an example of how athletes' rights should be protected without discrimination on national or political grounds."&nbsp;To be eligible, each athlete must have an active licence for the 2025/26 season from their international federations for para Alpine skiing, para cross-country skiing, para snowboarding, para biathlon, para ice hockey and wheelchair curling.&nbsp;The six sports on the Milan-Cortina Paralympic Games programme, however, depend on international federations that have not yet reinstated Russian or Belarusian athletes, including those under neutral banners.&nbsp;"It may seem short (notice) indeed, since many selection paths are particularly advanced," said Marie-Amelie Le Fur, president of the French Paralympic Committee, to AFP. "To date, not all quotas have been filled by the national Paralympic committees. When the quotas are re-established, under the guise of universality, this could also open up quotas for the Russian and Belarusian committees, which have regained their rights.&nbsp;“We must wait for the positions of the international federations and how the final selection process unfolds.”<h3>No Russian flag since 2014</h3>&nbsp;The Russian flag has not been seen at the Paralympic Games since the 2014 edition in Sochi on Russian soil.&nbsp;In Rio in 2016, the IPC suspended the country due to a doping scandal. For the same reasons, Russian athletes competed under a neutral banner in PyeongChang in 2018 and Tokyo in 2021.&nbsp;The IPC had excluded the Russian and Belarusian Paralympic Committees from the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.&nbsp;The partial suspension was adopted by the IPC General Assembly in 2023.&nbsp;However, some Russian and Belarusian athletes were permitted to compete at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris under a neutral flag and strict neutrality conditions.&nbsp;The IPC's latest decision comes eight days after the International Olympic Committee authorised the presence of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, providing they compete under a neutral flag and meet neutrality conditions.&nbsp;"The exact same approach that was done in Paris," said IOC president Kirsty Coventry, referring to last year's Olympics, where Russian athletes could only take part under a neutral flag and in individual events.&nbsp;For the 2026 Olympics, the size of the delegation now depends on the international federations, which are responsible for the qualification process, some of which continue to ban Russians and Belarusians from their competitions.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The decision opens the way for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags at the Milan-Cortina Paralympics next year despite the ongoing war and occupation.

Ukraine reacted with outrage on Saturday (Sep 27) after the International Paralympic Committee lifted a partial suspension of Russia and Belarus imposed since Moscow's incursion into Ukraine in 2022. Ukraine's Sports Minister Matviy Bidnyi said those who voted for the decision at the IPC's general assembly in Seoul had betrayed "their conscience and the Olympic values". The decision opens the way for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags at the Milan-Cortina Paralympics next year despite the ongoing war and occupation. "This decision means NPC (National Paralympic Committee) Belarus and NPC Russia now regain their full rights and privileges of IPC membership," the IPC said in a statement. “The IPC will work with the two members involved to put practical arrangements in place for this as soon as reasonably possible." However, the decision on which nations compete in the six sports on the winter programme is governed by the international sports federations that have so far maintained a ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes. Also read | From war-torn Congo to world champion: Salum Ageze Kashafali shines with a world-record run at 2025 World Para Athletics Championships "The position of the host country and the Organising Committee is crucial, and we are already working closely on this matter," said Bidnyi. "We call on our European partners, who will host the upcoming Winter Paralympic Games, not to allow the flag of the aggressor state to be raised over the free and democratic space while the war of aggression continues." He added that Ukraine's "decision on whether to participate will be made collectively at a later stage". The Russian Paralympic Committee welcomed the move, calling it "a fair decision" and "an example of how athletes' rights should be protected without discrimination on national or political grounds." To be eligible, each athlete must have an active licence for the 2025/26 season from their international federations for para Alpine skiing, para cross-country skiing, para snowboarding, para biathlon, para ice hockey and wheelchair curling. The six sports on the Milan-Cortina Paralympic Games programme, however, depend on international federations that have not yet reinstated Russian or Belarusian athletes, including those under neutral banners. "It may seem short (notice) indeed, since many selection paths are particularly advanced," said Marie-Amelie Le Fur, president of the French Paralympic Committee, to AFP. "To date, not all quotas have been filled by the national Paralympic committees. When the quotas are re-established, under the guise of universality, this could also open up quotas for the Russian and Belarusian committees, which have regained their rights. “We must wait for the positions of the international federations and how the final selection process unfolds.” No Russian flag since 2014 The Russian flag has not been seen at the Paralympic Games since the 2014 edition in Sochi on Russian soil. In Rio in 2016, the IPC suspended the country due to a doping scandal. For the same reasons, Russian athletes competed under a neutral banner in PyeongChang in 2018 and Tokyo in 2021. The IPC had excluded the Russian and Belarusian Paralympic Committees from the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The partial suspension was adopted by the IPC General Assembly in 2023. However, some Russian and Belarusian athletes were permitted to compete at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris under a neutral flag and strict neutrality conditions. The IPC's latest decision comes eight days after the International Olympic Committee authorised the presence of Russian and Belarusian athletes at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, providing they compete under a neutral flag and meet neutrality conditions. "The exact same approach that was done in Paris," said IOC president Kirsty Coventry, referring to last year's Olympics, where Russian athletes could only take part under a neutral flag and in individual events. For the 2026 Olympics, the size of the delegation now depends on the international federations, which are responsible for the qualification process, some of which continue to ban Russians and Belarusians from their competitions. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

