Wikinews Shorts: August 15, 2016
A compilation of brief news reports for Monday, August 15, 2016.
Kenny Baker, who played R2-D2 in Star Wars, dies, 81
English actor Kenny Baker, aged 81, died on Saturday after a lengthy illness, at his home, according to relatives. He was known for playing R2-D2 in many of the Star Wars films, as well as his role as Fidgit in Terry Gilliam's Time Bandits.
Sources
- "Kenny Baker, Star Wars R2-D2 actor, dies aged 81" — BBC News Online, August 13, 2016
- AP. "‘Star Wars’ actor Kenny Baker know for R2-D2 role dies at 81" — Los Angeles Daily News, August 13, 2016
Massive flooding in Louisiana
Record floods have broken out in parts of the US state of Louisiana. Officials said yesterday at least four have died in the event. Some motorists were stranded on Interstate 12 for more than a day. Ochsner's Baton Rouge medical center said they transferred around 40 patients elsewhere to "ensure ongoing continuity of care", many of the patients in critical condition.
- Greg Hilburn and John Bacon. "Four dead, 7,000 rescued from Louisiana flooding" — USA Today, August 14, 2016
- Joe Sterling, Steve Visser and Boris Sanchez. "'Major disaster' in flooded areas of Louisiana, governor says" — CNN, August 14, 2016
Four Olympic swimmers robbed in Brazil
Yesterday, in Rio de Janeiro, Olympic swimmers Gunnar Bentz, Jack Conger, Jimmy Feigen, and Ryan Lochte were robbed at gunpoint by thieves posing as police officers, according to reports from the US Olympic Committee and the swimmers. By Lochte's account to NBC, after he initially refused to cooperate, one of the bandits put a gun to his head. The four men were reported safe, and authorities said they were investigating.
- Rebecca P. Ruiz and Victor Mather. "Ryan Lochte and Three Teammates Robbed at Gunpoint" — The New York Times, August 14, 2016
- Thom Patterson. "Ryan Lochte, 3 other U.S. swimmers robbed at Rio Olympics, USOC says" — CNN, August 14, 2016
