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The Power of Football in RecoverySarah Rhind, a 42-year-old goalkeeper and Street Soccer charity coordinator, has a powerful message about how football saved her from heroin addiction. In her recently published autobiography, "Scars Under The Jersey," Rhind details her journey through addiction, recovery, and the transformative role football played in her life. "I can wholeheartedly say that without it I wouldn't be in the position that I'm in now – if I was even lucky enough to still be here," she states emphatically.From Participant to Coordinator: Football as LifelineWhat makes Rhind's story particularly striking is her journey from participant to coordinator at Street Soccer, a charity that provides free sessions for at-risk and socially disadvantaged people. Before working for the organization, Rhind was a participant who relied on the weekly sessions to stay clean. "There were times where I'd come through a really rough weekend, struggling with thoughts of using and relapsing but hadn't done it," she recalls. "There were many times where the reason was literally: 'If I use, I can't go to football on Tuesday.'"Mental Health and the Pitch: A Sanctuary from NoiseRhind describes football as a sanctuary from the "mental noise" that consumed her life. "My mind is 24/7 from the minute I wake up to the minute I go to sleep at night; it's 20 tabs open and they're all about different things," she explains. "When I'm on the pitch and playing football the focus is just on that, because that was most important. It's like a transition happens. I get my boots on and step on to the pitch and I find it is the only place that I am able to leave the mental noise."Breaking Barriers: Women's Football and InclusionNow representing Scotland at international events like the Homeless World Cup (2015) and playing in the Scottish top flight with Hamilton Academical, Rhind is passionate about creating opportunities for women in football. She notes that women of her age have "missed out so much" compared with younger generations benefiting from the growth of the women's game. "I hear all the time: 'I'm not fit enough, not strong enough, I can't play football,'" she says. "When did society become so about having to be really good at something that you can't just try it or to have fun with it?"The Healing Power of StorytellingWriting her autobiography was a cathartic experience for Rhind, who found the process to be "an incredible platform for healing." She particularly struggled with documenting moments of suicidal thoughts, noting that "it had taken me a couple of weeks to actually be able to write a sentence out about being suicidal." The act of writing, however, became therapeutic. "I just wrote it and I remember it so clearly: I just sat and looked at that sentence and realised what a powerful form of therapy that process had been," she reflects.A New Chapter: Continuing the JourneyFor Rhind, recovery is an ongoing process. "Life is hard and that's always going to be the case; things are going to keep happening," she acknowledges. "But, hopefully, I can keep building my toolbox of coping mechanisms for dealing with those things when they come, and keep talking." Through her work with Street Soccer and sharing her story, Rhind continues to help others find their path through darkness, using football as both a literal and metaphorical lifeline.

The Appointment of Dr. Marnie Lovejoy Dr. Marnie Lovejoy, a criminal lawyer and passionate angler, has been appointed as the first female chair of the Grayling Society. This appointment marks a significant milestone for the organization, which has traditionally been male-dominated. The State of Grayling and Its Habitat The grayling, known as the 'lady of the stream' due to its iridescent pink scales and elegant dorsal fin, is a crucial indicator species for water quality. Dr. Lovejoy emphasized that grayling are highly reactive to changes in water quality and are often the first to suffer from pollution or chemical increases in rivers. Promoting Inclusivity in Fly-Fishing Dr. Lovejoy aims to promote fly-fishing among women and increase youth membership in the Grayling Society. She believes that by showcasing the sport's appeal and importance, more women can be inspired to join. Lovejoy also highlighted the historical role of women in fly-tying, a crucial aspect of fly-fishing. The Future of Grayling Conservation Dr. Lovejoy's first task as chair will be to set up a grayling map using catch-and-release data from members. This initiative will help identify areas where grayling are thriving and inform conservation efforts. With her leadership, the Grayling Society is poised to take a more proactive approach to protecting this iconic species and its habitat.

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 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 Significance of Xi Jinping's Visit Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on Sunday is significant for one reason: it's a rare trip abroad for Xi. The two men met in Beijing just a year ago, but Xi's travel has been limited in recent years. China's Changing Relationship with North Korea Traditionally, Beijing played the role of senior partner in the China-North Korea relationship, with North Korea heavily dependent on China for as much as 95 percent of its trade. However, that dynamic has been changing since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with North Korea providing Russia with critical weapons, artillery, and manpower. The Data Behind the Relationship North Korea may have received between $580m and $1.5bn of the $14.4bn paid by Moscow in the form of 'goods' China shares a mutual defence treaty with North Korea, but is wary of North Korea acquiring new military technology The Impact on Regional Security Xi's visit comes amid concerns about North Korea's growing military ties with Russia and its impact on regional security. North Korea has carried out eight missile launches since the start of the year, and has unveiled a new AI-guided tactical cruise missile. The Future of North Korea-China Relations Xi's trip may also be aimed at smoothing over relations with South Korea, which has been critical of North Korea's military actions. The visit could play a constructive role in addressing issues related to the Korean Peninsula, including a possible meeting between Kim and Trump later in the year.

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."

Iran’s national football team departed for its pre‑World Cup camp in Mexico on 6 June 2026 amid a diplomatic standoff over US visa approvals for several support staff. While players and some officials received visas on 5 June, key federation figures were reportedly left out, prompting accusations of discriminatory treatment from Tehran. Visa Approvals and Denials: The Numbers Behind the Dispute Visas granted on 5 June for all players and a portion of staff. Denied visas for at least three senior officials: Mehdi Kharati (executive director), Hedayat Mombini (secretary general), and Mohsen Motamedkia (media director). US State Department maintains that all necessary visas for athletes and essential staff have been issued. Geopolitical Tensions Ripple Into the 2026 World Cup The Iranian embassy in Turkey condemned the US decision, labeling it a “deliberate and discriminatory treatment” that threatens the team’s right to compete under normal conditions. Tehran warned it would raise the issue with FIFA, arguing that the US is violating international sports law. Logistical Challenges for Iran’s Tournament Campaign Group‑stage matches scheduled in the United States: Los Angeles (15 June vs New Zealand), Los Angeles (21 June vs Belgium), and Seattle (26 June vs Egypt). Iran’s ambassador to Mexico indicated that visa conditions require the team to enter and exit US soil on the same day as each match, conflicting with the team’s spokesperson who claimed multiple‑entry visas were issued. Original base camp plan in Tucson, Arizona was abandoned in May in favor of Tijuana, Mexico, due to immigration uncertainties. Potential Outcomes and FIFA’s Role If the denied staff are unable to obtain entry visas, Iran may have to operate with a reduced technical and managerial crew, potentially affecting match preparation and compliance with FIFA press‑conference requirements. FIFA has been contacted for comment and could intervene to ensure the team’s staff have the necessary travel permissions, as mandated by tournament regulations. Looking Ahead: Scenarios for Iran’s World Cup Participation Analysts see three likely paths: (1) US authorities grant the remaining visas after diplomatic pressure, allowing a full delegation; (2) Iran proceeds with a stripped‑down staff, risking operational setbacks; or (3) FIFA mediates a resolution, possibly re‑routing travel or issuing special exemptions. The unfolding situation will test the intersection of sport, diplomacy, and immigration policy ahead of the tournament’s kickoff.