The decision opens the way for Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their own flags at the Milan-Cortina Paralympics next year despite the ongoing war and occupation.

International Paralympic Committee lifts partial suspensions of Russia, Belarus; Ukraine react strongly

Moldova's ruling pro-EU party on Monday hailed victory in polls overshadowed by accusations of Russian interference, evoking an "extraordinarily difficult struggle" to gain a slim parliamentary majority. The small European Union candidate nation, which borders Ukraine and has a pro-Russia breakaway region, has long been divided over whether to move closer with Brussels or maintain Soviet-era relations with Moscow.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sunday's elections were seen as crucial for the ex-Soviet republic to maintain its push towards EU integration, launched after Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. "Russia threw everything dirty it had into the fight... It's not only PAS that won the elections, the people won,"&nbsp;Igor Grosu, leader of the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), told a press conference. But analysts warned that the ruling party's victory was "fragile" and that Russia could yet stir trouble.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With over 99.91 percent of ballots counted, the party of President Maia Sandu had garnered 50.16 percent of the vote to elect members of the 101-seat parliament. That compared to 24.19 percent for the pro-Russian Patriotic Bloc, according to results published on the election commission's website. The support for PAS was slightly lower than the 52.8 percent that it won in 2021. - 'Right path' - "It's very nice to wake up in a Moldova which chose the right path: peace, development and stability," Nadir Grinco, 25, who works in organisational communication, told AFP in Chisinau. "I'm feeling more confident... I won't have to move abroad like I planned in case of less satisfying results," she added.&nbsp;&nbsp;European leaders -- including neighbouring Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky -- hailed the result as a victory for the continent. "Russia failed to destabilise Moldova even after spending huge, huge resources to undermine it and to corrupt whoever&nbsp;they&nbsp;could," the wartime leader said. European Council head Antonio Costa said Moldova had chosen a "European future", Poland's prime minister hailed Moldova for foiling Russian ambitions while France congratulated Moldovans on their "sovereign" choice.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Statistically speaking PAS has guaranteed a fragile majority," analyst Andrei Curararu of the Chisinau-based think tank WatchDog.md told AFP on Sunday night. But he warned that "danger" had not passed, "as a functional government is difficult to form". "The Kremlin has bankrolled too big of an operation to stand down and could resort to protests, bribing PAS MPs and other tactics to disrupt forming a stable pro-European government," he added. The ballot was overshadowed by fears of vote buying and unrest, as well as "an unprecedented campaign of disinformation" from Russia, according to the EU. Moscow has denied the allegations. - Protest call - Igor Dodon, a former president and one of the leaders of the Patriotic Bloc, has called on people to "peacefully protest" on Monday, accusing PAS of stealing the vote.&nbsp;&nbsp;"If during the night there are falsifications ... we will ask for elections to be repeated," he said late Sunday. Voters in the country of 2.4 million -- one of Europe's poorest -- have expressed frustration over economic hardship, as well as scepticism over the drive to join the EU. Liuba Peribicovski, a 75-year-old pensioner, said the result was "negative" for her, expressing disappointment with the EU. "Prove this meddling!" she said. The government has accused the Kremlin of spending hundreds of millions in "dirty money" to interfere in the campaign. In the lead-up to the vote, prosecutors carried out hundreds of searches related to what the government said was "electoral corruption" and "destabilisation attempts", with dozens arrested. Turnout stood at around 52 percent, similar to that of the last parliamentary elections in 2021

