🌱 Captive Ohio Missionaries Released + West Side Home Fire

Good morning, Cleveland! Let's get this Friday started off right. Here's everything you need to know today in town.

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First, today's weather:

Cooler with sun, some clouds. High: 42 Low: 37.

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Here are the top stories today in Cleveland:

1. Kidnappers in Haiti have released the remaining captives from an abducted Ohio missionary group. In October, 17 missionaries from Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries were kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang for a ransom of $1 million per hostage. However, the gang began releasing hostages earlier this month, with the remaining twelve captives set free on Thursday. (Cleveland Patch)
2. A woman convicted of assault at a Cleveland beauty store was sentenced Thursday. Ebony Afzal was charged in the attack that was caught on a surveillance camera at Chic Plus Beauty. Afzal was sentenced to two years' probation (suspended sentence of 36 months) and has to pay restitution of $2,009. (WJW FOX 8 News Cleveland)
3. Five people are now homeless after a fire on the city's west side Thursday morning.
   The blaze started around 10:15 a.m. in the 4400 block of Bush Avenue; the affected home had been split into several apartments. While the cause remains under investigation, firefighters believe it is probably electrical in an area of the home being remodeled. (Cleveland 19 News)

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Today in Cleveland:

• Mobile Food Pantry - South Pointe Hospital (10:00 AM)
• Preschool Story Time (Ages 3 - 5) - Garden Valley Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• Holiday Lantern Tours - Cleveland History Center (12:20 PM)
• The Dinner Detective Comedy Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Crowne Plaza Cleveland At Playhouse Square (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Patients at Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital had a ball during virtual visits with the Cleveland Cavaliers this week. (Facebook)
• CITY DOGS Cleveland has reduced adoption fees to $21 through the end of the year in an effort to help furry friends find their homes this holiday season. (Facebook)
• Due to warmer winter temperatures and a surplus of rain, some fungi have popped up at Cleveland Metroparks. (Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you around!

— Danielle Fallon

About me: Danielle Fallon is a writer who loves using her creativity to fuel her passion for communication. She is an employee of content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.