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 2/5/25

Tragic Utah Stunt Turns Deadly, Minnesota Teen Gunman Fueled By Hate, Tennessee Churches Vandalized

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.

Listen to Today’s Broadcast

Tragic Utah Stunt Turns Deadly, Minnesota Teen Gunman Fueled By Hate, Tennessee Churches Vandalized

Tragic Utah Stunt Turns Deadly

This is NewsChat: your source for the Truth in today’s news. Today is Wednesday, February 5, 2025 and I’m your host Jack Norton from JackAndKitty.com.

A Utah man is dead, and his friend faces manslaughter charges after a deadly stunt involving a loaded gun.

Dylan Treichel, 23, reportedly told his friend Ashton Jonathon Mann, also 23, that he could dodge a bullet during a night of smoking marijuana and playing video games.

The two moved to a garage where they believed the handguns were unloaded. Mann aimed and fired several times, but on the seventh attempt, a bullet hit Treichel in the chest.

Treichel asked Mann to call for help, but he was unresponsive when paramedics arrived and later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Police found drugs, ammunition, and gun magazines at the scene. Mann was arrested and charged with manslaughter and felony possession of dangerous weapons. He remains in jail without bond.

This tragic event reflects the dangers of foolishness and carelessness, which the Bible warns against.

Proverbs 14:16 says, “The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure.”

The decisions made that night, involving drugs and reckless behavior, ultimately led to a loss of life—something that could have been avoided through wisdom, self-control, and respect for God’s gift of life.

Scripture teaches that life is sacred and should be protected, not taken lightly (Genesis 9:6). This incident can remind believers of the importance of making wise choices and surrounding themselves with influences that uplift rather than lead toward harm.

Through faith, accountability, and prayer, Christians can seek to prevent such tragic consequences by living according to God’s Word.

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

Minnesota Teen Gunman Fueled By Hate

An 18-year-old involved in a deadly concert shooting in Minneapolis has pleaded guilty and will face over 23 years in prison.

Dominic James Burris admitted to aiding and abetting second-degree murder and first-degree assault in connection with the August 2023 attack, which left 35-year-old Nicholas “August” Golden dead and six others injured.

The shooting occurred at a backyard DIY punk concert and targeted members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Authorities identified Burris as the primary instigator, with witnesses stating that he and an accomplice made homophobic remarks before opening fire.

Burris was certified as an adult despite being 17 at the time of the crime. His sentencing is scheduled for March 24, marking a major step in seeking justice for the victims of this hate-fueled tragedy.

You know, I don’t care what your thoughts are about punk rock music, or about the LGBTQ+ community.

This is a human issue, and at the end of the day, we’re all humans. If you have a heart, realize this: we have a commandment to love one another.

Jesus taught us in John 13:34, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

There is no room for hate, discrimination, or violence in genuine Christian faith. When hatred leads to destruction, it directly opposes God’s will for peace and unity among His creation.

This case really hits home for me for a number of reasons. My wife Kitty and I are both musicians and have played countless house parties and indie venues just like this one. Also, we’re from Minneapolis, and I have many friends in the Twin Cities indie music scene that knew folks that were at this concert.

Picture this. You’re a young, dumb, kid. Maybe 16 or 17 just wanting to hang out with your friends, listen to some music and have some fun. Who cares if folks there were gay, staight, bi, black, brown, yellow, purple with pink polka dots. They are all human beings! They deserve to not be struck down by some madman with a gun.

You ever been to a concert when you were a kid? It’s just fun.

Now imagine a 17 year old kid with gun in hate-fueled rage, opening fire.

Are you as overwhelmed as I am right now? My soul feels crushed while reporting stories like this!

There’s so much bad news these days that it can feel impossible to keep going. My wife, Kitty, and I know that struggle. As Christians, we find strength in our faith, but even we need a break sometimes. And that’s perfectly okay.

If you’ve ever felt this way, we have a special resources just for you.

Imagine this: you, wrapped in a cozy blanket, sipping tea, and escaping into feel-good stories meant to lift your spirit. That’s exactly what our new book Jack and Kitty’s Feel-Good Stories for Women offers.

This isn’t just a book—it’s a collection of 51 heartwarming, laugh-out-loud, and emotional tales, all written with love by me and Kitty. If you need a pick-me-up, proof that kindness still exists, or just a reason to smile after a hard day, this book is for you.

Here’s the deal: you can grab it on Amazon for $20. But if you’d rather skip supporting billion-dollar corporations, you can buy it directly from us for just $10. Or better yet, get the eBook today for only $1. Yup, that’s right – listeners of this show can grab it for $1.

Just a dollar! Visit JackAndKitty.com/IFeelGood and download your copy instantly. Every penny of that dollar goes toward supporting our ministry.

Think about it: you can’t even buy a cup of coffee for a dollar these days. But you can invest in your well-being—and help us continue our mission.

If you’re craving comfort, inspiration, or a reason to see the beauty in life, Jack and Kitty’s Feel-Good Stories for Women will be your new favorite escape.

Go to JackAndKitty.com/IFeelGood – right now – and get ready to feel good again.

Friends, Christians are called to stand against hate by embodying compassion and offering support to those who suffer.

Do you have a problem with the LGBTQ+ community? Well, get down on your knees and pray – not for them – but for yourself. Why? Because true faith requires confronting injustice and demonstrating love in action, not just words.

This tragedy serves as a warning of how far humanity can stray when love is absent, but it also presents an opportunity for believers to show the transformative power of grace and forgiveness in their communities.

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

Tennessee Churches Vandalized

Several churches across Clarksville, Tennessee were recently vandalized in a destructive spree that caused an estimated $9,000 in damage. I love Clarksville, Kitty and I always say some of the nicest folks in the world live in Clarksville, Tennessee. I recommend you take the last train there if you ever get the chance. Hope that’s a reference not lost on you.

Alright, back to the story. Churches across Clarksville are reporting broken windows in buildings and vehicles. Despite the widespread nature of the attacks, police do not currently believe the incidents are hate crimes.

Security footage shows the suspect driving a white, four-door vehicle, possibly a Kia Forte, with a broken driver-side brake light. You can see pictures of it on JackAndKitty.com.

The Clarksville Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office are investigating and asking the public for help. Anyone with information can call (931) 648-0656, ext. 5744, or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers for a potential cash reward.

Friends, these acts of vandalism, though harmful, call believers to respond with forgiveness, compassion, and faith.

The Bible teaches in Matthew 5:44 to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This is a powerful opportunity for the church community to come together, not in anger, but in prayer for the suspect’s heart to be transformed.

While justice is necessary, the Christian response emphasizes healing through grace and restoration.

Romans 12:21 reminds believers to “overcome evil with good,” encouraging churches to repair what is broken while continuing their mission of love, hope, and service, trusting that God can bring good even from difficult circumstances. As always, right now, is the best time to pray.

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’s a dog’s favorite movie? Jurassic Bark!

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

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

SHARE This Article With Family And Friends…

Leave a Friendly Comment or Thought