In Morocco

Suspect held after Scandinavian tourists killed in Moroccan mountains

Hundreds took part in a trade union rally in Casablanca in May Participants accused the government of failing to deliver on reforms. Since Morocco controls most of Western Sahara, its de facto southern boundary is with Mauritania. The geography of Morocco spans from the Atlantic Ocean, to mountainous areas, to the Sahara desert. It is one of only three nations along with Spain and France to have both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines.

A large part of Morocco is mountainous. The Atlas Mountains are located mainly in the centre and the south of the country. The Rif Mountains are located in the north of the country. Both ranges are mainly inhabited by the Berber people. Algeria borders Morocco to the east and southeast, though the border between the two countries has been closed since Spanish territory in Northwest Africa neighbouring Morocco comprises five enclaves on the Mediterranean coast: To the north, Morocco is bordered by the Strait of Gibraltar, where international shipping has unimpeded transit passage between the Atlantic and Mediterranean.

The Rif mountains stretch over the region bordering the Mediterranean from the north-west to the north-east. The Atlas Mountains run down the backbone of the country, from the northeast to the south west. Most of the southeast portion of the country is in the Sahara Desert and as such is generally sparsely populated and unproductive economically.

Scandinavian tourists found dead with 'knife wounds' in Morocco’s High Atlas mountains

Most of the population lives to the north of these mountains, while to the south lies the Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony that was annexed by Morocco in see Green March. Morocco's capital city is Rabat ; its largest city is its main port, Casablanca. The country's Mediterranean climate is similar to that of southern California , with lush forests in the northern and central mountain ranges of the country, giving way to drier conditions and inland deserts further southeast. The Moroccan coastal plains experience remarkably moderate temperatures even in summer, owing to the effect of the cold Canary Current off its Atlantic coast.

Mediterranean along the coastal lowlands, giving way to a humid temperate climate at higher elevations with sufficient moisture to allow for the growth of different species of oaks, moss carpets, junipers, and Atlantic fir which is a royal conifer tree endemic to Morocco.

In the valleys, fertile soils and high precipitation allow for the growth of thick and lush forests. At higher elevations, the climate becomes alpine in character, and can sustain ski resorts. Southeast of the Atlas mountains, near the Algerian borders, the climate becomes very dry, with long and hot summers. Extreme heat and low moisture levels are especially pronounced in the lowland regions east of the Atlas range due to the rain shadow effect of the mountain system. The southeastern-most portions of Morocco are very hot, and include portions of the Sahara Desert , where vast swathes of sand dunes and rocky plains are dotted with lush oases.

The direct exposure to the North Atlantic Ocean, the proximity to mainland Europe and the long stretched Rif and Atlas mountains are the factors of the rather European-like climate in the northern half of the country. That makes from Morocco a country of contrasts. In general, apart from the southeast regions pre-Saharan and desert areas , Morocco's climate and geography are very similar to the Iberian peninsula.

Thus we have the following climate zones:. South of Agadir and east of Jerada near the Algerian borders, arid and desert climate starts to prevail. Due to Morocco's proximity to the Sahara desert and the North Sea of the Atlantic Ocean, two phenomena occur to influence the regional seasonal temperatures, either by raising temperatures by 7—8 degrees Celsius when sirocco blows from the east creating heatwaves, or by lowering temperatures by 7—8 degrees Celsius when cold damp air blows from the northwest, creating a coldwave or cold spell.

However, these phenomena don't last for more than 2 to 5 days on average. Annual rainfall in Morocco is different according to regions. Botanically speaking, Morocco enjoys a great variety of vegetation, from lush large forests of conifer and oak trees typical of the western Mediterranean countries Morocco, Algeria, Italy, Spain, France and Portugal , to shrubs and acacias further south. This is due to the diversity of climate and the precipitation patterns in the country. Morocco's weather is one of the most pristine in terms of the four-season experience.

Most regions have distinct seasons where summer is usually not spoiled by rain and winter turns wet, snowy and humid with mild, cool to cold temperatures, while spring and fall see warm to mild weather characterised by flowers blooming in spring and falling leaves in autumn. This type of weather has affected the Moroccan culture and behaviour and played a part in the social interaction of the population, like many other countries that fall into this type of climate zone. Morocco has a wide range of biodiversity. It is part of the Mediterranean basin , an area with exceptional concentrations of endemic species undergoing rapid rates of habitat loss, and is therefore considered to be a hotspot for conservation priority.

The Barbary lion , hunted to extinction in the wild, was a subspecies native to Morocco and is a national emblem. Relict populations of the West African crocodile persisted in the Draa river until the 20th century. The Barbary macaque, a primate endemic to Morocco and Algeria, is also facing extinction due to offtake for trade [59] human interruption, urbanisation, wood and real estate expansion that diminish forested area — the macaque's habitat. Trade of animals and plants for food, pets, medicinal purposes, souvenirs and photo props is common across Morocco, despite laws making much of it illegal.

Morocco was an authoritarian regime according to the Democracy Index of The Freedom of the Press report gave it a rating of "Not Free". This has improved since, however, and in , Morocco was upgraded to being a "hybrid regime" according to the Democracy Index in and the Freedom of the Press report in found that Morocco was "partially free". Following the March elections, a coalition government headed by opposition socialist leader Abderrahmane Youssoufi and composed largely of ministers drawn from opposition parties, was formed.

Prime Minister Youssoufi's government was the first ever government drawn primarily from opposition parties, and also represents the first opportunity for a coalition of socialists, left-of-centre, and nationalist parties to be included in the government until October It was also the first time in the modern political history of the Arab world that the opposition assumed power following an election. The Moroccan Constitution provides for a monarchy with a Parliament and an independent judiciary.

With the constitutional reforms , the King of Morocco retains less executive powers whereas those of the prime minister have been enlarged. The constitution grants the king honorific powers; he is both the secular political leader and the "Commander of the Faithful" as a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed. He presides over the Council of Ministers; appoints the Prime Minister from the political party that has won the most seats in the parliamentary elections, and on recommendations from the latter, appoints the members of the government.

The previous constitution of theoretically allowed the king to terminate the tenure of any minister, and after consultation with the heads of the higher and lower Assemblies, to dissolve the Parliament, suspend the constitution, call for new elections, or rule by decree. The only time this happened was in The King is formally the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Since the constitutional reform of , the bicameral legislature consists of two chambers. The Assembly of Councillors Majlis al-Mustasharin has members, elected for a nine-year term, elected by local councils seats , professional chambers 91 seats and wage-earners 27 seats. The Parliament's powers, though still relatively limited, were expanded under the and and even further in the constitutional revisions and include budgetary matters, approving bills , questioning ministers, and establishing ad hoc commissions of inquiry to investigate the government's actions.

The lower chamber of Parliament may dissolve the government through a vote of no confidence. The latest parliamentary elections were held on November 25, , and were considered by some neutral observers to be mostly free and fair. Compulsory military service in Morocco has been officially suspended since September , and Morocco's reserve obligation lasts until age Internal security is generally effective, and acts of political violence are rare with one exception, the Casablanca bombings which killed 45 people [65].

The UN maintains a small observer force in Western Sahara, where a large number of Morocco's troops are stationed. The Saharawi group Polisario maintains an active militia of an estimated 5, fighters in Western Sahara and has engaged in intermittent warfare with Moroccan forces since the s. Morocco's relationships vary greatly between African, Arab, and Western states.

Morocco has had strong ties to the West in order to gain economic and political benefits. From the total foreign investments in Morocco, the European Union invests approximately Many countries from the Persian Gulf and Maghreb regions are getting more involved in large-scale development projects in Morocco. Morocco was the only African state not to be a member of the African Union due to its unilateral withdrawal on 12 November over the admission of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in by the African Union then called Organisation of African Unity as a full member without the organisation of a referendum of self-determination in the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

Morocco rejoined the AU on 30 January A dispute with Spain in over the tiny island of Perejil revived the issue of the sovereignty of Melilla and Ceuta. These small enclaves on the Mediterranean coast are surrounded by Morocco and have been administered by Spain for centuries. Morocco was the first country in the world to recognise US sovereignty in The Western Sahara War saw the Polisario Front , the Sahrawi rebel national liberation movement, battling both Morocco and Mauritania between and a ceasefire in that is still in effect.

