Trump set to sell 40,000 one-ton bombs to Israel

PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, 16 September: The Washington Post reports that ICE is facing the fallout of their massive and 'reckless' hiring campaigns. Next, the Trump administration is planning to sell 2.8 billion dollars' worth of bombs to Israel. Also, Ed Sheeran's tour suffers another blow as his opening acts as well as his backing band drop out of his concerts. Finally, the French papers remember Catherine Ringer of the Rita Mitsuko band. 

The Washington Post features an exclusive report about the fallout of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency's (ICE) rapid and haphazard hiring campaign. Officers who were given employment without proper checks are now discreetly being dismissed, sometimes with devastating consequences. The Guardian is also taking a closer look at ICE. The paper reports that the agency is no longer reporting miscarriages and that pregnant women in detention are not receiving adequate care.

Staying in the US, the Washington Post broke another story about a record arms sale. The paper reveals that US President Donald Trump's planned sale of bombs to Israel is the largest in years. The $2.8 billion package, includes 40,000 one-ton bombs, including 20,000 MK 84s – also known as 'hammer bombs'. The paper explains that its "explosion sends metal fragments in every direction, can rip through metal and thick concrete, and often creates large craters in the earth». The New York Times also reported on the sale, adding that the move will be a test for the Democrats, as frustrations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have "created unprecedented strain in the US-Israel relationship". 

Meanwhile tensions about Israel and Palestine are flaring up outside of congress as well, as the Ed Sheeran situation takes another turn. Entertainment Weekly explains that US rapper Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour after repeatedly voicing his support for Palestine on stage. Now, all of Ed Sheeran’s opening acts as well as his backing band have dropped out of the tour in support for the rapper. Rolling Stones Magazine explains that billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the Gillette stadium, where Ed Sheeran was going to play, reportedly rallied other stadium owners to all but ban Macklemore from performing in their venues. Political figures from the left like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have since come out to say that it sets a dangerous precedent for censorship.

Staying in the world of music, it is a sad day in France after the death of singer and artist Catherine Ringer was announced. Libération reflects on how she formed a bridge between two worlds "at once a wild and graceful ballerina". 

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