Where did it start? How did it grow complex? Why did it get big? Three moments in Earth’s early history when evolution suddenly, inexplicably turned up the dial.

© Photoillustration by Will Warasila for The New York Times

The agency said a major rescue operation was underway near the coast of Baja California after it received reports of 27 people in the water.

© Denis Poroy/Associated Press

Drones struck two ships off Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, according to the country’s prime minister.

© Bulphoto Agency, via Reuters

The justices heard arguments over whether the U.S. Air Force can keep destroying munitions on a Guam beach under a program it began in 1982.