Pope Francis dies; man drowns at Lake Pleasant l Morning News Brief

The Morning News Brief on Monday, April 21, 2025.

Pope Francis, the 266th Bishop of Rome and Sovereign of the Vatican City, passed away at the age of 88; a man died in a jet ski accident at Lake Pleasant; and more. Here's a look at some of your top headlines for the morning of April 21.

1. Rest in peace

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Live updates: Pope Francis, first Latin American pontiff, dies at 88

Pope Francis, the 266th Bishop of Rome and Sovereign of the Vatican City, has died on Easter Monday. Bells tolled in church towers across Rome after the Vatican's announcement.

2. Fatal jet ski accident

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MCSO: Man dead after watercraft overturns on Lake Pleasant

A 43-year-old man was pronounced dead in a jetski accident on Lake Pleasant on Easter Sunday.

3. Deadly freeway crash

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Passenger dies following crash on Loop 202

The eastbound lanes of the Loop 202 Red Mountain are back open near 32nd Street on April 21 after a woman died following a single-car crash.

4. ‘Doomsday Mom’ trial continues

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Lori Vallow Daybell trial: Closing arguments set for April 21

After two weeks of proceedings, the murder conspiracy case against Lori Vallow Daybell is moving toward being in the hands of the jury.

5. Train heist in northern AZ

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Another train robbery reported on I-40 in Arizona

Authorities believe an organized crime ring is targeting trains, with millions of dollars worth of Nike shoes being reported stolen between Arizona and California.

Today's weather

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Arizona weather forecast: Temps back in the 90s in Phoenix

Temps are warming back up in the Valley. On Monday, well see a high near 91 degrees.

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