The death toll from the savage storms and tornadoes sweeping across America’s southern states has now topped 250. More than half of those have died in Alabama alone where a state of emergency has been declared. It’s the worst storm season in almost 40 years. 

 

Authorities believe a suicide bomber was responsible for a massive explosion at a popular tourist café in the Moroccan city of Marrakech that’s killed at least 15 people. Most of the dead are thought to be tourists. The bomb attack happened at the city’s main square which is usually packed with tourists and street vendors. 

 

There’s growing anger about the Federal Government decision to delay listing several drugs on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme. Health Minister Nicola Roxon will meet concerned health groups in Melbourne today to try to allay their fears. Mr Roxon says it’s all about keeping a lid on government spending. 

 

And it looks like the door has finally been slammed on Julia Gillard’s plan for a refugee processing centre in East Timor. Fairfax is reporting the country’s President Jose Ramos-Horta has now withdrawn his support for the proposal. The idea had already been rejected by the country’s parliament and its Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao.