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 2/4/25

Trump’s New Jersey Drone Explanation, Homeless Amputee Set on Fire, Con’s Luxury Watch Ponzi Scheme

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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Trump’s New Jersey Drone Explanation, Homeless Amputee Set on Fire, Con's Luxury Watch Ponzi Scheme

Trump’s New Jersey Drone Explanation

This is NewsChat: your source for the Truth in today’s news. Today is Tuesday, February 4, 2025 and I’m your host Jack Norton from JackAndKitty.com.

The White House revealed President Trump’s explanation for last month’s mysterious drones over New Jersey, but the details only sparked more questions.

Trump’s Press Secretary shared a statement that the drones were “not the enemy” and were authorized for research or flown by hobbyists.

However, the exact nature of the research and why the drones appeared near military bases remains unclear.

Former House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Mike McCaul believes the drones may have been spy devices from China and expressed frustration over the lack of answers from officials.

Trump accused Biden’s administration of hiding information, claiming the military knows where the drones came from but refuses to comment.

Federal agencies, including the FBI and FAA, maintain that the sightings are mostly lawful drones and hobbyists, but public concern continues to grow.

I’m pretty disappointed in this development – and I definitely think there’s more to this story than we’re being told. But do I lose sleep over this or worry about it? No! Why? Well, friends, from a Biblical perspective, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty, even in times of uncertainty.

While the world may be concerned over mysterious drones and potential threats, Christians are reminded in 2 Timothy 1:7 that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.”

Instead of living in fear of the unknown, we can find peace knowing that God is in control of all things, both seen and unseen. And remember – Psalm 91:4 tells us that God’s faithfulness is our shield and protection.

So whether these drones pose a real danger or are simply the result of confusion, we should remain vigilant in prayer but not be consumed by anxiety.

Our ultimate security is not found in human explanations or government answers, but in God’s unfailing protection.

A Little Escape Can Change Everything - Jack and Kitty's Feel-Good Stories.

Homeless Amputee Set on Fire

A Minneapolis man, Anthony Curtis Leikas, has pleaded guilty to first-degree assault after setting a tent on fire with double amputee Steven J. Waddell trapped inside.

The December 2023 attack occurred at a homeless encampment near Target Field, leaving Waddell with burns covering 85% to 90% of his body.

Authorities said Leikas approached the tent, told Waddell to “burn in hell,” and set it ablaze before walking away.

Surveillance footage and images from a nearby gas station helped police identify Leikas, who initially denied responsibility.

He faces a 13-year sentence, with eight years in prison and the remainder under supervised release.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a news story from my homestate of Minnesota if the perpetrator didn’t have a lengthy criminal history but is out walking the streets. Leikas is a convicted felon with numerous previous convictions for robbery and burglary dating back to 2008.

Friend this tragic act of cruelty is a stark display of the sin and evil that thrive when man turns from God. A man setting a homeless double amputee on fire. It’s pure evil. Demonic. Disgusting.

I’m at a loss right now. Stories like this just wear you down. Do you feel it too? Some days, you just want to escape from it all.

Kitty and I, as Christians, understand that feeling. We pastors, we believe in sharing the news as part of our calling, but even we need a break sometimes—and that’s okay.

If you’re feeling the same way, we want to share an incredible resource that could help.

Picture this: you, curled up in your favorite spot, a warm coffee or soothing tea in hand, wrapped in a cozy blanket, and diving into a world of heartwarming, soul-lifting stories just for you.

That’s what you’ll find in Jack and Kitty’s Feel-Good Stories for Women—a collection of 51 touching, uplifting, and emotional tales written with love by me and Kitty.

Whether you need a dose of encouragement, proof that kindness is still alive, or a reason to smile after a rough day, this book is your escape.

You can grab it on Amazon for about $20—or better yet, buy it directly from us and save $10. But if you need a getaway right now, we’ve got something even better.

Visit JackAndKitty.com/IFeelGood and get the eBook for just $1.

That’s right—only a dollar. That’s way less than a cup of black coffee. And every cent goes back into our ministry. Think of it as putting $1 in the collection plate, but instead of a stink eye from your spouse, you’re getting something comforting in return.

Head to JackAndKitty.com/IFeelGood and take a break from the chaos of this world.

If you’re seeking hope, comfort, or just a reminder that life, even with its flaws, can be beautiful—this book is waiting for you.

Friends, back to the story, as horrifying as this act is, know this: Scripture declares that justice is God’s to carry out (Romans 12:19).

Though earthly courts may sentence the wicked, a greater judgment always awaits.

Unless there is repentance, eternal fire will consume those who act in defiance of God’s laws, for as Revelation 21:8 warns, “The cowardly, the murderers, and all liars will have their place in the lake of fire.”

Happiness Starts When You Give Yourself A Break - Jack and Kitty's Feel-Good Stories.

Con’s Luxury Watch Ponzi Scheme

A luxury watch dealer known as the “Timepiece Gentleman” has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for defrauding more than 40 clients out of $5.6 million.

Anthony Farrer, 36, ran a Ponzi-like scheme through his consignment business, promising to sell high-end watches from luxury brands, but instead pocketing the money or using the watches as loan collateral without the owners’ consent.

Farrer also tricked clients into sending him funds to purchase watches on their behalf, which he used to fuel a lavish lifestyle with luxury cars, apartments, and expensive goods.

When clients questioned their purchases, he often sent substitute watches to delay suspicions. After pleading guilty to wire and mail fraud, Farrer will spend 70 months in prison and is under a restitution order to repay his victims.

This story reflects the dangers of greed and dishonesty, which the Bible warns against in 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is the root of all evil.”

Farrer’s scheme exploited trust for personal gain, showing how destructive deceit can be not only to victims but also to the perpetrator’s soul. His actions led to broken trust, financial harm, and personal downfall—all consequences warned of in Scripture.

However, Christianity also teaches that redemption and forgiveness are possible through repentance. As Proverbs 28:13 says, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”

Though justice has been served, this could be an opportunity for the so-called “Timepiece Gentleman” to seek forgiveness and find a path of true change.

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. 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 produced 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, what did the robber say to the clock? Hands up!

NewsChat: The Truth in Today's News. Daily Podcast From the Editors of JackAndKitty.com

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