Blog - Page 9 of 11 - New Zealand Press

“Trump Cuts Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports”

Business

New Zealand Press

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June 14, 2026

“Trump Cuts Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports”

U.S. President Donald Trump has recently taken action to adjust the national security tariffs imposed under Section 232 on specific aluminum, steel, and copper imports. Effective June 8, the tariffs on various steel and aluminum derivative products will be reduced from 25 per cent to 15 per cent. This adjustment includes certain agricultural machinery types, as well as residential heating, air conditioning, and ventilation equipment.

Under the new proclamation, mobile industrial equipment like bulldozers and forklifts will be subject to a 15 per cent tariff when imported from countries benefiting from trade deals. Additionally, foreign companies can qualify for a 10 per cent tariff if their capital equipment contains at least 85 per cent U.S. melted and poured or smelted and cast steel or aluminum by weight.

The changes also introduce two new categories of steel and aluminum derivative import products that will face 25 per cent duties: steel racks and aluminum lithographic plates. These adjustments will come into effect for goods imported or withdrawn from bonded warehouses after 12:01 a.m. ET on June 8 and will be valid until December 31, 2027, aiming to encourage immediate investments that support the country’s industrial infrastructure.

“Optimism Grows for Wolverine’s Return to Labrador”

Technology

New Zealand Press

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June 14, 2026

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“Optimism Grows for Wolverine’s Return to Labrador”

After a prolonged absence from Labrador, there is optimism surrounding the potential return of the wolverine, an endangered species in eastern Canada. The last confirmed sighting in Labrador dates back to the 1960s, but recent tracks near Nain have sparked excitement about the wolverine’s resurgence in the region.

Shelley Moores, the Wildlife Division director at the Department of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands, mentioned that they have been documenting recent wolverine sightings. During caribou surveys in western Labrador last winter, some staff members reportedly spotted a wolverine, capturing images that will eventually be shared with the public.

While a wolverine survey in northern and central Labrador in the early 2000s did not yield any sightings, Moores expressed hope for the current tracks near Nain, suggesting they could indicate the presence of more than one wolverine.

Jim Goudie, the deputy minister of Land and Natural Resources at the Nunatsiavut Government, cautiously welcomed the recent tracks near Nain as potentially belonging to a wolverine. He emphasized the need for further analysis to confirm the identity of the animal and expressed a desire for the wolverine to return to its traditional habitat in the area.

Despite the lack of official wolverine sightings for many years, Goudie noted that the government receives occasional reports, including one incident in the Postville region about three years ago. He highlighted the vast migration range of wolverines, suggesting that multiple sightings could potentially be attributed to a single animal.

The possibility of the wolverine’s comeback in Labrador has generated optimism, with Goudie acknowledging scattered reports of sightings across central, west, and northern Labrador. He underscored the need for continued vigilance and encouraged the public to report any wolverine sightings to the authorities.

Hip-Hop Pioneer Afrika Bambaataa Dies at 68

Culture

New Zealand Press

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June 14, 2026

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Hip-Hop Pioneer Afrika Bambaataa Dies at 68

Afrika Bambaataa, a key figure in the development of hip-hop music, passed away in Pennsylvania at the age of 68 after battling prostate cancer, as confirmed by his attorney. His death prompted an outpouring of condolences from global well-wishers who recognized his significant influence on the popular and socially impactful music genre. However, recent years saw his legacy overshadowed by allegations of sexual abuse from individuals who knew him during their youth.

Renowned for hits like 1982’s “Planet Rock” and for establishing the Universal Zulu Nation art collective, Bambaataa was a pivotal figure in shaping hip-hop culture. Described as a driving force behind the evolution of hip-hop, his profound impact was acknowledged by his talent agency, Naf Management Entertainment, stating that his spirit resonates in every aspect of the genre globally.

Born Lance Taylor in 1957 in the South Bronx, Bambaataa grew up in a low-income public housing complex influenced by his Jamaican and Barbadian heritage. Music played a vital role in his life from an early age, as he was introduced to it through his mother’s vinyl record collection. Hosting parties in community centers during the early 1970s, Bambaataa honed his DJ skills, drawing inspiration from Kool Herc, a pioneer in hip-hop music.

His parties gained popularity throughout the ’70s and ’80s, where he introduced electro tracks that contributed to the development of hip-hop and electro-funk genres. Innovatively incorporating the Roland TR-808 drum machine and beat breaks, Bambaataa’s DJ style set him apart, constantly changing tracks every minute to keep the energy high.

Utilizing his affiliation with the Black Spades street gang, Bambaataa founded the Zulu Nation, later expanding it to the Universal Zulu Nation, promoting unity and peace within the community through hip-hop culture. The movement aimed to resolve local gang conflicts and foster a sense of belonging and positivity among youth.