Its administrative headquarters are located in Tindouf , Algeria. Morocco is officially divided into 12 regions , [73] which, in turn, are subdivided into 62 provinces and 13 prefectures. Government repression of political dissent has dropped sharply since the mids. According to Human Rights Watch annual report , Moroccan authorities restricted the rights to peaceful expression, association and assembly through several laws.

Morocco has been accused of detaining Sahrawi pro-independence activists as prisoners of conscience. Homosexual acts are illegal in Morocco, and can be punishable by 6 months to 3 years of imprisonment. Morocco's economy is considered a relatively liberal economy governed by the law of supply and demand. Since , the country has followed a policy of privatisation of certain economic sectors which used to be in the hands of the government.

Morocco was ranked as the first African country by the Economist Intelligence Unit 's quality-of-life index , ahead of South Africa. The services sector accounts for just over half of GDP and industry, made up of mining, construction and manufacturing, is an additional quarter. The industries that recorded the highest growth are tourism , telecoms, information technology, and textile.

Tourism is one of the most important sectors in Moroccan economy. It is well developed with a strong tourist industry focused on the country's coast, culture, and history. Tourism is the second largest foreign exchange earner in Morocco after the phosphate industry.

Most Europeans visit in April and the autumn. Because of its proximity to Spain, tourists in southern Spain's coastal areas take one- to three-day trips to Morocco. Air services between Morocco and Algeria have been established, many Algerians have gone to Morocco to shop and visit family and friends.

Morocco is relatively inexpensive because of the devaluation of the dirham and the increase of hotel prices in Spain. Morocco has an excellent road and rail infrastructure that links the major cities and tourist destinations with ports and cities with international airports. Low-cost airlines offer cheap flights to the country. Tourism is increasingly focused on Morocco's culture, such as its ancient cities.

The modern tourist industry capitalises on Morocco's ancient Roman and Islamic sites, and on its landscape and cultural history. Agadir is a major coastal resort and has a third of all Moroccan bed nights. It is a base for tours to the Atlas Mountains. Other resorts in north Morocco are also very popular. Casablanca is the major cruise port in Morocco, and has the best developed market for tourists in Morocco, Marrakech in central Morocco is a popular tourist destination, but is more popular among tourists for one- and two-day excursions that provide a taste of Morocco's history and culture.

The Majorelle botanical garden in Marrakech is a popular tourist attraction. Their presence in the city helped to boost the city's profile as a tourist destination. As of [update] , activity and adventure tourism in the Atlas and Rif Mountains are the fastest growth area in Moroccan tourism. These locations have excellent walking and trekking opportunities from late March to mid-November.

The government is investing in trekking circuits.

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They are also developing desert tourism in competition with Tunisia. With a semi-arid climate and an ill-developed irrigation system, it is difficult to assure enough irrigation. The major resources of the Moroccan economy are agriculture, phosphates , and tourism. Sales of fish and seafood are important as well.

Industry and mining contribute about one-third of the annual GDP. Morocco is the world's third-largest producer of phosphorus after China and the United States, [93] and the price fluctuations of phosphates on the international market greatly influence Morocco's economy. Morocco suffers both from unemployment 9. Although Morocco runs a structural trade deficit, this is typically offset by substantial services earnings from tourism and large remittance inflows from the diaspora, and the country normally runs a small current-account surplus.

The Moroccan government has launched a project to build a solar thermal energy power plant [98] and is also looking into the use of natural gas as a potential source of revenue for Morocco's government. Morocco has embarked upon the construction of large solar energy farms to lessen dependence on fossil fuels, and to eventually export electricity to Europe.

Since the 7th century, Cannabis has been cultivated in the Rif Region. Also, the region extends from the Mediterranean in the south, home of the Wergha River, to the north. Water supply and sanitation in Morocco is provided by a wide array of utilities. They range from private companies in the largest city, Casablanca , the capital, Rabat , and two other cities, [ clarification needed ] to public municipal utilities in 13 other cities, as well as a national electricity and water company ONEE.

