NATION & WORLD WATCH
Autopsy: Man fatally shot by Texas troopers struck 16 times
DALLAS – The autopsy of a man fatally shot by two state troopers following a Dallas traffic stop revealed 16 gunshot wounds. The Dallas Morning News obtained the autopsy report on Schaston Hodge, 27, who was shot Aug. 17 by troopers Joshua Engleman and Robert Litvin. Police have said there was a short pursuit after Hodge failed to use a turn signal. Lt. Lonny Haschel, a spokesman with the state’s Department of Public Safety, said Texas Rangers investigated and a grand jury declined to indict the troopers.
Police: Robber sexually assaulted hostage during bank robbery
ROCKFORD, Ill. – A man armed with a pellet gun who took a woman hostage inside an Illinois bank sexually assaulted her before surrendering to authorities following a six-hour standoff, police said Saturday. Nicholas August, 39, of Rockford, was charged with two counts of criminal sexual assault, armed robbery and aggravated unlawful restraint, according to a statement from police. The woman, a 39-year-old bank employee, was treated at a hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening, police said.
China replaces its top official in protest-riven Hong Kong
BEIJING – China replaced its top official in Hong Kong on Saturday, state media said, as anti-government protests in the semi-autonomous territory enter their eighth month. Luo Huining, the former Communist Party chief for Shanxi province, was appointed to head China’s liaison office in Hong Kong, the official Xinhua News Agency said. He replaces Wang Zhimin, who had assumed office in September 2017. Xinhua did not give a reason for the change. The protesters have been demanding fully democratic elections for Hong Kong.
Italy expels Moroccan imam over IS support, notes abuse also
ROME – Italy on Saturday expelled a Moroccan imam because of what it said was his support for the Islamic State group. Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese cited reasons of state security in sending the 41-year-old imam, identified only as M.G., back to Casablanca. In a statement, the ministry said the imam expressed support for the late IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and shared jihadi propaganda on Facebook. The ministry said his Moroccan wife also filed a complaint saying he was abusive when she did not wear a covering niqab.