RoundUp
Richmond removes statues
Workers began removing Confederate statues in Richmond on Wednesday after the mayor of the US city, the former capital of the pro-slavery Civil War South, ordered them taken down.
Mayor of Richmond Levar Stoney was using his emergency powers to order “the immediate removal of multiple monuments in the city, including Confederate statues,” his office said in a statement.
The mayor’s office said removing the statues “will expedite the healing process for the city, a former capital of the Confederacy constantly grappling with that legacy.”
“Failing to remove the statues presents a severe, immediate and growing threat to public safety,” it added.
The removal of Confederate statues and monuments has been a persistent demand during recent protests triggered by the death of an African-American man called George Floyd for racial justice in the US.
Uruguayan FM resigns
Uruguay’s Foreign Minister Ernesto Talvi, who shot to international prominence when he oversaw the repatriation of foreign passengers from a coronavirus-stricken cruise ship, announced his resignation in a statement on Wednesday.
Talvi’s move had been expected after he announced his intention in June to devote more time to his Ciudadanos political party, one of five in Uruguay’s governing coalition.
In a letter to President Luis Lacalle Pou which he posted on Twitter, Talvi said he had intended to remain as minister until the end of 2020.
Local media reported that Talvi will be replaced by Francisco Bustillo, currently the ambassador to Spain.
Inmates die after drinking gel
Three inmates of a prison in Mexico died after ingesting antibacterial gel distributed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, local authorities said Wednesday.
The men thought the gel would have the same effects as an alcoholic drink, state authorities said.
A fourth man is reported to be in a serious condition.
Local media reported that the inmates had mixed the gel with a cola drink.