The elections were seen as crucial for the ex-Soviet republic to maintain its push towards EU integration, launched after Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. 

Moldova's ruling pro-EU party on Monday hailed victory in polls overshadowed by accusations of Russian interference, evoking an "extraordinarily difficult struggle" to gain a slim parliamentary majority. The small European Union candidate nation, which borders Ukraine and has a pro-Russia breakaway region, has long been divided over whether to move closer with Brussels or maintain Soviet-era relations with Moscow. Sunday's elections were seen as crucial for the ex-Soviet republic to maintain its push towards EU integration, launched after Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. "Russia threw everything dirty it had into the fight... It's not only PAS that won the elections, the people won," Igor Grosu, leader of the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), told a press conference. But analysts warned that the ruling party's victory was "fragile" and that Russia could yet stir trouble. With over 99.91 percent of ballots counted, the party of President Maia Sandu had garnered 50.16 percent of the vote to elect members of the 101-seat parliament. That compared to 24.19 percent for the pro-Russian Patriotic Bloc, according to results published on the election commission's website. The support for PAS was slightly lower than the 52.8 percent that it won in 2021. - 'Right path' - "It's very nice to wake up in a Moldova which chose the right path: peace, development and stability," Nadir Grinco, 25, who works in organisational communication, told AFP in Chisinau. "I'm feeling more confident... I won't have to move abroad like I planned in case of less satisfying results," she added. European leaders -- including neighbouring Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky -- hailed the result as a victory for the continent. "Russia failed to destabilise Moldova even after spending huge, huge resources to undermine it and to corrupt whoever they could," the wartime leader said. European Council head Antonio Costa said Moldova had chosen a "European future", Poland's prime minister hailed Moldova for foiling Russian ambitions while France congratulated Moldovans on their "sovereign" choice. "Statistically speaking PAS has guaranteed a fragile majority," analyst Andrei Curararu of the Chisinau-based think tank WatchDog.md told AFP on Sunday night. But he warned that "danger" had not passed, "as a functional government is difficult to form". "The Kremlin has bankrolled too big of an operation to stand down and could resort to protests, bribing PAS MPs and other tactics to disrupt forming a stable pro-European government," he added. The ballot was overshadowed by fears of vote buying and unrest, as well as "an unprecedented campaign of disinformation" from Russia, according to the EU. Moscow has denied the allegations. - Protest call - Igor Dodon, a former president and one of the leaders of the Patriotic Bloc, has called on people to "peacefully protest" on Monday, accusing PAS of stealing the vote. "If during the night there are falsifications ... we will ask for elections to be repeated," he said late Sunday. Voters in the country of 2.4 million -- one of Europe's poorest -- have expressed frustration over economic hardship, as well as scepticism over the drive to join the EU. Liuba Peribicovski, a 75-year-old pensioner, said the result was "negative" for her, expressing disappointment with the EU. "Prove this meddling!" she said. The government has accused the Kremlin of spending hundreds of millions in "dirty money" to interfere in the campaign. In the lead-up to the vote, prosecutors carried out hundreds of searches related to what the government said was "electoral corruption" and "destabilisation attempts", with dozens arrested. Turnout stood at around 52 percent, similar to that of the last parliamentary elections in 2021

