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The European and UK car sectors are pressing the European Commission for a second extension of the Brexit EV tariff suspension, arguing that the 1 January 2027 rules on battery origin cannot be met.Industry Request for a Second Suspension of Brexit EV TariffsThe EU‑UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement requires that, from 1 January 2027, 55% of a car’s value and specific battery components be produced in Europe to qualify for tariff‑free trade. The original suspension, granted for three years, is set to expire at the end of 2026. With only seven months remaining, ACEA and the UK’s SMMT have formally asked the Commission to delay the re‑imposition of tariffs once more.Tariff‑Free Thresholds and Current Battery Production GapsUnder the 2020 deal, 70% of the battery pack and 65% of the battery cell must be European‑made. Initial expectations were that 30% of battery packs and cells would be produced in the EU or UK within a few years, but by 2023 this target proved unrealistic due to COVID‑19 disruptions and semiconductor shortages linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. ACEA’s international trade director, Jonathan O’Riordan, noted that the industry had forecast 60% of batteries would be European by 2027, yet current estimates place the figure at just under 20%. In the UK the share is slightly higher but still below the required level.Implications for EU‑UK Automotive Trade and Battery InvestmentStakeholders warn that reinstating tariffs would be “self‑defeating”, discouraging consumers from buying EVs and eroding recent investments in domestic battery capacity. The high cost of battery production—still about 30% higher than in China—and the estimated $750 million required to develop a full lithium supply chain further strain the sector. Both ACEA’s director‑general Sigrid de Vries and SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes stress the need for a pragmatic, policy‑driven solution to protect the EU‑UK automotive partnership and broader competitiveness.Outlook: Possible Scenarios for Future EU‑UK EV Trade RulesThe European Commission has indicated willingness to discuss the issue within ongoing EU‑UK negotiations. Potential outcomes include another temporary suspension, a renegotiated rules‑of‑origin framework with lower thresholds, or the introduction of transitional measures to support battery supply‑chain development. European leaders are set to meet on 18 June, with China’s role in raw‑material supply also on the agenda, suggesting that geopolitical factors will continue to shape the final decision.

The LeadSocceroos coach Tony Popovic maintained a cautious approach regarding his starting lineup for the upcoming World Cup match against Turkey, following a 1-1 draw with Switzerland that provided valuable final preparation. The match saw promising performances from young players Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe, who made strong cases for inclusion in the starting eleven.Key Performances in Final FriendlyThe friendly against the formidable Swiss team offered the ideal conditions for the Socceroos' final preparation, with warm and sticky pitch conditions replicating what they might face in the World Cup. Nestory Irankunda impressed by striking the crossbar and remaining active even during periods when Australia was without the ball, while Connor Metcalfe, who came on at halftime, created the equalizer for debutant Tete Yengi with a well-executed run from deep.Tactical Adjustments and Player DevelopmentPopovic acknowledged that the trio of Irankunda, Cristian Volpato, and Yengi struggled initially, appearing "a little bit disjointed" in their first time playing together. However, he noted significant improvement in the second half, with all three players growing into the game. Metcalfe's introduction at right wing for Volpato proved pivotal, helping the team "build the play a bit better and make better decisions" after a difficult opening period where Australia was clearly second best.Competition for Starting PositionsThe match intensified the competition for several key positions in Popovic's preferred system. Metcalfe is now competing with Irankunda and Mat Leckie for the two winger spots behind striker Mo Touré, while Volpato, Awer Mabil, Ajdin Hrustic, and Nishan Velupillay remain in the attacking mix. At the back, Cam Burgess is challenging 18-year-old Lucas Herrington for the left center-back position, with Aiden O'Neill and Jackson Irvine frontrunners for the central midfield roles.World Cup Preparations ContinueWith the Switzerland match complete and no injuries reported, Popovic expressed satisfaction with the team's progression. "It's nice not to have any injuries after this game, I think that was the most important part," he stated. "Being competitive, we were competitive, and we scored a really nice goal so I'm happy and looking forward to next week." The Socceroos now turn their attention to Group D, beginning with the match against Turkey in Vancouver on June 14.Debutant's World Cup DreamTete Yengi, who scored his first international goal with a simple tap-in against Switzerland, described the experience as "amazing" and acknowledged the significance of the opportunity. "You can only dream of moments like this. I'm so grateful for the opportunity and hopefully we can go into the World Cup now with a positive thought," the debutant said, emphasizing the team's readiness for the challenges ahead in Group D.

