DAILY NEWS / TRENDING NEWS

 Dr. Jane Goodall, the world-renowned primatologist, ethologist, and conservationist, passed away on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91. Her death marks the end of an era in wildlife research and environmental advocacy. Goodall died of natural causes while on a speaking tour in California, continuing her lifelong mission to inspire change until her final days.

Jane Goodall Dies at 91

Born Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall on April 3, 1934, in London, England, Jane Goodall developed a fascination with animals from a young age. Encouraged by her mother, she pursued her dream of working in Africa. In 1960, she began her groundbreaking study of chimpanzees in Tanzania’s Gombe Stream National Park under the mentorship of anthropologist Louis Leakey.Scientific Breakthroughs

Goodall’s observations revolutionized the scientific community. She discovered that chimpanzees use tools, express emotions, and form complex social relationships—traits previously believed to be exclusive to humans. Her work redefined the boundaries between humans and animals and laid the foundation for modern ethology.

In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, which became a leading force in conservation and education. Her youth program, Roots & Shoots, empowered young people worldwide to take action for animals, people, and the environment. Goodall was also a United Nations Messenger of Peace and received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2025.

Even in her nineties, Goodall remained active, traveling over 300 days a year to speak about environmental issues. Her final birthday celebration in March 2024 was marked by a heartwarming event in Carmel-by-the-Sea, where she was greeted by 90 dogs on the beach—a moment she described as heavenly.

She passed away peacefully in Los Angeles, surrounded by the legacy she built. Her final video message, played at a youth event in Pasadena, emphasized hope, ecological mindfulness, and the power of young people to change the world.

Tributes poured in from global leaders, scientists, and conservationists. The United Nations mourned her passing, calling her “a voice of conscience for humanity and nature.” Her son, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick, and three grandchildren survive her, along with generations of activists inspired by her message: “Every individual can make a difference”.

Jane Goodall’s death is a profound loss, but her legacy lives on in the forests she protected, the minds she inspired, and the movements she ignited. Her life reminds us that compassion, curiosity, and courage can reshape the world.

 On the night of September 30, 2025, a powerful 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the central Philippines, leaving a trail of destruction across Cebu province and surrounding areas. The quake, which occurred at 9:59 PM local time, was centered near Bogo City in the Visayas region and has been classified as one of the deadliest disasters in the country this year.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the earthquake originated from a local fault at a shallow depth of 5–10 kilometers. The tremors were felt across the Visayas, with Modified Mercalli Intensity levels reaching VIII (severe) in Bogo and Daanbantayan, and VI–VII in Cebu City, Leyte, and Negros Occidental.

As of October 1, the death toll has risen to at least 27, with over 147 people injured. Bogo City alone reported 14 fatalities, while San Remigio and Medellin municipalities confirmed multiple deaths and injuries. Rescue operations are ongoing, with fears that more victims may be trapped under collapsed buildings.

At least 22 structures were damaged or destroyed, including homes, bridges, and the historic Parish of Saint Peter the Apostle church in Bantayan, which partially collapsed during the quake.

PHIVOLCS recorded over 280 aftershocks, with the strongest reaching magnitude 6.0. A brief tsunami advisory was issued for coastal areas in Cebu, Leyte, and Biliran, warning of strong currents and sea-level changes. Fortunately, no significant tsunami waves were observed.

Local governments declared a state of calamity in affected areas to expedite relief efforts. Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro mobilized trauma teams and called for medical volunteers. The National Grid Corporation reported widespread power outages, though electricity was restored in major areas by midnight.

The Philippines lies within the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. This event follows a series of significant quakes in recent years, including the deadly 6.7 magnitude quake in 2023 that claimed eight lives.

 A luxury cruise ship sailing through the Caribbean Sea faced a terrifying ordeal on September 28, 2025, when its engines failed near the coast of St. Lucia, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple vessels and aerial support. The incident, which occurred during peak cruise season, left over 2,000 passengers and crew stranded for hours before help arrived.

The vessel, identified as the MV Ocean Majesty, was en route from Barbados to Puerto Rico when it experienced a sudden engine failure, causing a complete loss of propulsion and partial power outage. The ship began drifting toward shallow waters near Soufrière Bay, raising fears of grounding or collision with coral reefs.

• Time of incident: 3:45 AM local time

• Location: 12 nautical miles off St. Lucia

• Passengers onboard: 1,850

• Crew members: 400+

🚨 Rescue Operation: Coordinated Maritime Response

The St. Lucia Coast Guard, along with support from Royal Caribbean’s emergency fleet, launched a rapid response. Tugboats, helicopters, and nearby cruise liners were mobilized to assist in stabilizing the vessel and evacuating vulnerable passengers.

• Evacuation priority: Elderly, children, and passengers with medical conditions

• Medical support: Onboard triage and transfer to Victoria Hospital

• Duration of rescue: Approximately 6 hours

• No fatalities reported, but 12 passengers treated for dehydration and anxiety

The cruise operator, Majestic Voyages, issued a formal apology and confirmed that all passengers would receive full refunds and complimentary future cruise credits. Passengers praised the professionalism of the crew and rescue teams, though many described the experience as “terrifying” and “chaotic.”

“We woke up to alarms and darkness. The crew kept us calm, but it felt like a movie,” said one passenger from Florida.

Maritime authorities are investigating the cause of the engine failure, with early reports suggesting a cooling system malfunction. Environmental groups are monitoring the area for potential fuel leaks or reef damage, though no contamination has been confirmed.

The Caribbean cruise ship rescue near St. Lucia highlights the importance of emergency preparedness and international maritime coordination. While the incident ended without loss of life, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sea travel and the resilience of rescue teams in safeguarding lives.