The latter is in charge of bulk water supply to the aforementioned utilities, water distribution in about small towns, as well as sewerage and wastewater treatment in 60 of these towns. There have been substantial improvements in access to water supply, and to a lesser extent to sanitation, over the past fifteen years. The issue of lack of water connections for some of the urban poor is being addressed as part of the National Human Development Initiative , under which residents of informal settlements have received land titles and have fees waived that are normally paid to utilities in order to connect to the water and sewer network.

The Moroccan government has been implementing reforms to improve the quality of education and make research more responsive to socio-economic needs. The aim was to give universities greater financial autonomy from the government to make them more responsive to research needs and better able to forge links with the private sector, in the hope that this would nurture a culture of entrepreneurship in academia.

The Moroccan Innovation Strategy fixed the target of producing 1, Moroccan patents and creating innovative start-ups by In , Moroccan inventors applied for patents, up from two years earlier. The idea is to create a network of players in innovation, including researchers, entrepreneurs, students and academics, to help them develop innovative projects. The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research is supporting research in advanced technologies and the development of innovative cities in Fez, Rabat and Marrakesh.

The government is encouraging public institutions to engage with citizens in innovation. As of , Morocco had three technoparks. Since the first technopark was established in Rabat in , a second has been set up in Casablanca, followed, in , by a third in Tangers. The technoparks host start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises specializing in information and communication technologies ICTs , 'green' technologies namely, environmentally friendly technologies and cultural industries. In , the Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology identified a number of sectors where Morocco has a comparative advantage and skilled human capital, including mining, fisheries, food chemistry and new technologies.

It also identified a number of strategic sectors, such as energy, with an emphasis on renewable energies such as photovoltaic, thermal solar energy, wind and biomass; as well as the water, nutrition and health sectors, the environment and geosciences. On 20 May , less than a year after its inception, the Higher Council for Education, Training and Scientific Research presented a report to the king offering a Vision for Education in Morocco — The report advocated making education egalitarian and, thus, accessible to the greatest number.

Morocco has a population of around 35,, inhabitants est.

According to the Morocco population census, there were around 84, immigrants in the country. Of these foreign-born residents, most were of French origin, followed by individuals mainly from various nations in West Africa and Algeria. Some of them are descendants of colonial settlers, who primarily work for European multinational companies, while others are married to Moroccans or are retirees. Prior to independence, Morocco was home to half a million Europeans ; who were mostly Christians.

Morocco has a large diaspora , most of which is located in France, which has reportedly over one million Moroccans of up to the third generation. There are also large Moroccan communities in Spain about , Moroccans , [] the Netherlands , , and Belgium , Followers of several Sufi Muslim orders across the Maghreb and West Africa undertake joint annual pilgrimages to the country. Most foreign resident Christians reside in the Casablanca , Tangier , and Rabat urban areas. Various local Christian leaders estimate that between and there are 5, citizen converted Christians mostly ethnically Berber who regularly attend "house" churches and live predominantly in the south.

The most recent estimates put the size of the Casablanca Jewish community at about 2,, [] and the Rabat and Marrakesh Jewish communities at about members each. The remainder of the Jewish population is dispersed throughout the country.

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This population is mostly elderly, with a decreasing number of young people. Morocco's official languages are Arabic and Berber. French is widely used in governmental institutions, media, mid-size and large companies, international commerce with French-speaking countries, and often in international diplomacy.

French is taught as an obligatory language in all schools. According to the census, 2. According to Ethnologue , as of , there are 1,, individuals or approximately 4. After Morocco declared independence in , French and Arabic became the main languages of administration and education, causing the role of Spanish to decline. Morocco is a country with a rich culture and civilisation.

