1 American Missionaries Escaped Haitian Gang, Not Freed
Recently we told you about the group of 12 Christian missionaries who had made it back to the US after being “freed” from captivity. Turns out? They weren’t “freed” by members of the Haitian gang that took them at all – they actually escaped. Speaking to reporters, Weston Showalter, a spokesperson for Christian Aid Ministries, said the adults of the group decided to flee and made a daring escape. As for how the group spent their days – since being kidnapped on October 16th, Showalter says the captives we treated fairly well – they were fed and allowed to pray every day. And when it came to the children, they were apparently fed quite well. But it was after three captives were released December 6th that the remaining missionaries decided to put a plan into action (two had been released November 21st). “The hostages were sensing God," he explained. "Nudging them to an attempt and escape." He went on to say that over the time of their captivity, they planned to leave twice, but "God gave clear signs that this was not the right time.” But when it was? The group was guided by moonlight – and found their freedom – after a 10-mile hike. When daylight came, they found a stranger who called for help.
2 First Known Omicron U.S. Death In Texas
The first known death in the U.S. from the omicron COVID-19 variant has happened in in Texas – it was confirmed by officials in Harris County. The victim was an unvaccinated man in his 50s with underlying health conditions. While it hasn’t proven to be deadlier than its previous incarnations, the omicron variant appears to be much more infectious than earlier forms of the virus. In fact, Houston Methodist reports 82% of new cases are omicron after three weeks, a milestone the delta variant took three months to reach. Meanwhile, the White House is addressing growing concerns about the rapid spread of the COVID Omicron variant. Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that unvaccinated Americans will continue to drive new hospitalizations and deaths. President Biden will address the nation about the strategy for combating the latest COVID surge later today – and Psaki said it will not be a speech about locking the country down again.
3 Sen. Manchin Responds To Fierce Criticism From Fellow Dems
West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin is responding to fierce criticism from fellow Democrats after announcing he will oppose President Biden's Build Back Better bill. Manchin shocked everyone – especially in his own party – when he said he was a “no” with regard to voting on the package In the wake of the concussion within the party – Manchin says he refuses to be "submissive" and accused other Dems, as well as Biden’s own staff, of trying to badger him. Manchin has been publicly skeptical about the scope and cost of the measure. And while some lawmakers, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have decried Manchin’s decision, he’s standing firm – but so is President Biden. According to reports, he and Manchin have spoken and the door is being kept open to negotiate later on. The bill won't reach Biden without Manchin's support, as the senate is split evenly between Democrats and Republicans.