The BBC's World Cup Warm-UpAs the sporting world turns its attention toward the upcoming tournament, BBC One is setting the stage with a unique blend of comedy and documentary.Kevin Bridges on a Global Football JourneyThe highlight of the night is Kevin Bridges: In Search of the Beautiful Game (10.30pm, BBC One). The Scottish comedian travels to the US, Brazil, and Birmingham to investigate how the sport has evolved since Scotland's last World Cup qualification in 1998. Bridges meets São Paulo ultras, World Cup winner Cafu, and Scotland vice-captain John McGinn to determine if the raw emotion of the game remains intact.A Diverse Lineup for the EveningTiger Island (7.15pm, BBC One): A thrillingly intimate look at tiger conservation in Nepal, following guides and scientists up close with apex predators.Expedition With Steve Backshall (8.15pm, BBC Two): The naturalist ventures into Gabon's unexplored rainforests to find rare chimps and elephants.The Mother of All Cons (9pm, BBC Two): A documentary exploring the life of 16-year-old Megan Bhari and her controversial charity work.Beyond the Pitch: Nature and DramaViewers looking for drama can tune into Tip Toe (9pm, Channel 4), where Russell T Davies escalates the domestic war on the street. For film enthusiasts, The Beautiful Game (3.35pm, Channel 4) offers a quirky comedy about the Homeless World Cup, while Nomadland (1am, Channel 4) provides a moving portrait of America's nomadic community.What to Expect TonightThe evening concludes with live action as the Formula One: Monaco Grand Prix takes center stage at 1.55pm on Sky Sports Main Event.

The Lead: A War‑Year Timeline of Near‑Deal MomentsThe conflict that began with Operation Epic Fury on February 28 has seen several flashpoints where a US‑Iran settlement seemed possible, only to dissolve amid competing demands and renewed hostilities.April 8: Pakistan‑mediated ceasefire begins.April 11‑12: Direct talks in Islamabad.April 16‑17: Lebanon ceasefire and temporary Hormuz opening.June 1: Trump’s angry phone call with Netanyahu.Direct Talks in Islamabad: First Direct US‑Iran Negotiations Since 1979What happened: On April 11‑12, the US and Iran met in Islamabad, the first direct dialogue since the 1979 revolution. The US team was led by Vice President JD Vance with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran’s delegation included Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and senior security figure Ali Bagheri Kani.What went wrong: After 21 hours, Vance announced the talks would end without an agreement, citing Iran’s refusal to accept the US “final and best offer” and to provide a long‑term nuclear‑non‑proliferation commitment.Quantifying the Stakes: Ceasefire Dates, Naval Blockade, and Enriched Uranium StockpilesApril 8: Pakistan‑mediated ceasefire begins.April 12: US announces a naval blockade of Iranian ports.Iran holds an estimated 440 kg (970 lb) of uranium enriched to 60 %, short of the 90 % weapons‑grade threshold.20 % of the world’s oil and LNG pass through the Strait of Hormuz each day.During the war, transit fees for ships in the strait have reportedly reached $2 million per vessel.Lebanon casualties: >3,000 killed since March 2; >600 killed in the month after the April 16 ceasefire.Why Each Attempt Crumbled: Political Red Lines and Strategic MisalignmentsThe failures share common friction points:US demand for a definitive, long‑term nuclear commitment versus Iran’s insistence on deferring details.Israel’s continued strikes in Lebanon, violating the April 16 ceasefire and undermining Iran’s “red line” for peace.US‑imposed naval blockade that undercut any momentum from the Islamabad talks.Control of the Strait of Hormuz—Iran seeks leverage through tolls; the US pushes for pre‑war free navigation.Personal and diplomatic tensions, exemplified by Trump’s angry call to Benjamin Netanyahu, which did not translate into concrete de‑escalation.Looking Ahead: What the Pattern Suggests for Future US‑Iran DiplomacyRepeated near‑misses indicate that any viable settlement will likely require:A multilateral framework that addresses both the nuclear issue and regional security concerns, especially Israel‑Lebanon dynamics.Concrete, verifiable steps on nuclear enrichment limits, possibly linked to phased sanctions relief.Mechanisms to keep the Strait of Hormuz open without imposing punitive fees, restoring confidence in global energy markets.Continued third‑party mediation—Pakistan’s role proved useful but needs broader international backing.Without aligning these strategic interests, future talks may again stall at the “last five percent” of agreement.

