NewsChat: Daily Podcast with Jack Norton – News 1/10/25
US Capitol Arson Arrest, Hooters Waitress Cringe-Worthy DUI, Brink’s Truck Robbery Arrests
WINONA, MN – 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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US Capitol Arson Arrest
This is NewsChat: your source for the Truth in today’s news. Today is Friday, January 10, 2025 and I’m your host Jack Norton from JackAndKitty.com.
A man was arrested on Wednesday near the U.S. Capitol after allegedly attempting to start a fire in front of the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial.
Police responded around 5:30 p.m. after reports that the suspect had placed a bag on top of his parked car and set it on fire.
The fire quickly self-extinguished, and the 35-year-old suspect, whose identity was not released, was arrested for unlawful activities.
Investigators found accelerants in the bag, and the man’s spray-painted car was deemed suspicious, though no immediate danger was found.
Just hours earlier, Capitol Police arrested 44-year-old Mel J. Horne after he tried to bring a machete and three knives through a screening checkpoint at the Capitol Visitor Center.
The two incidents occurred while members of the public were paying their respects to the late President Jimmy Carter, with police assuring that public viewings would continue as scheduled despite the security concerns.
U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger praised officers for their quick response to both situations.
As we reflect on the recent arrest near the U.S. Capitol, we are reminded of the importance of safety, security, and the values that make this nation great.
The bravery and vigilance of the U.S. Capitol Police in swiftly responding to threats is an example of the protection that allows us to live in peace.
As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the freedoms we enjoy, and the men and women who serve in law enforcement are often the unsung heroes who maintain our safety and uphold the law.
Our nation was founded on biblical principles—freedom, justice, and the pursuit of righteousness—and it is through faith in God and reliance on His guidance that we continue to stand strong.
It is our responsibility to support and pray for those who protect our country, especially during times of heightened security and uncertainty.
As we remember the solemn occasion of President Jimmy Carter’s public viewing, we are reminded of the blessing it is to live in a land where we can freely honor our leaders and cherish the freedoms afforded to us.
God bless America, and may He continue to guide and protect this nation as we uphold the ideals of liberty, justice, and faith.
Hooters Waitress Cringe-Worthy DUI
A Florida Hooters waitress, 22-year-old Sophia Ross, was caught on bodycam attempting to flirt her way out of a DUI arrest after being pulled over for erratic driving in Sarasota.
Police say Ross had stopped at green lights and hit curbs before admitting to having been drinking at a bar.
During the stop, Ross tried to charm the officer by making several suggestive comments, including telling him, “We’re gonna make out here,” and repeatedly calling him “daddy.”
When her flirtation failed, she resorted to mocking the officer, calling him a “nerd” and dismissing his warnings about the bodycam recording the entire interaction.
Despite her antics, Ross was arrested and charged with DUI. She did not complete the sobriety tests and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
From a Christian perspective, the focus of this story should not be on the woman’s occupation but on the significantly more serious issue of drunk driving and the danger it poses to herself and others.
Driving under the influence is selfish, reckless and endangers everyone on the road, from pedestrians to fellow drivers.
It is a direct violation of the responsibility we have to care for those around us.
In Romans 13:1-2, we are instructed to obey the authorities and the laws of the land, which include laws that protect public safety—such as those against driving while intoxicated.
The consequences of her actions go beyond a legal charge—they could have led to a tragedy.
As Christians, we are called to value human life and to act in ways that preserve and protect it, not put it in jeopardy through irresponsible behavior.
It’s important to remember that no matter the circumstances, we are all held accountable for the choices we make, especially when those choices could harm others.
There’s few things that make me more angry that drunk and distracted drivers, so let us all pray that Sophia Ross from Sarasota, Florida learns from this incident and gets the help she so desperately needs.
Brink’s Truck Robbery Arrests
Four individuals have been indicted in connection with the armed robbery of a Brink’s truck in Madison, Illinois, on December 5, 2024.
Two Brink’s employees were ambushed by armed suspects, Antonio T. Harris, 23, and Patrick D. Johnson, 26, while servicing an ATM.
The robbers stole cash and gun belts containing firearms and ammunition.
Lee O. Griffin Jr., 23, allegedly drove the getaway car, which was later found on fire in Washington Park, with Griffin and Taneisha M. Davis, 29, believed to be responsible for the arson.
Griffin faces multiple charges, including robbery and arson, while Harris, Johnson, and Davis face charges related to the theft and destruction of evidence.
The investigation, led by the FBI’s Springfield office and supported by local law enforcement, emphasized the importance of coordination between agencies in solving the crime.
FBI Special Agent Christopher Johnson praised these partnerships, which led to the swift identification and arrest of the suspects.
Madison County Sheriff Jeff C. Connor also commended the efforts, stressing that such crimes will not be tolerated in the community.
The actions taken by these armed robbers can be seen as a tragic violation of the commandment to love our neighbors and live in peace.
In Exodus 20:15, God clearly states, “You shall not steal,” which applies to not only material possessions but also to the trust and safety of individuals.
The actions of these criminals, who stole not only money but also firearms and endangered lives, show the depths of greed and disregard for the well-being of others.
Additionally, the attempt to destroy evidence by setting the getaway car on fire may reflect the deceitful nature that can arise when one seeks to cover up wrongdoing.
Proverbs 12:22 teaches, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are His delight.”
This crime shows how sin can drive individuals to take extreme and desperate measures to hide their actions, causing more harm in the process.
However, as Christians, we are reminded of the grace and redemption offered through Christ.
Even in the midst of such serious crimes, we pray for repentance and transformation for those involved, trusting that God can heal brokenness and restore hearts.
At the same time, we acknowledge the importance of justice, as Romans 13:4 teaches that authorities are appointed to “punish those who do wrong” for the good of society.
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. And hey, today’s Friday – you made it through the week! Congrats, consider this your virtual gold star! 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, why are frogs so happy? Because they eat whatever bugs them.
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