Wikinews Shorts: August 15, 2016

Kenny Baker, who played R2-D2 in Star Wars, dies, 81
actor, aged 81, died on Saturday after a lengthy illness, at his home, according to relatives. He was known for playing in many of the ' films, as well as his role as Fidgit in 's '.

Sources

Massive flooding in Louisiana
Record floods have broken out in parts of the state of. Officials said yesterday at least four have died in the event. Some motorists were stranded on for more than a day. 's 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, Olympic swimmers , , , and were robbed at gunpoint by thieves posing as police officers, according to reports from the  Olympic Committee and the swimmers. By Lochte's account to, 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.