Morocco’s economic engine on the Atlantic coast
The U.S. Army has said the remains of the second of two soldiers who went missing during African Lion exercises in Morocco have been recovered and are en route to the United States. Both service members disappeared after an off‑duty recreational hike near the Cap Draa Training Area on May 2; an investigation is ongoing.
The latest reports show authorities intensifying crackdowns on dissent, with multiple arrests and prosecutions in Egypt and Morocco, while Russia pursues penal actions against critics abroad. Protests and detentions are part of a broader pattern of government hostility toward voices of dissent.
Morocco has eliminated the Netherlands 3-2 in a World Cup last-32 penalty shootout. Celebrations erupt in Casablanca, while police in The Hague deploy riot squads amid clashes as fans clash after the match.
Minions & Monsters has opened strongly, topping North American box office with $36.4 million for the holiday weekend and $61.4 million over five days. Toy Story 5 follows with $31 million, while Young Washington debuts around $21 million. Supergirl trails, and overall weekend revenue is down year-on-year but up for the summer period vs 2025.
Ismail Elfath has been named the referee for England v Argentina in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage. The US official has previously refereed at Qatar 2022 and is one of a record eight US referees at the tournament.
Moroccan authorities are tightening pressure on critics as journalist Ali Lmrabet and rapper Mehdi El Youbi face detention and investigations linked to political criticism. Lmrabet has been questioned and released pending further probes, while El Youbi remains detained amid concerns over artistic expression and state responses to youth-led protests.