The elections were seen as crucial for the ex-Soviet republic to maintain its push towards EU integration, launched after Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

Moldova's pro-EU party hails poll win despite 'dirty' Russian tactics

Europe fought off a thrilling United States rally to win an emotional Ryder Cup on Sunday with Irishman Shane Lowry securing the trophy on a dramatic six-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole. Lowry's tension-packed putt lifted him into a tie with American Russell Henley for the half-point that clinched&nbsp;Europe keeping the trophy and two late ties gave the visitors a 15-13 victory.&nbsp;"That was the hardest couple of hours of my whole life," a tearful Lowry said. "I just can't believe that putt went in. I stood over it going ‘This is it.’ "I said walking down 18, 'I have a chance to do the coolest thing in my life.' The Ryder Cup means everything to me... To do it out there today in front of everyone -- it was so hard out there."&nbsp;Europe's triumph was their 11th in the past 15 Cup showdowns and their fourth on the road in that span, the first away victory since Europe's 2012 “Miracle at Medinah.” "It was probably the most stressful 12 hours of my life," Europe captain Luke Donald said. "I didn't think they'd be this tough on Sunday. They fought so hard. But we got it done."Americans lead the all-time rivalry 27-16-2 but Europe lead 13-9-1 since the roster was expanded beyond Britain and Ireland in 1979.&nbsp;"I'm extremely proud to be a part of this team," said second-ranked McIlroy, who went 3-1-1. “This was an unbelievable collective effort. It has been an amazing week.” Europe seized a record 11.5-4.5 lead after the conclusion of the pairs sessions, which became 12-5 after Norway's Viktor Hovland withdrew from singles due to a neck injury and his match with Harris English was declared a draw.&nbsp;Early losses by McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose had Europe reeling. But Sweden's Ludvig Aberg beat Patrick Cantlay 2&amp;1 for the only Europe singles win of the day and Matt Fitzpatrick, despite squandering a 5-up lead after seven holes, tied Bryson DeChambeau to put Europe on the brink. Having won the Cup in Rome in 2023, Europe needed only 14 points to keep it while the Americans needed 14.5 point to recapture it, which would have taken the greatest last-day comeback in Cup history. It nearly happened and tensions grew to epic levels before Lowry's heroic finish.<h2>‘Shane is a legend’</h2>With Henley 1-up at the 18th tee, Lowry found the fairway and Henley a left bunker, but the American's approach landed 10 feet from the hole. Lowry dropped his approach six feet from the hole, then watched Henley miss a putt to win the match. The Irishman sank his putt to win the hole, tie the match and secure the Cup -- then started dancing on the green. England's Tyrrell Hatton tied Collin Morikawa to ensure a Europe triumph and Scotsman Robert MacIntyre tied Sam Burns to create the final margin.&nbsp;It was only four years ago that the US team inflicted the most lopsided rout in Cup history on Europe, winning 19-9 at Whistling Straits. The stinging loss had people talking of a US decade of domination, which inspired Europe. "To hear the 'Ole Oles' here in America, to do something a lot of people thought we couldn't do, means a lot," McIlroy said. "What people were saying about American dominance, we took a lot of fuel from that."&nbsp;McIlroy had been the lightning rod for much of the abuse hurled at European players from a raucous gallery, particularly during Saturday's play when extra security was brought in to marshal his morning and afternoon matches. "I don't think we should ever accept that in golf. I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week," said McIlroy.&nbsp;Europe skipper Donald, who guided Europe's 2023 win at Rome, became the first captain to win back-to-back Cups since English compatriot Tony Jacklin in 1987. Asked about a return in 2027, Donald said, “I don't think my heart can take two more years. We'll see.” Donald's US counterpart Keegan Bradley meanwhile took sole responsibility for the loss. "The PGA of America put me in an amazing position to succeed. They gave me every resource. They gave me every option.&nbsp;I had everything at my fingertips," Bradley said. "This is no one's fault but mine. When you are the leader of the team... and you lose, you have to take the blame."&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ryder Cup 2025: Europe win emotional triumph after US fightback to retain trophy