Despite his musical contributions, Bambaataa faced allegations of sexual abuse in 2016, with accusers coming forward to share their experiences. While legal action did not proceed, a civil trial in the previous year resulted in a default judgment against Bambaataa by an accuser alleging abuse during his early teenage years. The Universal Zulu Nation issued a public apology to the victims, acknowledging the pain caused by the abuse.

Bambaataa’s legacy in hip-hop music remains influential, with his contributions shaping the genre and inspiring generations of artists and fans worldwide.

“Mexcio City Unearths Bodies in Massive Graveyard Project”

International

New Zealand Press

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June 14, 2026

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“Mexcio City Unearths Bodies in Massive Graveyard Project”

Mexico City has initiated a significant project to unearth and identify numerous bodies from communal graves in a local cemetery. This effort is part of a comprehensive strategy to address the increasing number of missing persons in the city. The project, labeled as the most extensive in Latin America, is being spearheaded by Gerardo Cervantes Arroniz, the director of the Institute of Expert Services and Forensic Sciences (ISPCF) under the city’s judicial system.

The excavation undertaking, spanning 6,600 bodies across 75 burial sites within a 200-square-meter forested section of the Panteon Civil de Dolores cemetery, evolved from a meticulous study correlating cemetery records with missing persons’ cases. Luis Gómez Negrete, overseeing the city’s missing persons search commission, highlighted numerous potential matches based on names, fingerprints, and other identifying factors.

In a poignant narrative, Sofia Lara Alfonso shared her family’s ordeal of discovering her brother, Carlos Daniel Lara Alfonso, buried in a section under excavation. Despite filing a missing persons report in 2009 for her homeless brother, who tragically passed away in a hospital in 2012, the family was never informed. This stark reality underscores the systemic issue of overlooking marginalized individuals in the city.

Similarly, Ana María Maldonado, after 15 years of fruitless searching, remains hopeful that her missing son, Carlos Palomares Maldonado, may be among those in the common graves. The emotional burden carried by families searching for their loved ones reflects the ongoing crisis in Mexico, with over 130,000 individuals registered as missing or disappeared, placing the nation alongside conflict-ridden countries like Syria and Colombia.

Carlos Ramírez’s quest for answers regarding his brother’s disappearance, believed to be linked to organized crime, exemplifies the anguish endured by families seeking closure. As part of the collective, Until We Find Them Mexico City, Ramírez emphasizes the importance of identifying those unearthed from the common grave, fostering hope for resolution amidst the heart-wrenching circumstances.

Aryel Arvayo Beltrán’s relentless pursuit of his missing father, Artemio Arvayo Canizales, and others who vanished in suspicious circumstances underpins the poignant stories of numerous families grappling with loss and uncertainty. These narratives shed light on the deep-rooted societal challenges and the enduring resilience of those tirelessly seeking answers and closure.

“Conservative MP Chris d’Entremont Joins Liberal Caucus”

Politics

New Zealand Press

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June 14, 2026

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“Conservative MP Chris d’Entremont Joins Liberal Caucus”

From traitor to brave to principled, there exists a range of terms to characterize MPs who switch party allegiance. However, a consistent theme emerges in Canadian political history: the challenge of re-election for these floor-crossing politicians.

In a surprising development, long-standing Conservative member Chris d’Entremont has announced his move to join the federal Liberal caucus, with Prime Minister Mark Carney hinting at the possibility of others following suit.

The act of floor-crossing dates back to Confederation, but historical data indicates a downward trend in electoral success following such shifts.

According to Semra Sevi, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto specializing in political science, switching parties poses a significant risk to a politician’s re-election prospects.

Chris d’Entremont’s floor crossing met with mix of admiration, admonition at home in N.S.

Research conducted by Sevi, which tracked party switches from Confederation to 2015, revealed that while floor-crossers initially maintained their vote share, the trend shifted from the 1970s onwards.

Sevi explained that as parties solidify, the electoral consequences of party switching have significantly increased, making survival outside one’s original party increasingly challenging.

Despite some rare success stories, the ultimate outcome remains uncertain.

Throughout history, numerous MPs have switched affiliations, ranging from becoming Independents to forming new parties or aligning with former adversaries.

Labeling Switches as ‘Opportunistic’

Sevi emphasized that an MP’s re-election prospects post-party switch often hinge on the degree to which voters accept their rationale.

D’Entremont cited his dissatisfaction with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s leadership style as the driving force behind his decision to switch parties, highlighting the perceived negativity in politics.

Sevi noted that party switches are commonly viewed as opportunistic, potentially undermining the politician’s credibility.

Given that the switch occurred approximately seven months after the last election, the impact on D’Entremont’s constituents will depend on their alignment with his reasons.

WATCH | Chris d’Entremont’s constituents react: