Nation, world briefs 7/21/2015

Greek banks reopen, cash limits remain

ATHENS, Greece -- Greek banks reopened Monday for the first time in three weeks, but strict limits on cash withdrawals and higher taxes on everything from coffee to diapers meant the economic outlook for the recession-battered country was far from back to normal. There were hopeful developments: The cash-strapped nation got a short-term loan from European creditors to pay $6.5 billion owed to the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank. Nonpayment of either would have derailed Greece's latest bailout request. But for most Greeks, already buffeted by six years of recession, Monday was all about rising prices as tax hikes demanded by creditors took effect. Dimitris Chronis, who has run a small kebab shop in central Athens for 20 years, said the higher tax rates could push his business over the edge. Chronis said sales already have slid 80 percent since banking restrictions were imposed June 29.

State seeks $1.5M fine for taking water

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California regulators on Monday proposed a first-of-its-kind, $1.5 million fine for a group of Central Valley farmers accused of illegally taking water during the drought. It would be the first such fine for holders of California's oldest claims to water. The State Water Resources Control Board said the Byron-Bethany Irrigation District in Tracy illegally took water from a pumping plant even after it was warned there wasn't enough water legally available. The move by the board was the first against an individual or district with claims to water that are more than a century-old, known as senior water rights holders. The action reflects the rising severity of California's four-year drought.

Shooting defendant to give handwriting

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- A white man charged with killing nine black parishioners at a Charleston church was ordered to provide handwriting samples to investigators, and prosecutors hope to match it with notes and other writings that point to motive. After Dylann Roof's arrest the day after the June 17 shootings, search warrants were executed on Roof's "known residences and vehicles," said a court motion filed by prosecutor Scarlett Wilson. "Evidence was collected containing what the state believes to be the handwritten notes, lists, etc. of the defendant," and the state believes the notes "contain relative evidence of guilt and motive," the motion stated.

Black flag supporter dies in car crash

JACKSON, Miss. -- A black Mississippi man who dressed in Confederate regalia to support the state flag died in a one-car accident. The Highway Patrol said Anthony Hervey, 49, was killed Sunday when the 2005 Ford Explorer he was driving left the roadway and overturned on Highway 6 in Lafayette County. The vehicle's owner and passenger in the car, Arlene Barnum, said Hervey swerved and crashed after a vehicle carrying four or five young black men pulled up alongside them, yelling and looking angry. Barnum, of Stuart, Oklahoma, said Hervey yelled something back at the other vehicle before losing control and crashing.

-- From wire reports