Europe fought off a thrilling United States rally to win an emotional Ryder Cup on Sunday with Irishman Shane Lowry securing the trophy on a dramatic six-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole. Lowry's tension-packed putt lifted him into a tie with American Russell Henley for the half-point that clinched Europe keeping the trophy and two late ties gave the visitors a 15-13 victory. "That was the hardest couple of hours of my whole life," a tearful Lowry said. "I just can't believe that putt went in. I stood over it going ‘This is it.’ "I said walking down 18, 'I have a chance to do the coolest thing in my life.' The Ryder Cup means everything to me... To do it out there today in front of everyone -- it was so hard out there." Europe's triumph was their 11th in the past 15 Cup showdowns and their fourth on the road in that span, the first away victory since Europe's 2012 “Miracle at Medinah.” "It was probably the most stressful 12 hours of my life," Europe captain Luke Donald said. "I didn't think they'd be this tough on Sunday. They fought so hard. But we got it done." Americans lead the all-time rivalry 27-16-2 but Europe lead 13-9-1 since the roster was expanded beyond Britain and Ireland in 1979. "I'm extremely proud to be a part of this team," said second-ranked McIlroy, who went 3-1-1. “This was an unbelievable collective effort. It has been an amazing week.” Europe seized a record 11.5-4.5 lead after the conclusion of the pairs sessions, which became 12-5 after Norway's Viktor Hovland withdrew from singles due to a neck injury and his match with Harris English was declared a draw. Early losses by McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose had Europe reeling. But Sweden's Ludvig Aberg beat Patrick Cantlay 2&1 for the only Europe singles win of the day and Matt Fitzpatrick, despite squandering a 5-up lead after seven holes, tied Bryson DeChambeau to put Europe on the brink. Having won the Cup in Rome in 2023, Europe needed only 14 points to keep it while the Americans needed 14.5 point to recapture it, which would have taken the greatest last-day comeback in Cup history. It nearly happened and tensions grew to epic levels before Lowry's heroic finish. ‘Shane is a legend’ With Henley 1-up at the 18th tee, Lowry found the fairway and Henley a left bunker, but the American's approach landed 10 feet from the hole. Lowry dropped his approach six feet from the hole, then watched Henley miss a putt to win the match. The Irishman sank his putt to win the hole, tie the match and secure the Cup -- then started dancing on the green. England's Tyrrell Hatton tied Collin Morikawa to ensure a Europe triumph and Scotsman Robert MacIntyre tied Sam Burns to create the final margin. It was only four years ago that the US team inflicted the most lopsided rout in Cup history on Europe, winning 19-9 at Whistling Straits. The stinging loss had people talking of a US decade of domination, which inspired Europe. "To hear the 'Ole Oles' here in America, to do something a lot of people thought we couldn't do, means a lot," McIlroy said. "What people were saying about American dominance, we took a lot of fuel from that." McIlroy had been the lightning rod for much of the abuse hurled at European players from a raucous gallery, particularly during Saturday's play when extra security was brought in to marshal his morning and afternoon matches. "I don't think we should ever accept that in golf. I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week," said McIlroy. Europe skipper Donald, who guided Europe's 2023 win at Rome, became the first captain to win back-to-back Cups since English compatriot Tony Jacklin in 1987. Asked about a return in 2027, Donald said, “I don't think my heart can take two more years. We'll see.” Donald's US counterpart Keegan Bradley meanwhile took sole responsibility for the loss. "The PGA of America put me in an amazing position to succeed. They gave me every resource. They gave me every option. I had everything at my fingertips," Bradley said. "This is no one's fault but mine. When you are the leader of the team... and you lose, you have to take the blame." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Europe's triumph was their 11th in the past 15 Cup showdowns and their fourth on the road in that span, the first away victory since Europe's 2012 “Miracle at Medinah”&nbsp;

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