NewsChat: Daily Podcast with Jack Norton – News 1/2/25
Massive Drug Seizure on Border, DUI Monkey Found in Rolls Royce, ID Theft for Undocumented Workers
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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Massive Drug Seizure on Border
This is NewsChat: your source for the Truth in today’s news. Today is Thursday, January 2, 2025 and I’m your host Jack Norton from JackAndKitty.com.
Over the weekend, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Laredo, Texas, seized over $6.3 million worth of drugs in two separate busts.
At the World Trade Bridge, a 2022 Freightliner carrying roof sealant buckets was referred for inspection, leading to the discovery of nearly 30 pounds of methamphetamine valued at $266,000.
In a second incident, officers found more than 2,700 pounds of marijuana, worth over $6 million, hidden in a shipment of mechanical appliances in a 2007 Freightliner.
The total street value of the drugs seized was $6,324,920, and investigations into the shipments are now underway.
This situation in Texas sheds light on the ongoing battle against the dangers that threaten our communities. As Christians, we are called to pray for those who protect us, including the dedicated men and women of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
These officers, doing the vital work of keeping dangerous substances out of our country, serve as a shield for our families and loved ones. The size of these seizures reflects the constant threats they face.
Friends, let us take a moment to lift up our prayers for the protection of all CBP officers, that God will continue to guide and guard them as they carry out their mission.
May they be shielded by His strength and wisdom, finding safety as they confront evil at our borders. We also pray for the healing of those caught in the grip of addiction and the restoration of lives destroyed by these harmful substances.
As Americans, we can be proud of the men and women who stand guard over our land. May we, as a nation, always honor their sacrifices and stand firm in the values that have made this country great. God bless America, and may He continue to protect our borders and our people.
DUI Monkey Found in Rolls Royce
A bizarre DUI stop in Madera County, California, took a strange turn when authorities found a baby spider monkey inside a speeding Rolls Royce.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) stopped the luxury car on State Road 99, where they discovered the adorable little monkey, believed to be about one month old, along with bags of cannabis and several cell phones.
The intoxicated driver was arrested on charges of DUI, possession of cannabis for sale, and possession of an exotic animal, which is illegal in California.
The baby monkey, dressed in a onesie, was first taken by Animal Control, then transferred to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and finally moved to the Oakland Zoo for proper care.
Cops are continuing to investigate the situation and, thankfully, the baby spider monkey is healthy and happy at his new home.
Well, it’s not every day you hear about a DUI stop involving a baby spider monkey wearing a onesie surrounded by weed while in a Rolls Royce, right? Only in California!
But in all seriousness, this story reminds us that while life can sometimes feel like a circus, we all have a responsibility to make wise choices.
Drunk driving and drug use are not just reckless; they’re dangerous, not just for the person involved but for everyone else on the road. The Bible warns us about the dangers of letting anything control us outside of the Spirit of God.
Proverbs 20:1 says, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.” It’s clear—substances that impair our judgment only lead to harm.
Friends, through Jesus, there is freedom from these vices.
In 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul says, “I have the right to do anything,” but then follows up with, “but I will not be mastered by anything.”
This is the core message: we’re called to live with self-control, not letting anything—from alcohol to drugs to, apparently, even monkeys—rule our lives.
Jesus offers us true freedom, a freedom that protects us from self-destructive choices and brings us peace. So, let’s choose wisely, keep our minds clear, and remember that real luxury comes not from our cars, but from the grace we’ve been given.
Identity Theft for Undocumented Workers
Fresh Mark Inc., a major meat processing company based in Ohio, has agreed to pay a $4 million penalty after being caught in a scheme that used stolen identities to hire undocumented workers.
The company, which produces meats under the Sugardale and Superior Brand Meats labels, allowed hiring manager Yelwin Omar Munoz-Solis to use U.S. citizens’ identities to certify the employment eligibility of workers who were not authorized to work in the U.S.
The scheme was uncovered after a 2018 investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations, which found 146 undocumented workers across multiple Fresh Mark facilities.
Munoz-Solis pleaded guilty to multiple charges, and Fresh Mark entered a non-prosecution agreement, agreeing to pay the hefty fine and comply with federal reporting requirements for two years.
From a Christian perspective, the story of Fresh Mark Inc.’s illegal hiring practices is a call to reflect on our values and the ethics that should guide us as individuals and as a society.
The Bible encourages us to act justly and honestly in all things, especially in the way we treat others.
Proverbs 11:1 states, “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.”
This verse reminds us that fairness and integrity are essential in all dealings, including business practices.
As citizens, we have the power to make choices with our wallets. Supporting companies that uphold ethical hiring practices and treat their workers with dignity is one way we can ensure we are contributing to a just and honest economy.
By choosing businesses that respect laws and provide opportunities for legal citizens, we help protect the livelihoods of honest American workers and encourage a system that values truth and righteousness.
Proverbs 14:23 reminds us, “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
Friends, it’s important to ensure that the businesses we support are investing in hard work done by those who follow the law and contribute to society in a legitimate way. Again, Fresh Mark Inc. produces meats under the Sugardale and Superior Brand Meats labels.
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 day today. 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, did you know before I became a minister I used to run a dating service for chickens? It’s true! But I gave it up – I was struggling to make hens meet.
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