A small local note to the diplomatic tussling that erupted last month, when Russia expelled 60 American diplomats in retaliation for the U.S. sending Russian diplomats packing.
The U.S., Canada, Australia and 25 other European nations joined the United Kingdom in expelling Russian diplomats late last month, in response to the poisoning in England of former British spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter — which the U.S., the U.K., and their allies blame on Russian agents. The U.S. expelled 60 Russian diplomats, prompting the response by Russia (here’s more from NPR).
Little Rock native John Madden, a graduate of Central High School and Harding University, was one of the diplomats expelled, according to Facebook posts by Madden and his family. His wife and children were not expelled and will stay there until school is out.