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WHO KILLED THIS ARCTIC EXPLORER?

Saturday, December 2, 2023

In today’s newsletter, we investigate a murderous Arctic mission, examine a mysterious new respiratory illness attacking dogs ... and explore how the parents of Jesus got together.

The Polaris became trapped in the ice during the return of the polar expedition, shown here in William Bradford's 1875 oil painting.

TAUBMAN MUSEUM OF ART, ROANOKE, VIRIGINIA

Sailing farther northward than any other known vessel, the commander of the U.S.S. Polaris (above) was dead set at becoming the first person to reach the North Pole.

Soon, he was simply dead, but it took more than a century to determine he was murdered. And unlike a current series on Hulu, it really happened.

But who killed the captain? And why? Was it a love triangle? Or jealousy? And what happened to the mission? Figure out the mystery.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING

Tilly, a golden retriever and lab mix

PHOTOGRAPH BY VINCENT J. MUSI

What's this respiratory illness striking dogs across the U.S.?

It's National Mutt Day! Are mutts healthier than designer dogs? (Meet Tilly, above, a golden retriever and lab mix.)

Got a cold? Here’s how your body is fighting it.

12 holiday gift ideas for the curious and adventurous

Did a legendary English king murder two boys to clear his way to the throne? A new investigation sheds light.

Why this may be the best season ever for spotting auroras

What is frozen shoulder? And why do so many people have it?

The hunt for the real, historical Jesus

How did the parents of Jesus become a couple?

R.I.P. legendary photographer Elliott Erwitt, known for his small quirky flashes of humanity. Related: His early vision of Pittsburgh’s postwar industry

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

A portrait of King Harald Bluetooth at the Roskilde Cathedral, where he is believed to be buried.

GETTY IMAGES

Linking seamlessly: Where did the name Bluetooth come from? We use it now to describe the seamless linking of electronic devices. But it came from this Viking king (shown above), who joined up Scandinavia. Seamlessly? Well, let's say ruthlessly.

BUT DID HE HAVE A BLUE TOOTH?

WHO IN THE WORLD?

Edward V (1470-83) (right) and his brother Richard, Duke of York, disappeared after entering the Tower of London in 1483. 1878 painting, Sir John Everett Millais, Picture Gallery, Royal Holloway, University of London

PHOTOGRAPH BY ROYAL HOLLOWAY, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON, BRIDGEMAN IMAGES

Who killed the two princes? These two boys (depicted above) were heirs to the English throne before they were thrown into the Tower of London by a man who took the crown instead. New research makes a startling claim about that king. Who was he?

A. George III
B. William of Orange
C. Henry VIII
D. Richard III

Today’s soundtrack: Know Better Learn Faster, Thao & The Get Down Stay Down

This newsletter has been curated and edited by David Beard, Nancy San Martín, and Jen Tse. Thanks for reading! Know someone who might want our newsletter in their inbox? Here’s the signup.

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