Lab Leaks, R.I.P. Pope Francis, and New UFO Footage Released — All This and More from The Weekly Brief

Blake Sterling
Apr 23
4 min read

This week has seen a blend of political and peculiar incidents, the passing of the Pope, global developments, and even some UfO footage! All news flashes have been reported by the Associated Press in the weeks and or days of release of this article.

Pope Francis Passes Away at 88: A Legacy of Humility and Reform

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following a stroke and heart failure. His passing marks the end of a transformative 12-year papacy characterized by humility, social advocacy, and efforts to modernize the Catholic Church.

In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis's body lies in state at St. Peter's Basilica, allowing the faithful to pay their respects ahead of his funeral scheduled for April 26. Notably, he requested to be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, diverging from the tradition of papal interment in St. Peter's Basilica.

Global leaders and communities mourn his death, reflecting on his commitment to the marginalized and his efforts to address contemporary issues within the Church.

Visit "Revisiting the Prophecy of The Popes, and The Pope and the Prophecy" at the bottom of the page!

COVID-19 Lab Leak Theory Gains Renewed Attention

The theory that COVID-19 originated from a laboratory in Wuhan, China, has gained renewed attention. Recent reports suggest that certain U.S. intelligence agencies consider a lab-related incident as a plausible origin, though with varying degrees of confidence.

Critics argue that the evidence remains inconclusive and caution against politicizing the pandemic's origins. The debate continues to evolve as new information emerges, highlighting the complexities of tracing the virus's beginnings.

New UFO Footage Released by Military Journalist

Journalist Jeremy Corbell has unveiled new military footage capturing unidentified aerial phenomena off the California coast. The video reignites debates about the existence of UFOs and potential government cover-ups.

The footage, recorded by U.S. Navy personnel, shows a mysterious object moving at high speeds before disappearing into the ocean. Experts are analyzing the video to determine the nature of the object and its implications for national security.

Texas Man Arrested After Allegedly Sharing Mother's Murder on Snapchat

Alexander Taylor Valdez, a 23-year-old man from Fort Worth, Texas, has been arrested and charged with the murder of his 58-year-old mother, Teresita Sayson. Police discovered her body in the master bedroom of their home after receiving a tip from an anonymous caller who saw a disturbing Snapchat image Valdez allegedly shared in a group chat.

Valdez answered the door to officers with blood on his body, holding a Bible, and claimed, "It was an exorcism.” He later told officers he had been doing "witchcraft to kill my mom." Several friends who received the Snapchat photo showed up at the scene, and one of them presented it to police. Valdez was taken into custody but invoked his right to an attorney and did not answer further questions. He is being held on a $750,000 bond, according to Tarrant County Jail records.

Bernie Sanders' Rally Draws Massive Crowd Amid Speculation

Senator Bernie Sanders, alongside Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, attracted a significant crowd during their recent "Fighting Oligarchy" tour stop in Los Angeles. Organizers claim attendance numbers exceeded 30,000, marking it as one of the largest gatherings for the campaign. However, detractors have raised questions about the authenticity of these numbers. Some speculate that attendees may have been incentivized or compensated to bolster crowd sizes, though no concrete evidence has been presented to substantiate these claims. This skepticism underscores the polarized nature of political events in the current climate.

Mother of Two Kidnapped and Found Dead in Burned Car

A 45-year-old mother was abducted by five masked individuals in Sydney, Australia, and later found deceased in a burned-out vehicle. Police believe the attack was targeted, though the motive remains unclear. Investigators are exploring potential connections to organized crime, as the victim's partner was reportedly involved in a conflict with a criminal network. The case has shocked the local community and prompted calls for increased security measures.

Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Result in Civilian Casualties

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have led to significant civilian casualties, including the deaths of at least 23 people in an attack on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City. Additional strikes across the Gaza Strip have resulted in further deaths, including children, and have damaged critical infrastructure such as hospitals. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate under a total blockade, with critical shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine. International actors, including the UK, France, and Germany, have called on Israel to allow humanitarian aid, warning of an impending humanitarian disaster.

Russian Forces Capture Ukrainian Village Amid Ongoing Conflict

Russian troops have reportedly taken control of the village of Basivka in Ukraine's northeastern Sumy region. This development marks a significant advancement in the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about further escalations and the humanitarian impact on local populations.

Ukrainian forces are reportedly regrouping to mount a counteroffensive, while international observers warn that the situation could further destabilize the region if diplomatic solutions are not pursued.

Trump’s Global Influence Wanes Among Right-Wing Populists

President Trump's influence among international right-wing populists appears to be diminishing. Leaders in countries like Canada and Australia are distancing themselves, citing concerns over his recent policies and rhetoric.

This shift reflects a broader reevaluation of Trump's brand of populism on the global stage, as foreign leaders seek to establish their own identities separate from the former U.S. president's controversial legacy.

Man's Dream Ferrari Burns Down an Hour After Purchase

After saving for a decade to buy his dream Ferrari, a Japanese man watched in horror as the car caught fire and was destroyed just an hour after driving it off the lot.

Drug-Addicted Rats Destroy Police Evidence in Houston

Houston police report that rats addicted to narcotics have been consuming and destroying evidence stored in their facilities, leading to complications in ongoing investigations.

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