They might be tiny, but insects rule the planet, making up over two-thirds of the world’s 1.5 million known animal species and the backbone of the food chain. But despite their immense impact and large numbers, bugs might be in trouble. Scientists estimate that 40% of insect species are in decline, and a third are endangered. Habitat loss, the use …

Pope Francis has canceled an audience scheduled for Saturday as a precaution after suffering a mild flu, the Vatican press office said in a short statement, without adding details. Francis was scheduled to meet with Rome deacons in the morning. The pontiff, 87, had already been forced to cancel some of his activities in November due to breathing problems. A …

A South Carolina man was found guilty Friday of killing a Black transgender woman in thenation’s first federal trial over a hate crime based on gender identity. After deliberating for roughly four hours, jurors convicted Daqua Lameek Ritter of a hate crime for the murder of a woman referred to as “Dime Doe” in 2019. Ritter was also found guilty …