The Rise of Tech-Savvy Farmers in KenyaKericho County, Kenya – A typical Saturday morning starts before sunrise for Chepkorir Rotich, a farmer in Kiboito village in western Kenya's Kericho County. By then, Rotich has already milked her cows and sold the milk, fed her chickens, and headed back to pluck vegetables for orders already placed. Her work starts this way every day, and she does it with passion.When the 33-year-old mother of two left college more than a decade ago, she was excited and ready to join the formal employment sector and secure a full-time job."I thought I would be employed as a business administrator, but after looking for a job for too long, I accepted contract offers in three different companies," she says. "The highest paid me about $200 in a month. While living in Nairobi, that wasn't enough."From Job Seekers to Agricultural EntrepreneursA lack of white-collar jobs has kept young Kenyans like Rotich out of employment, leaving them to innovate ways to survive and earn a living. In doing so, many youths have resorted to agriculture and other fields, with many using digital as well as vocational skills to stay ahead of the game.Digital Transformation of Kenyan AgricultureRotich, for example, uses social media to market her produce and to learn how to practice agriculture using modern methods. Social media helps her share knowledge with young people who comprise a large portion of her nearly 50,000 followers. She also runs a YouTube channel where she shares her knowledge of farming.The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reports that the average African farmer is 60 years old, something Rotich refutes, saying the presumed age of farmers has made many young people shun agriculture instead of embracing it as a way to earn a living going into the future."I think the reason they say that is because of access to land on which to do agriculture, which is mostly owned by older people," Rotich tells Al Jazeera. "In my case, I started farming in the compound of my rented house, and by the end of each month, my landlord owed me money after settling the rent because I sold him milk and vegetables. So, it's all about passion and consistency among the youth."Kiringai Kamau, a lecturer at the University of Nairobi with expertise in agricultural economics, agribusiness, and food systems, says young people should take up agriculture as full-time employment since they are the ones who can effectively understand and deploy technology."To do this, we have established the devolution agroecology and AI learning centre in Murang'a University, where we will be pushing to have the centre train the youth who will be going into agriculture to be able to link with the agricultural data ecosystem, deriving from the infrastructure that will be provided, and also giving information to the county and country, and any other professionals that may be interested in data coming there," he tells Al Jazeera.Derrick Ngigi, the technical head at Global Open Data for Agriculture and Nutrition (GODAN), says that while youth are embracing agriculture, technology also plays a role in providing them with opportunities."For example, content creation in agriculture brings a lot of opportunities, such as creating content around modern farming methods, which has been generating revenue for the youth," Ngigi says.AI Tools Revolutionizing Farming PracticesAbout five kilometres outside Kiboito, at Kaptoroi village, Geoffrey Kiprop is busy cleaning his cowshed after feeding his cattle for the early morning. The 32-year-old earned a bachelor's degree in information technology in 2017 but has never secured formal employment.Like Rotich, Kiprop has been surviving on contract work, such as jobs doing systems development and maintenance for schools. He says that the highest-paid contract was for 15,000 Kenyan shillings ($116). But now, he makes about 7,000 Kenyan shillings ($54) a day through farming.Kiprop also practices mixed farming, rearing cows for milk and chickens for eggs and meat, while also planting crops such as tea, coffee, capsicum, cabbage, and beans.He uses modern technologies to raise his crops and livestock and takes advantage of his IT training, which he utilises to ensure maximum profits.Examples of the tools he uses include the Plantix app, which he says helps detect crop disease and malnutrition using AI after he simply takes a photo of the crop and uploads it. The app also gives the farmer the