Wikinews Shorts: August 15, 2016

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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

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.

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.