What's happened
Former New Mexico governor and diplomat Bill Richardson has died at the age of 75.
Why it matters
Bill Richardson was a prominent figure in American politics and diplomacy, known for his efforts to secure the release of Americans detained by foreign adversaries.
What the papers say
The New York Times emphasizes Richardson's unique specialty in foreign affairs and his work to help bring home imprisoned Americans, while The Guardian highlights his diverse political career and his dedication to service. The Independent and The Times of Israel provide similar coverage, focusing on Richardson's lifelong commitment to helping free people held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad.
How we got here
Bill Richardson served as a congressman, governor, ambassador to the United Nations, and energy secretary under President Bill Clinton. He was known for his unofficial diplomatic troubleshooter role, negotiating the release of hostages and American servicemen from various countries.
More on these topics
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William Blaine Richardson III is an American politician, author, and diplomat, who served as the 30th governor of New Mexico from 2003 to 2011. He was also U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Energy Secretary in the Clinton administration, a U.S.
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New Mexico is a state in the Southwestern region of the United States of America; its capital is Santa Fe, which was founded in 1610 as capital of Nuevo México, while its largest city is Albuquerque with its accompanying metropolitan area.
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William Jefferson Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Prior to the presidency, he was the governor of Arkansas from 1979 to 1981, and again from 1983 to 1992, and the attorney general