weather forecast and the best crop practices to perform in line with current weather conditions."My favourite is the Virtual Agronomist. This is an AI-enabled platform where I use Google Maps to capture the coordinates of my crop field and then specify the types of crops I am growing," Kiprop explains. "In return, the Virtual Agronomist will enable me to know the size of the plots under farming. It also generates a nutrient plan by sampling the soil in the farm, guiding me in what the soil is missing in terms of nutrients and the exact amount to add," he tells Al Jazeera.For his cows, Kiprop also uses an AI tool to manage their health and production."Also, I use the Digicow app, which assists the farmer in managing dairy farm practices by tracking all the day-to-day activities in the dairy farm, which includes recording the amount of milk sold and used by the farmer, dairy inputs like feed and health practices, thus allowing the farmer to know if he's making a profit or not," Kiprop says.Financial Benefits of Tech-Enhanced FarmingBoth Rotich and Kiprop demonstrate that farming with AI tools can be more financially rewarding than traditional employment paths for educated young Kenyans. While contract work offered Rotich a maximum of $200 per month and Kiprop's highest contract paid 15,000 Kenyan shillings ($116), Kiprop now earns approximately 7,000 Kenyan shillings ($54) daily through his tech-enhanced farming operations.The Future of Agriculture in KenyaBoth Rotich and Kiprop agree on one thing: agriculture also comes with its own challenges, and one has to be deeply passionate and consistent to make something out of it."Consistency is key," says Rotich. "It's something that many young people lack, and they quit very early before they can break even and realise profits. One has to do things many times to be able to finally get it and learn from the mistakes made before."

The LeadThomas Tuchel was unhappy with England's "freestyle" performance in the first half of their 1-0 win over New Zealand but the head coach was pleased with Jude Bellingham's impact as a substitute in Tampa. Harry Kane's goal just before half-time was the difference in a forgettable encounter at Raymond James Stadium.Tuchel's Tactical Concerns"I'm OK with it," was the German's forthright assessment of England's display. "I'm not super-happy about it. I like the second half more than the first half. We played more from our positions and that's why we played with more speed and off the ball we played with a bit more bite. The first half we were out of positions and it was a bit too much freestyle."Tuchel explained that his "freestyling" comment mainly related to positional awareness. "We were lacking width so players were coming inside and narrowing ourselves down and slowing ourselves down and changing positions for too long," he said. "We were taking crosses, a lot of long-range shots, normally not our style of play. We played a lot of long balls, we played a lot of long passes. That was not part of training in the last four days."Match ChallengesThere were other factors behind England's lack of flow. They fielded different XIs in each half, the pitch was awkward and the heat was difficult to master. "We had one training in the sun and now this match felt really, really odd," Tuchel said. "But it's good that we're exposed because that's why we're here. We wanted it that way and we need to get used to it because it will come at some point."Bellingham's ImpactBellingham was handed the captain's armband after replacing Morgan Rogers at half-time and the Real Madrid midfielder pressed his case to start in the No 10 role when England open their campaign against Croatia on 17 June."Jude has the decisiveness and he has the bite," Tuchel said. "This is a key characteristic. You can see that he comes back from an injury and is full of energy and happy to be back on the pitch. He had his break, unfortunately, in a decisive part of the season. But you can see now that he is actually in a sweet spot. He comes back, he's fresh, he wants to play and he's in top shape."Kane's ImportanceKane's 79th goal for England, who head to Orlando to face Costa Rica in their final warm-up game on Wednesday, underlined the captain's importance to the side. "He's always there to score," Tuchel said. "It's a decisive goal. Harry is in top shape and I think that when the pressure comes and the tournament starts, that will bring the best out of all our players."

