NewsChat keeps you informed with clarity, integrity, and honest insights. Stay updated with news that matters and perspectives that guide.

NewsChat: Daily Podcast with Jack Norton – News 1/12/25

Pizzagate Gunman Killed by Cops, Covid Cure Conman Sentenced, $70,000 Pokémon Heist Shocks Locals

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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Pizzagate Gunman Killed by Cops, Covid Cure Conman Sentenced, $70,000 Pokémon Heist Shocks Locals

Pizzagate Gunman Killed by Cops

This is NewsChat: your source for the Truth in today’s news. Today is Sunday, January 12, 2025 and I’m your host Jack Norton from JackAndKitty.com.

Edgar Maddison Welch, known for his involvement in the 2016 armed raid at Comet Ping Pong Pizzeria in Washington, D.C., was fatally shot by police in North Carolina.

Welch gained national attention after being driven by an online theory called Pizzagate which claims that prominent political figures are running a child trafficking ring out of the restaurant.

During that incident, he fired his rifle at a locked closet before peacefully surrendering.

No one was injured, and Welch later pled guilty to multiple charges, serving a four-year prison sentence.

Fast forward to this past weekend. According to police in North Carolina, Welch was stopped during a traffic check on Saturday night.

Officers identified him as a wanted suspect with a felony probation violation.

When they attempted to arrest him, Welch reportedly pointed a handgun at police, prompting two officers to open fire.

He was taken to the hospital and died two days later. No officers or other vehicle occupants were injured.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is now reviewing the shooting, and the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.

The tragic death of Edgar Maddison Welch leaves many questions unanswered.

While the details surrounding the shooting continue to unfold, this moment calls for reflection on a deeper issue—the importance of following biblical principles in our daily lives.

Welch’s past actions, driven by anger and fear, remind us of the importance of seeking truth and wisdom.

Proverbs 3:5-6 teaches us to trust in the Lord and not lean on our own understanding, encouraging believers to act with discernment rather than fear.

I have my own opinions on this story – but this isn’t the time or place to explore theories like Pizzagate.

Instead, it’s an opportunity to focus on grounding ourselves in scripture.

Philippians 4:8 urges us to dwell on what is true, honorable, and just.

It is easy to be swept up in the chaos and noise of the world, but as followers of Christ, we are called to rise above it by clinging to truth, love, and wisdom.

This incident also calls us to pray for everyone involved—Welch’s family, the officers who were part of this tragic event, and those who continue to wrestle with the truth.

Let this be a reminder for us all to live peaceably, ground ourselves in prayer, and walk in the truth guided by God’s Word.

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Covid Cure Conman Sentenced

A part-time actor from California is heading to federal prison after being sentenced to more than eight years for a fraudulent scheme involving a fake Covid-19 cure.

Keith Lawrence Middlebrook, 57, was convicted on 11 counts of wire fraud after falsely claiming to have developed a “patent-pending” cure called “QC20” and a preventive treatment named “QP20.”

During the early days of the pandemic, he solicited investors across several states, promising guaranteed returns and even claiming that Magic Johnson was a director in his company.

Middlebrook lied about investor contributions and fabricated a $10 billion offer from a Dubai buyer to lure more victims into his scheme.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced his 98-month prison sentence, along with a $25,000 fine.

His arrest came after he delivered fake pills to an undercover agent posing as an investor.

U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer noted that Middlebrook obstructed justice by lying on the witness stand about his alleged ties to Johnson.

According to his IMDB page, Middlebrook had minor roles in films and TV shows such as Thor, Moneyball, and The Sopranos.

This story of a man exploiting others during a global crisis reflects the dangers of greed and deception.

Scripture warns us about the destructive power of greed. In 1 Timothy 6:10 it says: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

In a time when people were desperate for hope and healing, the enemy hardened Middlebrook’s heart, driving him to prey on fear for personal gain.

His actions didn’t just break laws; they violated trust and brought harm to those he deceived.

The Bible also speaks about those who take advantage of others in vulnerable situations.

Proverbs 22:22-23 cautions, “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the Lord will take up their case and will exact life for life.”

This verse reminds us that God cares deeply for those who are wronged.

Friends, understand this: when people allow greed to consume them, they become instruments of the enemy, spreading harm rather than reflecting God’s love and compassion.

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$70,000 Pokémon Heist Shocks Locals

A Washington state gaming and collectibles store was hit by a thief for the second time in less than six months, according to owner Robert Cantrell.

The latest break-in occurred on Sunday, with the suspect stealing around $10,000 to $11,000 worth of Pokémon cards, including a box of toys and packs the store gives away to kids.

Combined losses from both heists now total over $70,000.

Cantrell believes it’s the same person who broke into his Lakewood store in August 2024.

Fortunately, his cats, which escaped during the incident, were found and returned safely.

Cantrell opened Pacific Northwest Gaming and Collectibles in February 2021 to honor his sister, Kassandra Cantrell, who was murdered in 2020.

The store has become a trusted community spot for collectors.

Despite the setback, Cantrell plans to reopen after repairs and has asked for donations to help restock the kids’ giveaway box.

The Lakewood Police Department is actively investigating both thefts.

This story of repeated theft at Pacific Northwest Gaming and Collectibles is heartbreaking, not just because of the financial loss, but because of what the store represents.

Robert opened the business in honor of his sister, Kassandra, who was tragically murdered in 2020.

The store stands as a tribute to her memory and a way for Robert to give back to the community.

Seeing this place targeted twice, with a combined loss of $70,000, is painful for both the owner and those who know the store’s purpose.

As Christians, we are called to care for one another in times of need.

Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

This is a moment where we can put that call into action.

Whether it’s through prayer, financial support, or donating items to help rebuild the store’s giveaway box for kids, every effort matters.

Let’s come together to show compassion and love to Robert Cantrell and his store during this difficult time. If you ask me, this Pokémon bandit needs to Pokémon go – straight to prison!

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’re having a relaxing Sunday. It finally snowed here in Minnesota – it’s been a mild winter and this was a light dusting – but I’m thankful that we got some snow. Thankful because there’s not enough for me to have to go out and shovel! 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 today, a little girl recently asked her mother, “Where did people come from?”

Her mother answered, “God made Adam and Eve and they had children and that’s how all mankind was made.”

A couple of days later she asked her father the same question.

The father answered, “Many years ago there were monkeys, which the human race evolved from.”

The confused little girl returned to her mother and said, “Mommy, how is it possible that you told me that we were created by God, and Daddy said we came from monkeys?”

The mother answered, “Well, dear, it is very simple. I told you about my side of the family and your father told you about his.”

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