Instructions:  Conduct research about a recent current event using credible sources. Then, compile what you’ve learned to write your own hard or soft news article. Minimum: 250 words. Feel free to do outside research to support your claims.  Remember to: be objective, include a lead that answers the...

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Secretary of State Anthoney Blinken made public an offer for the United

States and Russia to exchange Viktor Bout, an arms dealer, for Britney Griner,

a professional basketball player in the WNBA as well as Paul Whelan, a former

Marine detained in Russia under charges of espionage.

In February, Brittney Griner was detained in Russia after Russian authorities

found vape canisters which contained hashish oil, a form of marijuana. It

should be worth noting that the hashish oil was recommended by her doctor.

Since then, Griner has been detained in Russia and is currently facing a

maximum sentence of 10 years if found guilty. Earlier this week she was

sentenced to 9 years in Russian prison.

The other prisoner is Paul Whelan, a former Marine who used to work as a

security executive. While in Russia, Whelan was supposedly caught with a

flash drive that contained sensitive information and was subsequently

sentenced to 16 years in jail.

However, none of these two people compare to the notoriety of Viktor Bout,

an arms dealer also known by the moniker the “Angel of Death.” Bout has

supplied weapons all around the world, including places such as Afghanistan,

Somalia, Yemen, and Angola. Government and rebel soldiers in these places

have fought each other with the same weapons that they bought from Bout.

In 2008, however, Viktor Bout was caught in Bangkok attempting to sell

weapons that were intended to kill Americans. He was arrested and then was

extradited to the United States, where he is currently serving a jail sentence

of 25 years.

The potential of a trade has made some people happy, while angering others.

The families of Britney Grinner and Paul Whelan are overjoyed at the

prospect of their loved ones returning home. However, others are angered at

the prospect of America turning over an arms dealer for Americans in jail due

to their own mistakes

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