All those civilisations have affected the social structure of Morocco. Since independence, a veritable blossoming has taken place in painting and sculpture, popular music, amateur theatre, and filmmaking. Each region possesses its own specificities, thus contributing to the national culture and to the legacy of civilization. Morocco has set among its top priorities the protection of its diverse legacy and the preservation of its cultural heritage. Culturally speaking, Morocco has always been successful in combining its Berber, Jewish and Arabic cultural heritage with external influences such as the French and the Spanish and, during the last decades, the Anglo-American lifestyles.

The indigenous Berber people and a series of foreign invaders as well as religious and cultural influences have shaped Morocco's architectural styles. The vernacular architecture can range from ornate with bold with colours to simple, clean lines with earth tones. Influences from the Arab world, Spain, Portugal and France are seen in Moroccan architecture , both on their own and blended with Berber and Islamic styles.

Among the buildings, and old Kasbah walls, sit French style-towns left behind by colonisation and intersect with intricately detailed mosques and riad-style homes. Sleek, modern designs are being constructed in cities like Rabat and Casablanca that give no particular homage to any of the past Moroccan architecture styles.

Moroccan literature is written in Arabic, Berber and French. Under the Almohad dynasty Morocco experienced a period of prosperity and brilliance of learning. The Almohad built the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh, which accommodated no fewer than 25, people, but was also famed for its books, manuscripts, libraries and book shops, which gave it its name; the first book bazaar in history.

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The Almohad Caliph Abu Yakub had a great love for collecting books. He founded a great library, which was eventually carried to the Casbah and turned into a public library. Modern Moroccan literature began in the s. Two main factors gave Morocco a pulse toward witnessing the birth of a modern literature. Morocco, as a French and Spanish protectorate left Moroccan intellectuals the opportunity to exchange and to produce literary works freely enjoying the contact of other Arabic literature and Europe.

Three generations of writers especially shaped 20th century Moroccan literature. The second generation was the one that played an important role in the transition to independence with writers like Abdelkrim Ghallab — , Allal al-Fassi — and Mohammed al-Mokhtar Soussi — The third generation is that of writers of the sixties. Those writers were an important influence the many Moroccan novelists, poets and playwrights that were still to come.

During the s and s, Morocco was a refuge and artistic centre and attracted writers as Paul Bowles , Tennessee Williams and William S. Orature oral literature is an integral part of Moroccan culture, be it in Moroccan Arabic or Berber. Moroccan music is of Arabic, Berber and sub-Saharan origins. Rock-influenced chaabi bands are widespread, as is trance music with historical origins in Islamic music.

Morocco is home to Andalusian classical music that is found throughout Northwest Africa. It probably evolved under the Moors in Cordoba , and the Persian-born musician Ziryab is usually credited with its invention. Chaabi "popular" is a music consisting of numerous varieties which are descended from the multifarious forms of Moroccan folk music. Chaabi was originally performed in markets, but is now found at any celebration or meeting. Aita is a Bedouin musical style sung in the countryside.

Popular Western forms of music are becoming increasingly popular in Morocco, such as fusion , rock, country , metal and, in particular, hip hop. Morocco participated in the Eurovision Song Contest , where it finished in the penultimate position. Between that time and , many foreign movies were shot in the country, especially in the Ouarzazate area. Studios were also opened in Rabat. However, the Festival's musicians did not play the Moroccan national anthem , as no one in attendance knew what it was.

In , the first Mediterranean Film Festival was held in Tangier. In its current incarnation, the event is held in Tetouan. Moroccan cuisine is considered as one of the most diversified cuisines in the world. This is a result of the centuries-long interaction of Morocco with the outside world. Spices are used extensively in Moroccan cuisine. While spices have been imported to Morocco for thousands of years, many ingredients such as saffron from Tiliouine , mint and olives from Meknes , and oranges and lemons from Fez, are home-grown.

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Morocco officially the Kingdom of Morocco (Arabic: المملكة المغربية , translit. al- Mamlakah al-Maghribiyah, lit. 'The Western Kingdom'; Standard Moroccan. In Morocco is an excellent travelogue written by Edith Wharton following her visit to the country in during the turmoil of World War I. Wharton traveled with a French General in a motorcar for much of her trip. Edith Wharton was one of the greatest authors of the early 20th.