Extended Interrogation of Iraq’s Star Striker at O’HareIraq’s World Cup forward Aymen Hussein arrived with the national squad at Chicago’s O’Hare airport on June 7, 2026. U.S. Customs and Border Protection questioned him for almost seven hours before granting entry.Hours Spent in U.S. Customs: 7‑Hour Questioning and 10‑Hour Detention7 hours – duration of Hussein’s questioning.10+ hours – national team photographer Talal Salah was held, underwent phone inspections, and was ultimately denied entry.Phone devices of both men were inspected by immigration officials.Implications for Iraq’s World Cup Campaign and U.S. Visa PoliciesThe delays occurred less than a week before Iraq’s opening match against France in Group I. The incident could disrupt team preparation and morale, while highlighting potential inconsistencies in U.S. visa handling for athletes from the Middle East.What This Could Mean for Future Team Arrivals and Diplomatic TensionsAnalysts warn that similar scrutiny may affect other national squads traveling to the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the 2026 World Cup. The Iraqi Olympic Committee has called for clearer guidelines, and the episode may fuel diplomatic discussions about equitable treatment of sports delegations.

The Presidential Pardon United States President Donald Trump has issued a pardon to Stephen Buyer, a former Republican congressman from Indiana who served nearly two years in prison for making illegal stock trades based on inside information after he left office. The pardon was dated Thursday and released by the White House late Friday night. The Conviction and Sentence Buyer was sentenced to 22 months in prison in 2023 for trades made while working as a consultant and lobbyist. He was ordered to forfeit more than $350,000, representing the amount of the illegal gains, as well as pay a $10,000 fine. He was released in 2025. The Supreme Court in May rejected Buyer's appeal without comment or noted dissent. Trump's Justification In granting "a full, complete, and unconditional pardon" to Buyer, Trump cited the Republican's work, both as a judge advocate general in the US army and as a politician in the US House. Trump described his career as "distinguished and highly productive". Buyer's Response Buyer said the pardon "corrects a politically motivated prosecution" and that it was "horrific to be imprisoned for a crime that I did not commit". He maintains that he is innocent. The Political Support Trump used his Truth Social media platform on May 31 to share a pair of letters requesting a presidential pardon for Buyer, a lawyer and Gulf War veteran who left office in 2011. He was a House prosecutor at Democratic President Bill Clinton's 1998 impeachment trial, and in 2016, he served on Trump's transition team, focusing on veterans' issues. A letter signed by more than 40 former Republicans in Congress said Buyer was "targeted by the deep state" because of his involvement in Clinton's trial. "Like you, Mr. President, Steve has been the victim of lawfare conducted by the Biden Administration," they wrote in the April 2025 letter. A second letter, from five current House Republicans, said pardoning Buyer would bring justice to his case. The June 2025 letter was signed by Tom Cole of Oklahoma, Ken Calvert of California, Marlin Stutzman of Indiana, Jack Bergman of Michigan and Pete Sessions of Texas. The Case Details Buyer, 67, was convicted in connection with insider trading involving the $26.5bn merger of T-Mobile and Sprint, announced in April 2018, and illegal trades in the management consulting company Navigant when his client Guidehouse was set to acquire it in a deal publicly disclosed weeks later. The Power of Presidential Pardon The US Constitution gives a president broad power to grant pardons for federal crimes. The pardons do not erase a recipient's criminal record but can be seen as act of mercy or justice.

The LeadEngland secured a crucial 1-0 win over New Zealand in a World Cup warm-up match, with Harry Kane scoring the decisive goal. This victory comes as a significant boost to the team ahead of the World Cup. Kane's Importance to EnglandHarry Kane proved once again to be a vital player for England, scoring the only goal of the game. His performance was a testament to his skill and determination, as he continues to be a key figure in the team. Kane's goal came from a beautiful cross by Djed Spence, showcasing his ability to work with his teammates to create scoring opportunities. Bellingham's ImpactThe introduction of Jude Bellingham at half-time had a significant impact on the game. His arrival brought a new level of energy and creativity to the team, and he played a crucial role in England's improved performance in the second half. Bellingham's vision and passing ability were on full display, as he created several chances for his teammates. Rashford and Watkins' PerformancesMarcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins also made notable contributions to the team. Rashford's attitude and work rate were praised, while Watkins showed his ability to work hard and create chances, despite not being a natural winger. The Road to the World CupThis win over New Zealand will give England a boost of confidence as they prepare for the World Cup. With Harry Kane leading the charge and Jude Bellingham providing creativity, the team will be looking to make a strong impression on the world stage.