NewsChat: Daily Podcast with Jack Norton – News 1/1/25
Father Charged in DUI Manslaughter, Man Assaults Teen Over Arby’s, Judge Found Dead in Courtroom
Tune in daily to NewsChat, the podcast that brings you the truth in news. Hosted by Jack Norton, this show delivers honest, straightforward reporting on the day’s top stories, paired with a thoughtful, sensible take. Presented by the Jack and Kitty News Network in association with Voices of Faith Ministries, NewsChat keeps you informed with clarity, integrity, and honest insights. Stay updated with news that matters and perspectives that guide.
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Father Charged in DUI Manslaughter
This is NewsChat: your source for the Truth in today’s news. Today is Wednesday, January 1, 2025 and I’m your host Jack Norton from JackAndKitty.com.
In a tragic incident on November 7, a Florida father, Kody Wills, crashed his car while driving under the influence, killing his five-year-old daughter and severely injuring his three-year-old son.
The crash occurred in Lakeland, Florida, when Wills failed to stop at a stop sign and crashed into a tree, causing the vehicle to catch fire.
Wills’ blood alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit. He faces charges including DUI manslaughter, DUI causing serious bodily injury, and two counts of negligent child abuse.
Wills was arrested yesterday, after an investigation confirmed his impairment at the time of the crash.
Despite suffering his own injuries, including broken bones, he claimed to only have one shot of booze earlier in the day. His daughter tragically died at the scene, and his son sustained burns that will leave permanent scarring. Wills is scheduled for a first appearance hearing today.
This story is a perfect example of the devastating consequences of addiction, particularly alcoholism.
Kody Wills’ actions not only led to the loss of his daughter’s life but also caused irreversible harm to his son. While it is difficult to fathom the depth of pain and regret he must now carry, the Bible offers hope for transformation and healing.
Addiction is a powerful force, but as Christians, we believe that through the grace of Jesus Christ, healing is possible.
The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
This verse reminds us that addiction, though overwhelming, can be overcome through God’s strength and mercy.
For those struggling with addiction, accepting Jesus can bring about profound change. His love offers not only forgiveness but also a pathway to freedom from the chains of destructive behaviors. It’s a call to not only seek help but to rely on God’s power to heal and transform lives.
Jesus offers healing and restoration. Through Him, there is always hope for a fresh start, no matter how dire the circumstances may seem. Please keep the Wills family in your prayers.
Man Assaults Teen Over Arby’s
A 51-year-old man was arrested after allegedly choking a teenage employee at an Arby’s drive-thru in South Jordan, Utah – which is just south of Salt Lake City.
Salvador Anthony Espericueta became upset with his order on Saturday afternoon, got out of his car, and confronted the teen, asking if he was “man enough to have a conversation.”
The situation escalated quickly as Salvador shoved the 16-year-old employee against a wall and door before choking him.
After fleeing the scene, he was arrested at his home, where he admitted to making a “mistake” at the drive-thru. He now faces charges of aggravated assault, aggravated child abuse, and disorderly conduct.
You know, the Bible teaches us to be slow to anger and to seek peace in all situations (James 1:19). And yup, that even means when a teenager at Arby’s forgets your Horsey Sauce.
Jesus said, “But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5:22). In this case, the man’s actions not only caused harm to a young employee but also set a poor example of how Christians are called to conduct themselves in the world.
As followers of Christ, we are urged to show patience, kindness, and self-control, especially in moments of stress or frustration. Rather than acting out in anger, the Bible encourages us to “speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:19).
I myself would definitely break out in hymns and songs from the Spirit if I had an Arby’s Classic Beef ‘N Cheddar right now – but that’s probably just because my wife Kitty put me on a vegan diet.
All jokes aside, violence, no matter the situation, is never the answer and is contrary to the teachings of Christ. In moments of conflict, Christians are reminded to approach others with grace, offering forgiveness and seeking reconciliation, as Christ has forgiven us.
Judge Found Dead in Courtroom
A Georgia state judge, Stephen Yekel, was found after allegedy unaliving himself in a courtroom at the Effingham County Courthouse in Springfield, Georgia on Tuesday morning.
Authorities confirmed he died from an unaliving gunshot wound, with the death believed to have occurred late Monday or early Tuesday.
Investigators from the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are looking into the circumstances surrounding his death, with an autopsy underway.
The judge had been appointed to the state court by Governor Brian Kemp in 2022 but lost his re-election bid earlier this year. He also attempted to resign last week, though Kemp did not accept his resignation. Reportedly, the judge also sent a note to the governor, but its contents remain unknown.
Friends, life is a precious gift from God, and every person is created in His image. The tragic death of Judge Stephen Yekel is a heartbreaking reminder of the pain and struggles that so many face.
While we may never fully understand the reasons behind his unaliving, we can find comfort in the truth that each person, no matter their circumstances, is deeply loved by God.
In the Bible, we are reminded that God sees our pain, and He offers us His peace and strength in times of despair.
1 Peter 5:7 tells us, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
It is important to remember that our worth is not tied to our struggles but to the fact that we are children of God, loved beyond measure. Even in the darkest moments, God offers healing and hope, and it is through Him that we find the strength to endure.
For those who may feel overwhelmed or alone, it’s essential to reach out to others for support. If you or someone you know is struggling with unaliving thoughts, please reach out for support. The National Unaliving Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7, offering free and confidential help. You don’t have to face this alone. Call or text 988 to speak with a trained counselor. There is hope, and help is just a call or message away. You are loved – and your life matters.
Thanks for listening to NewsChat – now if the good Lord’s willing and the creek don’t rise, I’ll see you again tomorrow morning. I hope you have a great first day of this new year – 2025, can you believe it? I know this year will be full of joy and abundance for you and yours. Remember, Jesus loves you and you deserve to feel good today! Take care.
NewsChat is a co-production from the Jack and Kitty News Network and Voices of Faith Ministries, visit us at JackAndKitty.com. Have a news tip, prayer request or just want to say hi? Email us: hello@jackandkitty.com. NewsChat is written and producted by my wife Kitty Norton, with additional research by our team of news reporters Maria Garcia, Todd Johnson, Thomas Miller and Emma Smith. It is recorded and hosted by me, Jack Norton and edited by Todd Johnson. Music composed and performed by Jack and Kitty Norton.
Finally, for those of you starting a diet today, I discovered a little fitness shortcut recently. I’d love to share it with you. If you put your Fitbit in the dryer, you can get a head start on your steps. I had 3,800 steps in before I even put on my sweatpants!
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