Chicken is the most widely eaten meat in Morocco. The most commonly eaten red meat in Morocco is beef; lamb is preferred but is relatively expensive. The main Moroccan dish most people are familiar with is couscous , [] the old national delicacy.

Beef is the most commonly eaten red meat in Morocco, usually eaten in a Tagine with vegetables or legumes. Chicken is also very commonly used in Tagines, knowing that one of the most famous tagine is the Tagine of Chicken, potatoes and olives. Lamb is also consumed, but as Northwest African sheep breeds store most of their fat in their tails, Moroccan lamb does not have the pungent flavour that Western lamb and mutton have. Poultry is also very common, and the use of seafood is increasing in Moroccan food. Although the latter is a soup , it is considered as a dish in itself and is served as such or with dates especially during the month of Ramadan.

Pork consumption is forbidden in accordance with Sharia , religious laws of Islam. A big part of the daily meal is bread. Bread in Morocco is principally from durum wheat semolina known as khobz. Bakeries are very common throughout Morocco and fresh bread is a staple in every city, town and village. The most common is whole grain coarse ground or white flour bread. There are also a number of flat breads and pulled unleavened pan-fried breads. The most popular drink is "atai", green tea with mint leaves and other ingredients.

Tea occupies a very important place in the culture of Morocco and is considered an art form. It is served not only at mealtimes but all through the day, and it is especially a drink of hospitality, commonly served whenever there are guests.

It is served to guests, and it is impolite to refuse it. Football is the country's most popular sport, popular among the urban youth in particular. Morocco was originally scheduled to host the Africa Cup of Nations , [] but refused to host the tournament on the scheduled dates because of fears over the ebola outbreak on the continent. At the Olympic Games , two Moroccans won gold medals in track and field. Nawal El Moutawakel won in the metres hurdles ; she was the first woman from an Arab or Islamic country to win an Olympic gold medal.

Two Scandinavian women tourists found dead in Morocco

Hicham El Guerrouj won gold medals for Morocco at the Summer Olympics in the metres and metres and holds several world records in the mile run. Spectator sports in Morocco traditionally centered on the art of horsemanship until European sports— football , polo , swimming , and tennis —were introduced at the end of the 19th century. Tennis and golf have become popular. Rugby came to Morocco in the early 20th century, mainly by the French who occupied the country. Kickboxing is also popular in Morocco. Education in Morocco is free and compulsory through primary school.

Morocco has more than four dozen universities , institutes of higher learning, and polytechnics dispersed at urban centres throughout the country. Many efforts are made by countries around the world to address health issues and eradicate disease, Morocco included. Child health, maternal health, and diseases are all components of health and well-being. Morocco is a developing country that has made many strides to improve these categories. However, Morocco still has many health issues to improve on. The government of Morocco sets up surveillance systems within the already existing healthcare system to monitor and collect data.

Mass education in hygiene is implemented in primary education schools which are free for residents of Morocco. In , The government of Morocco approved two reforms to expand health insurance coverage. The second reform created a fund to cover services for the poor. Both reforms improved access to high-quality care. Infant mortality has improved significantly since when there were deaths per live births, in , 42 per 1, live births, and now it is 20 per 1, live births. According to data from the World Bank, [] the present mortality rate is still very high, over 7 times higher than in neighboring country Spain.

In , Morocco adopted a national plan to increase progress on maternal and child health. El Houssaine Louardi, and Dr. However, health expenditure per capita PPP has steadily increased since Promoting health and well-being at all ages is essential to sustainable development in Morocco. More effort is needed to increase access to health insurance, basic sanitation services and continue to lower infant and maternal mortality rates in the country. Morocco is receptive to healthcare reforms and change. The nation is continuously taking steps to improve health and sets an example for other developing countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

This article incorporates text from a free content work. To learn how to add open license text to Wikipedia articles, please see Wikipedia: Adding open license text to Wikipedia. For information on reusing text from Wikipedia , please see the terms of use. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. For other uses, see Morocco disambiguation. The university set its flags to half mast in order to mourn the pair, they announced on twitter. American's doomed trip to remote island was a 'misdirected adventure,' police say.

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